1226 Two Church Lane Road, Forest VA

Thank God for the ability to attend church services online when life’s hard stuff, be it sickness, car trouble, or inclement weather, prevent us from gathering in person.

This winter has been especially challenging for me, but through it all, I remain grateful for the technology that allows me to continue my Spirit-led journey to visit every church in my city.

Today marked the 91st church on that journey, and what a gift it was to attend Forest Presbyterian Church’s Facebook Live worship service on a cold January morning.

The service began with a tender moment: young children lighting candles.

Even through the screen, the beauty of Forest Presbyterian Church’s sanctuary was evident. I can only imagine how stunning it must be in person, and I look forward to the day I can see it with my own eyes.

This church is dedicated to living out “God’s Heart, Hands, and Voice.”

They invite everyone, near or far, to gather around God’s Word, praising Him through music and song.

Their Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m., both in person and streamed on Facebook and YouTube, which is a lifesaver for those of us who can’t physically be there.

One of the things I appreciated most about this livestreamed service was the attention to detail. The church placed text, lyrics, and prayers on the screen, making it easy for online viewers to participate.

This gesture made me feel like I was sitting right there in the pews, reciting the call to worship and joining in the hymns.

Pastor Beth Broschart was an absolute delight to hear.

She radiated kindness and joy, wearing many hats during the service: preaching, leading the children’s message, and even singing in the choir!

Her love for the congregation shone through every moment, and it was clear how deeply she cares for this church family. She even shared a bit of lighthearted excitement she had on the way to church… and how it didn’t steal her joy or her focus on worship.

The choir’s voices were a lovely blend, and they sang a hymn new to me…

“Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire.”

One of my favorite parts of the service was seeing Pastor Beth deliver a creative children’s message, using a simple object lesson to explain miracles. She turned water into lemonade (a playful nod to Jesus turning water into wine) and explained that miracles are those events that can’t happen without God.

It was beautiful to see how engaged the children were, some shared that they thought miracles might be getting an Xbox for Christmas or having a week off school. Pastor Beth gently guided them to see the deeper meaning of miracles in the Bible, focusing specifically on Jesus’ first recorded miracle in John 2.

It was a sweet moment of teaching, wonder, and laughter that reminded me how faith can be so simple and profound all at once, especially through the eyes of a child.

Today’s sermon was the highlight of the service, offering a fresh perspective on the Gospel of John, often referred to as the “Gospel of Signs.”

I loved how Pastor Beth encouraged us to examine why we do what we do, drawing attention to the purpose behind John’s unique portrayal of Jesus’ life and ministry. She reminded us that life with Jesus is extraordinary, and that the signs recorded in John’s Gospel are meant to point us toward deeper faith, hope, and understanding.

A particularly moving moment came when Pastor Beth read from a poem.

The entire experience, even from the vantage point of my home, felt inclusive and inspiring. Their mission to share God’s Word, to create a sacred space for worship, and to encourage the formation of disciples is seen in every aspect of their online service.

As I continue this Spirit-led journey to visit every church in my city, I find myself repeatedly amazed at the creativity and dedication of congregations that make worship accessible, no matter the circumstance.

May God continue to bless Forest Presbyterian Church for their efforts in bringing people to Christ, whether they’re physically in the pews or watching from afar.

I can’t wait to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next on this incredible journey of faith, learning, and healing. Each church, each sermon, each hymn, and each prayer adds a new dimension to my walk with Christ, reminding me that God’s church is beautifully interconnected.