This summer, TreeHouse Kids celebrated an incredible week of Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School, welcoming an average of 203 children and 169 volunteers each night. Children experienced God’s Word through worship, Bible teaching, crafts, recreation, Imagination Station, small-group relationships, and shared meals—all made possible through the faithful service of our volunteers. Missions were an important part of the week, with $2,211.84 given through VBS and an additional $400 through our Mr. Goodies’s Mission Night, totaling $2,611.84 in missions giving. VBS provided opportunities for children to learn biblical truth,worship, build relationships with caring leaders, serve others, and recognize how God is at work around them.
The impact of Rainforest Falls continued well beyond our own VBS week. TreeHouse Kids shared our decorations and resources with Scott Robertson at Fort Hill United Methodist Church, where they were able to repurpose them for their VBS Ministry in July. Those same resources were then shared with The Summit, where we partnered with Chaplain Jacob Palma and Ruth Stuzman to help provide a special two-day Senior Vacation Bible School experience in August. What began as an investment in reaching children at Timberlake was ultimately used to support ministries across churches and generations. This summer has been a beautiful example of how thoughtful stewardship and ministry partnerships can extend the reach of our resources far beyond a single event, allowing what God provided for TreeHouse Kids to continue blessing others throughout our community. 

Summer Sessions 

Throughout the summer,
students gathered regularly for worship, peer discussions, and biblical
teaching. It was encouraging to see a much increased middle school
participation this year. We continue to develop a student-led ministry
with tons of leadership opportunities under adult
mentorship. Students led in music, tech, prayer, games,
Scripture reading, teaching, and content development. Rather than simply
attending, students are increasingly taking ownership of the ministry. 

Sunday Conversations 

This summer, middle school students
went through two topics: the Ten Commandments and apologetics. Both
led to some incredible conversations and meaningful moments of growth as
students asked questions, wrestled with difficult ideas, and learned how their
faith connects to the world around them. It was particularly encouraging
to see several high school students join to help steer these conversations
and encourage younger peers. 

Community Building 

Some of the most important ministry
moments happen when there isn't a lesson plan. Our summer
events are vital times for relationships to develop and great
invite opportunities for new students. Our bowling night was a huge success.
Students invited friends, and we took a group of 40 bowling, filling
eight lanes. Our lock-in provided another great opportunity for students
to build relationships, and we were especially excited to have several
first-time students join us. We also beat the summer heat at Smith
Mountain Lake beach, and at the Woolwine’s pool (thanks again). Most
importantly, my team won in our volleyball match. 

Serving

Students had several opportunities
to put their faith into action this summer. In addition to the many
students serving throughout VBS, we had four students lead the teaching time
through a series of skits to  help younger kids
be immersed in the theme this year. We also took over the Fillin’ Station for
a day, and  students jumped in to serve our neighbors through food distribution. I was particularly proud of how willing several students were to approach people they didn't know and offer to pray for them. It’s great to see students move beyond learning about serving others to actually doing it!

This summer, several of our young adults joined Doug and Jessie for their family church retreat, where they spent a full week seeking the Lord together. Throughout the week, God moved in powerful yet personal ways. We saw people receive healing, grow in their understanding of what it means to walk by the Holy Spirit, and experience the joy of pursuing Jesus together. One of the greatest blessings was watching entire families connect with one another in meaningful ways. For years, Doug and Jessie have prayed that God would knit families together across generations, and it was a joy to begin seeing those prayers answered.
When everyone returned to Lynchburg, they shared testimonies with the rest of the Young Adults group about all God had done. Those stories strengthened our faith and inspired others to pursue the Lord more deeply. We have also seen the relationships that grew throughout the week continue to flourish back home. Young adults are spending time together throughout the week, encouraging one another, reading Scripture, praying together, and even working through Christian books side by side. The depth of fellowship, accountability, and genuine love for one another continues to grow, and we’re so grateful to watch God build a community that’s increasingly centered on Jesus and His Word. 

The Coffee House and its luau theme was a wonderful evening of entertainment, with many talented people and over 130 guests. Thank you for the Ragland’s leadership. 
Our OWLS, under the direction of Justine Kiger, have been busy this summer with several day trips (The Home Place and shopping in Salem, VA, and a visit to the Walton Museum in Schuyler, VA). We welcome anyone 50+ to become a member of the OWLS.
Men’s Breakfast met throughout the summer at Countyline Café for a great time of sharing with one another, prayer, and fellowship. They averaged 20 men. We welcome men of all ages and meet every other Thursday at 9 AM in Hughes Hall.

The Funeral Team has ministered to several families this summer, providing receptions following funerals. Thank you, Sandy Tilley and crew.

The Grief Team has continued to meet, making plans for the fall, All Saints Day, a workshop on navigating through the holiday, Blue Christmas, and the Spring 27 for Lost Spouses. The team is exploring adding resources for the families of lost children and suicide prevention. The Grief Team has been present at each of our recent funerals to provide a presence. We welcome new team members for information; see Ann Shupe or Pastor Joe. 

Our Visitation Team continues to make visits to homebound members and friends and those in hospitals and facilities. We have 15 people making visits with over 150 visits this summer. This team is open for new members. Please see Pastor Joe for additional information.