Our Easter Sunday in April was a joyful and memorable celebration for our TreeHouse Kids ministry. We welcomed 159 children and were supported by 24 incredible volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly. Despite the rainy weather, we were still able to celebrate in a meaningful way by hosting indoor Easter egg hunts at the end of each service, one of our children’s favorite traditions. We are especially grateful to our church family, who generously provided over 4,000 eggs. Not only did we meet our goal, but we did so two weeks early, which was such an encouragement. To add to the excitement, a surprise bunny made an appearance, bringing extra joy to the day. We are so thankful for the continued generosity that makes moments like this possible and look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come, as space allows us to do so safely.

This month, we held our retreat weekend at Eagle Eyrie. The
students meditated on Psalms 1 and 2, exploring how they lay out a path to the good life and point to Jesus. These weekends are invaluable opportunities for connection, bringing together students who had merely said hello before. It was great to witness students notice the gifts and
personalities of others they had previously overlooked. 

A few times a year, I have students circle up in groups of about six and bless
one another with their words. It takes about thirty minutes or so for everyone
to have their turn in the “hot seat,” where the others speak over them. This
practice remains profoundly impactful, as unspoken thoughts are expressed
in a disarming and honest manner. It is a clear moment when I witness students realize they are loved and find a sense of belonging within the group.

In the wake of the sanctuary renovations, the student
ministry has been adjusted this month and part of May as well. We had to
change the plans for the rest of the Spring and make the best of the
time. 

Middle school has been meeting in an office for a 30-minute Bible study and discussion during the sermon for both modern services. High school has been meeting at my home on Wednesdays. Despite the difficulties, we are still seeing strong student attendance and having meaningful discussions. 

Douglas Kellogg has
started leading a Sunday School class for the young adults, and it’s turned
into something really special. The group is going through Romans verse by verse
— slowly, deliberately — actually sitting with each passage and taking time to understand it. A solid chunk of the young adult community has been showing up, and it’s become a natural extension of what’s already happening throughout the week.

What stands out most is
that people are genuinely hungry. They’re slowing down, asking real questions, and actually wrestling with what the text is saying.

People bring honest
questions, work through passages together, and connect what they’re reading to their actual lives. Every so often something will visibly click for someone,
and it opens the door for others to share where they’re at too — adding their
own thoughts, asking follow-up questions, and deepening the conversation in
ways that stick.

And things are clicking.
Concepts that used to feel abstract — justification, grace, what salvation
actually means — are starting to land. More than that, there’s a quiet
excitement building. You can tell it’s becoming personal for people. They’re
not just learning information; they’re starting to believe it, own it, and hold
onto it with real confidence.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

This period the OWLS went to Bedford, VA to the Liberty
Station for lunch with over 40 people attending. 

Our visitation team had 12 people making visits with over
100 visits being made.

The Grief Team has hosted a series for those who have lost
their spouses. This has been an annual series.  Members of the Grief Team
have helped with funerals. As a member of the Grief Team Pastor Joe has written
100 devotions using Alan Wolfelt’s book, Grieving the Lost of a Spouse. There
are currently six men receiving these daily devotional.