Impact Report - June | Timberlake Church

As a church, we made the gut-wrenching decision to disaffiliate from the United Methodist denomination. No one I know wanted to leave, but we felt our hand was forced. We felt like the UMC had already left us.

Some predicted that this would be disastrous for Timberlake. That people would leave. That giving would go down. That the “real Christians” among us wouldn’t accept such a terrible change.

I am reminded of the movie Apollo 13. When the spacecraft was in trouble, and lives were at stake, the NASA Director said, “This could be the worst disaster NASA’s ever experienced.” Gene Kranz spoke up. “With all due respect, sir, I believe this is going to be our finest hour.”

And so it has been. Timberlake has embraced the new thing God is doing in our midst without relinquishing any of our heritage, theology, or grace. We are still Timberlake: a congregation full of loving and lovely people who are on fire for the mission of Jesus Christ.

And this has become our finest hour. Worship attendance is growing. Financial giving is up. Neighbors are being fed. Men, women, and children are being baptized and professing faith in Jesus by the dozens.

I’m not suggesting that this is some formula for success by leaving a denomination. Not at all. But I am saying that God honors the faithfulness of his people. And I’m saying that if the church is not only to survive but thrive, it must – above all else – care about and bear fruit for the kingdom of God.

In praise of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Pastor Brad

May was an exciting month as many LifeGroups ended for the Summer Break; we celebrated many baptisms, professions of faith, and the resultant new members to Timberlake.

God blesses us through your generosity and increased faithfulness in tithes and offerings. The giving year-to-date is almost $100,000 above last year's. Our expenses continue to remain under budget.

At Timberlake Church's inaugural business meeting on May 28, it was unanimously agreed to purchase the Eagle property – adjacent to Avonlea's. We closed on this property on June 15. It is critical land for Timberlake as it gives us close and adjoining land as we expand. Speaking of property, the real estate that Timberlake sits on is now wholly owned by Timberlake Church. On May 1, the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist denomination released its trust hold, and Timberlake UMC became the sole owner. We then had the property transferred from Timberlake UMC to Timberlake Church. Now that the property and buildings that Timberlake members through the years built and paid for are entirely ours, we are moving quickly to start prayerful planning for needed renovations and expansions to carry us through the next decade.

From a staffing standpoint, we continue searching for an Infant and Toddler (Avonlea's) director, but we know God will provide the right person at the right time. We are happy to celebrate Estelle's retirement but sad to lose a staff member who was integral to our Congregational Care ministry. We are searching for the next Minister of Visitation and have already begun to receive applications. Rev. Jesse Caro, our new Pastor of Discipleship, has arrived and is already making connections and new friends. We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for us in our discipleship and spiritual development ministries.

Also, at the business meeting, the preliminary bylaws received unanimous agreement. We have already begun forming the rewrite committee that will work to improve the bylaws to represent best and clarify the governance of Timberlake and how the most critical decisions will be made.

If you were a member of Timberlake United Methodist Church, you have received an email asking that you complete the form to have your membership transferred to Timberlake Church. This process is detailed in the bylaws that you received several weeks ago. We ask each member to complete the form giving your name, address, best telephone number, and email address – to ensure that our records are UpToDate. There are two boxes from which to choose – one is to request that your membership be transferred to Timberlake Church. If you check this box, that is all you need to do. The second option is to inform us that you do not intend to transfer your membership from Timberlake United Methodist Church to Timberlake Church and not to send you reminder emails. If you choose the second option, no further effort will be made to inform/remind you of the offer to transfer your membership. Paper forms are available outside the narthex. They will also be delivered to our homebound members.

Through the end of the year, we will be reminding all Timberlake UMC members to transfer their membership if desired. The only difference between a member and a nonmember is that a member has made a public vow to actively participate in the church's life through corporate worship, and tithing, and service, and LifeGroups. The word AND is specifically inserted to emphasize that membership is a vow to all four – not just one or two. What do members "get"? Responsibility and accountability to honor your word and vote on important church decisions. That's it. Church membership is not a golden ticket to Heaven or a reserved parking space, nor does it make you a "good" person. Not everyone should be a member, but only those willing to publicly vow and honor the four membership expectations. Prayerfully consider whether you should transfer your membership. Everyone is welcome at Timberlake; all are invited to participate in the church's life. Church membership is not a requirement.

If you've read this far, I hope you can sense our tremendous advances as Timberlake moves into the next chapter as an independent church and that God is pouring out His blessings on us.

Don't hesitate to contact me if I can ever serve you. Please let me know if you have any questions or want information on church operations or data.

Rev. Mark Coleman
Executive Director

Dear Timberlake Church Community,

In May, we gathered together for our end-of-the-school-year celebration, Splash Out, which was a tremendous success! On May 17th, we welcomed 65 children, including 25 new faces, alongside the dedication of over 25 parent helpers. It was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, water slides, icy treats, and wonderful fellowship. During this event, presented 15 children with NIV study Bibles, equipping them with God's Word as they embark on their journey through our TreeHouse Kids Ministry.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce that our Vacation Bible School (VBS) is in full swing, and the response has been overwhelming! This year's program, "Monumental," is set to take place from July 24th to July 27th. We are blessed to have 220 registered children, eagerly anticipating the transformative experience that awaits them. Furthermore, we are grateful to have 85 dedicated volunteers who have stepped forward to serve during this monumental event. The involvement of our amazing volunteers is crucial in making VBS a resounding success, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support.

As we navigate the transitions and challenges of parenting, we find solace and guidance in the inspiring words of Isaiah 40:11: "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." This scripture is a comforting reminder that God, our loving Shepherd, cares for us and our children, guiding us through every step of the parenting journey. Through events like Splash Out and VBS, we actively invest in our children's faith, sowing seeds of love, knowledge, and spiritual growth. Following God's example as the Good Shepherd, provides a nurturing environment for our children to develop their relationship with Him. As we witness their growth, the transformation within their hearts, we fulfill the calling to lead our children in the way they should go.

May we lean on the Lord as our Shepherd, drawing strength and wisdom from His guidance, as we raise our children to become the men and women God has called them to be. Your continued support and involvement make a remarkable difference in our children's lives, and we are immensely grateful for your presence in our TreeHouse Kids Ministry.

With gratitude and joy,

The TreeHouse Kids Team

The Child Development Center ended the school year session with a huge celebration of 30 Preschool Graduates! We will be praying for our friends that will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. A big Thank You to everyone that helped pour love into the staff during Staff Appreciation week, including the Timberlake SPPRC Committee that treated everyone to a cookout lunch on campus. Summer Camp and summer programming began with a full week of training, room prep, and team building as we welcomed new staff. Our kick-off Aloha week was hugely successful with indoor inflatables and sno cones. We will begin collecting individually wrapped snacks and drinks for our summer mission supporting the Brookville-Timberlake Fire Department. Mark your calendar to gather with your Timberlake family and friends at the ballfield in July to support the Child Development Center.

A Church in Lynchburg, VA