Impact Report - September 2025

I want to share some exciting updates on our journey with the capital campaign for Phase One of our Master Facility Plan. We're making great strides, and I believe with our collective efforts and support, we can achieve our goals.

As you may recall, our aim is to enhance four key areas: creating a welcoming front entrance, expanding our hospitality space, establishing a permanent, modern worship space, and creating a right-sized sanctuary. Thanks to the expertise of Building God’s Way, we've received a more economical and affordable proposal that significantly reduces costs while maintaining our vision.

We’re thrilled to share that the updated renderings and draft floor plans will be revealed at our October 5th Build Update Members Meeting. This will give us our first glimpse of the incredible future God is leading us toward. Then, at our November Annual Members Meeting, we’ll take a deeper dive together—unpacking the revised costs, timeline, and next steps as we move closer to bringing this vision to life.

I encourage you all to keep this project in your thoughts and prayers, considering how you might be part of this transformative journey in faith. Together, as we seek to honor and glorify God, and with His provision, we can bring this vision to life and create a space that will serve our community for generations to come.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

A $5,000 donation was mailed to Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center.

Fillin’ Station
August distributions served 348 households/1075 individuals. A
new distribution day will begin in October on Fridays from 11:00 am-3:00 pm by appointment only.
We continue to provide a meal for our Lynchburg neighbors at Park View Community Mission each month. The Men’s Breakfast group served over 100 meals on July 16, and the Good News life group served 124 meals on August 6.

Park View
The September meal was prepared and served by the regular Timberlake team.

Food For Thought School Bags
A check for the next semester of food bags was presented by Pam Compher to director Barb Chase

Five18 update:
Timberlake has now set up Care Portal and has a small team to work on it. Kathy Presley made the first connection with a young mother in a domestic violence shelter.

International Missions
A check for $1500 was sent to both Ryan in Honduras and Audrey in Central Asia from the VBS offering.

This September, TreeHouse Kids launched our Wednesday night discipleship programming, and God’s presence was unmistakable! On our very first evening, September 3rd, we welcomed 42 children onto campus. The nursery alone had 10 little ones, reminding us that even our youngest are part of God’s great story. Just one week later, on September 10th, we saw our momentum grow with 46 children gathering to worship, learn, and build friendships in Christ.
From preschoolers joyfully exploring the Bible through hands-on activities to elementary kids diving into the Age of the Apostles, every child had the chance to experience God’s Word in a fun and memorable way. Parents expressed gratitude for the safe, Christ-centered space, and our volunteers—both seasoned leaders and brand-new servants—rose to the occasion with joy and faithfulness.
The launch of Wednesdays represents far more than just another program—it’s a step toward lifelong discipleship. Children are forming rhythms of gathering midweek, memorizing Scripture, and learning to “Show Your Jesus” in their everyday lives. Leaders-in-Training have stepped up with energy and excitement, modeling servant leadership for their peers.
We celebrate these first steps with great expectation, knowing God will continue to grow the seeds planted each week. Together—families, volunteers, and leaders—we are living out our mission: partnering with families to raise lifelong followers of Jesus.

Soon after, we celebrated Pop-Up Sunday, a special time when children move into their new classes and take important steps forward in their spiritual journey. Children 3rd grade and up received Bibles, embraced new friendships, and stepped into opportunities to grow deeper in their faith. These moments are far more than calendar events—they are milestones where children discover God’s truth, understand their place in His story, and begin living out their faith with joy. We are deeply grateful to witness our mission—partnering with families to raise lifelong followers of Jesus—coming to life in such meaningful ways.

In September, there have been two notable updates.
First, Timberlake Students' weekly gathering has returned to a Wednesday timeslot. This has allowed for a better rhythm, enabling students to have two touchpoints a week to see friends and engage in guided spiritual conversations. At Midweek, we have seen an increase in weekly attendance of about 1/3 higher than the Summer and Spring averages. We began the year with a series called “Simple Jesus,” in which we talked about the foundation of the Christian way of life and how Jesus simplified what it means to honor God with our lives. It is not always easy, but it is simple.
Second, we have seen a significant increase in student leadership within our gatherings. Our quickly expanding student worship team is leading our music elements each week. These students are learning how to use their gifts for God's glory while receiving instruction on how to improve with their instruments. Additionally, students lead our prayers, games, welcome times, and in the tech booth. As these student leadership teams develop, we are seeing an increase in student ownership over their gatherings and ultimately taking intentional steps towards their own faith development.

A few months ago at my other job, I met a guy and felt an instant connection. He shared that he’d been raised Muslim, but it was clear he was searching for truth. He seemed so sincere and pure-hearted, and I really wanted to talk more—but I was on the clock. So I just silently prayed, “God, if it’s Your will, reconnect us.”
Weeks went by, and then one Sunday morning during worship, I looked up—and there he was walking in with a group of our core young adults. We locked eyes and were both stunned. We talked more after the service about how amazed we both were to see each other at church.
He started coming to group, and opening up more each week. Eventually, we had a prayer night where God really met him. He got prayer and became visibly emotional as the Holy Spirit worked deeply on his heart.
It was one of those moments where you just step back in awe. God not only answered my quiet prayer, but He brought this young man into community in a way only He could orchestrate. I’m still amazed by it—and deeply thankful.

The OWLS enjoyed a special outing this month, with 22 members traveling to Hardy, VA, for an alpaca farm trip. Looking ahead, the OWLS will host a Night of Singing in the Family Life Center on September 18 from 6–8 PM, featuring Troy Coleman and his band. The evening will include a covered dish dinner and a time of worship and fellowship.
Our Visitation Team of eight members remained active this month, completing 45 visits. In addition, Pastor Joe Elmore made 44 visits, including 5 hospital visits, 6 home visits, and 20 nursing home visits. He also made 35 phone calls, sent 54 cards, conducted 3 counseling sessions, and attended 6 meetings.
The Men’s Breakfast continues to meet in Hughes Hall every other Thursday, averaging 22 participants each time.
Looking ahead, the Grief Team is preparing for a special event, Grief Through the Holidays, on November 8 from 10 AM–12 PM in Hughes Hall.
Finally, the new Church Directory has arrived and distribution has begun. Those included in the directory may see Pastor Joe to receive their copy.

The OWLS enjoyed several events, including a Smith Mountain Lake Cruise, an alpaca farm visit, and monthly gatherings with nearly 100 participants. They also look forward to an upcoming Pigeon Forge trip in October.

Seniors actively served the community by helping assemble 1,000 Disaster Relief Buckets with God’s Pit Crew, visiting VALOR Farms, supporting Parkview Mission Outreach, and gathering regularly for Men’s Breakfasts.

The Congregational Care Ministry was equally active. The Visitation Team averaged 87 visits per month to hospitals, nursing homes, and homebound members, while also offering support through calls and cards. The Quilt Ministry delivered a dozen quilts to those facing illness or grief, and the Grief Team is preparing an educational workshop on wills, end-of-life planning, and care conversations.

This summer was marked by strong participation, outreach, spiritual growth, and compassionate care. We praise God for the faithful volunteers and leaders who make this ministry possible.

God has a plan for each of us! The fall season is such a great time for the CDC at Timberlake. We welcome back our Before and After School Care students from Leesville Road Elementary, Tomahawk, and New London Academy. Our toddlers and preschoolers transitioned to their new classrooms, while we also welcomed in new families.
This month we have been focusing on building peer and teacher relationships, practicing routines, and learning to work together. Chapel began again each week on Mondays with our preschoolers, and we love having the Timberlake Church leaders participate often.

Sunday's worship attendance is steadily growing!

A Church in Lynchburg, VA