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An Important Season of Leadership: Next Steps

Throughout the history of God’s people, God has continually called and set apart servant leaders to advance the mission of God’s work in the world. In our church, we place a high value on the leadership of lay people who work alongside of (not in front of, not behind, but together) the pastors and staff for the good of the Gospel here at Vienna Presbyterian Church.

On September 8 at 10:45 am in the Fellowship Hall, the Session has called a congregational meeting for the purpose of electing a new class of Elders, Deacons, and Nominating Committee Members. Elders are responsible for the spiritual leadership of their congregation, providing oversight to the mission and ministry of the church. Deacons provide for the caring fellowship of our congregation. And our Nominating Committee is designed to prayerfully discern those who God might call each year into the ministries of Elders and Deacons.

We are happy to provide you with the names and bios of each nominee for all of the positions mentioned above. Please be in prayer for each individual who has been nominated and prayerfully and boldly accepted the nomination. Should you have any questions or comments prior to our meeting on September 8, please do not hesitate to reach out to Elder Jonathan Benett, Chair of Nominating at jonathan_benett@verizon.net; Pastor Hope, Moderator of Session at hope.lee@viennapres.org; or Elder Chuck Allen, Clerk of Session at chuckaallen1@gmail.com.

We look forward to a joy-filled and productive congregational meeting and are grateful for your participation!

Amanda and her family have lived in Vienna for 8 years. She and her husband, Andrew, have been members of VPC for almost 7 years. They love being a part of VPC! Andrew and Amanda have been married for over 18 years and have four wonderful and crazy kids, Madison (10), Austin (10), Brooklyn (8), and Jackson (5) keep life busy and full of joy! Amanda is currently a stay at home mom and does some part time work - subbing at VPC preschool, teaching online, and working with VPC Childcare. Before staying home, she worked in education for 10 years, most of that time as a special education teacher. She loves working with kids and most of her ministry involvement at VPC has been with the children’s ministries. She has volunteered with VBS, preschool camp, and

with VPCKids Sunday mornings, and she served as the parent representative on the VPC Preschool board for several years. She has also enjoyed being a part of women’s Bible studies and mom groups. In previous churches, she was involved in leading small groups, greeting teams, and children’s ministries. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family - they love the pool, beach, hiking, and cookouts. When she has solo free time, she loves to curl up with a book or watch home renovation shows.

“I am excited to see how God continues to work in and through VPC to minister to the families in our community. I have loved seeing and being a part of the variety of community events and activities that VPC has come up with and am excited to see how the discipleship of families continues to develop and grow. I am thankful for the opportunity to answer God’s call to prayerfully be involved in finding people with a passion for reaching our community through the various ministries at VPC.”

Karen has been a member of VPC since 2012. She and her husband, Jaime Marquez, live in Vienna. They have two adult children and a brand new grandson. Karen retired after a career related to economic and social development in Latin America. Karen enjoys the water and loves to spend time at Lake Anna, and also loves to run and bike.

At VPC, Karen was an ESOL teacher, and participated in Growing Your Soul (GYS). She is currently a third-year Elder at VPC and participates in Tuesday morning Women’s Bible Study, works with our mission to support Afghan refugee families and is a member of the Great Banquet community.

“Christian community allows us to grow spiritually, to learn from each other, to practice compassion, love and forgiveness, and to glorify God. I pray that God might use my services on the nominating committee to strengthen the loving community at VPC.”

Amanda McCormick

Karen Mokate

RJ is humbled and honored to be nominated to serve for this upcoming term as an Elder at VPC, a church he joyfully calls home. RJ resides in Reston with his beloved wife Jessica, sons Jacob, John, and Joseph, four-legged best friend Mason, and many trees. He works for Verizon as a Project Manager and Solution Architect, and in his spare time enjoys attending his boys’ sporting events, reading mysteries, solving crosswords, cooking, skiing, and traveling. He began worshipping at VPC around 2008 when Jacob enrolled in the VPC Preschool, and he became a member in 2010. RJ is currently serving on Staff Committee and the APNC for Outreach, ushers the first Sunday of the month, has served as a youth group volunteer, as a Deacon, and on Session, and has been active in the Great Banquet ministry.

“ I am inspired by the energy and enthusiasm that is palpable in the congregation today and gladly offer my time and talents, guided by Micah 6:8, to work with our Pastors, Elders, staff and the Congregation to help take VPC where God is leading us.”

Teri joined VPC in 2000 with her husband, Tom. Their three children, Thomas (30), Matthew (27), and Megan (24), were all confirmed at VPC and have participated in children’s ministry and SMPs. Teri has served as a Stephen Minister and Leader, small group leader, Bridges volunteer and Pastor Nominating Committee member. Teri currently serves as Chair of the Financial Management Team and as Treasurer.

Teri graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1988 with a BBA in Accounting and earned her CPA. She started her career at Arthur Andersen, LLP and ultimately finished her career at Host Hotels and Resorts, Inc. as a Senior Director of Corporate Accounting. She remains actively engaged with William and Mary and serves on the Executive Committee of the William and Mary Foundation Board.

Teri enjoys traveling, pickleball, and spending time with family, especially her 4-month-old grandson.

Teri Dungan

“God is on the move at VPC! Having a front row to what God is doing in and through our congregation is a true privilege. After prayerful consideration, I feel that God has called me to continue to serve Him through Session and FMT.”

RJ Clarke

Mike Ellison

As a life-long Presbyterian, Mike has attended churches in Illinois and North Carolina prior to moving to the DC area. Mike and his family chose Vienna Presbyterian because of its warm congregation, vibrant ministry and outreach, and strength of its youth programs. Mike volunteers for the Hospitality Committee, assisting with church events by working in the kitchen when needed and helping with set-ups/clean-ups for picnics and socials. Mike also serves as a greeter and usher and attends the Monday Night Men’s Group. This spring, he was invited to join the Generosity Committee. Mike is married to Jennifer Green Ellison, and they have an 8-year-old son, Matthew, who will be a third grader at Dominion Christian. In his spare time, Mike enjoys grilling, traveling, hiking, sailing, and coaching baseball and basketball. He has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Toys For Tots. His professional life has spanned several careers: HS history teacher and basketball coach, consultant, fundraiser, and non-profit development officer. Mike currently works as a residential agent with Long & Foster Real Estate in the McLean office.

“I feel called by God to serve as an Elder at VPC because of my ongoing walk with Christ and the spiritual gifts I’ve received since growing my faith and deepening my relationship with God. Since high school, I have drawn considerable strength and comfort from Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (KJV). After much prayerful consideration, I am very humbled and honored to be called by God to serve. My work as an Elder, in the service of Christ and on behalf of our congregation, would be based upon three key elements: listening, prayer, and discernment. VPC is well positioned to advance the work of Christ. In a church congregation as large as VPC, it’s important for us to create opportunities for people to connect, engage, and feel at home. With a background in building and nurturing relationships, volunteering, growing financial resources and listening, I am excited to answer God’s call to serve as an Elder here at VPC.”

Bill has been a member of VPC since 1980, having joined soon after marrying Judy in the old Sanctuary. For 44 years, they have attended VPC with their 2 children and participated in numerous VPC programs and fellowships. At VPC, Bill has served as a Trustee (when VPC had trustees) and Elder, on the Church Organ and Music Director Search committees, as a member of the Choir, and for the past ~15 years, as an active member of the Cathedral Brass ensemble. He values a renewed participation in the Monday Night Men’s fellowship and the faith-building that it inspires. Currently retired, Bill trained as a lawyer with a specialty in energy and the environment and spent his career primarily working for 8 years at the United States Senate, and then in Executive Positions with three different energy companies. Now with more time available, Bill has returned to his passion – playing trumpet or flugelhorn. He has a zeal for playing music as a gift from and offering to God whenever and wherever played. He serves on the Board of Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes (National Lakeshore) and on the Board of The Cathedral Brass.

“Why Session, Why Now? I began 2024 pondering the question (in my head and heart): what does it mean to accomplish something? I wondered – is this my question, or is this God’s call to action? As I evaluated, by most worldly measures, I had accomplished much, family, a loving wife and children, an interesting career, and a comfortable life. I concluded though – there is more to do, more time to dedicate to service to my community, to my church, to my God. I have learned from music that listening is at least 50% of the effort; prayer is similar. When asked to serve recently on the Worship Transformation Team, it was an easy ‘yes’ after prayerful consideration. And yet again, when asked to serve again on Session. My prayer now is to listen to God’s call once again and to serve. I have been at VPC for a generation – now is the time to accomplish something to further sustain it and to continue to build it for the future of our collective faith community.”

Anna Nordseth

Anna has been a member of VPC since 2014, when she and her husband Nick moved to the area from Chicago. They and their children, Peter (10), Elena (7), and Benjamin (4), can all be seen at the 9am service, with Anna whispering an extra prayer for the kids to behave during the children’s message. Anna works in Business Development for Morningstar, where she manages the firm’s strategic client relationships. She spends her free time with her family, traveling, being outside as much as possible, and exploring all the activities the DC area has to offer.

Anna taught in VPC’s ESOL program for five years and has also volunteered in the nursery. Most recently she has been co-chairing the APNC searching for our new Associate Pastor for Outreach.

She has been excited to help spread the word about all the incredible work VPC does for others, both locally in our community and across the globe. She feels called to be an Elder to help ensure we can capture the energy and passion of VPC's congregation and help raise our next generation of Christ-centered kids to send out into the world.

“I am so excited about the great work being done with youth and the community and want to see it grow so we can continue to serve others and share Christ’s love with those not already a part of the VPC community. “

Denise Ralston is married to Mark and together they share a blended family of eleven, including four children and three grandchildren. Denise is a life coach, professional organizer, and writer, and specializes in teaching people how to get simple and restore harmony to daily life. She and her husband, Mark, are avid pickleball players and enjoy playing together as mixed doubles partners.

Denise has been attending VPC since 2002 and has been a member of the church since 2010. In recent years Denise has served on the Mission Transformation Team and currently serves on the Nominating Committee and the Worship Transformation Team. She has been a part of the Great Banquet community since 2010 and has participated in adult small groups and Bible studies, summer college Bible studies, and Growing Your Soul classes.

“In this season of life, I feel God calling on me to support and nurture all the work He is doing at VPC, and I look forward to using my gifts to foster unity as we press forward transforming lives together as a faith community.”

Denise Ralston

Chuck is married to Donna, and they have three children (David, Nathan, and Caroline) and one grandson (Peter Benjamin). He served as a VPC deacon from 2016 to 2019 and signed up again for a two-year term ending this year. He played in the VPC adult bell choir and hopes it starts up again, and has enjoyed the VPC Foundations class for a number of years. Chuck retired from working on agricultural trade issues at the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the end of 2022.He enjoys travel, good food, and being with his family (especially that grandson!).

Brenda is blessed to have been a member of this church for many years, having joined VPC as a young 20-something in 1986. She has served as a youth Sunday school teacher, adult studies leader, a member of the VPC Missions and Asset Oversight teams, and participated in the Foundations class and other small groups. Her daughter Caroline was baptized and confirmed at VPC and grew up in the church.

Brenda retired from Fairfax County Government where she served as director of Human Services Contracts Administration for 15 years and also worked in other policy, legislative and financial management positions for Health and Human Services during a 32 year career there. She previously worked at the U.S. Departments of the Treasury and Health and Human Services. As a graduate of the University of Virginia, she remains a devoted UVA basketball fan. She also loves the Nats! She is a certified Master Gardener and volunteers with various local nonprofits.

Chuck Bertsch

Brenda Gardiner

Vernon joined VPC in 2021. He has been married to Kathy for 30 wonderful years, and they have three adult sons: Tom, David, and Sam. At VPC, Vernon currently serves on the Asset Oversight team, is active in the Monday Night Men’s Group, co-leads the Time in the Word for Dads group, and is an usher. Prior to VPC, he attended Trinity Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Youth Advisor. Recently retired from full-time work, he is an angel investor in start-up technology companies, serves on the GMU Information Sciences Industry Advisory Board, and is an MIT Educational Counselor. He is an avid bike rider, fisherman, DIY’er, and can be found driving tractors at Cox Farms and Frying Pan Park.

Sarah has been active in the life of VPC since she was baptized as a three month old! She has been in five different choirs, a number of youth groups, and young adult ministry. Through being in Bible studies and the NOVA Great Banquet, Sarah’s faith has continued to grow.

She enjoys going to parks, walking, the Washington Football Team, the Nats, British comedy and mystery shows, and attending concerts at the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. Sarah is honored to serve a second term as a Deacon and looks forward to continued ministries of care.

Vernon Joyner

Sarah Killion

Humphrey Mar

Humphrey is married to Alice Mar (since 2000), and they have three children: Calvin, Hudson, and Zoe. Humphrey and Alice joined VPC in early 2023. Humphrey has enjoyed volunteering with the Hypothermia project and the Be Our Guest Prom. He also enjoyed participating with the adult choir and the Monday men's group. He works for Rounds VanDuzer Architects in Falls Church - coming up on 30 years! Some of Humphrey’s favorite activities include: travel planning (he enjoys the research!), photography, most sports that involve round balls, and food (consuming and preparing, but also learning).

He believes his interests and skill set overlap with a calling to join the Deacons. Since his kids became more independent, it frees up his ability to serve outside the family. He knows/sees a small fraction of the activities/outreach of VPC as individuals as well as in collective efforts, but is excited to see this, from Isaiah 43:10a: “‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.”

Jeff is married to Kim, and they have three children: Jason (24), Chris (22), and Brendan (20). He has been a member of VPC since March 2023 and works as a program/project management professional in the telecom and IT industry at AURA Network Services in McLean, VA. Jeff enjoys morning Scripture study and prayer, exercise prayer walks, playing bass guitar, spending time with family and friends, participating in Monday Night Men’s Group, and volunteering at the Welcome Center. Saying "yes" more often to God has led him to take leadership roles, join VPC, volunteer, and become part of the Deacon team. He has a passion for growing the Men’s Group and mentoring younger men.

Jeff Miers

Marie Parker

Marie Parker has been a member of VPC since 1983 and now has three children (Emelie, Mark, and Jon) in their early twenties. As a high schooler, Marie was active in the Celebration Choir, Youth Handbell Choir, Youth Council and served as a Youth Deacon. Marie participated in many retreats, Summer Mission Projects, and various service and adventure outings. As an adult, Marie has been active in NextGen including VBS, SMPs, Friendship Class, Pittsburg Project, and as a Small Group leader. Marie was a member of the Adult Bell Choir for many years and served a term as a Deacon. Marie has served on churchwide committees with a focus on children and youth events, including developing the Child Protective Policy. Marie is looking forward to serving again.

Mark has lived in Northern Virginia since 2001 and became a member of VPC in 2018. He is blessed to be married to Denise and together they share a blended family of four adult kids, two teenagers, and three grandkids. Luke is married to Chelsea with darling Rosie keeping them busy and a baby boy on the way. Sara is married to Devon and their energy is spent keeping up with Elise and J.J. who hang out in the VPC daycare on Sundays. Devon is a teacher at Centreville HS where our teenagers Parker (10th grade) and Alexa (11th grade) attend school. Mark works at Northrop Grumman as an engineer and is normally quiet, but will talk endlessly about pickleball and the most recent family addition - a ‘67 Camaro convertible from Denise's dad. Mark has served on several Great Banquet teams and is looking forward to serving as a Deacon at VPC.

After graduating college in 2007, Alison arrived in Vienna and joined VPC the following year. Since then, she has enjoyed volunteering in ESOL and the nursery, as well as attending the Young Adult Bible study and the Women’s Bible study. Alison is married to Bilal, and they have two daughters, Lilian (8) and Elena (4), plus their spoiled dog Carly. She began her career as a homemaker when Lilian was born. When she is not working, she enjoys gardening, reading, exercising, and watching professional hockey. God has blessed her immensely, and she is looking forward to living out her thankfulness and faith through her work as a Deacon. Becoming further involved in our community at VPC will also bless her with further insight into God’s work beyond her everyday life.

Mark Ralston

Alison Saab

Sarah Sims is a Northern Virginia native who grew up in the City of Falls Church (go Mustangs). She works for the Federal government in the ethics arena striving to prevent conflicts of interest from interfering with the mission. In her personal time she enjoys concerts with her husband, Kevin; volunteering at Wolf Trap National Park and with 4Paws Rescue; walking various trails; and trying different restaurants, especially if it’s spicy. Kevin and Sarah joined VPC in 2013. Not long after joining VPC, Sarah began serving as a greeter and usher and enjoys assisting members and prospective members. She is excited to take her involvement further and looks forward to finding out what God has in store for her as a Deacon.

Rob and his wife Susan have lived in Vienna since 1997 and became members of VPC in 1998. Their son Mark graduated from Virginia Tech this past May with a major in Meteorology and their daughter Sarah is a sophomore at Virginia Tech studying Data Science. Rob is a software engineer with a cybersecurity firm and is retiring this fall. He enjoys hiking and biking and being outdoors in general. He continues to volunteer with his son’s former Boy Scout troop as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Rob has been active with ministries at VPC in many different ways over the years. Developing and running the church’s website, previously serving as a Deacon, leading in Student Ministries, serving on the APNC for Pastor Robert, ushering, running AV for worship and Bible studies, and being in a multi-year Growing Your Soul class have been Rob’s primary areas of service and growth.

Rob Skaggs

Sarah Sims