welcome new members SPring 2023
Chantal Baker is excited to become a part of the VPC family by reaffirmation of Faith. Chantal is inspired by the sense of community and fellowship that VPC brings. She is keen to volunteer with outreach and mission projects that bring joy to others and energize her. As a UK military servicewoman, she has a strong sense of service and loyalty. She loves spending time in the great outdoors with her two young children and dotty Dalmatian. Her favorite verse is Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Chantal Baker
Jennifer Burns is happy to be joining VPC by Reaffirmation of Faith. Jennifer, her husband Kevin, and children William and Caroline began attending VPC shortly after moving to the area in 2018. Initially drawn to the messages and music during the contemporary service, Jennifer has grown her faith and connections within the church through participation in Women’s Bible Study. She also helps with the Wonder-filled children’s programs on Sunday morning and enjoys learning from the children. Isaiah 12:2 has been a touchstone for Jennifer.
Jennifer & Kevin Burns
Kevin Burns is pleased to be joining VPC. Kevin was drawn to the children's ministry that further enriched his children's faith. He is exploring where he fits in the VPC ministries. Kevin and his wife Jennifer have been married for 30 years and their children - William (15) (a member) and Caroline (13) both have engaged in ministry by using their musical talents.
Alex Christopulos is excited about joining VPC.Though she has spent most of her life living in Vienna and, as an adult, attending local churches; it was last fall that she felt a call to start attending VPC. As VPC is moving forward into a new season, Alex is looking forward to finding her place to serve as well as continuing to grow through discipleship opportunities. Alex has also spent most of her career in the outdoor industry and is deeply passionate about sharing time in God’s creation with believers and non-believers alike. One of Alex’s favorite scriptures is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Kendall Cleer is so excited to be joining VPC. Kendall was drawn to the strong sense of community at VPC. Kendall hopes to get involved in the children’s ministries. Kendall and her husband James recently welcomed a baby boy, Hudson, in December. Philippians 4:13 has always been Kendall’s favorite bible verse.
Sallie Drumheller is a lifelong Presbyterian and excited to find her new church home at VPC. She is transferring from her childhood church: Blacksburg Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg, VA, where she was a Youth Elder and involved in the Massanetta and Montreat Presbyterian conference centers. She has lived in the Arlington/Falls Church area since 2009, is a graduate of James Madison University and Savannah College of Art and Design, and is currently a Design Director at Accenture. Sallie and her husband Tyler Campbell welcomed their first son, Walker Campbell in June 2022, and look forward to raising Walker in the church and becoming involved in the many ways VPC offers for young families. Sallie enjoys writing, art, and being outside. Growing up in the Appalachian mountains, her favorite verse is from Psalm 121, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Gina Florence is joining VPC by Reaffirmation of Faith. She grew up in Texas and has moved a number of times, including to South Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, back to Texas, and then back here to Virginia. She and her husband Clint have two children, son Emery, age 13, and daughter Julia, Age 11. She works in marketing communications for a large company, with a specialty in crisis communications. She and Clint recently celebrated their 15th anniversary, and they alternate vacations between beaches (her preference) and the mountains (Clint’s preference).
Clint Florence is joining VPC by Transfer from First Presbyterian in Grapevine, Texas. He was born and raised in Texas and lived in Dallas, Austin, and Lubbock. He and his wife Gina have two children, son Emery, age 13, and daughter Julia, age 11. He works at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), having moved to this area in January 2020.
Sallie Drumheller
Gina & Clint Florence
Kendall Cleer
Leslie Hohmann is joining VPC by transfer of membership from Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Leslie was an early member of Spirit of Life’s new church formation. After living in Minnesota for 22 years, Leslie relocated to Vienna in July 2022 from Rochester, Minnesota to be closer to her son in Northern Virginia. One of her favorite verses is Psalm 96, “Sing a new song to the Lord Let the whole world sing to the Lord. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.” Leslie wants to thank the Sunday morning Apprentices Group for their warm welcome to VPC and the adult education programs.
Kim & Jared Kubin
Jared Kubin is excited to be back in his hometown of Northern Virginia, where he attended Oakton High School. He then took a baseball scholarship to the University of Florida, but after a careerending shoulder injury, he focused on his studies and entrepreneurship. He eventually graduated from Harvard Business School in 2013 and now resides in Vienna with his wife, Kim, and three kids, Shane, Emerson, and Cole. He is looking for a community that his family can be a part of and is inspired by Psalm 104:16-18.
Kim Kubin is delighted to join VPC and become part of the church's fellowship Originally from CT, Kim spent 9 years living in NYC as a Jewelry Buyer before moving to Boston and starting a family. As a mother of three young children, Shane (4), Emerson (2) and Cole (1), Kim is an active member of MOPS and is eager to join small groups within the church to further her faith. She also looks forward to providing her children with a strong foundation through the children's ministry. The Kubin family moved to the area from Boston in March 2020 and are delighted to have discovered such a warm and supportive community
Noelle Locke is happy to be joining VPC by Letter of Transfer. As a new retiree, she is seeking opportunities to worship, learn, and serve. She was delighted to be included on the VPC mission trip to Bulgaria, and participate in the recent hyperthermia effort. She is currently a volunteer tutor with Belong!, putting her teaching skills to work. Noelle is married and lives in Fairfax. She and her husband Peter have two children: a son in Denver and a daughter currently living at home looking for work in marketing communications. A favorite Bible verse since childhood is Psalm 118:24 -- "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Alice Mar is excited to be joining VPC through transfer of membership. As a longtime resident of Vienna, Alice is looking forward to being involved more in VPC’s outreach to the community. Alice is a pediatrician and homeschooled her three children Calvin (19), Hudson (16) and Zoe (13). Her main free time activity is reading. She and her husband, Humphrey, are looking forward to becoming part of the VPC family.
Alice & Humphrey Mar
Humphrey Mar is joyful and thankful to join VPC by Letter of Transfer from Christ Church of Arlington (PCA, Arlington, VA). Humphrey has always been interested in art/architecture; food/fellowship/hospitality; cross cultural ministry/missions/travel; racket sports and golf; and more recently his favorite discussion topics always include retirement plans (in maybe 10 years), and college counseling. He and his wife Alice have 3 kids all in their teens:19, 16, and 13. Although growing up in the church, he remembers writing on the inside cover of his first study Bible in college, Ephesians 5:10, “Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”
Angela Masak is delighted to be joining VPC. Angela is drawn to the strong sense of community and extensive opportunities to serve through mission work globally and locally. She hopes to support VPC in serving the Children’s and Youth Ministries. Angela is married to Michael, and they have 2 daughters growing in their faith through the Children’s Ministries and Choir at VPC. Angela is a proud US Air Force Veteran. Philippians 4:13 is her favorite bible verse.
Angie Masak
Courtney & Patrick McCreesh
Patrick and Courtney McCreesh are excited to join VPC by Reaffirmation of Faith. They are drawn to VPC’s vibrant and growing community that supports multi-generational faith development. They have four children who are already engaged in many of VPC’s programs - Lizzie (13), Rose (11), Bridget (7), and Ginger (5). Patrick and Courtney are enjoying their time in the Parent’s Discussion Group. Patrick founded a small management consultancy that he recently sold into a larger company. Courtney works in foreign affairs and security issues with a current career break to care for the children. The two are natives of the Washington area and have always loved the Bible verse James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
Jeff Miers is enthusiastically joining VPC as a growing commitment of faith and intentionality on his life's journey with God. Jeff has been attending VPC for several years and is actively involved as a Group leader in the Monday Night Men's Group ministry. Jeff sees how VPC walks the walk of the mission to be a Caring Fellowship, Bringing Christ into Our Diverse Community Through Discipleship and Service and is excited to be part of that mission. Jeff is a musician, plays bass guitar, and would enjoy helping VPC's music ministry in any way that is needed. Jeff also plans on continuing in the support of the Monday Night Men's group. Jeff and his wife, Kim, have been married 25 years and have three adult sons between 18 and 22 years of age. Jeff's favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11
Jeff Miers
Nick and Beth Paradise are thrilled to join the VPC Christian fellowship through Reaffirmation of Faith as they have recently settled back to Northern Virginia. They have been married for almost 7 years and look forward to introducing their 2 young children, Oliver (5) and Abigail (2), to the lifelong blessings of Christ and meeting other families through the church. They look forward to further establishing their relationship with God, building a strong Christian foundation for their family and serving God through community engagement. Favorite verses for Nick and Beth are John 15:12 and Numbers 6:24-26, respectively.
Beth & Nick Paradise
Laura Savary Rees is excited to be joining VPC by Letter of Transfer from Church of the Palms Presbyterian in Sarasota, Florida. As a lifelong Presbyterian as well as ordained Elder, Laura was drawn to VPC for the wonderful mission, projects, inspiring sermons as well as the outstanding music program found at the church. She has been serving on the Welcome Team Sunday mornings helping to Usher and greet members and friends. Laura currently volunteers with Share, Inova Fairfax, as well as Dolley Madison Library. She believes serving others less fortunate or just extending a helping hand is so very important, especially in today’s world. Laura and her husband Brett have 3 adult children and have lived in McLean for 10 years. Her sister Marybeth Savary Taylor is also a member of VPC. She enjoys traveling, walking, time spent with family and friends, and reading. Philippians 4:13 is one of Laura’s favorite Bible verses.
Liz Murphy Stark is delighted to be joining VPC by Reaffirmation of Faith. For many years, Liz has been attending VPC services with her husband, Dick, a long time VPC member. Liz is drawn to VPC’s community-based faith and focus. She is an attorney and has recently retired from the Justice Department. Liz and Dick have been married 18 years and have 3 children and 4 grandchildren in their blended family. Mark 10:27 is one of Liz’s favorite bible verses.
Cindy Thaggard is delighted to be joining the vibrant community she recently found in VPC. She and her husband Dave moved to Vienna in January to be with family, living in a “four-generation” home with her mom, daughter, son-in-law and 3 ½ year old grand-daughter. They will be joining VPC by letter of transfer from Satellite Beach (Florida) UMC, where they were married 3 years ago. She also has a son living in Vancouver, Washington. Cindy retired in December after 28 rewarding years working with the nonprofit Florida Community Loan Fund. She has been a foster mom, youth mentor, Stephen Minister, hand bell ringer and choir singer. She is looking forward to this new season of life and finding new ways to serve in the church and community. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:7)
Laura Rees
Liz Stark
Cindy Thaggard
Dave Thaggard is excited to be joining VPC as a recent transplant from Satellite Beach, Florida and his local church, Satellite Beach United Methodist. He’s very happy to be closer to family in Vienna, and especially thrilled to spend lots of time with his grand-daughter, Summer. He’s newly employed at the Inova Fairfax Campus in the Patient Safety Department. Dave lost his first wife to cancer in 2012 and feels very blessed to have met and married Cindy in 2020. Church life and community service are important to Dave, and he is looking forward to serving where needed at VPC. Favorite Bible verse: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew
5:16)
Debbie Wilson is pleased to declare her lifelong love of Jesus by reaffirming her faith with the VPC congregation. Debbie loves VPC’s focus on Bible teaching and evangelical outreach to the community and the world at large. She and her husband, Jim Crawford, have been married for 8 years. They moved to Vienna from Southern California after Debbie retired from Boeing to be full-time Grandma to her two baby granddaughters. She is a Sunday School teacher for the 9am preschool children, is training for Stephen Ministry, and has been singing in our choir for 5 years. In addition to her daughter here in Vienna, she has two adult children on the West Coast and two teenage grandchildren there. Psalm 27 is her favorite Bible passage –every verse has meaning to her life.
Dave Thaggard Debbie Wilson