Stephen Ministers 2026

Matthew 11:29

WELCOME New Stephen Ministers

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to call, teach, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members ~ called Stephen Ministers ~ to provide high-quality, one-to-one, confidential, Christcentered care to people in our congregation and community experiencing life difficulties.

Our Stephen Ministers have now completed 50 hours of in-class training.

They will continue to receive continuing education for the next 2 ½ years of their commitment.

A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week for about an hour. Care Receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a life difficulty or a crisis. Stephen Ministry helps us fulfill the first part of our mission statement as we seek to become A Caring Fellowship.

Please speak with Pastor Connie or any of our VPC pastors, Pastor Hope, Pastor Robert, or Pastor Adrian if you want to talk about having a Stephen Minister.

May God’s compassion and mercy be freely shared through the healing care of our Stephen Ministers!

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

June 2026

ANN DEVOE I love God’s people because I love Jesus. My life’s mission is to empower others by demonstrating the love of Christ in every interaction. I am especially passionate about serving those who are brokenhearted or carrying a burdened spirit. Hope and wholeness are gifts from Jesus Christ, and I am humbled to be used by Him as He brings healing through the ministry and service of Stephen Ministry.

PAULA FERGUSSON Stephen Ministry means walking beside another person who is going through difficult times. It means caring and listening. It means supporting another person emotionally without trying to “fix” them. It means working through Christ, the “Cure Giver”, to help heal someone in need. With God’s help and guidance, I hope to be an instrument to help bring this healing and peace.

RAE ANNE FISCHER God called me to serve as a Stephen Minister to use my gifts of listening and compassion to help others. I want to walk alongside people who are suffering, grieving, or facing other life challenges to remind them that they are not alone and they are loved. And, I know God will bless me in ways I cannot even imagine in my journey with this ministry.

CHRISTINA HAMILTON James 5:16 tells us that the effective fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. God calls us to live in community and to care for one another. What a difference I can make using the spiritual gifts He has given me. What an honor it is to serve His Kingdom.

MOLLIE HUNTER When my neighbor's life was suddenly and tragically upended, I found myself informally walking alongside her, being present in the moments when she needed emotional support. I feel God calling me to build upon this experience by serving in Stephen Ministry, providing comfort and healing to others as they navigate some of life's unexpected challenges.

PAUL JOHNSON In high school I was considering a career in ministry or civil engineering. Once my SATs came back with my math being twice my verbal, I was encouraged to pursue engineering.

Having finished my engineering career and thus far having survived both cancer and a heart attack, I would like to share my faith and understanding with our community. I feel that I was brought by God to this point in my life to serve.

KATHY JOYNER Being a Stephen Minister is how I feel I can best answer the call to share God’s love. As others have walked with me through difficult times, I am honored to have the opportunity to offer a listening ear, provide compassionate care, and be present for another person who faces a challenging time in their life.

SANDI MCLAUCHLIN My prayer is that becoming a Stephen Minister allows me to walk alongside others during life’s most difficult moments. I want to offer a safe, confidential space of deep listening, empathy, and presence. By grounding my care in faith and compassion, I hope to reflect God’s love and bring quiet comfort to those navigating grief, transition, or trial.

JULIE NUSSDORFER I am grateful to be joining the Stephen Ministry at Vienna Presbyterian Church. As a trained counselor with a background in higher education, I welcome the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to serve others and connect more deeply with our Church community. I look forward to caring for those who are experiencing challenging times and help them come to know the healing power of Christ's love.

STEVE O’BRIEN Thirty-eight years ago, I started in a men's small group. We have been amazing journey partners for one another. It has also sensitized me to the increasing risk of loneliness and depression among older people. So God has called me to serve as an effective listener to those who are going through challenging times.

LEANNE OMLAND 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

ANDY PETTIGREW The Stephen Ministry is active biblical love. To me, that love is a choice to regard another person as important and sacred and treat them accordingly. That person has the power to feel and communicate those feelings, and, as a Stephen Minister, my compassion and presence will facilitate God’s healing.

SEAN SAUCIER For many roles in my life, both personal and professional, God has drawn me to providing support to those around me. God has shown me everlasting love, patience and grace when at my lowest, and through God I hope to share those same things with anyone else experiencing their lowest low.

JULIA SMILDE After moving to Vienna and joining VPC, I prayed for a way to get more connected and to contribute to the life of the church. Someone encouraged me to consider Stephen Ministry, and it seemed like a good fit. As I went through the training, I saw what a wonderful way it is to share Christ’s love and offer Christ-centered care to those experiencing challenging or confusing times. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on this team.

PATTY SPARRELL My husband and I have been warmly received since joining VPC two years ago. This is a community of active and compassionate volunteers. I am blessed with good health and available time since retiring and I feel it is time for me to “give back.” I am honored to do so as a Stephen Minister.

DICK STARK I believe that God is there for us during the good and the not-so-good times. I know that no matter what, we can still hold on to love, grace, and hope. And God will never leave us or forsake us.

PAM STARKE-REED I felt a call to Stephen Ministry when the first class was offered at VPC and was active for several years. Due to family/work commitments, I disappointedly had to put that ministry on hold. I am thrilled to be able to return again and provide the Christ-centered emotional and spiritual care to others facing challenges in their lives.

MATT THRASHER I have always been blessed by loving Christians in my life during the most difficult times, and I hope to be able to do that for others through this Ministry.

EMILY VOORHEIS I am excited to serve as a Stephen Minister because I care deeply about walking alongside people during difficult seasons of life. I want others to experience the comfort of being fully heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. By offering a caring, confidential, and supportive presence, I hope to provide encouragement, compassion, and reassurance that they are not facing challenges alone.

JEAN WATTERSON I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Stephen Minister and to be part of a ministry centered on care, compassion, and faith. My life and work have often placed me in roles where listening, encouragement, and steady support matter deeply. I wanted to become a Stephen Minister because I believe no one should have to walk through a difficult season alone, and I hope to offer a calm, faithful presence to those who need it.

BETH WEBSTER I believe God allows all of us to experience physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual infirmities and distresses so that we learn to walk with Jesus and to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit. I am so grateful for God’s comfort and healing in my life, and I am eager to support other women through their experiences! 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

LARUA WILSON During hard times in my life, the time and grace my Christian friends have given me by listening, praying for me and walking alongside me have brought me closer to God and shown me the love of Jesus in a real way. I want to share that love and grace with others, so that they can feel the same hope and peace that was given to me.

I’m excited to see God’s healing power at work.

We are most grateful for the following Stephen Leaders, Staff and Volunteers: Chuck Allen Erin Allen Donna Bertsch Roy Dunn Lisa LeJune Jan Mahumed Sally Mitchell Lee Scott Jeanie Thomas Pastor Connie Jordan-Haas Lara Ferreira and Rachel Burns, administrative support Kelly Miller, communications Brian Heath, photographer We also thank God for the “veteran” Stephen Ministers who have continued to quietly and steadfastly bring weekly care as our new class has been trained: Susan Bauer John Elie Gloria Engstrom Jeff Hallett Julie Knight Kevin Krisko Robin LeMunyon Romey McPherson Mark Richards Elaine Ryan Paul Ryan Rhoda Spohn Cylvia Toy 167 unique individuals have received the care of a VPC Stephen Minister since December of 2019. Thanks be to God, our ultimate and perfect Care and Cure Giver.

A Caring Fellowship Bringing Christ Into Our Diverse Community Through Discipleship And Service Vienna Presbyterian Church | 124 Park Street, NE, Vienna, VA 22180 | www.viennapres.org | 703.938.9050