The Messenger - December 2024

THE MESSENGER

VIENNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | DECEMBER 2024

HOPE'S HEART Sung and I both come from very large, small families. Our extended families (think 2nd and 3rd cousins, aunts, etc.) are enormous. But, our two immediate families of origin were quite small and have grown smaller over the years. When the Christmas season comes around, it’s the two of us, our three kids, and my mother. This was a deep heartache for me in the early years of the lives of my children. I wanted them to have lots of aunts and uncles and cousins that would play a significant role in their lives. It was not meant to be. God had other plans and gave us a family through faith.

While there is no blood connection, my kids have been blessed to grow up with a cadre of significant adults, many of whom they call “Aunt” and “Uncle.” Every one of these special individuals came to us through a shared faith in Jesus Christ. They were either in the churches that Sung and I served or were fellow pastors that we had the great fortune to meet over the years. When my kids get married they will have countless officiants to choose from!

I thought about this blessing quite a bit at our recent church-wide retreat. For 48 hours all of the children and youth were surrounded by adults who were engaging with them, caring for them, keeping them safe, and making sure they were eating and sleeping well. They prayed and played together. That’s family.

As the Advent and Christmas season approach, I encourage you to think about expanding your definition of family. Consider Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. On one Holy Night, this tiny family connected humanity in a way that runs deeper than blood. Through a shared faith in Christ, our family grows - our families of origin, our church family, and our Kingdom family. My prayer is that you will join us for many of the upcoming Advent and Christmas opportunities that you find in this newsletter. When you do, take a look around you, at all the brothers and sisters in Christ, and discover that your family is much bigger than you ever imagined.

On a personal note, there have been two big changes with the Lee Family. First, Pastor Sung has taken a call to be the pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Fairfax. Christ Church is a very small congregation that has not been able to have an ordained pastor for the last 5 years. This is a part-time call, which allows Sung to continue his work with the New Wilmington Mission Conference and remain as a volunteer Parish Associate here at VPC, although he will not be present with us most Sunday mornings. The other big news for our family is Niko, our 13 week-old cavapoo, who joined our family last month. If you remember, Sung and the kids adopted Gracie (also a cavapoo) when I first came to VPC. We are now a two dog family - running on lots of joy and very little sleep!

From my family, our church family, and the family of faith connected throughout the world, I wish you a season of hope, peace, joy, and love!

In the Grip of Grace,

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GENEROSITY UPDATE Get to know the VPC Generosity Team Our mission: Recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, our mission is to cultivate a spirit of generosity and encourage spiritual growth within our congregation and community. We seek to inspire the congregation to share their time, talents, and resources, making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

What we do: In conjunction with Generosity Manager, Kate Jones, and others on staff, we research, design and implement generosity initiatives and support engagement across all ministries throughout the year. We encourage the congregation’s understanding of giving as an act of faith and spiritual discipline, reflecting our gratefulness for the abundant love of God. What we don’t do: While we review giving at the congregational level, we do not have access to any individual giving records at any time. We do not see quarterly or annual giving statements or even know who gives to the church.

Generosity Team Members: Tristen Yancey – Chair, Tom Dungan, Mike Ellison, Jim Feather, Todd Hall, and Melinda Mayes

As followers of Christ, we are called to share the overflowing blessings God has given us. With hearts full of generosity, we invite you to prayerfully consider how you can contribute to the ministry and mission of VPC in 2025. Your financial commitment helps support God’s transforming work, both here in Vienna and around the world.

Thank you for your partnership in this ministry.

Together, we can make a lasting Kingdom impact!

FINANCIAL UPDATE THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2024 Unified Giving: $3,108,444 Unified Expenses: $3,321,075

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THE SEASON OF ADVENT See how faith can make a difference in your life - in December, and all year long.

Advent Devotionals Written by the Congregation Available Sunday, December 1, “Emmanuel—God with Us” is a collection of stories about God’s presence written by the pastors and various people in our congregation. Pick up your copy at VPC on the first day of Advent. This daily devotional will encourage you in its witness of Christ’s hope, peace, joy, and love in real people’s lives.

Ways to Serve Toy Drive - VPC youth are hosting a toy drive through the Vienna Police Department's "Santa's Ride.” We invite you to donate new (and unwrapped) toys, books, or games. Collection bins will be at VPC through December 7.

Join us in helping children and families in our community this Christmas. During Santa's Ride, police officers on motorcycles deliver toys to Inova Fairfax Hospital, Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center and local children in need.

Committee for Helping Others (CHO) - VPC's mission partner, CHO, is hosting their annual Christmas Store for local families on Saturday, December 7. This year, VPC is helping provide gift cards for both parents and the older children. We are requesting $25.00 Walmart gift certificates to distribute at their Christmas party. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at VPC by December 1. Thank you for helping make Christmas special for these families!

Celebrations Wee Worship: Christmas Edition - Parents and their little ones (infants through Pre-K) learn about God through joyful Christmas music. Come and sing beloved Christmas carols and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in a fun and interactive way on Sunday, December 1 at 10:30 am in room 207.

Church Street Stroll - Join us at VPC as we kick-off the Christmas season with the Town of Vienna’s Church Street Stroll on Monday, December 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm! Our historic chapel will come alive with Christmas music from choirs, instrumentalists and sing-alongs. Step into our Winter Wonderland to enjoy hot chocolate, warm cookies, and a cookie decorating station. We’ll have crafts in the Fellowship Hall, face painting, and a moon bounce for the kids. For a special treat, head to the Sanctuary to hear Christmas music by VPC’s Choir and Cathedral Brass.

Youth Christmas Party - On Sunday, December 8 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm we will hold our Youth Christmas Party offsite. This will be a time for fellowship, reindeer games, Christmas cookies, and a white elephant gift exchange.

60s Plus Christmas Lunch - Join the 60s Plus group for a festive Christmas celebration on December 10, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm! Enjoy a potluck feast with turkey and ham provided—just bring a side dish to share.

Entertainment will feature the Madrigal Singers from James Madison High School.

Christmas Bingo & Fellowship - Step away from the holiday hustle and bustle and join us on December 12 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm for a peaceful, stress-free evening with your church family. Enjoy a night of community, delicious food, and festive fun! Bring a favorite dish to share, come dressed in your comfy holiday attire, and play a few rounds of bingo for some cheerful prizes. And for the little ones, Santa himself will be making a special appearance!

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THE SEASON OF ADVENT Playground Playdates - Join us on VPC’s playground Friday, December 13 at 10:00 am. Come, make a Christmas ornament craft with your child and enjoy cookies and fellowship with other families. For expecting parents and parents with children up to 6 years old. Contact Heather.Boehm@viennapres.org to RSVP. Moms Meet Up Christmas Gathering - Hit pause on the holiday craziness and treat yourself to a fabulous moms’ night out on Friday, December 13 at 7:00 pm! Gather with fellow supermoms who also deserve a little R&R. Don't forget to bring along a delicious charcuterie board - whether it's savory or sweet, let's make this gathering a feast for the senses! For more information (including the location) and to RSVP, email Heather Boehm by December 8.

CLUB - 4th and 5th graders will gather on Sunday evening for Christmas CLUB to celebrate the season and learn about Jesus while building community. Kids are invited to join us on the third floor for pizza, games, and a message on Sunday, December 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Kids PJs & Pancakes- During Sunday school, all kids are invited to celebrate Advent on Sunday, December 22 at 9:00 am and 10:30 am by wearing their Christmas PJs and joining us for pancakes.

Youth Christmas Caroling - On Sunday, December 22 from 11:30 am–2:00 pm come enjoy lunch before heading out into Vienna spreading Christmas cheer to our home-bound VPC members. Pastor Charles and Pastor Connie will join us as we visit with 6-10 members in the area, sharing smiles and the love of Christ.

Concerts Holiday Favorites - The Cathedral Brass and The Cathedral Brass Youth Ensemble will perform a free concert with a variety of holiday classics that capture the spirit of the Christmas season on Sunday, December 8, 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary.

Glorious Sounds of Christmas Concert - Let your heart be stirred and your soul uplifted! Join us for a beautiful celebration of Christmas as all of the VPC choirs and Cathedral Brass present a delightful concert. Step away from the holiday rush and enjoy this free performance, offering the warmth and wonder of a Kennedy Center–caliber experience. Join us Sunday, December 15, at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary.

Worship Opportunities The Longest Night Worship Service - Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died. It may be a time that has always been difficult. It may be a time in which you are grieving losses and hope feels slim. Come join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, Scripture, and music that acknowledge God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle - and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Thursday, December 19, 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Please RSVP to Lara Ferreira at 703.938.9050.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services - Join us for a candlelight service for all ages. Sunday, December 24 in the Sanctuary.

5:00 pm Children/Families 7:00 pm Traditional (Childcare provided) 9:00 pm Contemporary

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4 DISCIPLESHIP AND MISSION IN ACTION

Adult Discipleship Fall Kickoff Classes and small groups kicked off in September with joyous beginnings as groups reconvened or newly formed. Thirty-seven people were new to a VPC discipleship group this season. What about you? If you’re considering growing in faith with a group, know that the Sunday classes and midweek men’s and women’s Bible studies will welcome you any time. You can also look forward to signing up for one of the new groups launching in February 2025. View current group offerings at viennapres.org/adults. New Year group information will be posted by January.

Different Politics. Unity in Christ.

Praise God for a group of nine volunteers who wanted to address how we could center on Jesus during this election season. They led four “After Party” classes, offering the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion about why the American political landscape is polarized, and how we could unify in Christ beyond differing political beliefs. The result has been rich group experiences of understanding one another and growing in Christ-like hope and humility.

Mission Trip to Serbia - Huge Success!

In September, an 11-person team visited mission partner Samuil Petrovski! Serving alongside Samuil in Belgrade, we visited migrant camps, Roma communities, churches, and Christian student organizations. We also had the honor of meeting the Crown Prince and Princess of Serbia. Our team was deeply moved by the breadth of Samuil’s ministry—from supporting refugees and combating human trafficking to reaching out to Roma families and mentoring university students. A memorable highlight was distributing Days for Girls kits—reusable menstrual-care kits—to several communities. Samuil’s ministry is making a profound impact in Belgrade and beyond.

It Starts with a Meal...

Rise Against Hunger packing event on October 19 733 Million People Around the World Face Hunger 111 Volunteers 20,822 Meals Packed

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GROUP LIFE AT VPC Welcome Back!

Vienna Presbyterian Church celebrated an exciting Fall Kickoff with new worship times and a fresh, upgraded Sanctuary! This marked a wonderful opportunity for the congregation and visitors to come together in a beautifullyenhanced space designed to deepen the experience of gathering and worshipping. The Fall Kickoff also introduced a dedicated time for connection, coffee, and community.

This fellowship time encourages members and guests to enjoy refreshments, engage in meaningful conversations, and form lasting connections. It’s a chance to meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and embrace the spirit of community that Vienna Presbyterian Church is known for.

World Communion Sunday On October 6, World Communion Sunday, we joined with brothers and sisters around the globe to celebrate the joy of salvation we share in Jesus Christ. That morning, nine congregants from our church participated in the service, representing countries including Indonesia, Latvia, Australia, Lebanon, Ghana, Scotland, Korea, El Salvador, and Honduras.

60s Plus Field Trip In October, we headed to the Museum of the Bible. It was a great opportunity to explore our faith in interactive and informative ways!

Hot Dogs and Halloween The Monday Night Men’s crew was on a mission, dishing out free hot dogs and popcorn to Halloween parade fans, all while spreading smiles.

Trunk or Treat at VPC We spotted a whole bunch of fresh faces and rolled out the red carpet for new pals at our annual Trunk or Treat this year! Huge shoutout to all the awesome folks who pitched in with setup, decorated their cars, supplied the candy, ran the games, painted faces, whipped up crafts, served delicious food, and tackled the cleanup! You all made it spooktacular!

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Connie’s Corner The holidays are nearly here. Our CARE ministries are very mindful that all is not “merry and bright” for some in our church family. For these beloveds, the season is marked more by sorrow and loneliness. What exactly do we do with the stocking of a loved one no longer here, or when the divorce papers are signed?

God sees and knows our every grief.

The psalmist says that God actually tracks, counts and records our tears (56:8).

Isaiah foretold that Jesus would be a “man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (53:3). He wept at Lazarus’ tomb, mourned over Jerusalem, was in anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, and cried out to His Father from the cross.

Our God sees, knows, and cares deeply.

C.S. Lewis’ account of Aslan (the Lion representing Jesus) and Digory in “The Magician’s Nephew” give us a glimpse into the heart of God. “Up till then, Digory had been looking at the Lion’s great feet and the huge claws on them; now in his despair, he looked up at its face. What he saw surprised him as much as anything in his whole life.

For the tawny face was bent near his own and (wonder of wonders) great shining tears stood in the Lion’s eyes.

They were such big, bright tears compared with Digory’s own that for a moment he felt as if the Lion must really be sorrier about his Mother than he was himself.”

Our God sees, knows, cares deeply, and weeps with us.

Lord, we name you as the one who meets us in our mourning, and promises dancing. We believe you will turn ashes into gladness. Only you.

CONGRATULATIONS! THESE MEMEBERS ARE CELEBRATING MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES Fifty-Five Years Rachel Wills

Fifty Years Cheryl Connor Carol Osterlund

Forty-Five Years Marnie & Tom Harter

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