THE MESSENGER
VIENNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | JUNE 2025
FROM HOPE'S HEART
Pentecostishere!Iamsoexcited!IlovetheHolySpiritand tohaveaday(June8 )thatissoprofoundlydedicatedto celebratingtheworkoftheHolySpiritfillsmewithsuch joy!Pentecostoccursapproximately50daysafterJesus ascendedintoheavenandpromisedhisdisciplesthatan advocate(theSpiritofGod)wouldcomeamongthepeople andbewiththemuntilJesusreturned.Pentecost,tome, ushersinaprofoundspiritofjoyandenergyintothe church. th
ThisyearitfeelslikeourcongregationhasbeenlivingfullyintoaPentecostseason.Therehasbeensucha flurryofMEANINGFULactivity,discipleship,andengagement.YoucanjusttellthatGodisuptobigthingsin thisplace!
AlthoughwearejustcomingoffoftheBeOurGuestProm,VivaVienna,theLongestTable,PhillyBlitz,and PreparingtheWaygroups,wearerevvingupforthesummer.StartingthisSunday(June1 )I’llbepreachinga 3-weekseriesonPentecostcalled,“Prepare.Receive.Transform.”We’llbeactivelythinkingabouthowwe,as acongregation,canbepropelledtoactionfortheGospelthroughthepoweroftheSpirit.
Afterthat,summerisoffandrunning.OurNextGenteamkicksoffcampsandtripsthisweekandtheyrun straightthroughthebeginningofAugust.OurdeaconsstarthostingSundaySummerBreakfastsbeginningon June22 .And,fortheentirechurchfamily,it’stimeforourAnnualSummerBBQonJune15 (alsoFather’s Day).We’llhaveoneservicethatdayat10:00amandthenheadonoutsidetoenjoysomedeliciousfoodand connectionwitheachother. nd th
ThesummerprovidesusallwithanopportunitytocatchafreshwindoftheSpirit.Trysomethingnew!Reada partoftheBibleyou’veneverreadbefore.Checkouttheotherworshipservicefromtheoneyounormally attend.Inviteoneofthepastorsorstaffmembersoutforcoffee.HavesomeHolyconversations!
Butfirst,WEARREDonJune8 aswecelebratePentecostandthefreshbeginningsoftheSpiritofGod! th
IntheGripofGrace,
SESSION UPDATE
Lastyear,afteranextensivechurchwidestudy,theWorshipTransformationTeamrecommendedchangesto ourSundaymorningschedule,whichwereapprovedbySessioninJuly.Atthattime,theeldersalsomadea commitmenttoevaluatingthenewscheduleattheendofthefirstprogramyear-whichisfastapproaching. Althoughnobigchangesareexpected,wedolookforwardtoreviewingthenewscheduletoensureitmeets theneedsofthedifferentministriesandindividualswhoactivelyparticipateinVPCworshipandprogramming eachSundaymorning.
InadditiontoconsideringtheVPCworshipschedule,theSessionisprayerfullyexploringhowweusesomeof ourphysicalspace,particularlyonthethirdfloor.Theupperlevel,relativelyunchangedsinceitwasbuiltin 2005,servesdualpurposes:itishometoourgrowingchildren’sministryandisalsousedbydifferentadult groupsthroughouttheweek.Weareseekingtoboldlyreimaginethisspacewhilemaintainingandgrowing thevitalministriesofourchurch.
Inadditiontotimeandspace,wewanttoenableopportunitiesforcongregantsofallagestogatherin meaningfulways.Here’salookatsomeupcomingevents:
June15:Summerkicksoffwithasingleworshipserviceat10:00amfollowedbyourchurchwideBBQ. June22–August10:Summerbreakfastreturnsandtakesplacebetween9:45and10:45am.Allare welcome!
August17:BlessingoftheBackpacksforstudentsofallagesduringbothservices.
October10–12:ChurchwideRetreat.Markyourcalendarandplantojoininaweekendoffaith, fellowship,andfunforallages.
Asalways,weencourageyoutoreachouttoanyelderortheClerkofSession,ChuckAllen,withanyquestions orcommentsyoumayhave.
YOU MADE IT! TIME TO CHECK-IN
WearesohappytospendtimetogetherinworshipwithyoueachSunday!Whetheryouworshipatthe9:00 amor10:30amservice,inpersonoronline,ithelpsusgettoknowoneanotherifweknowyouarewithus.
ThroughRealm,wehavetwogreatwaystocheck-in:
WhileatVPC,stopbyakioskintheNarthexoroutsideFellowshipHall,typeinyourname,easily check-inyourselfandyourfamily,andprintnametagssothatthosearoundyoucangreetyouby name.Needhelp?StopbytheWelcomeCenterandwearehappytoassist!
Mobilecheck-inisavailableonyourdevice.LookfortheRealmConnectnotificationeachweek,follow theprompt,andchoosewhetheryouarejoiningusin-personorvirtually.Ifyoudon’tgetRealm notifications,check-inisalsofoundonthemenuintheapp.
Ifyou’vegotquestionsaboutRealm,theRealmConnectapp,orwouldliketocreateanaccount,emailour Realmadministrator,KathyJoyneratkathy.joyner@viennapres.org.
LIFE AT VPC
FromViennatoPhilly:AWeekendThatMadeaDifference VPCKidstookagroupof3rd-5thgraderstoPhiladelphiatoexperienceaBlitzWeekendwithThePhillyProject. ThePhillyProjectpartnerswiththelocalchurchtoservetheirmostvulnerableneighborsandprovide transformativeserviceopportunities.Ourkidsworkedinacommunitygarden,finishedtheadditionofanew raisedbedandweededandwateredtherestofthegarden.Wealsocleanedandorganizedthepreschoolat RoxboroughChurch.Thekidsreflectedonhowcleaningcouldbefun,butalsohowdifferentotherpeople'slives areandhowblessedtheyare.TheyexperiencedbeingthehandsandfeetofJesus.Theylovedthewholetripand areeagertoreturnnextyearwithfriends!
Sing,Pray,Play:It’sWeeWorshipTime!
WeeWorshipinMayhadaspecialguest,AndrewSchmidtwithhisguitar!Ourtoddlers andpreschoolersenjoyedhavinganewinstrumentintroducedtothenormalroutine. Mr.Andrewplayedsomefamiliarandnewsongs.Itwasajoyfultimeofworship together.
OnSunday,April10, 35youngpeopleboldly declaredtheirfaithandclaimedChristastheir own!Whatanunforgettabledayof transformation,celebration,andnewbeginnings intheirjourneywithJesus!
Tolearnmoreaboutconfirmation,contactYouth Director,VickiSumnerat vicki.sumner@viennapres.org
VPC IN THE COMMUNITY
EasterSundayatVPC
EasteratViennaPresbyterianChurchwasajoyfulcelebrationfilled withworship,community,andthehopeoftheResurrection!Aftera powerfulEasterservice,thecelebrationcontinuedontheVienna TownGreenwithafestiveEasterEggHuntfeaturing6,000colorful eggsscatteredforchildrentodiscover.Familiesenjoyedfreefoodand drinksaslaughterandexcitementfilledtheair.Aheartfeltthankyou tothemanyincrediblevolunteerswhomadethedaysospecial—your time,energy,andgenerosityhelpedcreateunforgettablememories forourchurchandcommunity!
VPCHostsaTableatTheLongestTable ,400peoplegatheredonMillStreetforTheLongest TableVienna,acommunitypotluckinspiredbyasimilar eventinNewYorkCity. PastorAdrianRodriguez,joinedby family,friends,churchmembers,andstaff,hadafantastic timesharingdeliciousfoodandexperiencedmeaningful,new connectionsandabeautifulafternoonofcommunitybuilding.
Viva!Vienna!
AsavibrantpartoftheViennacommunity, VPCwasthrilledtobeoutamongfriends andneighbors,sharinglaughter,love,and thegoodnessofGodatthe41 Annual Viva!Vienna!Whatanamazingdayto celebrateconnectionandcommunityin theheartofourtown! st
BE OUR GUEST PROM
Over130VPCfriendsandneighborshelped makethisbeautifuleveninghappen.Guests weredelightedwiththeactivitiesfromthepast includingKaraoke,GameRoom,Glitterhairand tattoos,theRed-CarpetWalk,Singing Princessesandamilitaryhonorguardto welcomethem.
Thenewactivitiesaddedthisyear,Custom CaricaturesandaJewelryBoxforgueststo bedazzlethemselves,weresmashhitsforthe guests!Individualparentthankyoumessages arecherishedastheyexperiencetheirchildren's joy.Thiseventaccomplishedour#1goal-to shareChrist'slovewithallGod'schildren.Thank youtoALLwhodonatedtheirtime,talentand treasuretoprovideaneveningthatwassimply aboutlove!
VPC’sthirdBeOurGuestPromforourfriendswith developmentaldifferenceswasthebestoneyet!At capacitywith70guestsandover80buddies,allhadan amazingtime.Thecommunityclearlydesirestobeapart ofthiswonderfuleventasflowers,funds,jewelry, homemadedesserts,andanamazingcustom-madeyard signwereprovidedbylocalbusinessesandfriendsofVPC! Inaddition,theDeaconswereincrediblysupportive,taking onthelargetasksforsettingup,servingandcleanupfor theParentLounge,whileMondayNightMen providedthe sameforthebuddiesandguests!
70 GUEST 80 BUDDIES 130 VOLUNTEERS
HAPPENINGS AROUND VPC in June and July
WelcometoVPC!Thelifeofourchurchisveryactive. Wehavemanypaths tohelpyougetconnected,learnmore aboutGod,andserveothersregardlessofyourage.AtVPC,youwillmakefriends,findencouragement,and receivecareandsupport.Weencourageeveryonetofindasmallgroup,aclass,aBiblestudy,achoir,amom’s grouporotherlifegroup.
Support Group for Women with Loved Ones
Living with Dementia
June 3 & July 1 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Does your loved one live with Dementia? VPC recently launched a monthly support group for women whose spouse or parent is living with Dementia. The group will meet the first Tuesday of each month in the church Parlor from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Feel free to come anytime. No registration required.
Pentecost Sunday
June 8 | 9:00 & 10:30 am
On Pentecost Sunday, long considered the “birthday of the church,” we recognize the giving of the Holy Spirit, traditionally represented by the color red. Everyone is invited to wear red in recognition of this very special day at both worship services.
New Member Class
June 8 | 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Our membership class is an opportunity to explore what it means to be part of VPC’s mission: A caring fellowship bringing Christ into our diverse community through discipleship and service. Come learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can be a part of it. We invite you to take the next step in your faith journey and discover your place within our community.
Youth Pool Party
June 8 | 4:00 - 6:00 pm
All sixth through twelfth graders are invited to join us for our end of the school year pool party. Come relax, hang out at the pool and have fun with friends as you celebrate the end of the school year.
Dementia Care Ministry (Park Street Fellowship)
June 9, 23 & July 28 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
This ministry is designed for both those caring and those suffering. Our time is divided between thoughtful whole group time and a break-out session. Lunch included. Please pre-register: lara.ferreira@viennapres.org
60s Plus
June 10 (Potluck) & July 8 (Catered) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
A time of fellowship for our members and friends over 60 to gather for a lunch, devotional and a monthly program.
Summer Fun Day
June 12 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Kick off summer with VPCYouth! We’ll spend time engaging in water wars and helping our new sixth graders get to know everyone in VPCYouth. Come ready for battle as we’ll team up for water relays, human battleship, and more! All rising sixth through completed twelfth graders are welcome – friends, too!
Summer Kick-Off BBQ
June 15 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join us for a sizzling good time at our Summer KickOff BBQ! Bring your family, friends, and appetite for an afternoon of delicious food, games, music, and summer fun! Whether you’re new to VPC or have been here for years, this is a perfect chance to connect and celebrate the season together.
Mom’sEveningMeetup
June28|7:00pm
Escapethedailychaosandjoinasquadoffellow momsknee-deepintheparentingtrenches.Indulgein savorys'moresandunwindwithothermomswho totallygettheparentinghustle.ContactMaddie SchmidttoRSVPandformoredetailsat maddie.schmidt@viennapres.org
FunintheSonTrip
June21-27
JoinusforanunforgettableweekinbeautifulSt. SimonsIsland,Georgia.Experiencepowerfulworship andinspiringspeakers.You'llalsohaveplentyoffree timetorelaxandenjoythewater.Don’tmissthis incredibleopportunitytogrowinfaith,build friendships,andhavefuninthesun!Forcompleted 8 -12 graders.Register:viennapres.org th th
YouthTriptoHersheyPark
July8|7:00am-7:30pm
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Callingallrising6 gradersthroughrecentlygraduated seniors—joinusforafulldayofthrills,atHershey Park!We’lltakecareofeverything—transportation, parking,parkadmission,andevenameal+drink voucher—youjustbringyoursenseoffun! Spotsare limited!Registernow:viennapres.org
Music&ArtCamp
July14-18|9:00am-3:00pm
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Rising4 -9 graderswholovetheartscanjoin friendsandbringastoryfromtheBibletolifethrough acting,song,costumes,setdesignandmore.Register: viennapres.org
www.viennapres.org/calendar
CONGRATULATIONS! THESE MEMEBERS ARE CELEBRATING MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
55Years
AviceHill
BobHill
35Years
JohnRohrback
RobinRohrback
ElaineRyan
GingerThomas
JimThomas
AndyWang
50Years
BettyLittle
CarolynWolf
FrankWolf
40Years
BobHannah
DebbyScozzie
30Years
KatheAlbrecht
MarkAlbrecht
JohnnyCrowder
AnneDriscoll
AlecMassy
RodgerRak
MeredithRenard
SueSchrader
WayneSchrader
HowardSpringsteen
25Years
BrianIchord
VickyMcLaine
ColleenSchrader
EdSchultz
MaryBethSchultz
KellyThomson
CaringFellowship BringingChristIntoOurDiverseCommunity ThroughDiscipleshipAndService