THE MESSENGER
VIENNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | MARCH 2025
IN THIS ISSUE
Holy Week and Easter
FROM HOPE'S HEART
Eachmonth,thepastorsandEldersofthechurchtake sometimetoreflectonvision.VisionisaboutwhatGodis callingustobeanddomovingforward.Basically,weare askingtowhatenddoesourmission(“acaringfellowship, bringingChristintoourdiversecommunity,through discipleshipandservice”)leadus?Whoarewehopingto become,andwhomightwereach,ifwefullyliveoutour mission?
Amongthewordsthatcontinuallymarkourconversations,wefind“grace,”“joy,”and“peace.”Manywho haveenteredintothelifeofVPCoverthelastcoupleofyearshavesharedwithustheirexperienceasbeingone ofatrulyauthenticpresenceofgrace,gentleness,andjoy.Thosewordsstandinstarkcontrasttohowmany describethetenorofourworldtoday.Thatmakesmethinkthatweareontherighttrack!Wearecalledtobe intheworld,butnotofit.WhenJesusspeaksofthisinJohn17,HepraysthatGodwould"sanctify"Hispeople. Sanctifymeansto"setapart."VPCisaplacethatissetaparttobeabeaconofgrace,gentleness,andjoyinthis world.Thoseareallthingsthattheworldneeds…andthatwehavetooffer!
Howisitthattheseattributesrosetothetop?Ibelievethatit'sbecauseofthecommitmentofleadershipto keep"themainthing,themainthing."WepreachJesus.WeteachJesus.WefollowJesus.Westrive(though humbly,andoftenimperfectly)tolive,care,love,andworshiplikeJesus.Weboldlytacklehardthingsand havedifficultconversationswithScriptureasourguideandJesusasourcenter.Wedothechallengingworkof agreeinganddisagreeinginlove.Wearenotuniformineverythingoftheworld,butweareunifiedinChrist. ThisallowsVPCtoproviderespitetoawearyworldthatcaneasilyfindplentyofplacestoargue,protest, divide,rage---allthingsthatareveryfarfromgrace,gentleness,andjoy.Perhapsthisisthereasonwhywe hearsomanypeopleusetheword“peace”todescribehowtheyfeelwhentheywalkthroughthedoorseach weekastheysensetheyareenteringaplacethatiswonderfullyandfaithfully“setapart.”
Thismonthwe’llbelearningabouttheheartofJesuseachSundaymorningasweworkourwaytowards Easter.ThereisonlyoneplaceinScripture,whereJesusHimselfspeaksexplicitlytohisveryownheart:
“Iamgentleandhumbleinheart.”~Matthew11:29
Gentleandhumble.Thatsoundsinviting.Itsoundspeaceful.Itsoundslikerespite.Itsoundslikeaplacethatis setapart.AndIpray,preciouschurch,thatitsoundslikeourcongregation!
IlookforwardtoseeingyoueachweekaswesharetheheartofChristwithoneanother!
IntheGripofGrace,
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER AT VIENNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
HolyWeekisthelastweekofLent,andtheweekleadinguptoEaster,whenweobservevarioushistorically significanteventsthatoccurredduringthelastweekofJesus’lifeandministry.HolyWeekbeginsonPalm SundayandendsonHolySaturday,thedaybeforeEaster,andincludesMaundyThursdayandGoodFriday.
HereatViennaPresbyterianChurchwehavemanyopportunitiesforyouforyoutoengagewithHolyWeekas we prepareforEaster.OnEasterweareofferingthreeservicesthisyear,at8:00am(40min.contemporary service),9:00am(contemporary),and11:00am(traditional). Ofcourseeveryoneisinvitedtothepopular EasterEggHuntontheTownGreenat10:15am. Thisisalsoagreattimetoinvitesomeonenewtochurch. Wecan’twaittoseeyou. AnotheropportunityforengagementonEasterwillbehelpwithparking.Weare lookingforsomevolunteerstobeintheparkinglotonEasterSundaytohelpdirectcongregationmembers andvisitorstoavailableparkingspotsand/oradditionalparkingoptions.PleasereachouttoPastorAdrianat adrian.rodriguez@viennapres.orgifyouareinterestedinhelpingwiththisEasterparkingministry opportunity.
MaundyThursdayService- Thursday,April17,7:00pm,Sanctuary
MaundyThursdayCommunionwillbeaspecialserviceofmusic,prayer,communion,andScripturearound Jesus’final“lovecommand.”WewillreflectontheeventsofJesus’lastnightbeforecrucifixion.
GoodFridayService- Friday,April18,7:00pm,Sanctuary
TheGoodFridayservicewillbeatimeofmusic,prayer,silence,andScripturereflectingonJesus’finalhours andcrucifixion.
EasterSundayServices- April20,8:00am,9:00amand11:00am,Sanctuary
Wewillhavecelebratoryworshipat8:00am(40minutes,contemporary),9:00am(contemporary)and 11:00am(traditional)intheSanctuary.Childcarewillbeavailableatallthreeservices.SundaySchoolis availableforkidsat9:00and11:00am.AdultSundaymorningprogrammingiscancelled.Weinviteeveryone tothefestivitiesontheTownGreenat10:15am.
EasterEggHunt- April20,10:15amattheTownGreen
EveryoneisinvitedtocometotheViennaTownGreenat10:15amonEasterSundaytowatchthechildren (agestoddlerto5thgrade)huntforeggs,enjoycoffeeandsnacks,takefamilyphotosinourphotoboothand enjoyEastermorningfellowship.Thisisafreeeventandnoregistrationisneeded.Childrenneedtobring theirownbaskets.
EasterFlowers
WewilldecoratetheSanctuarywithspringflowersforEaster.Weinviteyoutocontribute$15inhonoroforin memoryofalovedone.Youmaygiveonline,intheoffering,inagivingbox,oratthechurchoffice.Please noteinhonorormemoryof,andyourlovedone’snameinthememoline(upto50characters).Ifyouneed additionalspacefornames,emailAprilMasseyatapril.massey@viennapres.org.Thelistofnameswillbe printedinourEasterbulletin.YouareinvitedtopickuptheflowersyouorderedAFTER12:15pmon EasterSunday,April20.ThedeadlineforsubmissionisApril9.
LIFE AT VPC
YouthRetreat
OurYouthvisitedNorthBayforourWinterRetreat wherewespenttimeplayinggames,inmorning devotions,ziplining,bravingtheropescourses, swingingoutovertheChesapeakeBay,building communitywithinouryouthgroup,enjoying s'moresaroundthefire,worshipingthrough musicandspokenword,enjoyingcreation,andso muchmore!WelovedhavingPastorAdrianshare howwecanLetGodBeOurValentinethrough talksaboutGod'sLoveforUs,OurLoveforGod, andOurLoveforOthers.
YouthSunday
“Our church family cannot stop talking about how meaningful Youth Sunday was and how well the Youth did in planning, preparing, and leading worship that morning. We've had several people request mini Jesus' to gift to friends and even some requesting flat Jesus. You're message of Keeping God Close is helping further Christ's Kingdom! Thank you to everyone who helped plan and to all who participated in Youth Sunday 2025.”
VPCfamilieshadablastatanightofworship,rockingout toTobyMac,withthefabulousCrowderandCAINjoining theparty!
Sundaymorningsare ablastaskidsdive intothedelightful worldoftheGospel, turninglearninginto ajoy-filledadventure!
LIFE AT VPC
PracticingtheWayGroupsBegin!
BewithJesus.Becomelikehim.Doashedid.Thisis whatitmeanstobeadiscipleofChrist,andthisiswhat PracticingtheWaycanguideusin.Thegroupleaders areexcitedtoofferthisnewdiscipleshipcourseandthe congregationislookingforwardtoit,too!70people areparticipatinginaPracticingtheWaygroupthis spring.PracticingtheWayhasawonderfulcapacityto meetpeoplewherethey’reatintheirspiritualjourney. Praywithusthatthegroupparticipantswillexperience joyingainingfreshinsightforwhatitmeanstowalk withChristintheireverydaylives.
ShroveTuesdayPancakeSupper
Over250childrenandadultsgatheredtoenjoy pancakes,sausage,KingCake,alivelycakewalk, andaspiritoffellowshipatVPC’sShroveTuesday Supper.
AshWednesday
Weopenedourparkinglotagainthisyeartooffera Drive-ThruAshWednesdayservicewherethe communityreceivedashes,andprayed withapastor.AswellsasofferingourtraditionalAsh WednesdayworshipserviceintheSanctuary.
Re-PresentingChristintheConversationsoftheDaywithCarmenLaBerge
VPCwelcomedCarmenLaBergeforaspecialSaturdaymorningeventinthestyleofherradioshow/podcast! Carmen,arenownedspeaker,author,andhostofTheReconnectwithCarmenLaBergeinterviewed “conversationpartners”fromourcongregationonkeytopicsattheintersectionoffaithandculture.They sharedpracticalinsightsthathelpedusconnecttheeternaltotheeverydaysothatwemaybetterengagethe worldarounduswithtruth,grace,andcourage.ManythankstoPhilCovellforspeakingwithCarmenonfinding commongroundinpoliticalconversations,DanandGuoweiWrightfortheirgreatexamplesonsharingChristlikelovethroughinvitingpeopletomeals,andtoPastorRobertforalivelyconversationwithCarmenaboutthe ageofArtificialIntelligence.
1000 MEALS SERVED 100 VOLUNTEERS
HypothermiaPreventionProgramCelebrates11Years!
Theefforttopreventhypothermiainvolved100dedicated volunteerswhocooked,cleaned,andservedguests,with specialthankstothosewhopreparedbreakfastat4:30am. GuestsreceivedbeautifulthrowsmadebytheVPC PieceMakers,alongwithprayercards,creatingameaningful experience.Theministry'ssupportisgreatlyappreciated, reflectingthedeepfaithofthediverseattendees.
HighlightingHaiti’sStruggles:Film&Discussion
OnFebruary2,VPCMissionshostedtheCommunity CoalitionforHaiti,showcasingacompellingvideoabout lifeinHaiti.Thefilmfollowsayoungcouple,expecting theirfirstchild,astheyfacethechallengesposedby criminalsandviolence.DirectorAlexandrineBenjamin joinedviaZoomtoemphasizetheimportanceofsharing theplightofHaitians.Thankstoallwhoattendedthefilm N'Ap Boule (Through the Barricades).
VPC’s5TalentsChallenge
ThosewhoworshippedwithusinpersononJanuary5 receivedabagcontaining5coinsand5cardsanda challengefor2025. Here’saglimpseofwhatyou’ve sharedaboutVPC’s5TalentsChallengeinactionsofar. Howisyourchallengegoing?
186CoinsReturned 136CardsReturned
MinistryUpdatefromEasternEurope
OnFebruary9,MissionPartner,Samuil Petrovski,PresidentoftheSerbianEvangelical Alliance,sharedupdatesonhisministryin EasternEurope,focusingonspreadingJesus’ messageanddevelopingfutureChristian leaders.
“I used my gift of hospitality to host neighbor kids on snow days allowing parents time to work from home.”
“I shared WGTS with a friend who was anxious and looking for positivity.”
HAPPENINGS AROUND VPC in March and April
WelcometoVPC!Thelifeofourchurchisveryactive. Wehavemanypaths tohelpyougetconnected,learnmore aboutGod,andserveothersregardlessofyourage.AtVPC,youwillmakefriends,findencouragement,and receivecareandsupport.Weencourageeveryonetofindasmallgroup,aclass,aBiblestudy,achoir,amom’s grouporotherlifegroups.
Get Your 2025 Lent Devotional
The devotional features a simple spiritual practice to try for each week of Lent along with an accompanying Scripture. Pick up your copy at the table in the lobby/narthex, or download an electronic version at https://www.viennapres.org/devotionals/
Dementia Care Ministry (Park Street Ministry)
March 10, 24 & April 14 & 28 | 11:00 am - 12:30 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. Meets twice a month from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.
60s Plus
March 11 (Catered) & April 8 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
A time of fellowship for our members and friends over 60 to gather for a potluck lunch, devotional and a monthly program.
Playground Playdates
March 14 & April 5 & 11 | 10:00 - 11:00 am
A time for parents and their children, infants to age 5 and expecting parents to enjoy time together on the VPC playground. For more information, contact Heather Boehm at heather.boehm@viennapres.org
Family Night: Chili Edition
March 21 | 6:00 pm
VPCKids welcomes you for an evening of family fellowship and fun. Enjoy a bowl of chili as you connect with other families. Then enjoy some fun with games for everyone, mom, dad, baby sister, big brother, and even grandparents!
VBS Craft Day
April 1 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Do you have a talent for making things, a passion for painting, an affection for arts and crafts? Join us for a day of crafting to help us prepare for summer camps. Skills that may be used: cutting, gluing, painting, assembling, building, etc. All ages welcome. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This can count for service hours. Lunch Provided!
Wee Worship
April 6 | 10:30 am
Maundy Thursday Communion Service
April 17 | 7:00 pm
This will be a special service of music, prayer, and Scripture.
Good Friday Service
April 18 | 7:00 pm
This will be a time of music, prayer, silence, and Scripture reflecting on Jesus’ final hours and crucifixion.
Easter Worship Service
April 20 | 8:00, 9:00 & 11:00 am
We will enjoy an 8:00 am service in the Sanctuary and have celebratory worship at 9:00 am (contemporary) and 11:00 am (traditional).
Easter Egg Hunt
April 20 | 10:15 am
Everyone is invited to come to the Vienna Town Green on Easter Sunday for children to hunt for eggs, enjoy coffee and snacks, and take family photos in our photo booth. This is a free event and no registration is needed. Children need to bring their own baskets.
Mom’sMorningMeetup
April26|8:30am
Stepoutofthehouseforamorningoutwithother momswhoareinthethickofparenting,too.Wemeet quarterlyonSaturdays,at8:30am.Cometakeabreak fromyourlittleonesandjoinusatCabooseTavernat 520MillStNE,Vienna,VA22180forconversationand community.
BibleSunday
April27|9:00&10:30am
Itisourtraditiontopresentevery3rdgraderwiththeir veryownBible.Wewouldliketoextendthisinvitation tothosein4th-5thgradewhomaynothavehadthe opportunitytoreceiveaBibleyet.Kidswillbegivena Hands-onNLTBiblewhichhelpsmakeScripture relatableandmemorable!Bibleswillbepresented duringbothworshipservices.Register:viennapres.org
CLUB
April27|5:00-7:00pm
CLUBfor4th&5thgradersmeetsonceamonthforour preteenstolearnaboutGodandfaithwhilebuilding community.Kidsareinvitedforpizza,games,anda message.
Interested in learning simple Bible songs with your child? Parents join us with your kids, infants through Pre-K. Second Floor, Childcare Wing. www.viennapres.org/calendar
50Years
JimMcCoy
CindyWilliamson
45Years
SandyHogge
LindaColbert
DonSinclair
GeorgeMunsterman
JaniceMunsterman
40Years
DebbieCapp
RobCapp
BrendaGardiner
JuneRinehart
DickTitus
JanetTitus
HarryHutcherson
TriciaHutcherson
DougBath
JenFleisher
35Years
DickStark
AnnaWhiston-Donaldson
30Years
CraigEldridge
LizEldridge
JoeFacenda
DawnWinkler
MarkWinkler
25Years
PhyllisCassee
RickCassee
BeckyHuffstutler
RobHuffstutler
ByronWong
DonnaWong
PhyllisFoley
JonGraves
NinaGraves
MikeLincoln
WendyLincoln
JeanieThomas
JimThomas
GENEROSITY UPDATE
YourfinancialgiftshelpVPCtransformliveswiththemessageofJesusChristhereinourcommunityandaround theworld.TherearemanywaystogiveatVPC.
GiveOnline-EasilyandsecurelysetuprecurringgiftsthroughVPC'swebsiteatwww.viennapres.org/giving.
Giftscanbesetupasaweekly,monthlyorquarterlytransferfromyourbankaccountorcreditcardtoVPC. Textyourgift-TextVPCto73256.
MailyourgifttoVPCat124ParkStreetNE,Vienna,VA22180.
DropoffyourgiftatVPCintheofferingplateorinthewhitesecuremailboxbytheParkStreetentrance. Makeastockdonation- Visitwww.viennapres.org/givingforinstructions.Inordertocorrelateyourstock donationtoyourgivingrecord,pleaseemailNinaGravesorcall703.938.9050x133whenmakinganelectronic transferofsecurities.DonorsarenotidentifiedwhenstockisreceivedintheVPCSchwabaccount.
