The Messenger Summer 2026

THE MESSENGER Vienna Presbyterian Church | Summer 2026

VPC Session Update

There’s always a new opportunity on the horizon for the Session (the spiritual leaders of our congregation). Right now, we are spending a considerable amount of time praying through and preparing for transitions among our staff. With three retirements, a post-retirement move, a parental leave, and a pastoral sabbatical already this year, the Session is continually tasked with preparing for the future. While it is always bittersweet to lose a staff member, we are incredibly grateful that these were anticipated losses and have had time to prepare for what’s next.

We are also undertaking the transformation of our mission ministry.

This strong and vital ministry is essential to the work of the church and is poised to continue to thrive and grow in this next season under the leadership of Pastor Adrian. As always, we committed to inviting the entire church family to participate in the process and are grateful to all who invested the time to do so.

Finally, we had the opportunity to give feedback to the pastoral staff on how we structure big Sunday (think Easter) services. It is exciting to work in collaboration with our pastors and staff to provide the best possible worship and fellowship, not only on the special days, but all throughout the year.

Smart Giving from Your IRA Did you know you can support VPC’s missions and ministries while also saving on your taxes?

Federal tax law allows you to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to VPC without impacting your adjusted gross income.

A QCD can help satisfy your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) while supporting the ministries of our Church.

Donors must be age 70½ or older to qualify. Distributions must be made directly from your IRA trustee or custodian to VPC. To learn more, please consult with your financial advisor or IRA plan administrator. Additional questions? Contact Kate Jones at kate.jones@viennapres.org.

Congratulations!

These Members Are Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries 55 years Debbie Gallagher 50 years Susan Pierce 45 years Greg Rahal 40 years Larry and Ava Dowdy Jan and Kim Peterson 35 years Andy and Sheri Attiliis John Cox Kari Gabris Lynn Lewandowski Danielle Talamantes Laura Weiss 30 years Jay De Lanoy Sarah Killion Randy and Sue Gressang Dan Shaw 25 years Tim Donaldson Heather Fuller

VPC partnered with WGTS to host a Sticker Stop & Diaper Drive. What a great outreach and blessing to our community. We brought in 6,383 diapers and 3,300 wipes, plus other supplies; 1,359 of the diapers were donated to the Assist Pregnancy Crisis Center. To God be the glory for the great ways VPC brings Christ into our community.

Making a Difference: Serving Together

On April 12, the Mission’s Ministry screened The Flowers That Bloomed Through Concrete to launch a new prison ministry initiative. The film powerfully demonstrated how faith, education, and mentorship can transform lives, inspiring hope for lasting change inside and beyond prison walls.

Filmmakers and participants shared their personal journeys, while Chaplain Emerson Kim of the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center invited volunteers to serve as mentors and Bible study leaders.

May was both joyful and impactful—from our Fourth Annual Be Our Guest Prom to Team Vienna’s World Vision 6K Walk for Water. The Prom celebrated God’s love with friends with special needs and their families, offering an evening of joy, connection, and encouragement.

Later, 156 walkers raised $86,591, helping bring clean water to 1,731 people who once walked miles for unsafe water— now transformed by hope in their own communities. Our Friendship Class also joined the mission with their own walk, continuing their faithful support and example of service.

We extend heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers whose generosity, compassion, and dedication made these moments possible.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

Making a Difference: Growing in Faith THIRD GRADE BIBLE SUNDAY On Sunday, April 19, 18 third grade children received Bibles from VPC during our annual Bible Sunday celebration. This beloved tradition marks a meaningful milestone in each child's faith journey, reminding them that they are part of a community that will walk alongside them as they discover God's Word for themselves.

BLITZ WEEKEND In April, VPCKids went on its second Blitz weekend with the Philly Project! Our 4th and 5th graders rolled up their sleeves and served in a local park, helping brighten up the Philadelphia community through hands-on projects. From painting and planting to picking up litter, these young servants showed what it means to put faith into action. It was a powerful reminder that you're never too young to make a real difference in the world around you.

GUEST SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS

This spring, our community gathered for two meaningful conversations with guest speakers who helped us engage faithfully with the challenges and questions of our time.

In March, we welcomed Dr. Ryan Burge for an insightful evening exploring polarization in American churches.

Drawing from his research, Dr. Burge helped us better understand the shifting landscape of faith in the United States— what is changing, why it matters, and how churches can respond with wisdom and hope. The evening brought together over a hundred participants, both in person and online, and sparked thoughtful dialogue that continued beyond the event.

In May, we hosted another large event in partnership with Care Ministries. Dr. Jerry Sittser led us in a deeply meaningful conversation on grief, suffering, and hope.

Through personal stories and practical insight, Dr. Sittser invited us to consider how we live faithfully through life’s most difficult experiences. Participants appreciated both the depth of teaching and the opportunity for table discussion, creating space for honest reflection and shared encouragement.

Together, these events reflect our commitment to creating spaces where we can learn, listen, and grow as we seek to follow Christ in a complex world.

G G D # WITH

#GoWithGod This Summer VPCs #GoWithGod campaign invites our members to live out their faith beyond the Church walls—bringing it into their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and communities.

It encourages meaningful, everyday opportunities to share their faith with others while helping keep our congregation engaged throughout the summer.

Be sure to pick up a #GoWithGod placard and pack it with you on all of your summer adventures — near and far. Take a picture with your sign and then send it back to us at VPC. We’ll be featuring pictures and stories all summer long of how our congregation has embraced being SENT to #GoWithGod. Visit viennapres.org/go-with-god to submit your photos

CARRY THE WORD Summer Devotional Whether your summer is filled with suitcases, errands, sandboxes, or porch chairs, our Carry the Word devotional offers an approachable way to meet with God wherever the season takes you. Over 28 days, you’ll be invited into a gentle rhythm of prayer through meaningful Bible passages shared by members of our church family, along with brief reflections on how they carry those Scriptures into everyday life.

Carry the Word is available in printed and digital formats.

Beautifully designed prayer card sets will be available and a daily email version will run July 1–28. Sign up for the email version at viennapres.org/devotions Community Gatherings As we carry Scripture into the rhythms of everyday life this summer, we’ll also gather a few times to share what we’re noticing along the way. These simple conversations will offer connection and encouragement in a casual group setting.

You’re invited to come to any or all of the gatherings. No preparation needed—just come as you are and share as you’re comfortable.

Thursday, July 9 at 7:30-8:30 pm online Thursday, July 30 at 7:30-8:30 pm online Friday, August 14 at 6:00-7:30 pm at VPC - Dinner in the Fellowship Hall

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