VIENNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | AUGUST 2022
THE MONTHLY MESSENGER
FROM HOPE'S HEART... A big decision was made at the Lee House this week. We’re getting a new puppy! Back in April, our beloved 10 year-old Black Lab, Julia, passed away from cancer and the whole family was devastated. The thought of a new puppy seemed overwhelming at that time, not just because of the grief of the loss but the thought of how much energy and effort has to go into a new puppy. Julia’s passing, while very much a part of life, still required some adjustment on our part. As we arrived at the place just beyond our grief, a discussion ensued among the family as to the best way to move forward. There was general agreement that we would get another dog, as opposed to a cat or a snake or a hamster. But, there was some contention as to what kind. Peter has long advocated for a Corgi and has received zero support from the rest of the family. Sung was raised with Pomeranians. I was raised with Black Labs. Anna is neutral in all this because…college. And Maria, the baby of the family and the one who will most likely be the caretaker and playmate of the dog, just wanted something small enough to snuggle with and hold. So, at the end of August, we are adopting a 2-month old, 4lb, cavapoo (a mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle - see page 16)! We are all very excited! We are also very nervous, a little bit anxious, and have some anticipatory concerns around what it’s going to be like for there to be a “baby” in our house again. We know that the long-run is going to be awesome, but we definitely have some concerns about the short-term. This is the same place we find our church family this month. In July we shared our new mission statement: A Caring Fellowship Bringing Christ Into Our Diverse Community Through Discipleship And Service. What is so captivating about this new mission is the desire of the church to get out beyond ourselves and to cultivate active lives of faith that exist in the community all throughout the week, not just on Sunday mornings. It is eternally-focused and relationshiporiented!
But, it also different from who VPC has historically been. We’ve been a “Black Lab” church and that has served us well, been a significant part of who we are, and has blessed us for many years. We do not have to deny any of that love or the fond memories we share. Of course, we didn’t just jump in to this new mission either. We went through a period of grieving and transition. And then we went through a time of researching our next steps. Every single person in the church family was invited to participate and give their input. And now, as the Lees are getting a puppy, VPC is getting a new mission! It is to be expected that this is going to be different. Our precious Julia weighed 75lbs. Our new puppy will max out at 10lbs in adulthood. Julia came to us fully trained. The new puppy is our responsibility to raise up. It’s going to be work --joyful work --- but work, nonetheless. Julia’s harness will not fit the new puppy. Julia’s crate is far too big. Julia’s food is not suitable for tiny dogs. And Julia’s toys weigh more than the puppy will. Likewise, we’re going to have adjust here at VPC to this new mission. What worked for us in the last season might not be the best for us going forward, no matter how well it served us in the past. But, God’s new thing IS on the way and we need to get ourselves prepared. Please join me, the Session, and our Transformation Teams on August 21 at 10:15 am as we will share with the entire church family the mission that God is calling us to in the years ahead. I hope that if you are brandnew to VPC or have been a lifelong member that you will be there and be a part of this new beginning for our congregation! August is a month to look forward to with great expectations, even as we learn to let go with love. In the midst of such change, one thing remains --- God, who has begun a great work within us, will see us through to the day of completion! We also pray that He will see the Lees through the coming days of puppy training! In the Grip of Grace, Pastor Hope hope.lee@viennapres.org
WORSHIP
HOW TO GET CONNECTED VPC seeks to be a warm and welcoming community that invites you to “come just as you are” to learn what it means to follow Jesus with your life. VPC can be as big or small as you want it to be. We have the resources of a large church, but our groups and ministries give us the warm, hometown, community feel that makes us special. We have many paths to help you get connected, learn more about God, and to serve others, regardless of your age. At VPC, you’ll make friends, find encouragement, and receive support. We encourage everyone to find a small group with whom to share their spiritual journey: perhaps a class in one of our Sunday morning Learning Communities where you can ask questions about faith, a weekday Bible study, a choir, a moms' gathering, or many others. Wherever you are in your journey, there are others here that want to walk with you. Our worship is dynamic and alive and is designed to engage your mind, stimulate your heart and challenge you to discover how God is calling you to live your life. Music is an important element of worship here and we celebrate with a wide variety of music styles intended to engage everyone in our intergenerational family. Does singing bring you joy? Why don't you join us in the choir? All voice parts are needed and there is no audition necessary. We ask that you are vaccinated and boosted. Rehearsals are Sunday morning in the Lower Level at 9:45 am. At 10:30 am, we move upstairs to rehearse in the Sanctuary. Questions? Contact Lance Vining at 703.938.9050 or lance.vining@viennapres.org
VPC has two worship services in the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings. Both services include Bible-based teaching combined with either traditional or contemporary music. The pastor delivers the same sermon at both services. 9:00 AM - This worship service is contemporary; music is led by a worship band. Children's programming is offered at this time. Childcare is available for infants to 3 years. 10:10 AM - Invite a friend, gather your family, and get ready to expand your church family while enjoying FREE breakfast and activities in between worship services this summer from June 5 – September 4 at 10:10am in the Great Hall and Outside. 11:15 AM - This worship service is traditional; music is led by the Sanctuary Choir with organ and piano. Childcare is available for infants to 3 years. We typically celebrate the sacrament of communion on the first Sunday of each month. Baptisms can be scheduled by contacting Rachel Peck at rachel.peck@viennapres.org.
QUICK GLANCE CALENDAR
HAPPENINGS AT VPC Town Hall Meeting, Sunday, August 21 at 10:15 am After almost a year of non-stop work and through the efforts of countless members of our church family, the Session (our church governing body) officially approved a new mission statement for our church. Moving forward, we are called to be: “A caring fellowship bringing Christ into our diverse community through discipleship and service.”
August
As our mission has evolved so must the staffing model at VPC to align with our new mission. As you can imagine, staffing changes are not easy, even when they are necessary. We know that the details around the new mission as well as the associated staffing changes are of profound interest to everyone, and we’d like the opportunity to speak with the entire congregation at the same time. Please join us on Sunday, August 21 at 10:15 am in the Sanctuary, for a Town Hall meeting where you will be able to hear directly from the Transformation Teams and learn more about our new mission and associated staffing model. After the meeting we invite you to the Great Hall for an ice cream social to celebrate kids going back to school. Childcare will be provided and Children's Ministry will provide activities and ice cream sundaes on the third floor during the Town Hall meeting. VPC Summer Block Party Saturday August 27, 5:00-8:00 PM VPC Parking Lot After last year's joyous summer party, we had to do it again! All of your favorite activities are back plus some new ones! Food trucks, DJ, moon bounce, inflatable obstacle course, inflatable sticky dodge ball, lawn games, and more. Plenty of seats for enjoying dinner and conversation. What else do we need? You and your friends and neighbors! Come join the party and bring a friend or two for an end of summer fun time. Get more info at www.viennapres.org/blockparty Can you volunteer with set up or clean up? Look for the SignUpGenius at www.viennapres.org/blockparty, or contact Kim Snyder at kim.snyder@viennapres.org or x130. Taste and See....What's Happening at VPC As many of you have noticed, new things are happening at VPC! God has blessed us with so much and it is not something we want to keep to ourselves… we want to share it with you! So we are inviting everyone in our community, whether you are visiting for the first time, a new family to our church, or a life-long member, drop in, say “hi,” and have a look around. We will have one worship service on Sunday, September 11 at 10:00 am and afterward we’re going to have a building-wide celebration that gives you a chance to explore all of our facilities, get to know the VPC ministries, find something delicious to eat, and enter to win some really fun door prizes!
4
Student Pool & BBQ Party
13
VPC Walking Group
14
Family Fun Night
14
Loss of a Spouse Seminar
21
Blessing of the Backpacks
21
Town Hall Meeting
27
Summer Block Party
28
GriefShare Begins
September 10
VPC Walking Group
11
Taste & See...What's Happening at VPC
13 - 24 CenterPoint Trip 16 - 18
Fall Youth Retreat
19
Men's BBQ
24
Women's Brunch
"And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:44-47
MISSIONS AT VPC Refugee Mission Trip We look forward to having our Afghan Refugee Family in Virginia in early September, and we will offer many wonderful ways to get to know them and help them as they continue to acclimate to their new lives! Some of our partners are heavily engaged with refugee ministry, with New Hope Bulgaria and New Hope Ukraine experiencing a huge surge in refugees into their respective countries. We are planning a trip to Bulgaria to visit Camp Harmanli where many Afghan and Syrian families are residing. We will also visit the camps around Sofia to serve Ukrainian moms and their children. The trip will be in mid to late October. If you have interest in joining us, please plan to attend an interest meeting on August 14, following the 11:15 am worship service in the Second Floor Conference Room. If you have a heart for working with refugees, we’d love to have you join!
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Community of Neighbors As we did with Bags of Love, VPC continues to care for the community to help those in need throughout the community. Social Workers, Parent Liaisons and teachers, have identified several children at local schools that could use help with school clothes and backpacks. Details about specific needs can be found at www.viennapres.org/missions. For more information about VPC Missions, contact Sue Hamblen at sue.hamblen@viennapres.org or x111.
Summer Breakfast Continues Through September 4th 10:10 AM weekly, in the Great Hall and Outside Cost: free; donations welcome
Each Sunday breakfast brings new delights as we develop our sense of church family, find new people to meet, and look forward to what the group hosts will surprise us with for meals. Anita’s breakfast burritos and delicious home-cooked items are coming up, and we’re even having an ice cream social (with waffles) on August 21 to celebrate kids going back to school! We hope you’ll join us! Can you volunteer with set up, serving, or clean up on September 4th? Contact Kim Snyder at kim.snyder@viennapres.org or x130.
Meet Maddie Welcome Maddie Schmidt, VPC's New Director of Children's Ministry As an educator, Maddie is bringing her knowledge and expertise to serve our children and families as the Director of Children’s Ministry. She grew up at VPC and has volunteered with Children’s, Youth, and Music ministries. She attended Christopher Newport University where she studied psychology, leadership, and elementary education. After eight years teaching elementary school in FCPS, she is excited to help others get to know Jesus and grow in their faith. When not at church, Maddie can often be found baking or taking walks to watch the trains with her husband, Andrew, their two boys, and their dog .
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5 Things to Know About Maddie
I have two boys, Rylan (4) and Camden (1), and one dog, Bailey a girl I love board games and trivia I love baking and trying new recipes My favorite author is Peter H. Reynolds The way to my heart is coffee and chocolate
FCPS Days Off! Wondering what to do with your kids on October 5 and November 8? VPC will be holding a full day program for elementary school students from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Registration coming soon. Contact Maddie Schmidt at maddie.schmidt@viennapres.org for more information.
NEXT GEN MININSTRIES SUNDAY MORNING CHILDREN'S MINISTRY (INFANTS - 6TH GRADE) At 9:00 AM: Children Pre-K to 6th grade begin in worship with their parents and then after the Children's Message are invited to go to the Bridges and Doorways classes. Childcare for infants to 3 years: Interactive Bible stories, music and movement. Bridges to Worship for Pre-K and Kindergarten: Storytelling Bible stories and hands-on play. Doorways to Worship for Elementary Grades 1st - 3rd (4th - 6th grades are welcome): Summer series: Epic Explorers/Exploring the Life of Jesus in a fun and interactive way!
At 10:10 AM: Families will remain together for our Summer Breakfast and fellowship. At 11:15 AM: Childcare for infants to 3 years: Interactive Bible stories, music and movement. For information on our Children's Ministry, contact Maddie Schmidt at maddie.schmidt@viennapres.org
CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY Pool and BBQ Party Join the Youth Ministry (rising 7th - 12th graders) Thursday, August 4 from 6:00pm 9:00pm as we gather together to celebrate summer. Here’s what will be happening: outdoor games, swimming, hamburgers and hot dogs. Bring your swim suit and towels, we will provide the rest! For location and information, contact Melissa at melissa.ciavarella@viennapres.org Family Fun Night Join us for our finalFAMILY FUN NIGHT of the summer, Sunday, August 14 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. A night of fun for ALL ages with lively skits, energetic songs, interactive games, Marketplace Shops to learn and make amazing things, and a delicious dinner! Bring your family, your friends, and neighbors . . . All are welcome and its FREE! Register at www.viennapres.org. For more information, contact Melissa Ciavarella at melissa.ciavarella@viennapres.org Blessing of the Backpacks On August 21, at both worship services, all of our students from Pre-K through 12th grade are invited to bring in their backpack to receive a special blessing from Pastor Hope in preparation for their first day of school! We will take some time as a congregation to pray for all teachers and support staff heading back into the classroom as well!
ADULT MINISTRY Help Us Connect With You If you’re new, we’d love to know who you are! Whether you’re new, a long-time member, or anywhere in between, we’re happy to give you info about VPC. Fill out a pew connect card or go to www.viennapres.org/connect and we’ll be in touch. We also hope you’ll stop by and see us so we can say hello. Pastors are always available in the lobby after the worship services, the welcome center is ready to greet you and give you a welcome gift; and our offices are open from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Let’s connect! Adult Ministry Groups Begin the Week of September 18 Take a next step towards building your faith with a community that will help you better understand how to apply the Bible to your life, pray for you, and share in life experiences. Sunday and midweek learning communities, small group opportunities, and additional ways to connect in God’s Word will begin in September. Stay tuned for topics, dates, times, and what’s new! More information is coming later in August and in early September.
Save the Date for the Fall Men’s BBQ Monday, September 19, 7:00-8:30 PM in the Great Hall Guys - this is an open invite for anyone who wants to join in on savoring some of the best BBQ around, make new friends and acquaintances, and learn how a relationship with God can impact your life. Come as you are to this special dinner and guest speaker hosted by the Monday Night Men’s group.
Save the Date for the Fall Women’s Brunch Saturday, September 24, 9:30-11:00 AM in the Great Hall Join women of all ages for a blend of great company, comfort food, inspiring messages, and encouraging discussion. This event is an opportunity to identify the season of life you find yourself in and consider practical ways you can refresh your faith to embrace it.
Did You Know VPC Has a Walking Group? A newly-created monthly walking group, sponsored by the VPC Fellowship Team is open to our members, guests, neighbors, and friends. The group will meet on the Chapel steps at 8:00 am on the second Saturday of the month in August, September, and October. We will explore nature while exercising and building community. We'd love for you to join us!
JOIN A VPC MINISTRY TEAM THIS FALL When you join a ministry team, you participate in Christ’s ongoing work in the world. Check out the volunteer opportunities below and contact the ministry leader listed if interested. They will give you more information and equip you to become a member of the team. No experience is required for any of these roles. Training is provided. Hospitality Greeters and ushers for worship services Welcome center greeters to welcome guests before and after worship services Coffee team set up, clean up, and greeters Join the Fellowship Team that helps plan church-wide events Contact for more information: Kim Snyder will put you in touch with the volunteer leader who coordinates the team you are interested in, kim.snyder@viennapres.org, x130 Missions ESOL Teachers for 2 hours per week, morning or evening, during the 2022/23 school year Seeking those who would enjoy serving on the Mission Team. Members help shape the ministry partners, budget and projects! It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet our partners both near and far and to learn about their Kingdom-Building work. Community of Neighbors monthly collections of food, clothes, and backpacks for children in need Missions Ministry weekend or weekday event volunteers Contact for more information: Susan Kenney, susan.kenney@viennapres.org, x123
Children’s & Youth Ministry Childcare providers for hour-long shifts on Sunday mornings Children’s Ministry K-6th grade teachers and assistants on Sunday mornings Youth Ministry 7th-12th grade small group leaders on Sunday mornings or evenings Children’s or youth weekend event volunteers Contact for more information: Melissa Ciavarella, melissa.ciavarella@viennapres.org, x104 Adult Ministry Friendship Class assistants for special-needs adults on Sunday mornings Adult Ministry Sunday morning or midweek group/class facilitators Midweek administrative assistance – flexible timing and hours Contact for more information: Kim Snyder, kim.snyder@viennapres.org, x130
Visit: viennapres.org/volunteer for more information or to sign up. We'd love to have you!
CARE AND SUPPORT MINISTRIES Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? The GriefShare community will walk with you on the path through grief toward healing and hope for the future. GriefShare meets weekly . You'll find it to be a warm and caring environment. Participants may join the classes at any time during the 13-week series. Classes are currently held online via Zoom. GriefShare meets on Sundays from 5:00-6:30 pm, from August 28 through December 18. Newcomers are welcome at any point during the cycle. Registration is $20, which includes the workbook used during class. Register at https://www.griefshare.org/groups/152973
My wife of 45 years passed away at the end of 2021. A VPC pastor recommended I try GriefShare “your Journey from Mourning to Joy” to help me cope with my tremendous sense of loss. I had never, ever desired to participate in any group therapy. I’m very private and not one in any group setting to share openly or even listen/respond to other peoples’ problems - let alone at a time like this. Starting GriefShare two months after my life was devastated was truly a life saver and life changer for me. We were all very open and transparent, very supportive of each other. The lessons and moderators were terrific — so very practical. The course helped me cope with my loss, gain perspectives from a Christian perspective, and provide ways and means to move forward step by step. It will be a long, long journey, but I sincerely believe participation in the GriefShare program allowed me to begin that journey with a new sense of hope and faith. It was so impactful, I plan on participating again in the future. ~ Bill Comerford Don't Suffer Alone! DivorceCare is a warm and caring support group for both men and women who are suffering through the devastation and loss caused by separation and divorce. Friends and family seldom fully understand the magnitude of the Impact, not only on our emotions but often on our financially altered lifestyle. If you have feelings of rejection, loneliness, depression, and/or anger, we have been where you are and we DO feel your pain. Each week is a free-standing topic and you are welcome to join us any or all Tuesdays. Join us in person on Tuesdays at 7:00pm from September 20, 2022 through January 3, 2023. Register at https://www.divorcecare.org/groups/150508.
Divorce Care played a very significant role in helping me through an unexpected divorce after a very long marriage. Even with a supportive family and good friends, when a marriage ends it's a long, drawn-out trauma that only those who have suffered through it can fully understand. In my case there was a crosscountry move; a sudden illness; and a family loss all in the same year. It was a time of tremendous upheaval and change in my life. Divorce Care was my Safe Place. I could speak freely without judgement as well as listen and learn from others suffering the same trauma. Even during these times of turmoil and grief, I could make lasting friendships with those who DO understand. Strong bonds were formed. There is no doubt that, without Divorce Care, my growth and healing would have taken much longer, causing many more months/years of suffering. ~ Jeannine Chretien
CARE AND SUPPORT MINISTRIES Help, Hope, Healing Stephen Ministry equips lay-people to provide one-to-one Christian care to people in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. You may get involved in our Stephen Ministry in one of two ways: reach out to me if you would like the care of one of our Stephen Ministers; or consider applying to become a Stephen Minister with our class training starting in January of 2023. If you are interested in learning more, and/or would welcome the care of a Stephen Minister, please reach out to Pastor Connie at connie.jordan-haas@viennapres.org
Are You Troubled By Someone's Drinking? Millions of people are affected by the excessive drinking of someone close. Al-Anon is a worldwide fellowship that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics, whether or not the alcoholic recognizes the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help. Members give and receive comfort and understanding through a mutual exchange of experience, strength, and hope. Sharing of similar problems binds individuals and groups together in a bond that is protected by a tradition of anonymity. Al-Anon meets every Thursday at VPC from 7:30 to 8:30pm in Room 205. Everyone is required to wear a mask during the meeting as we have some people who are either high risk or live with high risk people/babies. This is an open meeting but it is anonymous. Who you see here stays here, as it protects our members. Emerging Military Ministry at VPC Are you a veteran? Is your loved one a veteran? We are in the early stages of launching a military ministry within our congregation. Our goals include providing support for veterans, as well as the ones who come alongside them. We need your help in any of several ways: Join our forming ministry team. TELL US if you are a veteran. Let us know if you want to be involved from the ground up.
Contact: Pastor Connie at connie.jordan-haas@viennapres.org OR member Tom Portman at tjp22182@icloud.com
Deacon Profile - Jessica Clarke As a third year Deacon, Jessica shares her views on Communion and Community.
How long have you been a member of Vienna Presbyterian Church? My husband RJ and I became members in 2010.We chose VPC because our oldest son started preschool here in 2008. We were warmly welcomed by the church and preschool, and started attending regularly. We decided to become members once we found out we were having our third child. Our boys, Jacob, John and Joseph, loved the children’s ministry, while RJ and I enjoyed the sermons and the music. Every summer my sons and I enjoyed a week at Vacation Bible School. RJ and I joined a Bible study that met every week at Wendy and Steve Pearson’s house. VPC became our church home through meeting wonderful friends and sharing our faith.
Comparing your Presbyterian experience to your Episcopal and Catholic experiences, what do you think the biggest differences are? Before VPC, we attended Truro Episcopal Church in Fairfax City. I was raised a Christian and attended weekly Episcopal church services with my family, and Mass at the Catholic schools I went to. I enjoyed studying the Old and New Testaments in a parochial school environment, and then having Sunday School and Youth Group meetings at my home church. My big take away was being open to where each person sees their faith and the importance of Jesus Christ as our Savior. Everyone is at a different place or circumstance, and we have to respond in a loving way.
What is your favorite passage from Scripture? Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight." This verse has spoken to me at many times in my life. There is no way I can be in control of my family, work or life, and this always points me back to fully relying on God. He is in charge of my path and all I have to do is follow Him!
How did you become a Deacon? In June 2019, Pastor David Jordan-Haas called me and asked me to become a Deacon. I was honored to become a leader at VPC and have served in ministries like Communion, Visitation, the Welcome Back Team, and Ushering. I became involved with the Communion team in the Winter of 2021 when VPC began transitioning back to in-church worship services from outdoor worship services in the parking lot because of COVID. We were using the prepackaged Communion kit cups with sealed waffers and juice for each worshipper.
Why did you become the leader of the Communion Setup Team? When indoor services resumed, there were only about ten people worshipping in the sanctuary on Sundays, and Pastor Charles asked the Deacons to attend church in person once a month and serve Communion. As a nurse, I was fully vaccinated and felt a tug on my heart to say yes. I really missed in-person worship and looked at this as an opportunity to serve.
How does the Team bring you fulfillment? I enjoy meeting fellow Deacons and working closely as a Team. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the math and logistics, but then I find myself remembering what Communion is: The Body of Christ, broken for me, the Blood of Christ shed for me. This sacrament of grace and thanksgiving is one I have grown up with and cherish. It is a joy and honor to help prepare the table for our Pastors and congregation.
How has your nursing career of over 25 years helped you as a Deacon? I have always loved helping and serving people, and am blessed to use my talents at work caring for patients. As a nurse and a mom, I have learned to be very flexible, especially during the pandemic. This has taught me to be patient as VPC reopened and evolves. We all have to be very patient with each other always, but especially now.
As told to Deacon Frank Ganis
If you are interested in helping with either Communion Setup or Serving, contact Pastor Charles Geschiere at 703.938.9050 x151 or charles.geschiere@viennapres.org.
DIRECTIONS TO KEY MINISTRY LOCATIONS Welcome Center: 1st Floor Lobby Great Hall-1st floor: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Great Hall is on left. Childcare (Birth to age 3)-2nd Floor: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Take elevator to the left or use main stairs at the end of the hallway to access the 2nd Floor. Children’s Ministries (Pre-K to Grade 6)-3rd Floor: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Take elevator on left or use main stairs at end of hallway to access the 3rd Floor. Youth Ministries (Grades 7-12)-Lower Level: Exit Sanctuary into the Lobby and take either the right-hand or left-hand stairwell or the Lobby elevator down to the Lower Level. Room #112 Community Room: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Community Room is on right across from the Great Hall. 2nd Floor Adult Classrooms: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Take elevator to the left or use main stairs at the end of the hallway to access the 2nd Floor. 3rd Floor Adult Classrooms: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Take elevator to the left or use main stairs at the end of the hallway to access the 3rd Floor. Church Office - 2nd Floor: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Take elevator to the left or use main stairs at the end of the hallway. For security, the church office is accessible only through the Park Street entrance Monday -Thursday from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Follow parking lot signage.
EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS Follow directions from ushers and immediately exit the building. Trained volunteers will evacuate all Children and Youth from those designated spaces in the event of an emergency.
MEET OUR STAFF Pastors and Pastoral Support Staff Lead Pastor: Hope Lee, x118, hope.lee@viennapres.org Associate Pastor: Glenda Simpkins Hoffman, x114, glenda.simpkinshoffman@viennapres.org Transitional Associate Pastor: Connie Jordan-Haas, x116, connie.jordan-haas@viennapres.org Director of Congregational Care: Charles Geschiere, x151, charles.geschiere@viennapres.org Executive Assistant for Worship: Dalliss Fuhrmann, x108, dalliss.fuhrmann@viennapres.org Congregational Care Administrative Assistant: Melanie Nunez, x103, melanie.nunez@viennapres.org Worship and Music Director of Worship and Music: Lance Vining, x132, lance.vining@viennapres.org Spiritual Formation Director of Community Engagement: Kim Snyder, x130, kim.snyder@viennapres.org Spiritual Formation Project Manager: Lisa Gibb, x127, lisa.gibb@viennapres.org NextGen NextGen Director: Melissa Ciavarella, x124, melissa.ciavarella@viennapres.org Director of the Preschool: Terri Franke, x134, terri.franke@viennapres.org Director of Children's Ministry: Maddie Schmidt, x117, maddie.schmidt@viennapres.org Childcare Manager: Heather Boehm: x159, heather.boehm@viennapres.org NextGen Coordinator: Rachel Peck: x104, rachel.peck@viennapres.org Missions Director of Missions, Sue Hamblen, x111, sue.hamblen@viennapres.org Missions Administrative Assistant: Susan Kenney, x123, susan.kenney@viennapres.org ESOL ESOL Manager: Deb Rymer, x102, deb.rymer@viennapres.org Finance, Operations and Communications Director of Finance, Operations and Generosity: Nina Graves, x133, nina.graves@viennapres.org Finance Manager: Kellie Owens, x121, kellie.owens@viennapres.org Systems Manager: Melissa Jensen, x106, melissa.jensen@viennapres.org Communications Manager: Kelly Miller, x112, kelly.miller@viennapres.org Facilities Manager: Jaime Tapia, x131, jaime.tapia@viennapres.org Assistant Facilities Manager: Belarmino Diaz, x131 Facilities Support Staff: Maria Aguilar, Martha Mondragon, and Reyna Mendoza Schedule a Sacred Life Event: Baptisms: Rachel Peck, x104, rachel.peck@viennapres.org Funerals/Memorials: Melanie Nunez, x103, melanie.nunez@viennapres.org Weddings: Marnie Harter, mharter8@verizon.net Get to know the VPC staff better by visiting viennapres.org/staff. You can see their photos, bios and contact them directly through our website or call the church office at 703.938.9050 and dial their extension.
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP In the Presbyterian Church, more trust is placed in a group of people, who together seek to discern the mind of God to lead them towards faithful action, than in a single individual who has all the answers. Therefore, committees are a mainstay of the church. At the local, congregational level this means two main boards: Elders (Session), as the highest decision-making body, and the Deacons, as the care-taking, pastoral group. Both groups are to be a representation of the congregation as a whole. The Elders and Deacons are ordained positions in the Presbyterian Church (USA). That means that we believe each of them has been chosen by God and the congregation to be a leader in Christ’s church. The vows they take are the same vows that the pastor takes to become a Minister of Word and Sacrament. Once a person is ordained that ordination is considered a lifelong vocation. The ordained Elders and Deacons have a responsibility to cultivate their prayer life, to study the Bible, and to seek God in their individual, and congregational life.
Elders CLASS OF 2020-2022 Bill Carter Jonathan Lochhaas Jan Mahumed Sandi McLauchlin Doris Pierson Beth Webster
CLASS OF 2021-2023 Chuck Allen, Clerk of Session Tom Bauer Patricia Bronson Steve Dirkse Kristin Romero David Steiner
CLASS OF 2022-2024 Jonathan Benett Teri Dungan Chris Jones Melinda Mayes Karen Mokate
To contact the VPC Session, please email session@viennapres.org. Visit viennapres.org/leadership
Deacons CLASS OF 2020-2022 Betty Anger Susan Bauer Mary Campbell Rick Cassee Jessica Clarke Christa Davidson, Moderator Tim Dronsfield Todd Hall Paul Mayer Pat Sheridan
CLASS OF 2021-2023 Tim Boatwright Sharon Burger Charles Clohan Lee Curtis Pat Dirkse Ernie Fergusson Ashley Harrison
CLASS OF 2022-2024 Lisa DeCarlo Debbie Frankiewicz Frank Ganis Jacquie Garland Clay Hamric Sarah Killion Mark Richards Pam Sellars Rebecah Shepherd
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