THE MONTHLY MESSENGER
FROM HOPE'S HEART...
Brothers&SistersofVPC,
MysonismyValentines’baby.Hewasbornjusta fewdaysbeforethe14th.TheyearhewasbornI thoughtthatwasaprettyspecialtimetocome bouncingintotheworld.But,ashe’sgrownup,I confessthatsometimeshisbirthdaycomesasan afterthought.We’vejustfullyrecoveredfrom ChristmasandNewYears’andduringthosegrade schoolyearswe’reimmediatelyhitwithValentines’ partiesandcardexchanges.Andsomewhereinthe middle,myguyturnsanotheryearolder.
Wedon’tmeanforthings,andcertainlynot people, tobeanafterthought.Lifejustsometimes getsawayfromus.Thesameistrueinthechurch. Thisisajoyfullybusytimeinthelifeofour congregation.Wehaveourannualcongregational meetingcominguponFebruary5,at10:15am. We’llbespendingtwoweeks thismonthhosting theHypothermiaPreventionProgramforbrothers andsistersinFairfaxCountythatneedawarm placetoresttheirheads.We’relaunchingabrand newmentalhealthministry.WehavetwoAssociate PastorNominatingCommitteesworkingdiligently toseekoutsomenewleadersforourchurch.We’re gettinganewroofonthebuilding. Andweare hostinganall-churchShroveTuesdaypancake supperfrom5-7:00pmonFebruary21st.
Allofthatisinadditiontoourlifegroups,learning communities,youthandchildren’sministries, supportgroups,andpastoralcare.
Andrightthereinthemiddleofit,quietand unassuming,comesAshWednesday–thestartof theseasonofLent,aseasonofconfession, repentance,andpreparationforHolyWeekthat leadsusthroughJesus’deathandResurrection.In thebusy-nessofitall,wemightbetemptedto simplyoverlookAshWednesday,butIwouldinvite youtointentionallymakeitastand-outpriorityin yourmonth.
WewillhavetwoopportunitiesonFebruary22to worshipandrecalibrateourheartsandliveson AshWednesday.Atnoon,weinviteyoutoasimple serviceinthehistoricChapel.Therewillbeafull serviceintheSanctuaryat7:00pm.Asheswillbe availableatbothservices.
Yes,thisisaverybusyseason,butatthevery heartofwhowearetherearesomeprecious momentsthatdeservemorethanjustan afterthought.AshWednesdaygivesusachanceto pauseandreturnJesustothecenterofour attention.
IntheGripofGrace, PastorHope
hope.lee@viennapres.org
VIENNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | FEBRUARY 2023
HOW TO GET CONNECTED
VPCseekstobeawarmandwelcomingcommunitythatinvitesyouto “comejustasyouare”tolearnwhatitmeanstofollowJesuswithyour life.VPCcanbeasbigorsmallasyouwantittobe.Wehavethe resourcesofalargechurch,butourgroupsandministriesgiveusthe warm,hometown,communityfeelthatmakesusspecial.
Ifyou’renew,we’dlovetogetacquainted.Whetheryou’renew,alongtimemember,oranywhereinbetween,we’rehappytogiveyouinfo aboutVPC.Filloutapewconnectcardorgoto www.viennapres.org/connectandwe’llbeintouch.
Wehavemanypathstohelpyougetconnected,learnmoreaboutGod, andtoserveothers,regardlessofyourage.AtVPC,you’llmakefriends, findencouragement,andreceivesupport
Wealsohopeyou’llstopbyandseeussowecansayhello.Pastorsare alwaysavailableinthelobbyaftertheworshipservices,thewelcome centerisreadytogreetyouandgiveyouawelcomegift;andour officesareopenfrom9:00am–4:00pmMondaythroughThursday. Let’sconnect!
Ourworshipisdynamicandaliveandisdesignedtoengageyourmind, stimulateyourheartandchallengeyoutodiscoverhowGodiscalling youtoliveyourlife.Musicisanimportantelementofworshiphereand wecelebratewithawidevarietyofmusicstylesintendedtoengage everyoneinourintergenerationalfamily
Doessingingbringyoujoy?Whydon'tyoujoinusinthechoir? Allvoice partsareneededandthereisnoauditionnecessary.Rehearsalsare
WORSHIP
VPChastwoworshipservicesin theSanctuaryonSunday mornings.Bothservicesinclude Bible-basedteachingcombined witheithertraditional or contemporarymusic.The pastordeliversthesame sermonatbothservices.
9:00am-Thisworshipserviceis contemporary;musicisledbya worshipband. Childcareis availableforinfantsto3years. Children'sprogrammingis available.
10:10am-Checkouttheadult, youthandchildren's programming.Thesegroupsare agreatwaytomeetpeople, growinChrist,andtoconnectat VPC.Childcareisavailablefor infantsto3years.
11:15am-Thisworshipservice istraditional;musicisledbythe SanctuaryChoirwithorganand piano.Childcareisavailablefor infantsto3years.
Wetypicallycelebratethe sacramentofcommunionon thefirstSundayofeachmonth. Baptismscanbescheduledby contactingRachelPeckat rachel.peck@viennapres.org.
ShroveTuesdayPancakeSupperandAshWednesday
Inadditiontowarmanddeliciouspancakes,wewill havebacon,turkeysausage,fruit,beverageson Tuesday,February21.Thisisawonderfulwaytogather asachurchfamilysopleasestopbyfordinner.Wewill beservingfrom5-7:00pmintheFellowshipHallandthe bestpart-yougetanightofffromcookingand itis FREE!
ThisyearwewilloffertwoservicesincelebrationofAshWednesdayonFebruary 22.Wewillofferasimplechapelservice,inthehistoricChapel,atnoon.Wewill alsoafullserviceat7:00pminthemainSanctuary.Bothserviceswillincludethe impositionofashes,markingtheofficialstartofLentandcommunionwillbe servedat7:00pm.Thisisaserviceofconfessionandrepentanceasweprepare toembarkonJesus’journeytothecrossandtheseasonofResurrection.
NewMembers-ComeExplore JoinPastorConnieforthree weekswhereyouwilldiscover whoweare,whatwedoand whereyoufit. Thisclasswill
takeplaceonSundays,February26,March5and12at10:10aminRoom 108,offtheFellowshipHall. Childcareisprovided.Wanttoknowmore informationorhavequestionsforPastorConnie?Contactherat connie.jordan-haas@viennapres.orgor703.938.9050,x116.
Women'sSpringBrunch
ComedyShowCominginMarch
OnMarch18,VPCwillhostcomedianKennKington providinganopportunityforfellowshipanda chancetosupportMissionTrips!KennisanAllAmericanGeorgiaboy,wholikesaglassofsweettea andbringsasmiletoeveryonehemeets.Withover 20yearsonstageasasuccessfulcomedian,Kenn hasacomedicstylethatallwillenjoy!
HAPPENINGS AT VPC QUICK GLANCE CALENDAR February 5 Communion 5 CongregationalMeeting 5 FirstSundays 10 PlaygroundPlaydate 12 GriefShareBegins 14 60sPlus GroupLunch 16 MOPS 18 PlaygroundPlaydate 21 PancakeSupper 22 AshWednesdayServices 26 NewMemberClass 28 DivorceCareBegins March 3 Kids'DayOff 4 Women'sBrunch 5 Communion 5 NewMemberClass 5 FirstSundays 10 PlaygroundPlaydates 12 NewMemberClass 14 60sPlus GroupLunch 13 PlaygroundPlaydate 16 MOPS 18 PlaygroundPlaydate 18 ComedyShow
Joinwomenofallagesforablendofgreat company,comfortfood,inspiringmessages, andencouragingdiscussion.Asweenjoy gettingtoknowoneanother,we’llgaina deeperperspectiveofGod’sunfailing faithfulnessinourlives.Saturday,March4, 9:30-11:00amintheFellowshipHall.
Registeratviennapres.org/adults
MissionPartnerSpotlight:WorldVision6KWaterWalk
JoinusonFebruary19aswewelcomeMissionSpotlightPartnerofthemonthWorldVisionandlearn abouttheir6KWalkforWater.TeamViennawasthetopsupportingteamintheentirecountrylastyear, andover1,200peoplelivinginpovertyreceivedthegiftofaccessibleandcleanwater.Thisprogramis opentoallagesandhasthepotentialtoimpactanother1,200(ormore!)ofGod’schildrenbyproviding thelife-alteringgiftofwater!LearnmoreaboutWorldVision’samazingministryonFebruary19th10:10 aminFellowshipHallandonLivestreamhttps://viennapres.online.church/
...compassionforthepoor whatablessing!
Proverbs14:21
WhatistheDeaconMinistry?
TheDeaconsleadmanyministriestohelpVPCbecomeacaringfellowship.Notonlydowewanttoserve you, wewouldliketoinviteyoutojoinusinservicetoourchurchcommunity.Hereareafewkey ministrieswherewewouldwelcomeyourhelp:
CoffeeMinistry-OurCoffeeHouse,whichisopenbeforeandbetweenservices,providesnotjusta joltofcaffeine,butanopportunityforthecongregationtohavefellowship,catchupwithfriends, sharejoysandconcerns,andmaybeevenreflectonthatweek'ssermon.EachSunday,weneed3-4 volunteers. Setupiseasy,wepromise.
Neighbor-to-Neighbor-Weassistmembersofourchurchcommunitywhoneedhelpwithhome repairs,yardwork,moving,grocerypick-up,ridesandotheroddjobs.Itisawonderfulhands-onway toshowChrist'slove,especiallytoouroldermembers,widows,andsingleparents.
MealsMinistry-Whenamemberofourcongregationisrecoveringfromillnessorsurgery,grievinga lovedone,orwelcominganewbaby,theDeaconsorganizeandprovidemeals.
Ifyouwouldliketopartnerwithusinservinginanyoftheseministries,pleaseemail Deacons@viennapres.org. Ifwecanprayorserveyouinanyway,pleasecontactanyDeaconsothatwe canputourfaithinactionforyou.
www.reallygreatsite.com
MISSION AND CARE MINISTRY
CARE AND SUPPORT MINISTRIES
AreyouGrievingtheLossofaLovedOne?
TheGriefSharecommunitywillwalkwithyouonthepaththrough grieftowardhealingandhopeforthefuture.GriefSharemeets weekly.You'llfindittobeawarmandcaringenvironment. Participantsmayjointheclassesatanytimeduringthe13-week series.ClassesarecurrentlyheldonlineviaZoom.GriefSharemeets onSundaysfrom5:00-7:00pm,fromFebruary12–May21.
Newcomersarewelcomeatanypointduringthecycle.Registration is$20,whichincludestheworkbookusedduringclass.
Don'tSufferAlone!
DivorceCareisawelcoming andcaringsupportgroupforboth menandwomenwhoaresufferingthroughthedevastationand losscausedbyseparationanddivorce.Friendsandfamily seldomunderstandthemagnitudeoftheimpact,notonlyon ouremotions,butoftenonourfinanciallyalteredlifestyle. Each weekisafree-standingtopicandyouarewelcometojoinusany orallTuesdays.JoinusinpersononTuesdaysat7:00pm
fromFebruary28–May23.Registeratwww.viennapres.org/divorcecare.
DoYouHaveaLovedOneWhoStruggleswithMentalHealth?
HereatVPC,wearemakingacommitmenttocomealongsidethoseamonguswhohavefamilymembers whosufferwithmentalhealthchallenges…depression,anxiety,addiction,andotherssuchasbipolar depression,borderlinepersonalityandmore.Thisyear,weareofferingan8-weekgroupcalledFAMILY GRACEonMondaynightsfrom6:15-7:15pmintheParlor.Ifyou wouldliketolearnmore,pleasecontact PastorConnie:connie.jordan-haas@viennapres.org.
DoYouNeedaListeningEar?ASafeandQuietPlacetobeHeard?
Seventeenmenandwomenfromourcongregationhavebeguntheirinitial50hoursofon-site trainingtobecomeournextgroupofStephenMinisters.
GodhasblessedusbycallingthesememberstobeequippedtocareforourwholeBodyof Christ.Willyouprayforthem,andwillyoumakeknowntousanyone(includingyourself!)in ourchurchfamilywhomightbenefitfromaweekly,confidential,caringrelationship?WeLONG tocareforoneanotherandfulfillourvisionstatementtobeACARINGFELLOWSHIP.
CalloremailPastorConnieatconnie.jordan-haas@viennapres.orgor703.938.9050,x116to receivetheconfidential,one-on-onesupportofahighly-trainedStephenMinister.
PleasewelcomethenewclassofStephenMinisters:JohnBarr,SusanBauer,DonnaBertsch, JohnElie,KimHart,JulieKnight,KevinKrisko,RobinLeMunyon,SandyLevy,JanMahumed, PaulMayer,ElaineRyan,PaulRyan,LeeScott,CylviaToy,RobinWallin,DebbieWilson,and ImanZabett.
Registerathttps://www.griefshare.org/groups/160894
GROUP LIFE
There’saGroupforYou
FromSundaymorningclasses,toweekdaylifegroups,toonline gatherings,there'sagroupforyoutogrowinfaithand communityatVPC.Checkoutviennapres.org/adultstoviewall theoptions.Asyougrowspirituallywithyourgroup,you’ll encourageeachotherthroughthehighsandlowsoflife.
Wouldyouliketospeakwithsomeoneaboutgroup opportunitiesand/orfindingagroupthatisagoodfitforyou? ContactKimSnyder,theDirectorofLifeGroupsandEducation, at703.938.9050x130orkim.snyder@viennapres.org.
JoinTheseGroupsAnytime
Checkoutwww.viennapres.org/adultsformoreinformationabouteachgroup.Childcareisprovided duringallSundayclassesandtheTuesdayMorningWomen’sBibleStudy.
FriendshipClass&Bells:Sunday|10:10am|Room108C
InternationalFriendsBibleStudy:Sunday|10:10am|Parlor
Foundations:Sunday|10:10am|Room203,204andOnline
ApprenticesClass:BeatitudesVideoStudy:Sunday|10:10am|Room205andOnline
BeyondBasics:Isaiah'sProphecies:Sunday|10:10am|Room211andOnline
ParentConnect: Sunday|10:10am|Room310
InductiveBibleStudy: Sunday|11:15am|Room211
MondayNightMen'sGroup: Monday|7:00pm|FellowshipHallandOnline
MondayNightWomen'sBibleStudy: Monday|7:00pm|LowerLevelandOnline
TuesdayMorningWomen'sBibleStudy:Tuesday|9:30am|LowerLevelandOnline
NewLifeGroupsBeginforLent
Makenewfriendsasyoulearntoliveyourfaithwithasmallgroupofpeople.Committingtogather forBiblestudyandprayercreatesaplacetocareforeachother’slifeexperiencesasyougrowin Christ.NewlifegroupswillbeginthefirstweekofMarchfortheseasonofLent.Staytunedfor topics,times,andsign-upsatwwwviennapresorg/adults
NEXT GEN MINISTRIES
Sunday Morning
Childcareforinfantsto3years. Childcareforinfantsto3years. Childcareforinfantsto3years
All ages start in worship and are invited to Sunday School after the Children's Message
Pre-K&K: BridgestoWorship
1st-6thgrade:WonderFilled
4th - 6th graders are encouraged to remain in worship on 1st Sundays
Pre-K-6th:WonderLab OR
1st-3rd:JoyfulNoiseChoir 4th-6th:JuniorChoir
Worshipwithyourfamily or SingintheYouthChoir
7th-12thgrade:FuelingUp! Friends,Food,Faith or
Volunteer:servewithchildcare, kids,orcoffee.
SacramentsClass,March19&26,10:10am
Worshipwithyourfamily or YouthChoirRehearsal
Everwonderedwhatasacramentis?Parentsandkidsin3rdgradeand aboveareinvitedtojointhistwoweekclasstolearnaboutthesacraments ofbaptismandcommunion.Registeratviennapres.org.ContactMaddie Schmidtatmaddie.schmidt@viennapres.org
Sunday Evening
YouthGroup-5:00-7:00pm
MiddleandHighSchoolstudentsgatherforgames,worship,snacks,andsmallgroupdiscussion.
FirstSundays,February5,5:00-7:00pm
Kidsin4th-6th&7th-12thgradesandtheirparentsareinvitedtojoinusfor dinnerfollowedbyClub456,YouthGroup,andBeenThere,DoneThatfor parents.Thismonthwewillhavechili!We'llprovidethechiliwhilefamiliesare invitedtobringtheirfavoriteside(chips,veggies,etc.)ordesserttoshare.
Wewillmeetinthelowerlevel,thismonth,duetoHypothermiaPrevention ProgramoccurringintheFellowshipHall.
9:00AM 10:10AM 11:15AM
Childcare
9:00AM 10:10AM 11:15AM
VPCKids
Joinusinworship VPCYouth 9:00AM 10:10AM 11:15AM
Monthly Calendar
VPCPreschool–JoinUsforthe2023-2024SchoolYear!
VPCPreschoolprovidesadevelopmental,emergentandflexible
play-basedcurriculumforchildrenages25-5 Classesarein sessionMonday-ThursdaymorningsfromSeptemberthrough May.Registrationforthe2023-2024schoolyearhasbegun.
Pleaseseeourwebsitewww.vpcpreschool.orgforenrollment information.
Thecomingschoolyearwillofferexcitingnewopportunitiesto joinournurturingteamofeducators Weanticipateopeningsfor lead,assistantandsubstituteteachers. Staffbenefitsincludea part-timeschedule,acollaborativeteachingcommunity,anda welcomingandChrist-centeredenvironmentthatcelebratesthe joyofyoungchildren.Tolearnmore,pleasecontactTerriFranke, atpreschool@viennapres.org.
JointheVPCPreschoolCommunity
Areyouanearlychildhoodeducatorwhoisreadytolead? TheVPCPreschoolDirectorwilllead,oversee,anddevelop theweekdayVPCPreschooltocontinuetoservethe childrenofourcommunity ThePreschoolDirectorisafulltime,12-monthpositionthatbeginsinthesummerof2023. Youcanlearnmoreandreadthefulljobdescriptionat www.viennapres.org/join-the-staff/.Toapply,pleasesenda coverletterandresumetohr@viennapres.org.
NEXT GEN MINISTRIES
Summer Opportunities
Elementary School
Music&DramaCamp
June26-30,9:00am-3:00pm
Rising4th-9thgrade. Kidswholovetheartscancomejoinwiththeirfriendsas theybringastoryfromtheBibletolifethroughacting,song,costumes,setdesign andmore.Registrationcomingsoon.
KidsCamp
July31-August4,9:00am-3:00pm
Rising1st-6thgraders.KidswillexplorewhoGodis,Histruths,andhowtheycan beapartofGod’sbigstory.Throughcuriosity,handsonexperiences,and connectingwithothers,kidsareinvitedtodiscoverwhatmakesthemawonderas achildofGod! Registrationcomingsoon.
Middle School
MissionTrip:ThePhiladelphiaProject
July9-13
Rising7th-9thgrade.Learnmoreatthephillyproject.org/summer-of-service Registeratviennapres.org/summer-trips
YouthConference:TheGreatEscape-Smokies,Tennessee
July21-26
Rising6th-9thgrade.Learnmoreatwww.ycmhome.org/smokies Registeratviennapres.org/summer-trips
High School
MissionTrip:LeechLakeReservation,Minnesota
June25-30
Rising10th-12thgrade.Learnmoreatyouthworks.com/trips/leech-lakereservation/ Registeratviennapres.org/summer-trips
YouthConference:FunintheSon-HiltonHead,SouthCarolina
July9-14
Rising9th-12thgrade.Learnmoreatwww.ycmhome.org/fits-hilton-head Registeratviennapres.org/summer-trips
GEN MINISTRIES
NEXT
PARENT GROUPS FOR NEXT GEN
ParentConnect:FindingYourFamilyRhythmintheNewYear
Makefriendsatchurchandgetsomegreatadviceforyourparentingjourneywhileyourbabies,kids,and teensenjoytheirowncommunitywiththeprogramshappeningforthemonSundaysat10:10. through February12,thegroupisexploringfamilyrhythmsarticlesfromtheChristianparentingministry, theparentcueorg AnewserieswillbeginonFebruary19
MeetingTime:10:10-11:00am
Location:310
GroupLeaders:ChuckandCorrineFields,KarenCovell,andKatieandDanielBalberchak
PlaygroundPlaydates
Friday,January13&Saturday,January21,9:30-11:30am
JoinusattheVPCplaygroundforPlaygroundPlaydates!Forexpectantparents, parentsandtheirchildren, infantstoage6.ContactHeatherBoehmheather.boehm@viennapres.org
MothersOfPreschoolers(MOPS)
First&ThirdThursdays,9:30-11:30am
Joinmomswithkidsrangingfrominfantstokindergartenageforconversationandteachingthrough speakers,demonstrations,andvideos.Childcareprovided.Formoreinformation,contactLauraGeoghegan laura.geoghegan@gmail.com.
TimeintheWordforDadsOnline
What’sdrivingyourdailylifeamidstcompetingpriorities?Thisonlinelifegroupfordadsisaweeklytimeto rechargeyourfaithandencouragementtoliveit.We’llconnectinChristandgetsomegreatparenting adviceasweexaminePaulTripp’svideodiscussionseries,14GospelPrinciplesThatCanRadicallyChange YourFamily.Joingroupleaders,LyleKellmanandVernonJoyner experienceddadswhogetwhereyou’re at toreadScripture,discussitsimpactonlife,andconsiderhowtoapplyittofamily,faith,and community.Callingalldadsofchildrenorteens,joinus!
StartDate:Theseriesstartedon1/19andthere’sstilltimetojoin
MeetingTime:Thursdays,7:00-8:00pm
Location:Onlineathttps://zoom.us/j/82778591010
GroupLeaders:LyleKellmanandVernonJoyner
Signupatwww.viennapres.org/adultsandagroupleaderwillsendyouawelcomemessagewithmore information.
Deacon Profile - Paul Mayer
As Paul transitions to new VPC ministries, he reflects on the three years he served as a Deacon.
WhichDeaconMinistrygaveyouwiththe mostfulfillment?
Overtheyears,I’veconcentratedontheOutreach, Neighbor-to-NeighborandCardMinistries.I’ve especiallyvaluedworkingintheNeighbor-toNeighborministry,becauseitfeelslikethetrue manifestationofaDeacon’scalltoserve VPCisan affluentchurchinaprosperouscityinoneofthe wealthiestcountiesinthecountry.Wemaynoteven knowit,buttherearepoor,hungry,andunhoused peoplewithinathree-mileradiusofthechurch.It feelsgoodwhenweshowGod’slovetoallpeople, andwedoitwithoutpretenseorexpectationof anythinginreturn
WhydidyoubecomeaDeacon?
FormanymonthsofSanctuaryChoirpractice,Isat nexttoDaveLotocki,aDeaconandafellowbaritone. Aswegottoknoweachother,hesensedthatIwas readytogivemoretoVPC Hesawsomethinginme andputmynameforwardasanominee Pastor Charlesinvitedmetohisofficeforatalkandassuaged manyofmyconcernswhilereassuringmethatGod hadaplanforme.
Howdidyourcareerasadiplomathelp youasaDeacon?
Duringmy30-yearcareerwiththeStateDepartment, I’velivedandworkedindiverseplaceswithdiverse cultures:Thailand,HongKong,Estonia,Canada (Montreal),andmostrecentlyLaos.Asaresult,I’ve gottenusedtoambiguityanduncertainty,even thoughIpreferconsensusandharmony.Clearand effectivecommunicationisalsoimportanttome. Therearemanytimesinadiplomat’slifewhenwe maynotreallyknowwhat’sgoingon,andI’ve learnedtotrustmyintuitionandtrytofacilitategood communication.Ithasbeenanhonortoserveamong Deaconswhohavediversethoughtsandopinions, butneverswayfromawillingnesstoserveGodand Hispeople.
Whatisyourfavoritepassagefrom Scripture?
IoftenturntoJob23:8-17,whichisabouthaving confidenceindoingGod’swilleventhoughHis commandsmayfeelterrifying AlthoughIcan’tsee Him,Heisalwayswithme,everystepoftheway TherehavebeenreallydifficulttimesinmylifewhenI feltlikeIcouldn’tfindGodinmylife,butinfact,God wasabletofindme.Andthat’swhyIamheretoday!
Howdidlivinginothercountri yougrowasaChristian?
RegardlessofwhereI’velived,my coreidentitystemsfrommylifeand experiencesasanAmerican My valuesandbeliefstookrootwhile growingupasamiddle-class PresbyterianinWichita,Kansas. Americansrisktakingfreedomof religionforgranted.Ididn’ttruly understandthisuntilIlivedinplaces thateitherpooh-poohedspirituality ineverydaylife,orhadchurches thatwereabsolutelyunder governmentcontrol.Onthemost basiclevel,myspirituallifehelped meduringsomehorribletimes.
Whenwefeelunloved,whenwecan’tevenloveourselves,Godisthere throughthickandthin.WhenGodshowsmercyandforgiveness,Iknow thatIamcalledtodothesame.InthosetimeswhenIamlostinamorass ofangerorbitterness,God’swordsaremyspiritualWazeapp
Yourwife,Chanisada,alsoknownasBonnie,isBuddhist. Hasthiscreatedanyfaithchallengesforyourfamily?
MywonderfulwifewasbornandraisedinThailand,whereBuddhismis absolutelycentraltotheculture Itwasano-gotoaskhertoforsakeacore partofheridentity,andlikewise,sheknewthatbeingaChristianwas centraltomyidentity Mydadtoldme,“Marriageisacompromise,75/75,” soBonnieandItalkedthingsthrough.Wehadtwomarriageceremonies: ThaiBuddhistandKansasPresbyterian,withadjustmentsneededineach ceremony.Forinstance,ourBuddhistceremonyinThailandwasina temple,butIcouldnotboworkneelinfrontofaBuddhastatue.Whenwe plannedourPresbyterianceremonyinWichita,theheadpastorwouldnot permitustobemarriedinthechurch,sowehadtheweddingatmy parent’shouse Bonnieknowshowimportantmyspirituallifeis,andshe’s alwaysthereforVPCchoirconcertsandforservicesonChristmasEveand Easter.SheenthusiasticallysupportedourdaughterNarisara’sBaptism andSundaySchoolattendance.SheneverbegrudgesthetimeIallotto churchactivities,aslongasIstillhavetimetoloadthedishwasher,fold laundry,walkthedogs,andmowthelawn AnyonewhohasmetBonnie canseewhatanamazingpersonsheis,andhowcrazyluckyIamtohave wonherheart.
NowthatyourtermasDeaconhasexpired,whichnew ministriesareyoupursuing?
ServingasaDeaconhelpedmeovercomeimpostersyndrome,andI’ve startedStephenMinistrytrainingwiththehopethatIcansupportothers whomightbehavingadifficulttime IwasreallyhonoredwhenPastor HopeaskedmetoserveontheAssociatePastorNominatingCommitteefor WorshipandAdultDiscipleship Additionally,afterdiligenttrainingfrom myclosebuddy,TimDronsfeld,andhisboss,GerriWebb,Ireallyenjoy usheringatleastonceamonth.
IfyoufeeltheLordcallingyoutoserveasaDeaconorparticipateinaDeaconMinistry,pleasecontacttheVPCBoardof Deaconsat703-938-9050x301ordeacons@viennapres.org
As told to Deacon Frank Ganis
Pastors&SupportStaff
LeadPastor:HopeLee,x118,hope.lee@viennapres.org
AssociatePastor:ConnieJordan-Haas,x116,connie.jordan-haas@viennapres.org
CongregationalCare&FellowshipAdministrativeAssistant:AprilMassey,x100,april.massey@viennapres.org
AssistanttoSession:KathyJoyner,x105,kathy.joyner@viennapres.org
CongregationalCareandFellowship
VisitationPastor:CharlesGeschiere,x151,charles.geschiere@viennapres.org
Welcome,Fellowship&VolunteerManager:MelissaCiavarella,x124,melissa.ciavarella@viennapres.org
WorshipandMusic
DirectorofWorshipandMusic:LanceVining,x132,lance.vining@viennapres.org
WorshipLeader:AndrewSchmidt,apschmidt24@gmail.com
AdultDiscipleship
DirectorofLifeGroups&Education:KimSnyder,x130,kim.snyder@viennapres.org
Outreach-NextGen
InterimDirectorofYouthMinistry:BethWebster,x110,beth.webster@viennapres.org
DirectorofChildren'sMinistry:MaddieSchmidt,x117,maddie.schmidt@viennapres.org
DirectorofthePreschool:TerriFranke,x134,terri.franke@viennapres.org
ChildcareManager:HeatherBoehm,x159,heather.boehm@viennapres.org
OutreachAdministrativeAssistant:RachelPeck,x104,rachel.peck@viennapres.org
Outreach-Missions
DirectorofMissions:SueHamblen,x111,sue.hamblen@viennapres.org
OutreachAdministrativeAssistant:SusanKenney,x123,susan.kenney@viennapres.org
Finance,OperationsandCommunications
ManagingDirector:NinaGraves,x133,nina.graves@viennapres.org
FinanceManager:KellieOwens,x121,kellie.owens@viennapres.org
Operations&SystemsManager:MelissaJensen,x106,melissajensen@viennapresorg
CommunicationsManager:KellyMiller,x112,kellymiller@viennapresorg
OperationsandHRAdministrativeAssistant:MelanieNunez,x103, melanie.nunez@viennapres.org
FacilitiesManager:JaimeTapia,x131,jaime.tapia@viennapres.org
AssistantFacilitiesManager: BelarminoDiaz,x131
FacilitiesSupportStaff:MariaAguilar, ReynaMendoza,MarthaMondragon
ESOL
ESOLManager:StaciStocklos,x102,staci.stocklos@viennapres.org
ESOLAdministrativeAssistant:MelindaMatzen,x157,melinda.matzen@viennapres.org
ScheduleaSacredLifeEvent:
Baptisms:RachelPeck,x104,rachel.peck@viennapres.org
MemorialServices:AprilMassey,x100,april.massey@viennapres.org
Weddings:MarnieHarter,mharter8@verizon.net
GettoknowtheVPCstaffbetterbyvisitingviennapres.org/staff.Youcanseetheirphotos,biosandcontact themdirectlythroughourwebsiteorcallthechurchofficeat703.938.9050anddial theirextension.
MEET OUR STAFF
InthePresbyterianChurch,moretrustisplacedinagroupofpeople,whotogetherseektodiscernthemind ofGodtoleadthemtowardsfaithfulaction,thaninasingleindividualwhohasalltheanswers.Therefore, committeesandteamsareamainstayofthechurch.Atthelocal,congregationallevelthismeanstwomain boards:Elders(Session),asthedecision-makingbody,andDeacons,ascaringservants.Bothgroupsareto bearepresentationofthecongregationasawhole.
TheEldersandDeaconsareordainedpositionsinthePresbyterianChurch(USA).Thatmeansthatwe believeeachofthemhasbeenchosenbyGodandthecongregationtobealeaderinChrist’schurch.The vowstheytakearenearlythesamevowsthatapastortakestobecomeaMinisterofWordandSacrament. Onceapersonisordainedthatordinationisconsideredalifelongvocation.TheordainedEldersand Deaconshavearesponsibilitytocultivatetheirprayerlife,tostudytheBible,andtoseekGodintheir individual,andcongregationallife.
Elders
CLASSOF2021-2023
ChuckAllen,ClerkofSession
TomBauer
PatriciaBronson
SteveDirkse
KristinRomero
DavidSteiner
CLASSOF2022-2024
JonathanBenett
TeriDungan
ChrisJones
MelindaMayes
KarenMokate
TristenYancey
CLASSOF2023-2025
BillCarter
YvonneMalloy
LindaManson
AndrewMcCormick
CoryScott
CaitThrasher
TocontacttheVPCSession,pleaseemailsession@viennapres.org.Visitviennapres.org/leadership
Deacons
CLASSOF2021-2023
TimBoatwright,Moderator
SharonBurger
LeeCurtis
PatDirkse
AshleyHarrison
AndrewMcLauchlin
CharlotteRoland
SherrySmith
CLASSOF2022-2024
ChuckBertsch
LisaDeCarlo
DebbieFrankiewicz
FrankGanis
JacquieGarland
ClayHamric
SarahKillion
MarkRichards
PamSellars
RebecahShepherd
CLASSOF2023-2025
SharonEdelmann
JeanneHarrison
KristinHeath
RanceHopwood
LyleKellman
RichardNordberg
GregRahal
GingerThomas
KellyThomson
TocontacttheVPCDeacons,pleaseemaildeacons@viennapres.org.Visitviennapres.org/leadership
WelcometotheClassof2023-2025!
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