VIENNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | JULY 2022
THE MONTHLY MESSENGER
FROM HOPE'S HEART... Have you ever tried to eat soft-serve ice-cream on a really hot day? When my youngest daughter was three or four, our family went out for ice-cream. We placed our order that included a vanilla cone and a chocolate cone. I figured that I’d take whichever one she didn’t choose. What I didn’t bargain for was how long it was going to take her to make a choice. Long story short, it took so long that my hands were covered in melted ice-cream and she was having a complete meltdown because there was no more ice-cream left to choose from. Throughout life we all must reach important moments of decision in order to move forward in one direction or another. If we draw that decision process out too long, we stand to lose everything. This happened to the Israelites in the Book of Deuteronomy. They were standing at the precipice of the Promised Land with Moses. By this point they had escaped Egypt and had been wandering a round in the desert for quite some time. They sent a scouting party out ahead of them that brought back a favorable report. All indicators seemed to scream “go!” But, the Israelites screamed “no!” and, as a result, spent another 40 years wandering around in the desert. There is some truth to the expression “he who hesitates is lost!” This month the Elders of our church have been tasked with making some very crucial decisions that will guide the path of our congregation going forward. Whatever decisions they make will not have been done lightly or even quickly. These are decisions that have been almost a year in the making. Our congregation has pulled together and given countless hours to share our hearts and dreams for the future of this church. Everyone was asked to contribute their thoughts and opinions through various surveys, focus groups, church-wide invitations to speak directly to our Transformation Teams, emails, phone calls, and Narthex conversations. At the June Session meeting, the leaders of the Transformation Teams (teams that represent the breadth and depth of our congregation) presented the elders with a proposed Vision and Mission Statement and a new staff
organizational structure to support that mission and vision --one that was born out of the voice and leading of the ENTIRE congregation by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now, this month, the elders must decide if we move forward with the proposed Vision and Mission Statement and the new organizational staffing structure or if we are to stay the course of our current trajectory. Our Elders have been preparing for this period for months now. They have been in deep prayer and discernment. And now the time has come to make some choices. Church, sometimes making a choice is hard because you know that to say “yes” to something, often means saying “no” to something else. Very few of us like to hear the word “no” and so we’re not always eager to be the ones to say it either. And yet, this deep work of faith is what the Elders --- the spiritual leaders of the church --- are called to do. As a church family, we owe them a debt of gratitude for their willingness to serve in this crucial moment. This month, I’d like to call our entire church family to prayer: for our Elders, for our pastors, for our staff, for our church. And then I’d like for each of us to prepare ourselves for this new chapter of ministry that is about to be unleashed! That preparation involves the soul-work of letting go with deep appreciation for what has been and boldly walking forward in faith to what will be. To be honest with you, I’m so excited I can hardly contain myself! Which is why I’m exceptionally grateful that I am getting to spend a week with the youth of our church at the Fun in the Son Conference. What better way to wait upon Lord, than with the youth of VPC! The ice-cream is going to start to melt, the Promised Land is waiting, and we’ve reach the moment of decision. Lord, lead us! Let’s go! 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 9:45am. At 10:30am, 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. 9:00AM - 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. 10:10AM - 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. 11:15AM - 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 Save the Date for a Community Party
JULY 2
Liberty Amendments Concert, Town Green
4
Independence Day (VPC Office Closed)
7
Water and Worship
10
Hilton Head Youth Conference
After last year's joyous summer party, we couldn’t help but do it again! Expect to see your favorite activities from last time and new ideas too: food trucks, DJ, moon bounce, inflatable obstacle course, inflatable sticky dodge ball, lawn games, and more. Seating areas for enjoying dinner and conversation will be provided. What else could we need? You! This party will be at its best with you and the guests you invite to come! Get more info at www.viennapres.org/blockparty.
10
Family Fun Night
14
Water and Worship
18
Belong! Mission Project
21
Water and Worship
23
Playground Playdates
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.
28
Water and Worship
31
Philadelphia Project
31
Family Fun Night
VPC Summer Block Party Saturday August 27, 5:00-8:00PM VPC Parking Lot
August Summer Playground Playdates Please join us this summer for Playground Playdates for families with preschool age children on Saturday, July 23, 9:30-11:00am on the VPC Playground! Donuts and coffee provided. Check the VPC website for updates closer to the events, viennapres.org. Questions? Contact Heather Boehm at heather.boehm@viennapres.org.
4
Water and Worship
14
Family Fun Night
27
Summer Block Party
September 11
Kick-Off Sunday
13 - 24 CenterPoint Trip 16 - 18
Fall Youth Retreat
19
Men's BBQ
24
Women's Brunch
Family Fun Nights Join us for FAMILY FUN NIGHTS! Sundays, July 10, July 31, and 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! When you register, you can choose the nights your family will attend! Register on REALM. For more information, contact Melissa Ciavarella at melissa.ciavarella@viennapres.org
MISSIONS AT VPC Be part of the Legacy of Teens that Serve at the Local Mission Outreach! VPC Partner Belong! needs volunteers to offer the excellent summer enrichment/Vacation Bible School experience for kids in our community from July 18 to 22. It is an opportunity to share Christ’s love with them through Bible activities, songs and prayer, and a chance for those who are struggling academically to catch up a bit during the summer months! One of the ways to help volunteer is to prepare and deliver daily lunches to the campers. Cooking (minimal) will be at the church and delivery is to Church for All Nations – our brothers and sisters down at the end of Park Street! For more info and to volunteer: viennapres.org/missions
Bring on the Food, Fun, and Fellowship at Summer Breakfast! 10:10 AM weekly, in the Great Hall and Outside Cost: free; donations welcome
Each Sunday brings new delights at breakfast as we develop our sense of church family, find new people to meet, and look forward to what the group host of the day will surprise us with for the meal. We hope you’ll join us!
GENEROSITY MINISTRIES Take VPC With You this Summer It’s getting warmer, pools are open and the ice cream truck is back in action. That means one thing…Summer is here! While many of us will enjoy much-needed vacation and quality time spent with family and friends, VPC's ministry won't slow down. If travels take you elsewhere this summer, you can still join in worship at www.viennapres.org/worship-live/, and you can easily and securely give your tithe and offerings online at www.viennapres.org/giving. You can even simplify your giving by scheduling an automatic recurring gift. Help us continue to fund VPC ministries throughout the summer and support Christ’s work in the world. "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
2022 Unified Ministries and Missions Giving through June 30, 2022 Actual: $1,518,933 Budgeted: $1,593,161
The giving of our treasure is a reflection of our hearts for all the ways that God is moving in our lives and in this church. Thank you for investing in Kingdom work through Vienna Presbyterian Church. For more information or if you have questions, please contact Nina Graves at nina.graves@viennapres.org or 703.938.9050 x 133
NEXT GEN MININSTRIES SUNDAY MORNING CHILDREN'S MINISTRY (INFANTS - 6TH GRADE) At 9:00AM: 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 10:10AM: Families will remain together for our Summer Breakfast and fellowship. At 11:15AM: Childcare for infants to 3 years: Interactive Bible stories, music and movement. For information on our Children's Ministry, contact Melissa Ciavarella at melissa.ciavarella@viennapres.org
CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY Wednesdays - July 13: Italian Ice and The Word, 7:00pm This 5-week Bible study will focus on Biblical perspective in the Gospels. Bring your Bible and a friend! Rita’s Italian Ice will be provided. For location and information, contact Michelle at Michelle.Rahal@viennapres.org.
Thursdays - August 4: Water and Worship, 7:00pm - 10:00pm If you love Christian music and are in high school or college, we want you to join us for an evening of swimming and song! Bring your swimsuit, your instrument, and your voice. We will gather every Thursday to swim, play games, and worship! For location and information, contact Macy at Macy.Wright@viennapres.org.
JOIN A VPC MINISTRY TEAM When you join a ministry team, you participate in Christ’s ongoing work in the world. Check out the volunteer opportunities below and contact Kim Snyder at kim.snyder@viennapres.org or x130, if interested. Kim will put you in touch with a team leader who can give you more information and equip you to become a member of the team. Current Volunteer Needs: Summer Breakfast – join a team for one or more of the weeks to help with food or set up Childcare and Children’s Ministry assistants on Sundays at 9:00 AM Welcome Center greeters to welcome guests before and after worship services Entry door greeters and sanctuary ushers for worship services Online worship chat box hosts/greeters for worship Looking Towards Fall: Childcare and Children’s Ministry teachers, assistants, and event volunteers Youth Ministry small group leaders and event volunteers for teens Adult Ministry small group leaders, group/class coordinators, and event volunteers Volunteer ESOL Teachers Needed at VPC: VPC’s adult "English for Speakers of Other Languages" program needs English teachers. Volunteers will teach classes for 2 hours, one morning or evening per week for the 2022/23 school year. No teaching experience is required. Training is available. For more information, please contact Deb Rymer at Deb.Rymer@viennapres.org.
Visit: viennapres.org/volunteer for more information or to sign up. We'd love to have you!
CARE AND SUPPORT MINISTRIES A New Way to Grow and Serve. Only Available Once Every Three Years! Our Stephen Ministry is what we like to call a “hidden gem.” Over VPC’s 20 years of Stephen Ministry, hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of men and women have received steadfast, confidential, prayerful, caring ministry from our scores of highly trained and devoted Stephen Ministers. Consider this first-person witness from someone who greatly benefited from her weekly time with one of our committed Stephen Ministers: We all go through times in our lives that are more challenging than others. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer I was devastated. I was incredibly close to her. She was the most loving, supportive presence in my life. To watch her health decline was very upsetting. When I heard about the Stephen Ministry program, I knew having someone bring Christ’s love and care to me was exactly what I needed. To have someone sit with me and bear witness to my sadness was truly a gift. My Stephen Minister generously donated time on a weekly basis to pray with me and provide comfort. I will never be able to thank her enough for walking alongside me on my difficult journey. I strongly recommend this program and I have no doubt it will profoundly change your life like it did mine! YOU may get involved in our Stephen Ministry in one of two ways: just reach out if you would like the care of one of our Stephen Ministers; or, consider applying to become a Stephen Minister with our class starting in January of 2023. Check out this link to our website to learn more: www.viennapres.org/care-prayer/careministries/stephen-ministry. It is an honor and privilege to be the Body of Christ for and with one another. “When one member is suffering, all suffer; when one member is rejoicing, all rejoice.” 1 Corinthians 12:26 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
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) provides hope and support through addiction education for parents dealing with an addicted loved one. Here is a first-person testimony from a VPC member. Read as this devoted Christian describes how very helpful this ministry is in her life:
When you have a child or loved one with an addiction, you will do anything and everything to help them. At PALS, I am discovering that “helping” looks different than what I have been used to doing. This group is a huge support for me as I learn to love my daughter unconditionally, yet differently. My focus has changed from unknowingly enabling her in her addiction, to setting healthier boundaries for myself. The focus is to learn to let go of what we cannot change as we trust in the Lord to do the work in both of us.
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 Childcare Manager: Heather Boehm: x159, heather.boehm@viennapres.org NextGen Coordinator: Rachel Peck: x104, rachel.peck@viennapres.org Summer Intern: Macy Wright: x125, macy.wright@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 and Operations: Nina Graves, x119, nina.graves@viennapres.org Finance Manager: Kellie Owens, x121, kellie.owens@viennapres.org Director of Generosity: Nina Graves, x133, nina.graves@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 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 Clark Lindgren Mark Richards Pam Sellars Rebecah Shepherd
Vienna Presbyterian Church | 124 Park Street, NE, Vienna, VA 22180 www.viennapres.org 703.938.9050