Welcome New Members and Stephen Ministers

WELCOME

New Members and Stephen Ministers

Welcome New Members

In Jesus Christ, God calls people to faith and to membership in the Church, the body of Christ. The baptism (or reaffirmation of baptism) of those who enter the covenant of membership upon their own profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior witnesses to the truth that God’s gift of grace calls forth a response of faithfulness. (Book of Order, G-1.0301)

Today we are welcoming these 11 new members and their families through:

Public profession of faith

Certificate of transfer

Reaffirmation of faith

They were formally received into membership by vote of our Session on June 11, 2023 during a called meeting.

How we praise and thank God for choosing to add to the body of Christ gathered as Vienna Presbyterian Church!

The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly...

Acts 6:7

Peg Friedel is privileged to be joining VPC by Reaffirmation of Faith. Peg taught in Vienna (FCPS) for many years. Hence, she is very aware of the many positive influences and experiences VPC has had in the Vienna community. Peg and her husband, Dick, have resided in Oakton for many years. They have two adult children, both living in Northern Virginia. She hopes to offer her teaching skills, and more importantly, her faith in Christ, to the younger generation at VPC. She is willing to support the new ministry to help our veterans, as Dick is a retired Army veteran, too. One of her favorite verses in the Bible is Luke 1:37 which states that “Nothing is impossible with God.”

Nora Hertel is thrilled to be joining Vienna Presbyterian Church by Reaffirmation of Faith. Nora and her husband Mark relocated from another state to Tyson’s Corner and began attending Sunday worship at VPC in 2022. VPC has helped them both to strengthen their relationship with God and she loves the high value VPC places on the community. Nora has a passion for helping others and hopes to be more involved with youth ministries, event planning, and opportunities to give back to the community. Corinthians 13:4-7 are her favorite verses

Matt Howsare is happy to be joining VPC by Reaffirmation of Faith. After moving to Vienna, he was drawn to VPC by the energy and enthusiasm of the members for authentic community and worship. Matt and his wife, Elizabeth, have been married for 10 years and have 5 young children ages 7 and under. With so many children, he plans to one day be more involved in VPC’s children’s programs. Matt is a partner at the Cooley law firm based in DC and specializes in consumer product safety law. He has lived in the DC area for 14 years and in Vienna since 2020. One of his favorite Bible verses is Matthew 7:12.

Jearica Rosenbaum is delighted to be joining VPC by Reaffirmation of Faith. Jearica is drawn to VPC because it feels like a safe place for her and her family to express their faith As a mother, Jearica plans on helping with childcare during worship, so other parents can enjoy worship while their children are safely being looked after Jearica gave her life to the Lord in her early 20s and looks forward to growing her relationship with Jesus at VPC. Jearica and her husband Dan, were married at VPC four years ago. Since then, they have been blessed with a beautiful child. 1 Corinthians 13 is currently Jearica’s favorite Scripture

R E E M H A L A B I

Reem Halabi is filled with immense excitement as she prepares to join VPC The genuine hospitality and warmth she experienced from the VPC community made her and her family feel like they had found a second home. With her expertise in marketing and events, Reem is eager to contribute her skills to this ministry. Married to George Ishac for a decade, they have been blessed with two adorable daughters, Selena, who is eight years old, and Sofia, who is four years old. Among the numerous verses that inspire her, Reem holds Isaiah 41:10 close to her heart as her favorite Bible verse.

G E O R G E I S H A C

George Ishac is filled with anticipation as he embarks on his journey with VPC The genuine affection and concern he experienced from the VPC community drew him to join their ranks. Armed with a strong background in business management and the ability to speak three languages fluently, he eagerly anticipates employing his skills to spread the message and love of God to others. George has been happily married to Reem Halabi for a decade and is blessed with two beautiful young daughters Reem, too, is on the path to becoming a VPC member Two years ago, they made the life-changing decision to relocate from Lebanon to this region Among the many verses that resonate with George, Psalm 23:4 holds a special place in his heart.

K A T E K A T C H

Kate Katch is excited to become a member of VPC by Reaffirmation of Faith. Kate started attending VPC in 2021 with her husband Kevin and daughter Emily Since then, they have welcomed another baby girl, Ella. Kate has been excited to begin her journey at VPC at the same time as Pastor Hope, grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Church's new vision and transformation. Kate loves VPC's active children's ministry and heart for the marginalized, however it was during her first women's brunch in Spring 2022 where she was moved by meeting such genuine, kind and 'no-pretense' women who love Jesus, that she knew this was the church for her Kate is passionate about faith and work ministry and how God uses our everyday work as part of His larger plan to make all things new She is looking forward to sharing this passion as an active member of VPC.

K E V I N K A T C H

Kevin Katch is excited to join VPC by Reaffirmation of Faith Kevin started attending VPC in 2021. Kevin and his family moved down from NYC in 2020 where they were members of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. He feels blessed to have found a Church that is so clearly filled with the Holy Spirit as well as the energy and excitement of the new chapter for VPC. Kevin is excited to become an active participant in our ministries and has a heart to serve the homeless and marginalized. Kevin joins VPC along with his wife Kate and his daughters Emily (4years old) and Ella (10 months) His favorite bible verse is Matthew 11:29.

E C H O K R I S K O

Echo Krisko is delighted to be joining VPC along with her husband Kevin Krisko. Echo is drawn to VPC’s commitment to an inclusive and diverse community and appreciates the energy of this new season at VPC. As a Certified Financial Planner with over 15 years of experience in financial planning and advising, Echo is interested in becoming part of VPC’s financial wellness ministry and making a difference in peoples’ lives. Echo and Kevin live in Vienna and together they have 4 adult children. A favorite Bible verse is Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven "

K E V I N K R I S K O

Kevin Krisko is excited to formally be a part of the VPC community with his wife, Echo. Joining other family members who attend VPC, Kevin and Echo are connected with the International Bible Study group, and Kevin just completed five months of training and growth to serve as a Stephen Minister. Formerly serving in the US and Italian Air Forces, Kevin loves all things aviation - especially C-130s - and is now an Organizational Wellbeing Program Manager, Performance Coach, and Leadership Instructor Kevin and Echo have adult daughters, a Golden Retriever, and love to travel. Kevin feels he is at his best when he is growing and serving at the same time, and Proverbs 3:5-6 helps him stay on course/get back on course as he navigates life during the turbulent and wondrous times we live in.

M E L I S S A W O L F E

Melissa Wolfe is drawn to the energy and sense of community at VPC and is excited to become a new member. She hopes VPC will be able to put her gifts of planning, organization and connecting people to good use, possibly for our mission work given her fondness of travel and passion to help others. Melissa is looking forward to joining VPC’s summer choir to test out her musical abilities Melissa and her husband Pat have been married for 28 years and have two adult daughters, Katherine and Sarah. Some of you may remember Sarah Wolfe, as she attended VPC and served on two missions (Haiti and Mexico) with her best friend in her teenage years. A favorite verse is Proverbs 19:21. “I’m constantly making plans and have loads of dreams but am learning to trust that what happens is God’s will.”

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members ~ called Stephen Ministers ~ to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.

Our Stephen Ministers have now completed 50 hours of in-class training. They will continue to receive continuing education for the next 2 ½ years of their commitment.

A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week for about an hour. Care Receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a life difficulty or a crisis. Stephen Ministry helps us fulfill the first part of our mission statement as we seek to become A Caring Fellowship.

Please speak with Pastor Connie (connie.jordan-haas@viennapres.org or 703.938.9050, ext. 116) if you want to talk about having a Stephen Minister.

May God’s compassion and mercy be freely shared through the healing care of our Stephen Ministers!

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

J O H N B A R R

Being in fellowship and supporting one another in Christ is a gracious gift. Others in my life patiently encouraged me to open my heart to God, and I will be blessed to help others in their time of difficulty and life challenges.

S U S A N B A U E R

Caring for and serving our congregation in big ways and small was very rewarding for me as I served as a Deacon for the last 3 years. Moving into Stephen Ministry was a natural path for me to be able to continue to care for our congregation but in a more intimate way with members one on one We all have times when we need a person to come along beside us to listen without judgment and be present. This is what Stephen Ministers are trained to do and what I pray I can do in this ministry.

D O N N A B E R T S C H

When I retired from teaching, I was looking for a way to connect more deeply with Christ's community here at VPC. Stephen Ministry feels like home now We are a community of individuals who each desire to walk alongside someone in need of the presence of another human with compassionate, listening ears I am delighted, blessed, and humbled to serve in this ministry.

I’ve been very fortunate to have supportive family and friends to reinforce my faith. I look forward to being part of the Stephen Ministry support network in our church community.

I desire to serve and demonstrate the love of Christ as I journey with those who are experiencing challenging times. It is an honor and privilege to be used by God and I stand ready to provide you with the support you need – a listening ear, encouragement, prayer, a sounding board, a light, a constant presence

I’ve enjoyed being a friendly, caring listening ear for those who are homebound through serving home communion and visitation and have been blessed by those relationships I look forward to extending myself further as a Stephen Minister to walk alongside those who are struggling as I seek to live with intention and purpose to love and serve God and others!

Like you, I’ve had some pretty rough times…and my lived experience helps me “get” how hard being or feeling alone can be. Sharing some of your struggle (of whatever type) with another man helps. You matter, I care, and in God’s light we can take a few steps forward together.

As a family historian, I value one’s story. Finding God in the details of my own challenging story has given me hope and empathy for others as they face life’s difficulties. It will be my honor to walk alongside you as you experience a challenging new chapter of your life.

In 2022, I asked God to use me in a way that would have a positive impact on someone else, to truly be a vessel for his love. A firsthand experience of what Stephen Ministry does for care receivers, being asked to join this important ministry was a no brainer (after much prayer!) This will be my privilege

I enjoy using my gifts in listening and communicating to others about the hard day to day issues we confront from time to time. The emphasis on how Christ’s power and love meets us in those needs in a confidential one on one relationship is a way I can be part of our caring fellowship at VPC.

P A U L M A Y E R

There are times when we feel hurt or hopeless or lost. You might know the signs already because you’ve seen them in your loved ones or when you look in the mirror. It can be disorienting, like an impenetrable fog, but God always gives us a path forward As a Stephen Minister, I’m there to help focus His guiding light.

E

Stephen Ministry is a way I can pass on the deep, compassionate caring to another person that I have received, by God’s grace, during times when I was hurting This confidential, one-on-one ministry is a safe place to work through difficulties of many kinds. I trust in God’s power and love to bring comfort and growth in the process.

I believe our God is loving and merciful and that He can and does redeem our pain and suffering. He has worked His healing power in my own life, and I have been blessed beyond measure as a result. It is an honor and a privilege to walk alongside someone going through a difficult and trying time.

L E E S C O T T

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15

I have always listened avidly to people's stories, sharing in their joys and sorrows. And I have seen how the Holy Spirit worked in my life through human vessels I look forward to being a vessel for the Holy Spirit in others' lives.

C Y L V I A T O Y

Life is good, but life does throw us some punches, doesn’t it? Having endured lifethreatening medical and challenging personal crises, I’ve developed greater empathy for others going through difficult times. The Lord walked with me all along. In a similar way, it will be a privilege for me to walk alongside, listen, and be present for you in your time of need.

R O B I N W A L L I N

I have experienced loss and grief and benefited greatly from the loving support of others. I look forward to giving back and now also being a caring presence for others.

D E B B I E W I L S O N

God has carried me through devastating circumstances, and I have seen His amazing love and power at work As you face your own difficulties, I would like to walk by your side, knowing that God will provide you with His healing touch in your life

I M A N Z A B E T T

I have been active at VPC since my arrival in the Washington D C area Through Stephen Ministry, I have found one of the greatest opportunities of sharing the love of Christ with others

Our faithful and devoted Stephen Ministry Leaders taught the 50 hours of training: Chuck Allen, Erin Allen, Roy Dunn, Lisa LeJune, Sally Mitchell, Jeanie Thomas, Rev Minh Towner, and Rev. Connie Jordan-Haas

Both of these ministries give praise to God for the ministries of April Massey, staff for Congregational Care and Fellowship, and Kelly Miller, staff for Communications.