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!

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.”