March 2025
WELCOME NEWMEMBERS
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 30 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 March 2 and 9, 2025 during a called meeting.
How we praise and thank God for choosing to add to the body of Christ gathered as Vienna Presbyterian Church!
Rachel Burns is thrilled to join VPC!
Rachel loves how VPC is focused on faith, family and fellowship. She also finds the sermons engaging and applicable to her life. Rachel grew up singing in her high school Madrigals so naturally she was drawn to the choir and has enjoyed singing with them since last spring. She also plans to volunteer with VPC's missions that support the local community. Currently, Rachel is a reading teacher at Louise Archer and is joined by her husband Lynn and their blended family of five: Elizabeth (12), William (9) and Margaret Abidin (8) and Paige (12) and Emery Burns (10). Galatians 5:22-26 is always on Rachel's heart.
Meredith Brenton is excited to be joining VPC by transfer of membership. Meredith is drawn to VPC’s strong sense of community and fellowship, as well as its children's ministry. Meredith hopes to become involved in the Bags of Love ministry. She has been married to Christopher for seven years and they have a seven-month-old son, Thomas. Micah 6:8 is Meredith’s favorite Bible verse.
Amy Chang is overjoyed to join VPC by reaffirmation of faith. Amy is a transplant from California and sees God's heart for people in VPC's mission statement, its many ministries, and the warmth of its members. As a mom of a young child (and two fur babies), Amy looks forward to fellowship and serving with other Jesus, baby, and dog loving folks. As a trained CPA, Amy serves as a volunteer Treasurer for Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles and is happy to serve at VPC in the "boring stuff," too. One of her favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11.
Ashton Daley and Ryan Sullivan are delighted to join VPC by transfer of membership from the Baptist and Catholic churches, respectively. They are engaged to be married on April 5. Ashton and Ryan were drawn to VPC because of the vibrant, engaging congregation and Pastor Hope’s relatable sermons. They are both looking forward to getting involved in VPC’s service opportunities and finding a small group. As they prepare for marriage, Ephesians 4:2-3 is a verse they are holding close to their hearts.
Lewis Dozier is excited to be joining VPC by transfer of membership from Vienna Baptist Church (VBC). He first attended VPC for a few times in the fall of 1979 just after moving to Vienna to work as a young Ph.D. mathematician with SAIC at Tysons Corner. VPC’s adult singles group held a joint Christmas party with a group from VBC in December 1979, and there Lewis met Rosalyn, a VBC member who would become his wife in November 1980. Lewis then became very active at VBC, being their Treasurer for 42 years, and also for many years teaching an adult Sunday School class, being a deacon, and singing in the choir. Since Rosalyn passed away in October 2023, by coincidence VBC has been in a profound state of transition, and this year Lewis decided to return to VPC, where he values the wide variety of opportunities for fellowship and service. He attends the Monday Night Men’s Group and the Foundations Sunday School class. Lewis has an adult daughter who is the registered nurse supporting the largest (1000 students) high school on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. One of Lewis’ favorite Bible verses is Hebrews 7:25, where he pictures Jesus’ intercession as putting the hand of a person into the hand of God, so that a person becomes one with God and is saved.
“THEREFOREGOANDMAKEDICIPLESOFALLNATIONS. BAPTIZING
THEMINTHENAMEOFTHEFATHERANDOFTHESONANDOF THEHOLYSPIRIT. ANDTEACHINGTHEMTOOBEYEVERYTHINGIHAVECOMMANDEDYOU. ANDSURELYIAMWITHYOUALWAYS,TOTHEVERYENDOFTHEAGE.” Matthew 28:19-20
Gary Eames is delighted to be joining VPC by reaffirmation of faith. Gary and his wife have been affiliated with Presbyterian local churches for nearly 50 years. He has been involved with service to the church in several ways. For many years, he has been an usher. He committed twice for week long trips for Habitat for Humanity. He served as a Deacon and Stephen Minister for three years. He and his wife, Mary, have been married for 54 years and raised two sons. They now have two granddaughters and are expecting, shortly, a grandson.
Mary Eames is delighted to become a member of Vienna Presbyterian Church. She is joining this Church because of its focus on the Bible and how it relates to everyday life. Before retiring, she was a real estate appraiser. Now, her focus is on her two granddaughters and one (soon-to-be-born) grandson. Grandchildren are a blessing! Mary hopes to participate in any church-sponsored home improvement or building projects. She and her husband, Gary, have experience ushering in Presbyterian churches and would like to usher at Vienna Presbyterian Church.
Clayton Hancock and Pernita Kapila are excited to have found a new church home in VPC. They were drawn to VPC initially by the wonderful children’s ministries for their two young wonderful children – TJ, age 5, and Ben, age 15 months. After attending for a few Sundays, it became clear that VPC not only has a passion for serving families but also for serving the community at large. Clayton and Pernita believe that faith without works is dead (James 2:14) - a belief reflected back by VPC. They are interested in supporting VPC’s services ministries (e.g., Bags of Love, Mission trips). Clayton's favorite Bible verses are the Beatitudes (Mathew, Chapter 5). Pernita often seeks strength and inspiration from Ruth's remarkable story.
Isaac and Gigi Ho'opi'i are excited to be calling VPC a home. Isaac was raised in the Catholic Church in Hawaii. The military brought him to Virginia, where he met Gigi. They were married in the Presbyterian Church, where Gigi and her family were life-long members. VPC provides Isaac and Gigi with a home for faith and fellowship, where they hope to continue to worship with their family. Gigi and Isaac have four kids and five grandchildren. Their favorite verses are Corinthians 13:4, James 1:3, and Psalm 144:15.
Ethan and Bess Viernes are humbled to raise their four boys in the VPC family. Ethan works in IT, and Bess is a teacher. They are actively involved in their Hawaiian cultural school, which they hope to share with VPC’s diverse community. Raised Methodist and Presbyterian, they look forward to establishing roots at VPC. They enjoy the verse Jeremiah 17:7-8.
Meagan Juliano, after being brought up in the Presbyterian church, is excited to be joining the VPC Family! Meagan was drawn to VPC’s active Children's Ministry. She is also moved by the music each week and enjoys the uplifting music ministry and the guidance of the pastors. Meagan’s children, Philip (7) and Maisie (5), love attending church and the kids’ programs. As music has always been a part of Meagan’s life, she hopes to become involved in the Music Ministry or Children’s Ministry. A meaningful verse has always been Matthew 5:16. “In the same way, let your light shine among others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
After attending VPC for the past two years with her family, Ainsley Lawler is excited to officially join our congregation. As a mother of two (Ellie (10) and Owen (2)), Ainsley is looking forward to being active in children and youth ministry programming and fellowship. Ainsley and her husband, Michael, live in Oakton and are expecting their third child in August. In times of challenge, Ainsley often returns to Hebrews 6:19: We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.
Lea Lee is happy to be joining VPC by reaffirmation of faith. Growing up, Lea attended Wonju Presbyterian Church and was drawn to VPC due to the familiar vibes of praise and worship, and fellowship between each church. While uncertain which ministry she wants to serve in, she is energized and hopes to find her calling in this season of her life. Lea and her husband Sean have been married for 8 years and have lived in the area for the last 4 years. Lea’s favorite verse is Psalm 27:4.
Sean Saucier is looking forward to joining VPC by reaffirmation of faith. Sean found VPC by chance, but the sense of community and care to the congregation by VPC is what drew him to become a member, especially in this season of life for him. Prior to his work in IT, Sean taught ESL to all ages in South Korea, so he is considering joining VPC’s children’s or youth ministry. Sean and his wife Lea have been married for 8 years and have lived in the area for the last 4 years. Sean’s favorite verse is Proverbs chapter 3:5-6.
Brian and Mary-Leigh Morrison live in McLean with their two boys, a thirteen-yearold and a six-year-old. They are active in baseball and tennis and work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They have been married for 17 years. As a former military family, Isaiah 41:10 has been a favorite verse: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Matthew and Rachel Moynihan join VPC by reaffirmation of faith. They were married by VPC pastor Pete James 10 years ago and relocated back to Virginia after living several years in Boston. As parents of Luke (6) Molly (4) and Sloane (almost 2), they were drawn to VPC's vibrant children's programming. Matthew, a physician, and Rachel, who works for the United Nations, have had enriching experiences learning from and serving communities in the U.S. and internationally, so when the kids are older look forward to getting involved in service missions. Matthew 25:35-40 is a favorite verse.
Sarah O’Connor is so happy to be joining Vienna Presbyterian Church by reaffirmation of faith. She has been able to find peace and joy in the sermons and music of the church following a difficult battle with cancer. This battle has changed the direction of Sarah’s life completely and she is praying for God to show her the next chapter. Sarah is joining VPC with her partner of 29 years, Gregg Wise. They have commuted between New York City and Virginia for many years as they raised her son, Timothy. Tim is now 34 and has been living in New Zealand for 6 years. Mary has been a favorite person from the Bible for Sarah. Mary’s strength and faith in the face of her situation is unfathomable.
Gregg Wise is delighted to be joining Vienna Presbyterian Church by reaffirmation of faith. He is joining with his partner of 29 years, Sarah O’Connor. Supporting and praying for Sarah through her cancer battle was life changing and has him excited to join Sarah in becoming part of VPC. Having commuted between New York City and Virginia for many years, he is looking forward to joining the vibrant VPC community and becoming increasingly engaged in anticipation of a full time move to Virginia in the next few years. He considers Matthew 7:13 to be a reminder of the strength of forgiveness and salvation for all.
John and Julia Smilde are excited to be joining the faith-filled community at VPC by certificate of transfer. Though they moved from Grand Rapids, Michigan soon after the pandemic started when John took a job at George Mason University, they continued to be involved online with their church in GR with the prayer team and with Alpha and Church Council leadership. They were ultimately drawn to VPC for its local ministry and mission and Christ-centered focus and have joined the Apprentices and Monday Night Bible Study. Julia works part-time at GMU in the International Office and they both love keeping up with their 3 adult children and grandson who live in Chicago, Seattle and Anchorage. One of Julia’s favorite verses is Psalm 31:21 - “Blessed God, His love is the wonder of the world” and John’s favorite verses are Philippians 2:1-4.
Gary Wood and Jenny Schlack are excited to be joining VPC by certificate of transfer. They are drawn to VPC’s vibrant children’s ministry and the community of faith that permeates every aspect of VPC. Gary and Jenny both hope to support the children and veterans ministries at VPC. They have been married for 10 years and have three young children.
Jeff Jordan is thrilled to be joining VPC by certificate of transfer. He has been encouraged and challenged by VPC’s Scripture-based teaching and uplifting worship and has felt the warmth of VPC’s diverse community. He has enjoyed participating in the Perspectives class and Monday night men’s Bible study. Jeff and his wife, Holli, have a 15-year old son, Will, who is active in VPC’s youth programs. They plan to move to Oslo, Norway, this summer for a 3-year Embassy posting and look forward to deepening their ties to the VPC community before then. His favorite verse is Ephesians 2:4, and lately he has drawn particular comfort from Psalm 29:10-11.
Holli Jordan is excited to join VPC by certificate of transfer. She is grateful for VPC's Christ-centered teaching that encourages living in humble service to God, for the beautiful music of the Chancel and Youth choirs, and for the engaging youth group that has welcomed Holli's and her husband, Jeff's, son, Will (15), into the mix. Holli has joined the Fellowship team and Monday night Women’s Bible study, and she is interested in learning more about VPC missions, as she works professionally with a non-profit organization to combat global poverty. Her favorite Bible verses are Psalm 139:23-24 and Ephesians 4:32.
ACaringFellowship BringingChristIntoOurDiverseCommunity ThroughDiscipleshipAndService