New Member Booklet - May 2024

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 26 new members and their families through:

Public profession of faith1.

Certificate of transfer 2.

Reaffirmation of faith3.

They were formally received into membership by vote of our Session on May 19, 2024 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

JOCELYN & AJ BOUSQUET

Jocelyn and AJ Bousquet are excited to be joining Vienna Presbyterian Church. They felt welcomed by the warm, Christ-like community. Jocelyn is a nurse and AJ works in tech. They were married at VPC in November, 2020. They love the church atmosphere and local presence that VPC has. They are inspired by the words of John 13:34, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." They look forward to growing in faith and raising their 5 month old son, Benjamin, with their new church family.

ALEXIS CRAWLEY & CHRIS RYAN

Chris Ryan and Alexis Crawley are joining VPC through a reaffirmation of faith after attending since 2020. They have been married 13 years and have two children in early elementary school. While they both are from other denominational backgrounds, they were initially drawn to VPC‘s location in Vienna, its outreach in the community, and their children’s ministry. They are excited by the promise of VPC‘s new season of growth, including new opportunities in children’s ministry and small groups. Chris and Alexis have both participated in Bible study groups at VPC for parents, and are looking forward to connecting in community after participating in and leading small groups at previous churches. They are also interested in forming connections with and supporting other families who have children with special needs. Chris’ favorite verse of scripture for this season of life is Micah 6:8.

JOSEPH & MARCI DAWKINS

Joseph and Marci Dawkins, along with daughter Anna, are excited to join VPC by a reaffirmation of faith. The Dawkins look forward to joining VPC due to the welcomeness and sense of community that has been exhibited from the first visit. Joe hopes to have the opportunity to volunteer in missions, and Marci is looking forward to finding a place to volunteer. Joe and Marci have been married for 16 years, Anna is in 5th grade at Dominion Christian. Anna is an avid softball player, and Marci serves as an assistant coach. Marci is an accountant at Freddie Mac where she enjoys working on the mission of affordable housing. Joe is a financial advisor and hopes to find areas to volunteer that intersect with his professional work. Psalm 121 is a favorite passage of the family.

NICK & AMANDA DIEDE

Nick and Amanda Diede are thrilled to become members of VPC. Amanda grew up attending VPC, Nick and Amanda were married here, and all 3 of their boys were baptized at VPC. After 10 years in Seattle, they are excited to be back in Vienna and make VPC their 'church home'. The sense of community and active childhood ministry particularly excite the couple. Nick and Amanda hope to get involved in a small group and are eager to find other ways to plug into the community. Their favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13.

CHRIS & MALISA DORN

Chris and Malisa Dorn are joining VPC by transfer of membership from Emmanuel Presbyterian in Arlington, VA. They met through friends at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. Married 13 years, they have two boys, Kit (8) and Carl (5). A foreign service family, they have lived in Nicaragua and Sweden, and Chris completed an unaccompanied tour in Iraq. Malisa was raised in a Southern Baptist family in Alabama and Chris in an Episcopalian family overseas. One of Malisa’s favorite passages is Psalms 139, while Chris likes Psalm 4:1.

AMANDA GIRTH & DREW THOMPSON

Amanda Girth and Drew Thompson are following their daughter, Ella, in joining VPC. It was a joyous spring for the Thompson Family as Ella was confirmed in March, and their son, Will, was baptized in April. Drew and Amanda are joining by letter from First Baptist Church of Alexandria. They currently live in the City of Falls Church, but are moving this summer to Arlington. The Thompson Family has found VPC to be a welcoming, Christcentered church, with strong youth programs. They look forward to being active members, supporting the mission of VPC wherever the Spirit leads. One of Amanda’s favorite passages is Jesus‘ teaching in Matthew 7:7-11, and Drew’s favorite verse is Romans 15:13.

ASHLEY & COLIN KEATING

Ashley and Colin Keating are excited to be officially joining VPC! Ashley & Colin were drawn to VPC's sense of community, welcoming worship service, and thriving children's ministry. Their three kids, Claire age 11, Bryce age 9, and Connor age 6, love attending the kids' programs -- and playing foosball in the basement! Ashley and Colin are planning to join a bible study. The whole family looks forward to being involved in service opportunities. Isaiah 40:31 has always been a favorite verse.

JOHN LUDDY

John Luddy has attended VPC for nearly three years and has chosen this season to become a member by Reaffirmation of Faith. John values VPC‘s commitment to scripture and the church’s central place in the Vienna community. He participates in Monday Night Men, the Neighbor to Neighbor ministry, and also serves as an usher. John and his wife Tami are longtime residents of Vienna and have four children; his favorite Bible chapter is Romans 12.

DAVE MCLAUGHLIN

Dave McLaughlin is excited to be joining VPC after attending for over 20 years. Dave is drawn to VPC’s leadership and caring mission direction. As such he plans on being involved helping local programs. His three sons, John, Justin, and Jeff, all attended preschool at VPC in the late 1990s. Along with his sons, Dave has been married to Linda since 1991. Dave has found Psalm 121 to be one of the most meaningful.

KEVIN MILLER & KENZI MILLER-GREEN

Kevin Miller and Kenzi Miller-Green are thrilled to be joining VPC by Reaffirmation of Faith. As a foreign service family, Kenzi and Kevin are drawn to VPC’s strong sense of community and are excited to establish strong roots with the VPC family no matter where their travels take them. Kenzi loves the book of James, and Kevin lives by Philippians 4:6-7. Kevin and Kenzi have been married for six years and are expecting their first child.

PETER & MEGAN MITCHELL

Peter and Megan Mitchell are thrilled to be coming home to VPC. Peter, baptized at VPC, was a member of Centreville Presbyterian Church (CPC) growing up. Megan, via Fredericksburg, was raised Baptist. They will be joined on Sundays by Henry, who will spend most of his time in the nursery. They were drawn to the active ministries and engaging church leadership. Every Sunday they have felt welcomed and a part of the community. The Mitchells have been married three years, residing in Oakton. A favorite verse of theirs, representing marriage and community, is Ecclesiastes 4:9–10.

DAVID & JULIE MOORE

David and Julie Moore are very happy and excited to be joining VPC by Reaffirmation of Faith. They are drawn to VPC’s mission statement, core values and sharing Christ’s love in our lives. They hope to be involved with missions along with supporting the local community and youth ministry. They have been married for 13 years and have two elementary school-aged boys.

KEVIN MORGAN

Kevin Morgan is thrilled to be joining Vienna Presbyterian Church (VPC) by reaffirmation of faith. Kevin is drawn to the congregation by VPC’s parlayed commitment to faith in Jesus Christ with active local involvement. Philanthropy and service are important to Kevin, and he plans to support VPC’s annual service opportunities. As an avid runner, the World Vision 6K Walk for Water is of particular interest. Kevin and his wife, Christy, have been married for five years and are expecting a baby girl on May 30th. She will be their first child and one whom they are excited to raise in the VPC community. John 16:33 is Kevin’s favorite verse.

MEGAN PAULEY

Megan Pauley. I grew up in Vienna and now live with my husband Mike and our four children: Madeleine, 18, just finished her first year at Radford University in the nursing program; Mikayla, 17, just graduated from Madison High School; Max 13, and Jace 6. I have been a follower of Jesus since I was 6 years old. I was baptized at a local church when I was in the 4th grade. I enjoy volunteering in the community to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The VPC community has always made our family feel welcome and I look forward to growing in my faith as an official member of the church.

SHIRLEY PECK

Shirley Peck has been associated with VPC for many years. She is now officially becoming a member of the Church not only to strengthen her faith in Christ but to join with our community to help others by good works and example. John 15: 12-13 has always been a favorite verse. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.“

DUNCAN SPARRELL

Duncan Sparrell is happy to be joining VPC and reaffirming his Presbyterian faith. Duncan grew up Presbyterian, was confirmed Methodist, and then Roman Catholic. After shopping around, Duncan concluded that his beliefs are more in line with those of VPC, both religious beliefs and social justice. After 35 years with AT&T, Duncan retired 10 years ago as AT&T’s Chief Cybersecurity Architect. Still a geek, Duncan is hoping to help with the church’s website, internet, and technology. Duncan and his wife Patty have been married for 45 years and have 3 adult children living throughout the Northeast and MidAtlantic. “My favorite Bible verse: I’ve always liked John 3:16, but Genesis 1:1 says it all.“

MATT TORES

Matt Tores is joining VPC by reaffirmation of faith. Matt has been involved at VPC for 14 years in many different ministries including five years on staff. He is currently actively involved in the AV/Sound Tech ministry and the music ministries as a bass player in the worship band. Matt and his wife Alena, a lifelong VPC member, recently welcomed their son Owen. Matt's favorite scripture is Ephesians 6: 10-20, "The Armor of God."

JEAN WATTERSON

Jean Watterson, a Marine Corps veteran and an ordained Lay Chaplain, has called Reston, VA home for 25 years. She is excited to join VPC, drawn by its mission, welcoming community, and dedication to serving the local area. Jean hopes to engage actively at VPC through the Stephen Ministry, Veterans Ministry, Great Banquet, and the Belong! organization where she currently volunteers on the Development Committee. Jean has a career in the government contracting industry where she has led numerous initiatives and held key leadership positions. One of her favorite Bible verses, James 1:2-4, reflects her belief in the power of perseverance to build character.