2025 Annual Report
Vienna Presbyterian Church
Letter from Pastor Hope
In 2025, we invited our congregation to thoughtfully consider where our treasure is because as Matthew 6:21 reminds us, where our treasure is, we will also find our hearts. Across the church this meant really challenging ourselves to be faithful with our time, our talents, and our finances. All year long, time and again, we invested together in Vienna Presbyterian Church.
This report celebrates that commitment. Yes, there were events —but each one was made possible by countless hours from volunteers and staff, all to offer something meaningful to you and to our community that brings joy to the heart of God. There was also mission: taking the Good News out into the world by serving others. That took time. It took skill. And it took money. Through events like the Be Our Guest prom for those with special needs, the Walk for Water, and the trip to Kenya, the heart of VPC was on full display—across the world. If you took a class this year, you invested your time in a community of disciples following Jesus. And each of those groups was led by others who committed their hearts to growing alongside you.
Did you experience Youth Sunday in 2025? Coordinating and equipping more than 100 teenagers to lead worship is no small undertaking. As they invested their time and talents, dozens of leaders and parents did the same—not just for one Sunday, but throughout the entire year. This joyful investment keeps the heartbeat of our NextGen ministries strong across all ages. As the congregation progressed through 2025 and embraced the 5 Talent Challenge, we received countless reports of care and compassion—often unseen—that members of our church were actively pursuing and eager to participate in.
And all these vital and life-giving ministries feed into worship. So much time, prayer, and thoughtful preparation go into leading God’s people in worship every week. It is an investment that pays dividends in transformed lives!
As you read this report, see if you can spot the many hearts here at Vienna Presbyterian Church because of the multitude of ways people have invested their treasure. And as we kick off 2026, a year focused on service, my prayer is that hearts will continue to grow, treasure will be multiplied, and more and more lives will be changed by the work of Christ in this special place.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Matthew 6:21 ~
Worship
2025 was an exciting year to live into the new worship times and fellowship focus that came out of last year’s worship transformation.
The contemporaryworshipteam welcomed several new people and learned new worship favorites including Praise, I Believe, 1000 Names, Firm Foundation/He Won’t, Trust in God
The Sanctuarychoir added new faces and music, and with the handbell choir, continued to lead musical worship with excellence at the traditional service. The handbells added a set of chimes and low bells during the year. Don’t miss Matt Sumner often juggling the largest ones!
Theyouthchoir continued to grow and develop with a focus on learning new arrangements of contemporary worship music and becoming familiar with classic hymns through rehearsal warmups and part-singing.
We continue to enjoy the extraordinary blessing of the FriendshipChimes throughout the year when they start or conclude a service with a well-known hymn or praise song.
We began 2025 with the year-long “VPC 5 Talent Challenge” and heard each of the pastors’ “Favorite Things” Scriptures, as Pastor Adrian preached his first sermon at VPC. The year also featured several series including “The Heart of Christ for Saints, Sinners, and Sufferers” (spring), “Behind the Music” (summer), “Faithfully Forward” (fall), and “Grinch or Grow” (Advent). ~
dult Discipleship A
Adult Discipleship at VPC provides welcoming spaces for adults to build faith and relationships. In 2025, ministry leaders focused onlaunching PracticingtheWaygroups. These groups helped adults integrate faith into daily life through spiritual practices—learning to be with Jesus, become like Him, and live as He did.
“I thought my faith was fully formed—but I’m realizing I’m still being shaped, learning to slow down and listen for God’s voice.”
Alongside this, we createdTheWayofJesus,a9weekclassprovidingawelcomingspaceto explorecoreChristianbeliefs. Participants shared openly, asked thoughtful questions, and learned from one another’s stories and perspectives. Their reflections will help shape the next session in February 2026.
A New Devotional for Advent
Adult Discipleship recently piloted a digital Advent devotional featuring short video teachings and personal faith stories from pastors and VPC members. Designed for sharing beyond the church walls, it created new opportunities to invite friends and family into the devotional journey.
Re-PresentingChristinthe ConversationsoftheDay
The contemporary worship team welcomed several new people and learned new worship favorites (e.g. Praise, I Believe, 1000 Names, Firm Foundation/He Won’t, Trust in God).
Last spring, VPC welcomed Faith Radio host CarmenLaBerge for a special event on bringing Christ into everyday conversations. Carmen interviewed VPC members who shared stories and practical insights that guided the discussion. Building on this exploration of faith and culture, politicalscientistand pastorRyanBurge will join us on March 15, 2026, for a virtual talk on cultural polarization and how Christians can respond. Mark your calendars now!
utreach Ministry O
~YOUNG ADULTS~
This year, VPC launched a ministry focused on Young Adults (ages 18-25), offering a welcoming space to be discipled, nurtured, and cared for as they grow in their faith. In the summer, young adults gathered weekly for dinner, fellowship, and Bible study, exploring KyleIdleman’sOneataTime and learning how Jesus changed lives—one person at a time.
In the fall, we began a Sunday school class studying Ecclesiastes, discovering that true satisfaction comes from God, not the things of this world. In December, young adults came together over dinner and a fire pit for fellowship, reflecting on the joys of the past year and looking forward to what God will do in the year ahead.
~PARKING MINISTRY~
In 2025, we created a new Parking Ministry to provide a welcomingandhospitablefirstimpression for congregants and visitors. Serving as an extension of our Welcome Team, parking volunteers are often the first point of contact for those coming to worship. It has been a joy to see these dedicated volunteers greet people with smiles, offer umbrellas on rainy days, guide cars to open spaces when the lot is full, and share simple gestures of welcome - a fist bump, handshake, or hug. Through this ministry, we love and care for people from the very first moment they arrive at VPC.
Fellowship & Engagement
The Fellowship Team and the Monday Night Men’s Group hosted a ShroveTuesdayPancakeSupper, inviting families to enjoy a pancake dinner and King Cake while playing games and getting to know new friends and fellow members of the VPC family. On Easter Sunday, we hosted a community-wideEasterEggHunt on the Town Green where children from ages 2-10 found over 6,000 filled Easter eggs and all enjoyed breakfast and smoothies provided by Smoothie King. In June, we held our SummerKick-OffBBQ and while the rain kept us inside, we were able to fellowship with each other over good food, music, and activities. In August, the Fellowship Team helped our kids and youth get ready for school with Rita’s Ice on site. What a tasty treat!
Brand new in 2025 was our FallTailgate hosted by the Fellowship Team in September. Fellowship was shared over many sports and great food right in the VPC parking lot. From Steeple Chase to Football, we had an amazing time sharing in the joy of the Lord. In October, we hosted Trunk-or-Treat where we “shined God’s light” and welcomed over 1,000guests with music, games, and food trucks while handing out tons - literally tons - of candy from over 20 decorated cars. Families from the community, who joined us for Trunk-or-Treat, have continued to visit VPC throughout the year.
Vienna Presbyterian Church consistently provides a loving, faith-filled, and welcoming atmosphere to our community, neighbors, and VPC members.
We kicked off the Advent season by joining the Town of Vienna’sChurchStreetStroll. We welcomed the community offering crafts, music, entertainment, and a hot chocolate bar with warm cookies. In total we shared: over 8 three-foot bags of popcorn, 12 gallons of apple cider, 15 gallons of hot chocolate, 700 decorated cookies, 900 light wands, 968 warm cookies, and Father Christmas gave out 1000 candy canes. VPC put the“Church”in Church Street Stroll!
outh Ministry Y
Youth Sunday set the tone for VPCYouth in 2025, launching the year with energy, ownership, and momentum. In February, our youth poured themselves into planning, preparing, and leading Youth Sunday worship, centered on the theme KeepGodClose. From music and leadership to intentional details, our youth shaped a meaningful service. As a tangible reminder of that message, we shared small Jesus figures with everyone, and throughout the year, it was a joy to see them pop up in homes, classrooms, cars, and offices. Do you still have yours somewhere, quietly reminding you to keep God close?
That spirit of connection and growth carried directly into our WinterRetreat the following weekend. Our 6 -12 graders spent time deepening friendships, strengthening their faith, and growing in relationship with Christ. With the theme Let Jesus Be Your Valentine, the retreat offered space for both fun and meaningful conversation. We were especially grateful to welcome Pastor Adrian as our guest speaker, which provided a wonderful opportunity for our youth to build relationships with him just after his arrival to VPC.
As the school year gave way to summer, that momentum only continued. Summer was full of laughter, relationship-building, and shared experiencesfrom Water Wars on the first day of summer to our end-of-summer Pool Party just after school began, and everything in between. One particularly meaningful moment of growth came during TheGreatEscape, when Maddie Schmidt, our Children’s Ministry Director, joined us to help rising sixth graders transition into VPCYouth. Summerbreakfasts also became a much-loved rhythm for our youth. Reserved tables quickly filled as students gathered to play card games, catch up between vacations and church trips, and invite friends into the life of the church.
Fall began with renewed energy on SamplerSunday, when all 6-12 graders gathered at VPC to experience a snapshot of everything VPCYouth offers. Students explored morning classes, youth choir, youth worship band, youth group, volunteer opportunities, and more. It was a time of fellowship, curiosity, and shared vision as students learned where they might plug in. th
As the year came to a close, our youth found meaningful ways to live out their faith during Advent. One of the season’s highlights was caroling to some of our homebound members. Youth piled into several vehicles and caravaned through town, sharing Christmas music, joy, and Christ’s love with members of our church family who could not be present in person. It was a beautiful reminder that the growth we saw all year long was not just inward, but outward - rooted in relationship, service, and a deepening sense of belonging.
ids Ministry K
God showed up in 2025 and so did you! What a joy it has been to watch the chancel fill with kids! Each child who sits on those steps belongs to a family who is following Jesus. It is our privilege to partner with families in raising disciples. Every week, those kids got to learn more about God and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. They grew in relationship with Him, with their leaders, and with each other. These relationships helped create a safe place for our kids to wonder, ask questions, and open their hearts to God’s truths.
Beyond Sunday mornings, we continued to build relationships and share our faith through CLUBfor our 4 & 5 graders, family outings, and Summer Camps. This year we welcomed new friends as we gathered for food and fellowship, and went on outings to concerts and ballgames. th th
Our 3 , 4 , & 5 graders went on their first mission trip for a weekend to ThePhiladelphiaProject. They helped expand and care for a community garden and clean a preschool.
We continued to learn about service with the addition of our camp Mission:Possible, where our preteens set out to learn what it means to be on mission for God. They served alongside our local mission partners to share the love of Jesus with others. They gardened, made lunches, delivered cookies, and purchased and packed school supplies.
This year Next Gen shared the Gospel through GodspellJr. Kids and youth in kindergarten through 12 grade brought to life parables through acting, song, and dance. The performance was directed by one of our own seniors, Kaitlyn McCarley.
This fall we introduced a new rhythm for Kids Choir creating opportunities for kids to join and sing in different seasons. We are excited to have opportunities for kids to learn about God through music at all ages! Our littlest ones start by joining their parents in Wee Worship once a month, and elementary ages can be a part of our Kids Choir before graduating to Youth Choir in 6 grade. We know that when we sing songs about God and our faith, it connects with us in lasting ways.
arly Childhood Ministry E
This year was a year of transition for our Early Childhood team. After seven faithful years, Heather Boehm stepped down from her role in June. Heather began many of our programs including Playground Playdates,WeeWorship,and3,4,5Camp. While we miss Heather in Early Childhood, we enjoy seeing her worship with her family on Sunday mornings.
This summer, Jearica Rosenbaum stepped in as Interim Early Childhood Manager. She faithfully led us through our most transient season, ensuring everyone who came was welcomed and connected. We are grateful for Jearica filling the gap.
In October, we welcomed Amy Lochhaas as our new Early Childhood Manager. Amy has been active in the VPC community for years. She brings her background in education and music to engage with our little ones in creative and fun ways. We are excited to have Amy on our team and look forward to this next chapter for Early Childhood Ministry at VPC.
~ VPC WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL ~
The vibrant weekday preschool ministry serves families and children ages 2.5 to 5 years old. Our engaging and bright classrooms provide abundant creative opportunities to explore, build confidence, and learn. Our highly professional staff nurture each child through a playbased, balanced, emergent, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. This past year, we expanded our core programming to include LunchBunchWednesdays (12–1 p.m.) and added a fifth day (Fridays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.) for our older students in the 4’s/Pre-K classes. In our little corner of VPC, we are rooted in the joy of Jesus, and faith in action each day.
are Ministry C
Our VPC CARE ministries continued to flourish in 2025 with the devoted leadership of members of our church.
ParkStreetFellowship expanded to meeting twice a month to come alongside caregivers and loved ones living with dementia. A support group for women caregivers was also added.
This past fall marked an exciting milestone as we launched DivorceCare4Kids—a vision years in the making. Alongside it, our adult ministry is gaining remarkable energy and momentum.
Our Mental Health ministry was greatly enhanced by the presence of our mental health intern, KarenWon,Ph.D.
For those in the crucible of grieving, our concurrent GriefShare ministries provided solace, support, and Biblical encouragement.
Monthly gatherings of our 60sPlusMinistry ran the gamut from hymn sing-alongs to historical presentations, artistic offerings, and practical counsel for aging folks.
The “anchor” ministries of our servant-hearted Deacons and our care-giving StephenMinisters rounded out a robust tapestry of ways to fulfill our mission to be “A Caring Fellowship.”
issions Ministry M
In 2025, the Missions Ministry lived out Christ’s love through compassionate service, faithful partnerships, and meaningful presence—locally and globally.
HypothermiaPrevention
In February, VPC hosted its 11thyearofHypothermia Prevention, welcoming and caring for unhoused neighbors during the coldest days of winter. Each guest was warmly received, fed, and prayed for, creating space for dignity, connection, and hope.
CommunityOutreach&Celebration
1,008 Meals Served
VPC once again participated in the 6KWalk forWater, earning recognition as the #1 church in the nation. We also hosted our third annualBeOurGuestProm, celebrating friends with special needs alongside their buddies. We added a caricature artist and a jewelry box to the evening – both were huge hits! The joy on the faces of our guests—and the gratitude of parents who witnessed their children fully loved and included—was unforgettable.
GlobalPartnership:Christian’sBestCampofKenya
A VPC team visited our partner CBCK in Nairobi, serving communities in the KiberaandMathareslums. Since our first visit in 2019, Simba’s vision has grown into a thriving ministry caring for people both body and soul. Seeing the fruit of this long-term partnership was deeply inspiring.
issions Ministry M
In partnership with RiseAgainstHungerandNextGen, students and volunteers gathered in October to assemble healthy dried meals to ship to the poorest regions in the world! South Sudan, gripped by high rates of food insecurity and malnutrition, received the 10,152 meals that we assembled.
GoodNights=GoodDays
The congregation generously provided children in the Homestretch program with thoughtfully prepared packages designed to offer comfort and stability. Each child received two sets of pajamas and age-appropriate gifts. For families transitioning out of homelessness, these simple gifts offered comfort, dignity, and the chance for a solid night of sleep.
CornerstoneSchool
We renewed our partnership with Cornerstone School in Anacostia, sponsoring the K/1 class. Our team and NextGen families refreshed the room, provided backpacks, donated books, and launched a reading buddy program.
VeteransLunch
The annual Veterans Lunch honored those who have served our country with a shared meal, music by Cathedral Brass, and a keynote speaker from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, who highlighted the sacrifices of our “Hidden Heroes”- the caregivers.
acilities Ministry F
BuildingandGroundsMaintenance
As part of our commitment to responsible facility stewardship, we undertook a series of key maintenance projects, including painting the exterior of the church, repaving the parking lot, rebuilding the concrete steps at our two entrances, and replacing the Park Street doors. These investments addressed aging infrastructure and ensure safer and more welcoming access to the building.
ParlorRenovation
This fall, the Pastor’s Parlor underwent a complete remodel. Originally built in the 1950s, it has seen few updates since that time. The renovation included new flooring, updated bathroom fixtures, expanded closet storage, fresh paint, upgraded lighting and electrical, installing a wall mounted TV and all new furnishings. This refreshed space provides a welcoming and comfortable meeting space for Congregational Care ministries and Adult Discipleship groups, and often serves as a first point of welcome for new families and guests.
2025:AYearofModernizationandLongTermFacilityMaintenanceUpgrades
In 2025, we took the opportunity to complete several capital maintenance and improvement projects, stewarding our building so it can continue to serve our congregation and community for years to come.
SecurityandTechnologyUpgrades
To enhance safety and accessibility, we expanded our existing church security system by adding two new exterior cameras and electronic access to our Church Street doors. We also upgraded our video conferencing technology, improving functionality and ease of use for hybrid ministry.
SanctuaryAVImprovements
At the end of the year, critical upgrades were made to our Sanctuary audio infrastructure. These upgrades modernized and stabilized our AV system by replacing aging and unreliable components, expanding our microphone capacity, and ensuring compatibility with current-generation equipment for the next decade. These improvements strengthen both in-person and livestream worship experiences, maintaining the high-quality audio standard expected at Vienna Presbyterian Church.
These improvements and upgrades position us to better serve our community, providing a welcoming, safe and well-equipped space to share Christ’s love for years to come.
tewardship Ministry S
Because of God’s overflowing grace and your joyful generosity, we finished 2025 in a strong financial position, coming within 1.9% of our largest giving goal ever. Through faithful stewardship, diligent management of entrusted resources, and higher-than-anticipated interest income, we were able to fully fund ministry at Vienna Presbyterian Church. Total revenue for the year reached $4,820,000, which was $100,000 above budgeted expenses.
We are grateful for your ongoing support and excited for what lies ahead. Thank you for choosing to live a life of abundant generosity so that God’s Kingdom may continue to thrive at Vienna Presbyterian Church.
To ensure transparency and financial accountability, VPC is required to engage an independent public accountant or committee of members versed in accounting procedures to conduct an annual audit, financial review or Agreed Upon Procedures of all VPC’s financial statements and financial processes. A full audit was conducted by Aprio, LLC, an independent accounting firm, in 2025 on the church’s accounting records for the year ended December 31, 2024. Aprio’s report reflects strong financial conditions and quality controls on the funds entrusted to the church. VPC’s financials received a clean/unmodified opinion, the highest level of assurance. On behalf of our congregation, the Session and the Audit Committee congratulate our management team for these sound results.
