VIENNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | APRIL 2022
THE MONTHLY MESSENGER
FROM HOPE'S HEART... I have been waiting for these days since I arrived at VPC in October --- spring is here! Many of you have commented on how beautiful spring is in Northern Virginia, but I want to use a different word to describe it: sweet. This word was shared with me by one of our members who hails from Texas. In parts of Texas, much like Florida, seasons don't really exist. Sure, there's a day or two of cold here or there, but when you live in a place where one pair of shoes (and those shoes being flip-flops) can get you through 99.9% of the year, you cannot really claim to have "seasons." And that's what makes spring especially sweet for me and our Texas native -- we see the growth and the beauty through a different set of eyes, a set of eyes that know what it means not to have change or to see new things come into bloom. God is ushering in a new season of ministry here in the church as well. We are so excited to welcome Nina Graves as our new Director of Operations. Nina’s love for the Lord, her experience of service to VPC, and her overall spirit of joy, make her a perfect fit for this role. We are starting to see the wheels of motion accelerate as our Transformation Teams make more and more recommendations for the Session to act upon. Our staff was delighted by the overwhelmingly positive response to the return of this newsletter, but also the excitement surrounding the rebirth of a church-wide Fellowship Team led by Elder Patricia Bronson. Be sure to look through this edition to see what kinds of new ways to connect will be cropping up this month. In our Youth and Children's Ministry, the hunt is on, not for eggs but for new, dynamic, Spirit-filled leaders! We are grateful to Greg Cullison and Tara Fredericks who are leading the search teams for these two vital areas. If you have someone that you'd like to recommend for either position, please contact the teams at hr@viennapres.org.
It's been really energizing to see how the Word of God in Nehemiah has been sweeping through the church! We are all catching the vision of building ministry that will bless our community and the world for the next generation, even as we seek to be vibrant and vital to the current one. We see this in participation, in giving, in worship, and especially in the overall spirit of the church which is filled with hope for a joy-filled future! There is a sweetness that is sweeping through the entire church -- we can feel it, we can see it, and we can sense it everywhere we turn. We cannot wait to welcome you to services on Resurrection morning (details about that and all of Holy Week are inside), as we celebrate the new life that we have in Christ Jesus! All of that is the Resurrection spirit of Easter! New life! New beginnings! New hope! Like on that first morning each year when you walk outside and are surprised to see that the first daffodil has risen from the ground -- the sweetness of that joy never gets old. Indeed, these are the days that every believer should be waiting for with great anticipation, the days of Resurrection, when the promises of God are fulfilled and our joy is complete! Spring is here! Jesus is here! Joy is here! In the Grip of Grace, Pastor Hope hope.lee@viennapres.org P.S. A quick personal note -- thank you for all of your love, prayers, cards, and encouragement during my recent surgery. It is hard to be discouraged when you are surrounded by such an encouraging group of believers! To God be the Glory!
HOW TO GET CONNECTED
WORSHIP
VPC seeks to be a warm and welcoming community that invites you to “come just as you are” to learn what it means to follow Jesus with your life. VPC can be as big or small as you want it. We have the resources of a large church, but our groups and ministries give us the warm, hometown, community feel that makes us special. We have many paths to help you get connected, learn more about God, and serve others, regardless of your age. At VPC, you’ll make friends, find encouragement, and receive support.
VPC has two worship services in the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings. Both services include Bible-based teaching combined with either traditional or contemporary music. The pastor delivers the same sermon at both services.
We encourage everyone to find a small group with whom to share their spiritual journey; perhaps a class in one of our Sunday morning Learning Communities where you can ask questions about faith, a weekday Bible study, a choir, a moms' gathering, or many others. Wherever you are in your journey there are others here that want to walk with you. Our worship is dynamic and alive and is designed to engage your mind, stimulate your heart and challenge you to discover how God is calling you to live your life. Music is an important element of worship here and we celebrate with a wide variety of music styles intended to engage everyone in our intergenerational family. Does singing bring you joy? Why don't you join us in the choir? All voice parts are needed and there is no audition necessary. We ask that you are vaccinated and boosted. Rehearsals are Sunday morning in the Lower Level at 9:45am. At 10:30am, we move upstairs to rehearse in the Sanctuary. Questions? Contact Lance Vining at 703.938.9050 or lance.vining@viennapres.org
9:00AM - This worship service is contemporary; music led by a worship band. Children's programming is offered at this time. Childcare is available for infants to 3 years. 10:10AM - Check out the learning communities before or after worship. These groups are a great way to meet people, grow in Christ, and to connect at VPC. Childcare is available for infants to 3 years. 11:15AM - This worship service is traditional; music is led by the Sanctuary choir with organ and piano. No childcare. We typically celebrate the sacrament of communion on the first Sunday of each month. Baptisms can be scheduled by contacting Rachel Peck at rachel.peck@viennapres.org.
Lead Pastor: Rev. Dr. Hope Lee
QUICK GLANCE CALENDAR
HAPPENINGS AT VPC Holy Week is the last week of Lent, and the week leading up to Easter, when we observe various historically significant events that occurred during the last week of Jesus’ life and ministry. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, and includes Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
6 Moms Connect
Palm Sunday Worship - April 10, 9:00am and 11:15am, Sanctuary
16 Playground Playdates
Maundy Thursday Service - April 14, 7:00pm. Holy Communion will be served. Good Friday Experience - April 15, 12:00pm - 2:00pm and again at 5:00pm 7:00pm. Great Hall. Please drop-in to the Great Hall, anytime between noon and 2pm, to experience a collection of opportunities that will allow you to engage and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and the love of God on this Holy day. These will not be traditional “Stations of the Cross,” but will provide meaningful ways to experience the reality of Good Friday.
APRIL 14 Maundy Thursday 15 Good Friday
17 Easter Sunday 17 Easter Egg Hunt 21 Mothers of Preschoolers 21 Men's Great Banquet 22 Playground Playdates 22 CLUB 456 28 Women's Great Banquet 30 Earth Care Service Project
Easter Sunday Services - April 17, 9:00 and 11:15am, Sanctuary. Easter Egg Hunt - April 17, 10:15am at the Town Green. Everyone is invited to come to the Vienna Town Green at 10:15am on Easter Sunday to watch the children (ages toddler to 6th grade) hunt for eggs, enjoy coffee and pastries, take family photos in our photo booths and enjoy Easter morning fellowship. This is a free event and no registration is needed. Children need to bring their own baskets.
MAY 1 Youth Sunday 5 Mothers of Preschoolers 8 Mother's Day 8 Third Grade Bible Sunday 8 Cathedral Brass Concert 14 Playground Playdates
Easter Lilies We will decorate the Sanctuary with lilies for Easter. If you would like to purchase a lily in honor of or in memory of a loved one, please send the requested information and a check to VPC in the amount of $10.00 for each lily you’d like to order. You may also pay online at https://onrealm.org/ViennaPres/give/lilies or text VPC LILIES to 73256. Please include your loved one’s name in the memo line. You are invited to take the lilies you ordered with you following the second service on Easter, April 17, 2022. The deadline to order lilies is April 10.
14 Financial Planning Ministry 15 Rev. Dr. Esau McCaulley 15 H.S. Senior Recognition 17 Financial Planning Ministry 19 Mothers of Preschoolers 20 U.S. Army Concert 21 Global 6K Water Walk 22 Children's Spring Musical 27 Playground Playdates
HAPPENINGS AT VPC Rev. Dr. Esau McCaulley VPC will be honored to have the Reverend Esau McCaulley, PhD speak to us on Sunday, May 15 at 10:10 am. His topic will be: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism in a Multicultural Church Dr. McCaulley is an associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College. The author of several books, including Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope, which won Christianity Today’s book of the year award, Dr. McCaulley is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times. He also writes in The Washington Post, The Religious News Service, and Christianity Today. VPC and our MRRH ministry urge you to save the date for this marvelous opportunity! Looking for a Great Preschool? Join our wonderful preschool community for the 2022-2023 school year! We have an opening for a lead teacher and for students in our 3s and PreK programs. Please email Terri Franke at preschool@viennapres.org or visit, vpcpreschool.org for more information. VPC Preschool classes (ages 2.5-5) are in session Mondays/Wednesdays 9:00am-12:00pm and Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:00am-1:00pm, from September through May. Earth Care All-Church Event Join us on April 30 from 9:00 - 11:00am at Glyndon Park as we celebrate the Earth God has created for us! There are varieties of tasks that are suitable for all ages, so invite your friends, family and neighbors to serve together. We will remove invasive plants while learning how they are so harmful to the birds and animals. We will pick up sticks, remove weeds, spread mulch, spruce up buildings with new paint and repairs, and generally improve the environment. Details, visit: www.viennapres.org/missions
Mission Trips for Everyone Last call for Mission Trips registration! Deadline is April 30. Additionally, Pastor Hope will be a premier speaker at the New Wilmington Mission Conference! Visit www.viennapres.org/missiontrips for details, deadlines, costs and trip descriptions.
Youth Sunday Mark your calendars for May 1. Both worship services will be led by middle and high school students who will share their faith and love for Christ through music, personal testimonies, prayer, and hospitality. Come support the next generation of believers on this special day. Middle and high school students who are interested in participating in this event can sign up to help at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d44afaf2ea3f b6-youth. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a part of AM or PM, your participation is wanted!
GENEROSITY MINISTRIES Protect Your Family’s Future Have you been putting off your estate planning? We can’t predict the future, but we can plan for it. Financial Planning Ministry (FPM) takes the mystery out of estate planning, guiding you and your family through a straightforward process and allowing you to design a legacy plan that blesses your family and honors God. We’ve partnered with FPM to provide you with the opportunity to make decisions, pass on your values AND your valuables, and start planning for your future. Join us for a free estate-planning seminar on Saturday, May 14 at 9:00am in-person in Room 112 or Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00pm online. After attending, you will have the opportunity to meet one on one with a qualified estate consultant to prepare your estate plan at no cost to you. Register at viennapres.org/estate-planning. For more information, contact Nina Graves at nina.graves@viennapres.org or 703-938.9050 x133
2022 FINANCIAL UPDATE through March 31, 2022 Giving ytd $650,564
Budget ytd $773,977
We promise to bring the first part of every harvest to the Lord’s Temple year after year—whether it be a crop from the soil or from our fruit trees. We will not neglect the house of our God. ~Nehemiah 10:35, 39
Annual Unified Ministries and Missions Budget
$4,000,000
The giving of our treasure is a reflection of our hearts for all the ways that God is moving in our lives and in this church. Thank you for investing in Kingdom work through Vienna Presbyterian Church.
For more information or if you have questions, please contact Nina Graves at nina.graves@viennapres.org or 703.938.9050 x 133
SUNDAY MORNING CHILDREN'S MINISTRY (INFANTS - 6TH GRADE) IN-PERSON PROGRAMS At 9:00AM: Children Pre-K to 6th grade begin in worship with their parents and then after the Children's Message are invited to go to the Bridges and Doorways classes. Bridges to Worship for Pre-K and Kindergarten. This program allows our youngest to experience worship through the Storyteller and to experience the Scriptures through hands-on play. 1. Doorways to Worship for Grades 1st - 6th. Beginning March 6 through Palm Sunday, we will be walking with Jesus from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the empty cross. This is a very interactive worship experience especially designed for elementary-age children. Childcare for infants to 3 years. While in childcare, your child will learn more about God through a Bible story during circle time and praising the Lord through music.
At 10:10AM: Childcare for infants to 3 years. While in childcare, your child will praise the Lord through song and a Bible story. Kindergarten - 6th grade. Join us on the 3rd floor for fun and interactive lessons from God’s Big Story.* Grade 1st - 6th. Children’s Choirs on the 3rd floor. *Children can be dropped off for God’s Big Story or Children’s Choirs if parents plan to attend an adult Learning Community. Parents must remain on campus while their children are in programs.
ONLINE PROGRAMS Bible Stories for toddlers and preschool age children recorded on YouTube. God’s Big Story for Pre-K to 6th Grade on Zoom Sundays 10:10-10:40. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/546162033 For information on our Children's Ministry, contact Melissa Ciavarella at melissa.ciavarella@viennapres.org
SUNDAY YOUTH MINISTRY (GRADES 7TH-12TH) AM YOUTH GROUP - 10:10AM, LOWER LEVEL (MEET EVERY SUNDAY EXCEPT EASTER) Lenten Study of the Gospels What happens when you take 2,000 years of Christian tradition, capture the heart of it, and reimagine it? During this series, students will explore four unique ways to draw closer to God throughout the season of Lent. Come be inspired by how simple and meaningful it is to put faith in action.
PM YOUTH GROUP - 5:30PM, LOWER LEVEL (MEET EVERY SUNDAY EXCEPT EASTER) Join us as we spend time playing games, praising God, looking into His Word, and engaging one another in small groups. This month we begin a new study that strives to answer the question, “Why Jesus?” For information about our Youth Ministry , contact Michelle Rahal at michelle.rahal@viennapres.org
NEXT GEN AND FAMILY WEEKDAY EVENTS 4th-6th Grade Tuesday Girls Group Tuesdays, 5:00-5:45PM on Zoom. Join us for a fun-filled time for girls to study the Bible and do crafts! Parables were a central part of Jesus’ life. In fact, he never spoke to a crowd without telling a good story. And if parables were that important to Jesus, then let’s dive into them, too! For more information, contact Heather Boehm at heather.boehm@viennapres.org. Sign up at: viennapres.org/children. 10th-12th Grade Girls’ Bible Study Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30PM on Zoom. Join us on for a 10th - 12th grade girls' small group where girls can go deeper in Scripture and in their faith. It is a time of encouragement, fun, and studying God’s Word! Join us at any point throughout the year. For more information contact Leanna Covell at leanna.covell@gmail.com or Courtney Vereide at cvereide@gordonconwell.edu. Sign up at: viennapres.org/youth. Playground Playdates Saturday, April 16, 9:30-11:00AM and Friday, April 22, 9:30-11:00AM, VPC Playground. Looking to connect with other moms who have children toddler and preschooler age? Join us at the VPC playground for Playground Playdates! Contact Heather Boehm heather.boehm@viennapres.org. Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS) Thursdays, April 7, 9:30-11:30AM, Playground and April 21, 9:30-11:30AM, Great Hall. Join moms with kids ranging from infants to kindergarten age for conversation and teaching through speakers, demonstrations, and videos. For more information, contact Laura Geoghegan laura.geoghegan@gmail.com. CLUB 456 April 22 6:30-8:00PM, 3rd Floor Activity Center. CLUB is about fun and friends, and it’s where you can find a place to belong! Expect to have a TON of fun by bringing your friends, making new friends, playing awesome games, and learning about how God is real in our everyday lives. This is free and open to all 4th – 6th graders. Register at viennapres.org/children. We are also looking for adult and teen volunteers to help make this happen! For more information, contact Melissa Ciavarella melissa.ciavarella@viennapres.org.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT MINISTRY Our faith is encouraged when we learn together with the people of Christ. VPC has two types of Bible study groups that will help you meet people and grow in faith: learning communities and small groups. Learning Communities—Come as you are any week to these mid-sized groups where you can meet a variety of people. No prior Bible knowledge is required. There are both Sunday and midweek options. Small Groups—Make new friends as you learn to live your faith with 6-10 people who commit to gathering weekly for a period of time. New groups begin in September, January and March. View all group information anytime at www.viennapres.org/adults. If you would like to speak with someone about finding a group that is a good fit for you, contact Kim Snyder at Kim.Snyder@viennapres.org or x130. Exploring Faith Learning Community Every journey starts with a single step. Embark on a faith journey or renew your spiritual direction with fellow travelers who understand the importance of asking questions and looking into the Bible to step beyond what they’ve known. Sundays, 10:10-11:00AM Join in room 112 or on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/81641091385 Coordinator: Kim Snyder, kim.snyder@viennapres.org 4/3 & 4/10: The Lent Experience by Eric Ferris—Check out how simple and meaningful it is to put faith in action as this video discussion series guides us in practical ways to draw closer to Christ. New Series Begins 4/24: How to Get What You Really Want by Andy Stanley—What do you want? In order to get it, you need to discover what you really value. In this 4-part video discussion series, Andy Stanley reveals how Jesus challenged all of our assumptions about what is truly valuable. Christ & Culture Learning Community Engage in ethical questions and hear from VPC mission partners in real time as this community learns how to put faith in action. Consider this a welcoming place to address tough questions, a respectful place to share perspectives, and an enlightening place where the hope of Christ prevails. The third Sunday of each month spotlights one of VPC’s Mission Partners. Join us to hear how VPC supports God’s work around the globe! Sundays 10:10-11:00AM Join in the Great Hall on the first floor or on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/463246442 Coordinator: Phil Covell, pwcovell@gmail.com Current Series: Profiting from Division—Humans have experienced strife and division since the first sin of man in the Garden of Eden. Conflict seems to be our natural state, but it is also a choice. We may even be tempted to enable division because of how we profit from it. What instigates the divisions we currently experience is complex. Join the Christ & Culture forum as we examine the ways evil actively and inconspicuously operates in our culture, and what the Bible says about how we can resist it.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT MINISTRY Foundations Learning Community A community with open hearts, open minds, and open doors, seeking Jesus’ guidance for our lives. Grow your roots in Christ with practical insights for how we can love God and love one another. Sundays, 10:10-11:00AM Join in room 203/204 or on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/193175045 Coordinator: Jonathan Lochhaas, jlochhaas@gmail.com Current Series: If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg—At a time of increasing divisions, it is important to remember the Church is the body of Christ, sharing his Love and salvation to all. It is also important to remember that WE are the Church, and if God is to share His Love through us, we have to stand up, trust God, step out of the boat and into whatever adventure He has in store for us.
APPRENTICES LEARNING COMMUNITY Explore how you can imitate Jesus Christ in your relationships, worldview, and everyday tasks with a community that uses the Bible and prominent books to engage in thoughtful discussion and prayer. Sundays, 10:10-11:00AM Join in room 205 or on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/228996281 Coordinator: Jeff Hallett, jdrewhallett@gmail.com New Series Begins 4/3: The Bible Project—How does our understanding of the Bible change when we recognize each part of it as a unified story that leads to Jesus? What role do humans play in the overall message of the Bible? Why does God care so much about us? Join in on some invigorating discussions as we use The Bible Project videos to understand what the Bible teaches us about God’s purpose for humanity and all creation.
BEYOND BASICS LEARNING COMMUNITY “How does that apply today?” Come ask this question with us as we dig into the truth of Scripture, build community and support one another with prayer. Sundays 10:10-11:00AM Join in room 206 or on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/331867154 Coordinator: Allen McCarley, scipio_66@hotmail.com Current Series: The Gospel of John—join us for an in-depth, yet approachable examination of John’s Gospel.
FRIENDSHIP CLASS Members of this inclusive community for adults with and without intellectual disability get to know each other better as they get to know Christ. No matter what you believe, or how you express it, you always have a friend here! Sundays, 9:00-10:00AM (Class) and 10:00-10:30AM (Bells) Join in room 108C or on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/81984729660 Coordinator: Emmy Parker, emelieparker@gmail.com
MID-WEEK ADULT MINISTRY Monday Night Men’s Learning Community Biblical, real, straight-talking, where guys of all ages learn, grow and laugh together. The group begins with a large group video teaching, followed by a testimony from one of the guys, then breaks into small groups for discussion, prayer and support. Mondays, 7:00-8:30PM Great Hall on the first floor or on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/81284838415 Coordinators: Ted Davies, 4daviesva@gmail.com and David Steiner, dpsteiner@gmail.com Current Series: Easter by J.D. Greear. The resurrection is the most important moment in history, but it is more than an event we remember on Easter Sunday. Jesus died for us so that he could be alive in us today. Easter changes everything. During this video discussion series, you’ll discover the ways we can see ourselves in Jesus’ story.
Women’s Learning Communities Join women of all ages as Pastor Glenda guides you to study the truth of God’s Word, grow in the grace of our Savior, and share in community with other women. Large group teaching is interspersed with small group discussion and prayer. Monday, 7:00-8:30PM Join on Zoom. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/84689584290 Tuesday, 9:30-11:00AM, childcare available Join on the third floor or on Zoom. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/81607705162 Coordinator: Glenda Simpkins Hoffman, Glenda.simpkinshoffman@viennapres.org
New 5-Week Series Begins 4/18 and 4/19: Reel Spirituality: This Academy Award-winning film with it’s wonderful songs like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” “Surface Pressure, “ and “What Else Can I Do” will be a springboard for exploring what is under the surface of our beliefs, values, and relational patterns. We will take a closer look at our own lives as we view clips from this delightful film, connect them to the truth of God’s Word, and explore prayer and relational practices that God can use to transform us into His image. Come discover that life in the kingdom of God is more than “charmed" — it's the real thing!
ADULT MINISTRY Join a Small Group Make new friends as you learn to live your faith with 6-10 people who commit to gathering weekly for a period of time. New groups form in September, January and March, and some of our current groups are recruiting new members. Contact Kim Snyder at kim.snyder@viennapres.org or x130 to discuss which group would be a good fit for you.
Join the Spring New Member Class Thursdays 4/21-5/26 from 7:30-8:30 PM online Register at www.viennapres.org/membership by 4/18 Discover your purpose for being a part of the VPC community through the six-part part membership classes. This online learning community will delve into a Bible study on the book of Acts, looking to the first Christians to understand the relevance of church membership today. Whether you're pursuing membership, or curious to know more about it, you'll discover what it means to commit to the Person, Body and Work of Christ in your life. If you would like to speak to someone about membership or the classes, contact Kim Snyder at kim.snyder@viennapres.org or x130. GREAT BANQUET RETREATS Men’s weekend: April 21 - 24, 2022 Contact Andrew McLauchlin, andrewwmclauchlin@gmail.com for more information and to sign up. Women’s weekend: April 28 - May 1, 2022 Contact Erin Allen, erinlallen1@gmail.com for more information and to sign up. A Northern Virginia Great Banquet weekend is truly a wondrous banquet of many courses! Shut out the noise and distractions of the world, explore your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ, and experience a level of hospitality uncommon to everyday life. Hosted at VPC, this dynamic weekend has been changing lives for over 20 years and involves a collaboration of churches across NoVA. Great Banquet develops community and strengthens the spiritual lives of people from all walks of faith and church backgrounds. As the parable of the Great Banquet illustrates, all are welcome! In keeping with the Great Banquet’s vision of hospitality, there is no financial cost to participate with this retreat. A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER IS BACK! A Family Life Ministry of Cru, Weekend to Remember will be at the Hyatt Regency Reston April 29 – May 1 in a completely new format but with the same great content! The event is an opportunity for married couples, engaged couples, or anyone in a serious romantic relationship to gain skills and intentionally invest in strengthening your relationship as you learn God’s plan for oneness and spend time together as a couple. For details, visit: www.familylife.com/weekend-to-remember. Use the Group Code (VPC) to register for a $100/couple discount. Questions or more information about the event, contact Julie Knight at b_jknight@msn.com.
CARE AND SUPPORT MINISTRIES Stephen Ministry: Celebrating 20 Years at VPC If you look at the logo to the right, you’ll see a Cross with 2 people. One person is wrestling, even broken. The other is more whole. We believe such healing and wholeness IS possible in and through Christ. Our Stephen Ministers are highly-trained women and men who stand humbly ready and eager to come alongside you during any time or season of pain or challenge. This ministry is completely confidential. One-on-one. Listening, prayer, encouragement, and hope! We are thrilled to announce that we will be starting our NEW training class in January of 2023. We will provide 50 outstanding hours of training: highly interactive, engaging, and useful not only in our Stephen Ministry, but across the board in all relationships. Pastor Connie and our highly-trained and experienced Stephen Leaders will lead and teach. If you are interested in learning more, and/or would welcome the care of a Stephen Minister, please reach out to Pastor Connie at connie.jordan-haas@viennapres.org
GriefShare Support Group This is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Participants may join the classes at any time during the 13-week series. Classes are currently held online via Zoom on Sundays through May 1 from 5:00 - 6:30PM. Learn more: viennapres.org/griefshare
DivorceCare Support Group This warm and caring Support Group for both men and women who are suffering through the devastation and loss caused by separation and divorce meets Tuesdays through May 17 in the Lower Level from 7:00 - 9:00PM. This 13-week support group offers helpful counsel to manage the emotional turmoil as well as practical tools for decision-making. Each week is a freestanding topic and you are welcome to join ANY or ALL Tuesdays. Learn more: viennapres.org/divorcecare
JOIN A VPC MINISTRY TEAM When you join a ministry team, you participate in Christ’s ongoing work in the world. Check out the volunteer opportunities below and contact Kim Snyder at kim.snyder@viennapres.org if interested. Kim will put you in touch with a team leader who can give you more information and equip you to become a member of the team. Current Volunteer Needs: Vacation Bible School volunteers for children’s groups and activities, June 20-24 Childcare caregivers for MOPs events on Thursdays April 21, 9:30-11:30 AM Childcare and Children’s Ministry assistants on Sundays at 9:00 AM AV volunteers for sound and/or slides during worship Entry-door greeters and Sanctuary ushers for worship services Welcome-station greeters to welcome guests before and after worship services Online worship chat box hosts/greeters for worship Drivers to bring people to worship on Sunday mornings who can’t drive themselves Office receptionist on Tuesdays from 2:00 - 4:00pm Summer Mission trip leaders Would You Like to Assist in Serving Communion? Have you been ordained as an Elder or Deacon at VPC or another Presbyterian church? If so, and you would like to serve Communion, we would love to have you! Please contact communion.coordinator@viennapres.org to let us know. If you have been ordained in another denomination, please contact Pastor Hope to learn if you may be eligible to serve at VPC.
Visit: viennapres.org/volunteer for more information or to sign up. We'd love to have you!
DIRECTIONS TO KEY MINISTRY LOCATIONS Welcome Center: 1st Floor Lobby Great Hall 1st floor: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Great Hall is on left. Childcare (Birth to age 3) 2nd Floor: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Take elevator to the left or use main stairs at the end of the hallway to access the 2nd Floor. Children’s Ministries (Pre-K to Grade 6) 3rd Floor: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Take elevator on left or use main stairs at end of hallway to access the 3rd Floor. Youth Ministries (Grades 7-12) Lower Level: Exit Sanctuary into the Lobby and take either the right hand or left hand stairwell or the Lobby elevator down to the Lower Level. Room #112 Community Room: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Community Room is on right across from the Great Hall. 2nd Floor Adult Classrooms: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Take elevator to the left or use main stairs at the end of the hallway to access the 2nd Floor. 3rd Floor Adult Classrooms: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Take elevator to the left or use main stairs at the end of the hallway to access the 3rd Floor. Church Office 2nd Floor: Exit Sanctuary through the Lobby into main hallway. Take elevator to the left or use main stairs at the end of the hallway. For security, the church office is accessible only through the Park Street entrance Monday -Thursday from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Follow parking lot signage.
SANCTUARY EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS Follow directions from ushers and immediately exit the building. Trained volunteers will evacuate all Children and Youth from those designated spaces in the event of an emergency.
SANCTUARY
BALCONY
MEET OUR STAFF Pastors and Pastoral Support Staff Lead Pastor: Hope Lee, x118, hope.lee@viennapres.org Associate Pastor: Glenda Simpkins Hoffman, x114, glenda.simpkinshoffman@viennapres.org Transitional Associate Pastor: Connie Jordan-Haas, x116, connie.jordan-haas@viennapres.org Director of Congregational Care: Charles Geschiere, x151, charles.geschiere@viennapres.org Executive Assistant for Worship: Dalliss Fuhrmann, x108, dalliss.fuhrmann@viennapres.org Congregational Care Administrative Assistant: Melanie Nunez, x103, melanie.nunez@viennapres.org Worship and Music Director of Worship and Music: Lance Vining, x132, lance.vining@viennapres.org Spiritual Formation Director of Community Engagement: Kim Snyder, x130, kim.snyder@viennapres.org Spiritual Formation Project Manager: Lisa Gibb, x127, lisa.gibb@viennapres.org NextGen NextGen Director: Melissa Ciavarella, x124, melissa.ciavarella@viennapres.org Director of the Preschool: Terri Franke, x134, terri.franke@viennapres.org Interim Director of Youth Ministry: Michelle Rahal, x117, michelle.rahal@viennapres.org Childcare Manager: Heather Boehm: x159, heather.boehm@viennapres.org NextGen Coordinator: Rachel Peck: x104, rachel.peck@viennapres.org Missions Director of Missions, Sue Hamblen, x111, sue.hamblen@viennapres.org Missions Administrative Assistant: Susan Kenney, x123, susan.kenney@viennapres.org ESOL ESOL Manager: Deb Rymer, x102, deb.rymer@viennapres.org ESOL Administrative Assistant: Suzi Janda, suzi.janda@viennapres.org Finance, Operations and Communications Director of Finance and Operations: Nina Graves, x119, nina.graves@viennapres.org Finance Manager: Kellie Owens, x121, kellie.owens@viennapres.org Director of Generosity: Nina Graves, x133, nina.graves@viennapres.org Systems Manager: Melissa Jensen, x106, melissa.jensen@viennapres.org Communications Manager: Kelly Miller, x112, kelly.miller@viennapres.org Facilities Manager: Jaime Tapia, x131, jaime.tapia@viennapres.org Assistant Facilities Manager: Belarmino Diaz, x131 Facilities Support Staff: Maria Aguilar and Reyna Mendoza Schedule a Sacred Life Event: Baptisms: Rachel Peck, x104, rachel.peck@viennapres.org Weddings: Marnie Harter, marnie.harter@viennapres.org Funerals/Memorials: Melanie Nunez, x103, melanie.nunez@viennapres.org Get to know the VPC staff better by visiting viennapres.org/staff. You can see their photos, bios and contact them directly through our website or call the church office at 703.938.9050 and dial their extension.
MEET OUR LEADRSHIP In the Presbyterian Church, more trust is placed in a group of people, who together seek to discern the mind of God to lead them towards faithful action, than in a single individual who has all the answers. Therefore, committees are a mainstay of the church. At the local, congregational level this means two main boards: Elders as the highest decision- making body, and the Deacons, as the care-taking, pastoral group. Both groups are to be a representation of the congregation as a whole. The Elders and Deacons are ordained positions in the Presbyterian Church (USA). That means that we believe each of them have been chosen by God and the congregation to be a leader in Christ’s church. The vows they take are the same vows that the pastor takes to become a Minister of Word and Sacrament. Once a person is ordained that ordination is considered a lifelong vocation. The ordained Elders and Deacons have a responsibility to cultivate their prayer life, to study the Bible, and to seek God in their individual, and congregational life.
Elders CLASS OF 2020-2022 Bill Carter Jonathan Lochhaas Jan Mahumed Sandi McLauchlin Doris Pierson Beth Webster
CLASS OF 2021-2023 Chuck Allen, Clerk of Session Tom Bauer Patricia Bronson Steve Dirkse Kristin Romero David Steiner
CLASS OF 2022-2024 Jonathan Benett Teri Dungan Paul Kashchy Melinda Mayes Karen Mokate
To contact the VPC Session, please email session@viennapres.org. Visit viennapres.org/leadership
Deacons CLASS OF 2020-2022 Betty Anger Susan Bauer Mary Campbell Rick Cassee Jessica Clarke Christa Davidson, Moderator Tim Dronsfield Todd Hall Paul Mayer Pat Sheridan
CLASS OF 2021-2023 Tim Boatwright Sharon Burger Charles Clohan Lee Curtis Pat Dirkse Ernie Fergusson Ashley Harrison
CLASS OF 2022-2024 Lisa DeCarlo Debbie Frankiewicz Frank Ganis Jacquie Garland Clay Hamric Sarah Killion Clark Lindgren Mark Richards Pam Sellars Rebecah Shepherd
Vienna Presbyterian Church | 124 Park Street, NE, Vienna, VA 22180 | 703.938.9050 | www.viennapres.org