New to VPC?
First Steps for the Journey at VPC
One of the great things about VPC is that it can be as big or as small as you make it. It may feel intimidating at first, but follow these steps and you will find yourself getting connected in no time! The opportunities listed below serve as the compass for finding your path on the spiritual journey at VPC.
Step 1: Visit the Welcome Center
We would love you to come by and say hello. We are located in the Narthex on Sunday mornings, just outside the Sanctuary. One of the challenges of getting plugged into a church of VPC’s size is just being recognized. So come by the Welcome Center, introduce yourself, fill out a "Connect Card," and take a welcome packet. Once we have your Connect Card, we are able to know that you're attending and you'll start receiving church communications, like our e-mail newsletter.
Step 2: Orientation to the Journey Gathering
We invite you to attend our Orientation to the Journey gathering. It’s a great way to meet new people while learning about who we are as a church and what we believe, as well as ask questions and get a tour of the church. Come to the Great Hall a little before 11:00 am on the second Sunday of the month (except for Mother’s Day) and get a cup of coffee or tea. We will gather around the Orientation to the Journey sign next to room 108c. The setting is informal and you'll get to meet some of the VPC staff. You are more than welcome to RSVP, but it’s not necessary. Feel free to just drop in and join us. We look forward to meeting you!
Step 3: Invitation to the Journey Class
The beginning of every journey requires planning, which includes knowing where you are and where you want to be. Our Invitation to the Journey Class is our invitation to explore what it means to follow Jesus here at VPC as we look at our mission, beliefs, values, and practices. We want to help you discover what it means to live your life as Jesus would live it if he were you. This is a three-week class, and each class is taught by one of our three pastors and gives an opportunity for people exploring VPC to:
- Meet the pastors and church leaders
- Learn what we believe
- Learn what it means to be a disciple
- Learn about VPC:
- How we worship
- Opportunities for spiritual growth
- Opportunities for service
- Reflect on your spiritual journey
- Meet others who are new to VPC.
The following classes are currently scheduled:
- The winter 2012 classes will be held on January 22, February 5 and 12.
- The spring 2012 classes will be held on April 15, 22 and 29.
Use our online registration form to register for an Invitation to the Journey class. If you are interested in joining VPC, read more on the Joining VPC page. For more information, call Linda Kemple at the church office, 703-938-9050 x100, or email her at linda.kemple@viennapres.org.
Step 4: Share the Journey in a Small Group
One of our purposes as a church is to help you grow in your relationship with God and help and your family develop authentic relationships. One of the best ways you can do this is by joining a small group or participating in a larger group based on your age, life-stage, and interests.
If you are new to faith, new to groups, or new to VPC, a great place to start is Christianity Explored, an informal course for people who would like to investigate Christianity, or just brush up on the basics. It explores who Jesus is, what his aims are, and what it means to follow him. The next class will begin on February 13, 2011, at 11:00 am in the Conference Room (on the second floor, across from the Library).
To get connected with a group, visit our Small Groups page and look for "Joining a Small Group", or contact Shannon Jordan at shannon.jordan@viennapres.org or 703-938-9050 x123.
There are groups and opportunities for children (www.viennapres.org/children/) and students (www.vpcstudents.org) as well.
Step 5: Attend Next Steps
Not quite sure where you fit in? Want to discover your unique SHAPE (spiritual gifts, heart, ability, personality, and experience) for ministry? We offer an excellent class called Next Steps just for you! Next Steps will connect you with people who are interested in helping you find your best fit at VPC. You'll enjoy discussions with men and women who share their stories with one another, and you will have an opportunity to personally meet with leaders of ministries and volunteer teams at VPC. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next upcoming Next Steps Experience and the opportunity to register. If you have any questions, contact Shannon Jordan at shannon.jordan@viennapres.org.
Step 6: Serve on a Team
There is no shortage of opportunities to serve at VPC. A core part of who we are as a congregation is to launch people into God's work by providing numerous opportunities to serve both inside and outside the walls of VPC. To find numerous serving opportunities both inside and outside the walls of VPC, check out www.viennapres.org/missions/. For more help connecting, you can contact Shannon Jordan at shannon.jordan@viennapres.org.