Vienna Presbyterian Church

Last Sunday we worshiped at Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park Street, NE, Vienna, VA 22180, 703.938.9050, www.viennapres.org, Rev. Dr. Peter G. James, Senior Pastor.

A note from us:
God’s gracious presence has certainly been felt, but the craziness this week has ranged from our daughter’s procedure in Virginia on Monday to my modified work hours due to our office move, and family living with us temporarily. We hope to be back to our prompt publishing schedule tomorrow.

Scripture – Colossians 3:1-14:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Bob’s thoughts:

This is a larger complex and we only saw a little of it, but it is very impressive. The sanctuary is colorful only in different shades of white. I made note that the only cross I could find was on the parament of the pulpit, then realized that from where we were sitting the balcony projected out far enough that I couldn’t see the huge wooden cross suspended from the ceiling.

We were greeted and welcomed and when two of the pastors heard that the reason we were in the area was our daughter’s health issue, they both were quick to offer prayers for her.

I enjoyed the praise singers: I could hear and understand them and they harmonized well.

I thought it might be nice if they could project a video of the children’s sermon on the screen so everyone could see them.

The pastor had a good speaking voice and developed his sermon well. The message was from a sermon series “The Life You’ve Always Wanted.” Some highlights: put sin to death or it will kill you. Figure out what is killing your soul and kill it. When we are intentional in breaking from these sinful ways, then be intentional in Christ.

I was reminded of something from Max Lucado where he talks of DTP – Disruptive Thought Patterns. He referred to them as viruses: guilt, shame, bitterness, greed, etc., of which we need to purge ourselves.

We cannot sit placidly just enjoying Christ. We need to walk the walk.

I was impressed with the large prayer list for Military and Civilians Serving in Harm’s Way.

It was so refreshing to hear the elements offered verbally when served Communion.

It was good to reconnect with a former Pittsburgh pastor, Stan Ott, who is a teaching pastor there.

Jan’s thoughts:

We were in Virginia last weekend to support our daughter as she faced a health issue. I am glad to report that her procedure went perfectly and she is fine. Since we were there we worshiped at this church which, even at a distance, has meant a great deal to me.

More than a year ago I read an article online about the faithful way this church handled the disturbing issue of sexual abuse. As an abuse survivor, their faithfulness gave me hope and, I believe, sets an example for any institution that is preyed upon like this. Ever since, I have wanted to visit to meet these people who cared enough to find the courage to do the right thing.

The facility is beautiful, exquisitely decorated and maintained. With three services, I was surprised to be asked if we were visitors. There was visitor parking and a welcome center. Unfortunately we did not have time to check out the book store.

At different times in our visit we spoke with the two pastors present, and each immediately offered prayer for our daughter.

The bulletin consists of two 11x17 sheets folded and stapled, a full page of categorized prayer requests, announcements, and innumerable spiritual growth and service opportunities. I was impressed by the gracious wording in some of the comments and announcements.

The signage was both helpful and necessary.

The Children’s Message was truly aimed at the children, who were permitted to participate, and this adult enjoyed it as well.

The offertory music was new to me, so I appreciated seeing the words on the screen.

The sermon, “Putting on Christ,” was part of a series entitled and based on the book “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” by John Ortberg. He began with a terrific story about a boy who holds a record – he wore a Brett Favre jersey every single day for 1,981 consecutive days between 2003 and 2008.

He went on to talk about “wearing Christ” and killing sin in our lives, quoting the puritan John Owen, that you “had better be killing sin or it will be killing you.” He confirmed the truth of the old story that says the side of us we feed is the side that wins. His advice is to be intentional in working to order every facet of our life after Christ, stay in the Word, and pray. We know what we need to do, but there’s a difference between knowing and doing.

I could not help but be reminded of the quote from General Norman Schwarzkopf: “The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.” For me, I have found the hard part is believing it and then acting on that belief. I can read and pray, but unless I allow God’s Word to sink into my heart and affect my actions, I’m still living in the sin of unbelief.

Following worship we were truly blessed by an opportunity to catch up with one of the pastors here whom we had known from Pittsburgh Presbytery.

Our prayer for this church:
Father, We pray that this congregation truly does take up the cause and fight to put sin to death. We pray for Your strength and guidance. Please envelope them in Your Spirit and be glorified in their trials. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.