CLC made the decision a few years ago to adopt Meadowland Elementary. Approximately 40% of the students are on free or reduced lunch. This means that 40% of the children are receiving SNAP, TANF or Medicaid, are Foster children, are homeless/runaway/migrant children, participate in Head Start, or have income low enough to meet the Federal Eligibility Income guidelines. CLC has donated school supplies, recess equipment, and money towards the school Angel Fund which helps families in need with medical bills, dental bills, food, and clothing.
Being involved with the programs our church is pursuing at Meadowland Elementary School, such as Angel Fund, PTO events, after school programs, box top collection and holiday gifts, renders a feeling of reward and service and promotes the future of our children.
– Bobbie C.
Rwanda School Project
The Rwanda School Project has a new head of Rwamagana Leaders’ School, Moses Ssenyonjo. Moses was hired after a 15 month search to replace Robin Strickler, founder and first head of school. Our students continue to do extremely well on their national exams and many have earned scholarships and attend college. We have a graduate attending University of Nebraska, another formed a non-profit to benefit street kids, another serves on the School’s board of directors! Good things happen at this school to benefit students and also the development of Rwanda.
CLC has been sponsoring students for over 10 years and has made other connections in Rwanda through mission trips.
Our CLC Quilters work together to make beautiful quilts. These quilts are delivered to Lutheran World Relief and The Good Shepherd Alliance for our homeless in Loudoun County. They also make tied blankets for Mobile Hope.
Our CLC Stitchers make hats and scarfs for Lutheran World Relief and Mobile Hope for children under the age of 21 who are homeless or in need. They also make prayer shawls for those going through tough times, throws for all graduating seniors, and teddy bears for the Knitting Without Borders group. These bears are sent all over the world. For more information, please visit: http://knittingwithoutborders.jigsy.com/
CLC is a founding and current member of LINK. LINK is a non-profit charity whose mission is to provide emergency food and financial assistance to people in need in Ashburn, Herndon and Sterling. LINK has an all volunteer staff and is run on 100% donations from the community. Some of the many ways that CLC supports LINK include: collecting food for the pantry on the first Sunday of every month; delivering food to families in need; packing groceries for families; coat drives; and toy drives. For more information, please visit: http://linkagainsthunger.org/
Communion Ministers
The Communion Ministers distribute consecrated Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month to the home-bound and hospitalized. CONTACT: Pastor Annabelle[email protected]
Youth Choir
The Youth Choir is for all singers who are in 6th – 12th grade. This group learns to sing differing styles of music in harmony and in tune. We have sung in different languages, styles, and difficulties. This group performs at least once a month and rehearses twice a month.
The Dovecote Choir is a new choir this year. It is an introductory choir to singing for children 3 years of age to 1st grade. It is a wonderful way to promote confident singing in young voices, and it will also help with reading skills in the very young ages. This choir incorporates movement, rote singing, and confidence building to instill the love of music in all of the children. We also teach beginning note reading that is simple and fun! This choir will meet every Wednesday, beginning September 13, at 4:00 – 4:30 PM.
The Children’s Choir is for elementary students from 2nd – 5th grade. It is a wonderful place for children to learn how to sing properly, in tune, and it is a beginning introduction to singing in harmony. These children learn music reading, theory, and it is intended for a more involved education than the typical elementary music program from the school. If you are looking for more experience for your child, this is a wonderful opportunity. This groups rehearses in the sanctuary every Wednesday from 4:30 – 5:30 PM.
Our intergenerational handbell choir requires a working knowledge of music reading skills. We enjoy making music together as an ensemble, and we perform handbell music using traditional and contemporary techniques. This group meets every Wednesday night from 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM in our music room.
Our Full SATB Choir leads the liturgy every Sunday. This group strives for the best execution of choral music and rehearses every Wednesday night at 7:30 in the Sanctuary.
Readers Group reads books that are current best sellers along with classics and historical novels. Everyone has a chance to comment on the book and we always engage in lively conversation.
“We read some incredibly interesting books and have stimulating conversations.”– S Yates
The Fellowship Committee plans events that gather our community together to socialize and engage in building connections between all ages in our congregation. All are invited to join.
“Fellowship is an integral part of the Christian experience. It creates a sense of belonging.” – D Martin
“I keep discovering just how abundant, powerful, and liberating God’s love is for all of creation. I’m excited to journey with you on this pilgrimage of faith!”
The Reverend Annabelle Markey
Pastor Annabelle grew up just over the Potomac River in Maryland. As an undergrad, she studied German, Medieval Studies, and Global Studies at Hood College and studied abroad in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. After college, she worked in the travel industry for three years while discerning a call to ministry. She graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg with a concentration in Theology and Public Life focused on Christian-Jewish dialogue. She also completed a Certificate in Ecumenical Studies through the Washington Theological Consortium and spent time living in the Collegium Oecumenicum, an ecumenical community in Munich, Germany. Pastor Annabelle loves diving into the rich stories of the Bible and exploring what they mean for our lives today. She also enjoys pop culture and seeing how movies, music, and television speak about God and the life of faith. Her focus at Community is on Christian education and formation for all ages, and social ministry. She is also deeply drawn to contemplative prayer practices and completed the “Going Deeper: Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership” Program through the Shalem Institute in 2017.
She is also passionate about tacos, travel, dogs, icon writing, learning languages, singing, hiking, and crafting. Annabelle is married to a wonderful fellow named Jeff and looks forward to meeting you!
Wednesday Meals & Ministries
The Welcome/Evangelism Committee is a living extension of CLC’s mission: “Welcoming Others, Growing in Grace and Sharing Christ’s Love”. Welcome Committee actively reaches out to the community looking for ways to invite others to our concerts, Christmas tree lightings, Vacation Bible School, and many other events.
The Loudoun County Veterans and Family Support Coalition (LVFS) is a partnership between CLC and Falcons Landing Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), providing assistance not immediately available from other sources to those veterans and their families who are in need.
Our motto: “Continuing to Serve”
Giving Garden
Giving Garden grows food for those most in need in our community and provides this food through LINK.
The Technology Ministry uses technology, computers and websites to administer and promote ministries both internally and to our neighbors. Our goal is to enhance one’s experience without “gimmicking-up” the process; we serve those with iPhones, flip-phones and paper alike.
Stephen Ministry provides confidential Christian care and support to individuals going through difficult life circumstances. Stephen Ministers are laypersons trained to give Christian care.
“My Stephen Minister met with me before and after surgery. I never thought I needed help, but I did.” Marilyn B.
Endowment Ministry distributes annual grants to charitable organizations, thereby furthering the mission and vision of the congregation beyond the resources of the annual budget. During 2017, grants totaling $1500 were distributed to Pastor Edward Makara, the Loudoun Veterans and Family Support Group, LINK and Crossroad Jobs.
Women gather for retreat once a year, typically in April or May.
Kindergarten – 5th Grade
Our Rotational Sunday School program for Kindergarten through 5th grade provides a multi-disciplinary approach to learning. Each session involves a 4-5 week study of scripture through art, science, cooking, games and more. Students are active and engaged, viewing the Word through a different lens each week.
Men’s Retreat
Men gather for retreat once a year, typically in February.
Fatema Islam
Nursery Assistant
Fatema Islam has been living in Sterling for four years and is a student at Northern Virginia Community College working on her degree in Early Childhood Education. She hopes to transfer to George Mason University to finish her four-year degree. In addition, she has a two-year degree in marketing from Bangladesh. Right now, she is a full time NOVA student and works part-time at Community Lutheran Church. She loves and enjoys taking care of children and is looking forward to be an advocate for special needs children.
Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is a means of receiving and distributing prayer requests from community members.
The Grief Group is for people who are grieving or experiencing difficult times to share their stories with others who are going through similar things. Members of the group offer compassionate and confidential listening and support. They meet during the day over a meal.
The Stewardship for All Seasons Team of Community Lutheran Church promotes the good stewardship of the gifts we have been given by God through time, talent and treasure.
The Welcome/Evangelism Ministry of Community Lutheran Church greets Sunday visitors, hosts the new member welcome lunches and supports evangelism with the Pastors.
Women gather on the first Saturday of every month at 8:15 a.m. for breakfast, mutual support, and Bible study. For more information contact Shirley Bookwalter at [email protected]
Men’s Breakfast
Men gather on the first Saturday of every month at 8:15 a.m. for breakfast, mutual support, and Bible study. For more information contact Mark Shupe at [email protected]
Wednesday Bible Study
In preparation for Sunday’s lessons, we meet on Wednesdays at 10:30am in the library. We dive into the Word and study the week’s lessons. Afterward, all are invited to come to the sanctuary to worship during a short service of reflection with Holy Communion. We’d love to have you join us!
Adult Forum
Led by our Pastors, Christian Education ministry team members and special guest presenters, our Adult Forum discusses varied topics throughout the year.
Adult Bible Study
Sunday mornings allow for Adult interaction with the Word through an ongoing study of Great Passages of the Bible in our Adult Bible Study class.
Preschool
Preschool Sunday School offers an introduction for our 3-4 year olds to favorite Bible stories from the Old and New Testament through storytelling, games, play and much more.
Children & Youth
Children and youth are an integral part of our community and welcome to participate fully in worship. They take roles in leadership as ushers, readers, acolytes, crucifers, lectors, communion servers, and more. The Children’s and Youth Choirs also lead us in song on a regular basis.
Each Sunday, children are invited forward for the Children’s Message after the reading of the Gospel.
While we welcome infants and children in worship, if you or your child needs a break, we invite you to use the nursery or step into the Narthex (lobby).
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs” (Matthew 19:14).
Holy Communion
When we celebrate Holy Communion in the service, know that this is the Lord’s Supper, not the Lutheran Supper. We believe Christ is present in the bread and wine of Holy Communion to forgive our sins, strengthen our life with Christ and enable us to serve in his name. All baptized Christians are invited to receive bread (or gluten-free wafers) and wine (or grape juice). If you do not receive, you are welcome to come forward for a blessing – just indicate to the pastor(s) that you’d like to receive a blessing.
Maritza Sivek
Nursery Coordinator
Maritza Sivek has been working in Early Childhood for 24 years. She joined Community Lutheran Church in 2007 to help families and children in the church nursery activities. Durant her time at Community Lutheran Church she has also supported the Sunday School, music director and any other activities that go on throughout the year. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Nutrition from University Centroamerican in Nicaragua. She has continued her education at Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling and has received a certificate in infants and toddlers as well as a certificate in Early Child Development working with children 6 weeks to 8 years old. Her goal is to continue pursuing an Associates Degree in Early Child Development or get a license to teach Spanish. She is so happy to be working with such a great, nurturing community and the wonderful staff!
Becca Shelor
Youth Minister
Becca Shelor is the Youth Director at Community Lutheran Church. She works with youth of all ages, coordinating growth and fellowship among high schoolers, middle schoolers and the congregation at large. Between teaching and leading discussions on Sundays for Youth Forum she coordinates events like Youth Sunday, Act 2:42 lock-in, Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, Synod events like Shekinah and Chrysalis, church-wide events like the National Youth Gathering, and much more for our CLC youth. Becca recently received her Certification in Youth Ministry from Gettysburg Seminary to add to her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Valparaiso University. When not serving our youth or singing in the choir, Becca is a barista at Starbucks because you can never have too much coffee. So if you ever want to sit down over a cup, please reach out!
Jennifer Quiñones
Director of Music
Jennifer Quiñones and her husband, Giovani, live in the Sterling area with their two boys Gabe and Eli. She is passionate about uplifting this community through music. Before becoming the Director of Music at Community Lutheran Church, Jennifer has been an active performer and conductor, as well as a church musician for over 25 years. It is Jennifer’s passion to illuminate the beauty and appreciation for the sacred arts in every future musician she meets. Jennifer is committed to instilling a goal of excellence through music. She believes in raising the self-esteem of every musician to overcome personal fears by education and practice. Jennifer is genuinely excited about joining the Community family, and is excited to see what things we will build together.
Sara Nail
Bookkeeper
Sara has been the bookkeeper for Community Lutheran and CKCP since January 2009. She hails from the Midwest (mostly Nebraska) and now calls Ashburn home. After receiving an accounting degree from James Madison University, she sat for the CPA exam and worked for several years as an auditor for Price Waterhouse in Washington, DC. She then spent 12 years in the finance department of a British Aerospace/BAE SYSTEMS division until the birth of her daughter. She was convinced to apply for the bookkeeper position while her daughter was attending CKCP, since she was driving to church several times a week already! She enjoys providing support to the “business” side of running a church and preschool so that its mission can be carried out. Away from work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, supporting her daughter’s extracurricular activities (aka driving her places), hiking, crafting, trying new recipes and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Kimberly Byrum
Director of Community Kids Christian Preschool
Kim Byrum is a native of Sterling, Virginia. She has personally achieved the Educational/Experience qualifications as a Program Administrator/Director position with NAEYC requirements under the Alternative Pathways, Ms. Kim’s relevant training and credentials were met with the 120 formal hours for her Child Development Associates (CDA) Certification from Penn Foster. In 2013, Ms. Kim received her Preschool Credential in the CDA National Credentialing Program, from the Council for Professional in Washington, DC. Ms. Kim’s past experience was being a Children’s Director for a local church for over eight years. She took several child development classes from NOVA. Ms. Kim is certified in MAT, CPR, First Aid, Certified Child Seat Technician, Daily Health Observation and Child Abuse and Neglect.
Roberta Buxton
Office Adiministrator
Roberta came out of retirement to join us as helper to Marie. With her education and administration background she feels right at home but has discovered that she will have to enroll in classes for “quick wit” in order to keep up with her co-workers. She is delighted to have the opportunity to greet and chat with all those who come through our doors. The rest of Roberta’s time is spent volunteering where she lives, enjoying activities with her family and friends and exploring our fascinating area.
Marie Adkins
Office Adiministrator
Marie was hired in 2014 and is excited to be a part of the action at CLC! She has a long administrative background and most recently was employed at a church in Colorado before moving back to the DC area. She enjoys ministering to others with a welcoming smile and compassionate heart, as well as getting her work done! When not at the office, you can find her walking her pup, baking, reading, and meeting friends for coffee. She and her husband enjoy a good movie and good food together.
“We are embraced by God to welcome others and bring healing to the world around us. I look forward to meeting you and building community together!”
The Reverend Joseph Vought
A native of Pennsylvania, Rev. Joseph Vought received a Masters of Divinity from The Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1983 after graduating from Gettysburg College. Ordained in 1983, Pastor Joe served Second English Lutheran, Baltimore, MD. In 1987 he was called as Pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran, Richmond, VA where he developed ministries, built buildings and trained interns. He ministered on Virginia’s “Death Row,” providing care to inmates before and during executions. In 1997 he was called as Senior Pastor of Muhlenberg Lutheran, Harrisonburg, VA. Membership grew and ministries were begun: an After-School Program for children, Mission work in West Virginia and a school in Rwanda. Building projects were undertaken. Pr. Joe represented Lutherans in Virginia to encourage denominational service and full communion partnerships. He received a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Wesley Seminary. Called to Community in October, 2008, Pr. Joe loves team ministry with Pr. Annabelle, a talented staff and vibrant congregation. He is married to Debra Swenson. Together they enjoy exercise, movies, reading and traveling. They have two grown children, Kristin and Jonathan.
