About
Our Leaders
Gathering those who fear they are not enough, so we may experience grace, wholeness, and renewal as God’s beloved.
Session
What is the Session and what do they do? The Session is the governing council for the congregation. It is composed of 12 individuals elected by the congregation to active service as ruling elders, together with one teaching elder, the Reverend Yena Hwang, who was called by the congregation to ministry Falls Church Presbyterian Church as our Transitional Pastor. The Session is responsible for governing the congregation and guiding its witness to the sovereign activity of God in the world, so that the congregation is and becomes a community of faith, hope, love and witness. All members of Session are entitled to vote on all matters which may come before it. Once ordained, a ruling elder is always a ruling elder, continuing as a spiritual leader of the congregation, even when not actively serving on the Session. Ruling elders, listed below, serve three-year terms.
The pastor, Yena Hwang, serves as moderator.
Elder Carolyn Bruce serves as Clerk of Session.
Class of 2025
Anne Kusterbeck
Suzanne Martin
Will Packard
Lynn Wagner
Class of 2026
Marnie Sarver
Katharine Stewart
Tim Stufft
Clay Warner
Class of 2027
Carolyn Bruce, Clerk of Session
Molly Good
Allison Hoak
Catriona McCormack
Deacons
What is a Deacon, and what do they do? According to the Constitution of the PC(USA): The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry (G-2.0201).
Class of 2025
Sam Beatty
Karen Growney
Marsha Schuyler
Julie Stufft
Anja Wells
Ellie Bruce (youth representative)
Class of 2026
Susan Beeman, moderator
Zachia Murray
Gail Robarge
Class of 2027
Linda Garvelink
Elaine Porter
Eric Rasmussen
Gordon Storr
Serving our community, church, and each other
Community
We serve our community by partnering with local organizations to provide food, clothing, and shelter to our brothers and sisters in need. As leaders in the church, it is important for us to regularly organize and participate in service projects. Our programs dedicated to serving the community organize drives to collect food, clothing, and items for shelters. We may also take on additional service projects as needs arise.
church
In our roles as Deacons, it is important for us to consistently participate in the work and ministry of the church. Regular participation in the ministry of the church includes, but is not limited to, regular attendance in worship, personal times of prayer and Bible study, and participating in a group to nurture spiritual growth, such as an adult Sunday School class, small group, or women’s circle. As Deacons we actively support weekly worship activities by preparing communion, counting collections, performing ushering duties, and greeting member and visitors to the church. We also participate in church work days, organize fellowship events, such as the annual picnic, and serve on Session committees. One of a Deacon’s most important duties is leading his/ her parish ministry. A parish ministry is a group of approximately 12 families with whom the Deacon establishes a “caring contact” on a quarterly basis. The parish ministry program is a vitally important ministry of the church. Prayer concerns and questions arising from these contacts are shared with the Board or members of the pastoral staff, as appropriate.
Each Other
The office of Deacon provides us with an amazing opportunity to support each other in nurturing our own relationships with God. We meet monthly to organize and plan tasks for the upcoming month, but also uphold one another in our lives of faith. We pray with and for each other and grow by sharing our faith in the safe space of our meeting. In our ministry of sympathy, witness, and service, we may have some struggles and challenges. Our meetings provide us with time to help each other in our mutual ministry. With open arms we welcome visitors and members of the congregation to assist us. If you would like to join in any of the deacon programs to serve our community or our church, please email deacons@fallschurchpresby.org. Ways to help include welcoming members and visitors to church on Sunday mornings, and assisting with food delivery to Knox Food Pantry.
Get Connected
There are many ways to get involved in the life and ministry here at Falls Church Presbyterian. Whether you are looking to join a ministry team, serve others through our Welcome Table ministry, sing in the choir or simply find a community to call home, we welcome you and hope that you will find grace, wholeness, and renewal here.