 Welcome to Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church (MVPC). For many of you this is your first introduction to the church and who I am. I hope to soon meet you and learn about who you are. What are your hopes and dreams? What do you enjoy doing? Everyone has fears and disappointments – what are some of yours? What is your relationship with God? Are you looking to become more connected to God? Are you hoping to experience authentic relationships? We are all on a journey. I hope after you cruise through our web site that you will want to explore continuing your journey of faith with us.
And now, for a little about me. I am a career changed person who was ordained December 2002. It took me a long time to say YES to God for a call into ministry, and now I wonder, “What took me so long?” So if God is calling you to a particular place and you have been hesitant to respond, let’s talk. I understand.
People often ask me how long have I been at MVPC. I was installed as MVPC’s first Associate Pastor January 2003. Prior to my ordination and installation I completed a 2-year internship here at the church as part of the field experience required by Wesley Theological Seminary. I then served for one year as an Assistant to the Pastor while waiting to complete enough years with Prince William County School to take early retirement.
While working for Prince William County Schools, I taught regular education, received my MA from the University of Virginia with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities and then moved into administration and supervision. Subsequently I became endorsed in the areas of school psychology and as a visiting teacher/school social worker. I worked as a Middle and High School Administrative Assistant helping to introduce the middle school concept and to develop high school programs for students with special needs and those who were rebellious. While attending seminary on a part time basis, I worked as the Visiting Teacher-School Social Worker at Hylton High School.
Prior to my ordination to Minister of Word and Sacrament I was ordained as an elder and a deacon and I have served as a Stephen Minister Trainer and Leader. Currently, I serve on the Nominating Committee for National Capital Presbytery and as a liaison to Pastor Nominating Committees as they seek to call a new pastor. Within the Mount Vernon Community I serve as a co-facilitator for Ventures in Community (VIC), an interfaith alliance of faith communities in the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax County http://venturesincommunity.com/index.html and am in the process of becoming a chaplain for Fairfax County Police at the Mount Vernon Police Department substation.
I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and grew up in Northern KY. My mother was one of the first women elders to be ordained. My father, my brother, and I were baptized on Christmas Eve – what a joyous occasion that was. Consequently, Christmas Eve carries special memories in conjunction with the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
I attended Union College in Barbourville, KY where I majored in Elementary Education. While in college I participated in Appalachian Volunteers and fell in love with a ministry of outreach. I graduated college early so I could spend time in Europe before beginning to teach middle school in Prince William County. In addition to the University of Virginia I also have attended George Mason University, Union-Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, and have taken advance training at Johns Hopkins and the University of North Carolina.
I enjoy listening to classical music, finding ways to be creative, taking pictures, and maintaining contact with family and friends.
If you would like to share your faith journey, I would love to hear about it. I can be reached at 703-765-6118 or by email at jerif@aol.com. Please indicate on the subject line MVPC.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeri Fields
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