menu
11:00 AM – Sundays in person
Youth Group
middle and high school
11:00 AM – Sunday School
in person and via Zoom
ages 6+
Sunday School
9:30 AM - Services in the Sanctuary
610 S. Frederick Avenue Gaitherburg, MD 20877
all are welcome
Worship
We celebrate communion at both worship services on the first Sunday of the month. The communion elements are served in sealed, pre-packaged containers. Guests are welcome to take communion.
Communion
11:00 AM - Services in the Sanctuary and Worship by Livestream
7:00 PM – Wednesdays
in person and via Zoom
newborn+
Nursery
- To worship the Lord with heart, soul, mind, and strength
- To engage our neighbors in central Montgomery County
- To equip each generation for Christian discipleship
A global, caring community of faith, centered in Jesus Christ, training people to share His life everywhere we go.
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
is called
GAITHERSBURG
OUR MISSION & VISION
by God to be:
Our top three priorities:
Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church is part of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (PC(USA)).
Our identity as people of faith comes from our deep hope in the grace of God in Jesus Christ—a hope that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, empowers us to serve the world, grow in faith, care for one another, and live as a community of faith.
BELIEFS
the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, justification by grace through faith, and the priesthood of all believers. God is author and giver of human life, and we live our lives in response to God’s grace. What we know about God comes from the Bible. As we read the Bible, we learn about the life and work of Jesus Christ, our teacher and Redeemer. All of us, regardless of age, status in the world, or background are called to be part of God’s work in the world.
Some core Presbyterian beliefs are:
The PC(USA) explains, “Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God’s generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone’s job—ministers and lay people alike—to share this Good News with the whole world.” The Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and lay people, of all ages.
The PC(USA) has two sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. GPC typically celebrates communion on the first Sunday of each month, and baptisms by request.
Presbyterian churches are governed by people elected from the congregation for particular work on the governing board, which we call the Session. These Elders (who are of all ages) represent the congregation in making decisions for the church. Presbyterian churches also have Deacons, who serve the church in ministries of care and compassion.
Having grown up in the Ohio River Valley in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, I have now lived in Maryland longer than any other state, and in Rockville since 2007. Originally trained as a manufacturing systems engineer, I learned the importance of empowering those at all levels of an organization to live fully into their giftedness.
As a wife and mother, I have an awareness of the joys and challenges of living in intimate community. As a leadership coach, I "listen" others into their next right step. As a pastor, I embrace the calling of one who strives to proclaim the gospel in word and in deed, with a life grounded in prayer and scripture.
When I'm not at GPC. you can find me:
As a wife and mother, I have an awareness of the joys and challenges of living in intimate community. As a leadership coach, I "listen" others into their next right step. As a pastor, I embrace the calling of one who strives to proclaim the gospel in word and in deed, with a life grounded in prayer and scripture.
When I'm not at GPC. you can find me:
- working both as a leadership coach and as the Coordinator for the Preaching for Change Initiative at NEXT Church.
- having deep conversations with friends over a cup of coffee or tea.
- on the sidelines cheering on one of my kids.
- engaged in some form of creativity. (I am a true omnicrafter!)
phone ext. 1109
Transitional Pastor
THE REV. LeANN HODGES
OUR STAFF
(part-time, preaching 2 Sundays/month)
I became GPC’s Director of Children and Young Families in 2017. Over the years, I have enjoyed many roles, including Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and director, Godly Play leader, church elder, lay leader, and coordinator of our former Wednesday evening children’s activities. Before joining the GPC staff, I was a preschool and kindergarten teacher for many years. My husband, Stuart, and I have been active members of GPC since 1998, and are the parents of an adult daughter, Sarah.
I love my job! I love working with children, families, and adults. I love learning and sharing interesting things with the different groups that I work with, and discovering connections that we hadn’t expected to find. I’m excited to continue growing into this job, exploring all avenues and maybe even creating some new ones.
When I’m not at GPC, you can find me:
I love my job! I love working with children, families, and adults. I love learning and sharing interesting things with the different groups that I work with, and discovering connections that we hadn’t expected to find. I’m excited to continue growing into this job, exploring all avenues and maybe even creating some new ones.
When I’m not at GPC, you can find me:
- in my garden.
- walking our dog, Eddie.
- reading.
phone ext. 1114
Director of Children and Young Families
CAROLYN HAYES
OUR STAFF
Many words have been used to describe me: people person, creative, kind, team player, compassionate, funny, outgoing, leader, talkative, caring, honest, and a child of God. My special gifts are creativity, compassion, humor, organization, leadership, and teaching. Most of all, I have a love for Christ, a love for people, and a heart to serve. I have a passion for serving in and with ministries, I’m an advocate for developing leaders in and out of church settings, and I enjoy using creative ways to help foster spiritual growth. I’ve been serving in ministry since 1994 and have enjoyed every moment of the journey.
When I’m not involved in ministry, you can find me:
When I’m not involved in ministry, you can find me:
- baking some delicious sweet treats to share.
- admiring my shoe collection and trying to make room for more shoes.
- headed to a baseball game at Camden Yards in Baltimore.
phone ext. 1115
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
CARRIE LARSEN
OUR STAFF
I've lived in Maryland my whole life. My husband, Chris, and I live in Rockville with our four daughters: teenagers Kaylee and Leah, and twins Elise and Isabelle, who are attending GPP&K. Our Bulldog, Bentley, is also part of the family.
After receiving my Associate in Arts degree from Montgomery College, I taught preschool. I have 15+ years of early childhood experience as a teacher and leader and am excited to have joined GPP&K. Before becoming a staff member here, I worked as a director of an early learning center. During that time, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education Administration.
When I'm not at the church building, you can find me:
After receiving my Associate in Arts degree from Montgomery College, I taught preschool. I have 15+ years of early childhood experience as a teacher and leader and am excited to have joined GPP&K. Before becoming a staff member here, I worked as a director of an early learning center. During that time, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education Administration.
When I'm not at the church building, you can find me:
- in my kitchen (I love finding new recipes to cook and bake).
- in my garden (in the past couple of years, I’ve discovered a love for gardening).
- dancing anywhere with friends and family (I love all kinds of music and dancing).
- watching professional football and college basketball.
- going to the beach.
phone ext. 1115
Gaithersburg Preschool & Kindergarten Director
CYNTHIA DOBBINS
OUR STAFF
The path that brought me to working at GPC in 2015 may be considered an unusual one. After graduating from Walkersville High School in Frederick and doing home improvement work for a bit, I joined the Navy. Through my military service I studied communications and traveled the world! Two years later, in civilian life, I returned to construction work and then joined my father in the autobody business for the next 34 years. In 2010, I had the opportunity to manage the facilities at my local church. Realizing that I felt called to do this, I studied project management. Shortly afterwards I found my work home at GPC. My wife, Allison, and I have four adult sons—Phillip, Tony, Nick, and Dillon—and I feel blessed by the many ways in which God continues to work in my life.
Some fun facts about activities outside my GPC duties:
Some fun facts about activities outside my GPC duties:
- I built most of my home and am still working on it.
- While stationed on a Navy ship in the Mediterranean Sea, I visited Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, and Africa.
- My wife and I love to travel and have vacationed in Martinique, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Aruba, among other destinations.
phone ext. 1108
Facilities Manager
ANDY GOSNELL
OUR STAFF
(part-time)
My finance and asset management career spans 40 years, including 18 years at Marriott and 10 years in Senior Housing with Sunrise Senior Living and other senior housing providers. I graduated from Calvin College in Michigan and earned my Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Maryland. I’m passionate about timely, accurate reporting and stewarding God’s good gifts. My wife, Susan, and I reside in Gaithersburg, where we raised four wonderful children—Nora, Peter, Emily, and Brett.
When I’m not working at the church, I may be:
When I’m not working at the church, I may be:
- golfing.
- gardening.
- biking.
- watching Maryland basketball or Minnesota Twins baseball (I’m crazy about them!).
phone ext. 1107
Accounting Manager
DENNIS JANSEN
OUR STAFF
(part-time)
I'm an Ohio native with diverse experience in the design and marketing fields and have worked with small businesses, non-profit organizations, and churches during my career. I began working for GPC in 2016, but after living in Washington, DC, only briefly, I moved to New York City. Fortunately, I’ve been able to continue working in my role with GPC on a remote basis. I love talking, so maybe that’s why I chose the communications field, but I also love God-moments, so I like to think that I ended up here for a reason. GPC is a special place and I really believe anyone who finds themselves inside these doors will leave feeling loved and hopeful.
When I’m not working at my computer, I’m likely to be:
When I’m not working at my computer, I’m likely to be:
- mommying my three young daughters, Xyla, Sylvie and Elsey.
- spending time near the water (put me at the pool, lake, or beach and I’m happy!).
- eating! I love exploring new restaurants and cooking new dishes.
phone ext. 1100
Communications Manager
JENNA Obermiller
OUR STAFF
(part-time)
Although born in Oklahoma, I have lived most of my life in Maryland. I grew up in North Bethesda and attended Chevy Chase United Methodist Church, where I played in the bell choir and sang in the choirs. After college in the Midwest, I returned to Maryland, married and moved our family to Damascus, where I became part of the music ministry at Damascus UMC, and where my two now adult children, Rob and Rin, grew up fully immersed in the music and youth program there. At DUMC, I taught children’s choirs, Kindermusik, accompanied the 65-voice youth choir and sang in the adult choir. Eventually, I moved on to become the music director for other congregations, and have now made my way to GPC. I am happy and excited to be here!
I am passionate about the joy and fellowship that music can create. As an elementary general music teacher with MCPS for 19 years, I know the way that music can touch and change lives. It has the potential to create community and provide depth and breadth of worship in a profound way. It gives great meaning to my life to be able to share the transforming power of music with others.
When I'm not at the GPC, you will find me:
I am passionate about the joy and fellowship that music can create. As an elementary general music teacher with MCPS for 19 years, I know the way that music can touch and change lives. It has the potential to create community and provide depth and breadth of worship in a profound way. It gives great meaning to my life to be able to share the transforming power of music with others.
When I'm not at the GPC, you will find me:
- Walking my two dogs, Victoria (English setter) and Daisy (Aussie/Lab mix)
- Birding in Montgomery County and the Eastern Shore
- Baking (my favorite hobby!)
- At the beach or the pool
Director of Music
Katherine Williams
OUR STAFF
I’m delighted to be GPC’s Interim Handbell Director. Prior to coming to GPC, I enjoyed a multi-faceted musical career that has taken me around the world as a conductor and flutist. I’m also currently the Music Director for the Montgomery Philharmonic and DCflutes. The orchestra’s mission is to serve our community by playing a repertoire that includes women and BIPOC composers and brings their music into the canon of great music.
Because I am committed to educating our next generation of musicians, I also teach elementary school orchestral strings for Fairfax Couty Public Schools. Previously, I worked in the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program, serving as the woodwinds chair and conducting the OrchKids Orchestra. I have also conducted youth honor orchestras and served on music juries in the DMV and Pennsylvania.
Outside of the church, you will most likely find me:
Because I am committed to educating our next generation of musicians, I also teach elementary school orchestral strings for Fairfax Couty Public Schools. Previously, I worked in the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program, serving as the woodwinds chair and conducting the OrchKids Orchestra. I have also conducted youth honor orchestras and served on music juries in the DMV and Pennsylvania.
Outside of the church, you will most likely find me:
- Teaching more than 200 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders how to play stringed instruments – truly a joy!
- Traveling to Europe and Asia to guest conduct great orchestras all over the world.
- Going for a hike at least once a week.
Interim Handbell Director (part-time)
Sandra Ragusa
OUR STAFF
I live in Arlington, Virginia, but consider myself to be a native of the Triangle area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina), because I’ve lived or worked in all three of those cities. Home and its many definitions mean a lot to me. I was ordained in my home church in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2014. Before coming to GPC in 2022, I served churches in Alexandria, Virginia, and in Wilmington and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I believe the best thing about the Presbyterian Church USA is that it is a connectional church.
Some personal details about me not related to GPC:
Some personal details about me not related to GPC:
- My brain is 90% song lyrics.
- I love the city of New Orleans.
- My birthday wish this year was to become a better fan of Zendaya.
phone ext. 1104
Minister to Young Adults
THE REV. Whitney fauntleroy
OUR STAFF
(part-time)
THE REV.
Whitney fauntleroy
Both my religious training and personal life experiences provide a strong foundation for my Pastoral Assistant position with GPC. Born and raised in Ohio and South Carolina, I am the middle of seven siblings with two lovely adult daughters of my own.
Truly listening to God sent me to seminary. I graduated with a Master of Divinity from Regent University, concentrating in practical theology. My theological home is with the progressive Alliance of Baptists. But, when I was a teenager, I was confirmed in the Presbyterian church. I have served churches in music ministry, small groups, and pastoral care.
For the last decade, I worked as an interfaith hospice chaplain and bereavement counselor. I’ve lived with death, dying, and grief from “both sides of the bed.” I know God’s faithfulness through cancer and bereavement, even in the hardest of days. In 2020, I became a member of GPC; the Call to work here came in God’s perfect timing!
When I’m not involved in ministry, you can find me:
Truly listening to God sent me to seminary. I graduated with a Master of Divinity from Regent University, concentrating in practical theology. My theological home is with the progressive Alliance of Baptists. But, when I was a teenager, I was confirmed in the Presbyterian church. I have served churches in music ministry, small groups, and pastoral care.
For the last decade, I worked as an interfaith hospice chaplain and bereavement counselor. I’ve lived with death, dying, and grief from “both sides of the bed.” I know God’s faithfulness through cancer and bereavement, even in the hardest of days. In 2020, I became a member of GPC; the Call to work here came in God’s perfect timing!
When I’m not involved in ministry, you can find me:
- Working in my garden.
- Writing and knitting/crocheting.
- Working out with my fitness coach.
- Watching Ohio State football!
Pastoral Care Assistant
THE REV. DEB VAUGHN
OUR STAFF
(part-time)
THE REV. DEB VAUGHN
I have worked for many years in office administration, primarily in the health services field. I also have served Presbyterian congregations as an elder, youth leader, and coordinator of food distribution programs for neighbors in need. I
have led and organized Presbyterian Church groups to the Czech Republic in partnership with the Czech Protestant Church. I am a native of Western Pennsylvania.
I have recently moved from Athens, Georgia. I have two adult children in Pittsburgh and an 18- month-old granddaughter. I am married to the Rev. Mark Harper, pastor of Takoma Park Presbyterian Church, Takoma Park, Maryland. We currently live in Silver Spring.
have led and organized Presbyterian Church groups to the Czech Republic in partnership with the Czech Protestant Church. I am a native of Western Pennsylvania.
I have recently moved from Athens, Georgia. I have two adult children in Pittsburgh and an 18- month-old granddaughter. I am married to the Rev. Mark Harper, pastor of Takoma Park Presbyterian Church, Takoma Park, Maryland. We currently live in Silver Spring.
Office Manager,
Sue Goodyear
OUR STAFF
(part-time)
THE REV. DEB VAUGHN
My family joined GPC in 1992. Growing up in the church, I interacted with many of our ministries: Sunday School, Drama, Youth Group, and Young Adults. I was heavily involved in our music programs, including Joy Chimes, Unity (middle school) Bells, Infinity (high school) Bells, Celtic Ringers, and Canterbury Ringers. While taking classes at Montgomery County Community College, I helped form and run the Burning Bush youth band, as well as play piano, drums, bass, autoharp, and (briefly) accordion in our adult praise bands. I graduated from Quince Orchard High School in 2006, and in 2013 I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sound Design from Savannah College of Art and Design. In 2015, I volunteered as Lead Sound Engineer at GPC and helped transition the sanctuary sound system to a digital-mixing system.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I helped install our streaming setup, which we had up and running by September of 2020. In 2022, I was hired by GPC to become the “Technical Director for Worship,” so that I could dedicate more time and energy into developing our livestreaming capabilities. I am very excited to continue these duties as they align with my broadcast and film aspirations while I was earning my college degree, as well as the technical skills I've acquired while working in the audio-visual technical support industry.
When I'm not at GPC, you'll find me:
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I helped install our streaming setup, which we had up and running by September of 2020. In 2022, I was hired by GPC to become the “Technical Director for Worship,” so that I could dedicate more time and energy into developing our livestreaming capabilities. I am very excited to continue these duties as they align with my broadcast and film aspirations while I was earning my college degree, as well as the technical skills I've acquired while working in the audio-visual technical support industry.
When I'm not at GPC, you'll find me:
- 3D Printing
- Listening to “Vulfpeck” (an American Funk Band founded in Michigan in 2011)
- Running/playing tabletop roleplaying games
Technical Director for Worship
ANDREW BAHLS
OUR STAFF
(part-time)
ANDREW BAHLS
Church Officers
are elected and serve as Ruling Elders on Session, the church’s governing council.
ARE ELECTED TO SERVE AS WELL. DEACONS LEAD GPC WORKS OF COMPASSION AND TRUSTEES REPRESENT THE CHURCH CORPORATION.
work closely with pastors and church staff to drive our mission forward.
SESSION
Deacons and Trustees
Lay Leaders
Today, our members still come from across the U.S. as well as from over 30 different countries. We speak multiple languages at home but come together in the household of faith.
We’re more of a regional church, now, as many members drive 20 miles or more to worship God in a global, caring community of faith.
Then, our members came from across the United States as people flocked here to work for the federal government and other national organizations.
Most members lived within the city limits of Gaithersburg or in nearby neighborhoods.
GPC was formally organized with 82 charter members in May 1964, when Route 355 was only a two–lane road and dairy farms were still nearby.
HISTORY
