Leadership
Clergy
(703) 591-1974
pastor.nick@churchoftheapostles.org
Rev. Nick Braunschneider
Rector (Lead Pastor)
Nick came to Church of the Apostles in December in 2019. As Rector, Nick is the lead pastor and priest in charge of our church, guiding our congregation through his preaching, teaching, and spiritual oversight.
Nick was born in the North, and raised in the South. He has served in pastoral ministry for over 20 years — in large churches and small ones, both traditional and modern — and in a variety of roles. He has experience in several denominations, as well as working with the Christian para-church organization Young Life.
Nick holds degrees from Barry University (B.S. in Psychology), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.A. in Biblical Counseling; M.Div. in North American Church Planting), and a Graduate Certificate in Anglican Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
In 2002, Nick married his high school sweetheart, Kimberly. They are blessed with six precious children, and are active in the Fairfax homeschool community. Nick currently serves as a board member of the Fairfax Homeschool Athletic Association.
Ward Davis
Pastor of Mobilization, Curate
Ward grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia. He serves as the church’s Pastor for Mobilization, working to help support the small group ministry, connect the church to local ministries, and increase outreach.
He earned a double major in History and Religion from Hampden-Sydney College, a Masters in Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University, and a Certificate in Project Management from Villanova.
He has served pastorates in Charlottesville, Virginia; Clemson, South Carolina; and Ithaca, New York.
Ward and his wife, Betty, have three children: Summer, Kaila, and Wesley.
Pastoral Emergencies
If you need medical attention or are in danger of immediate harm, call 911. If you are experiencing a pastoral emergency and need to speak with one of our pastors, please call (703) 591-1974 or email pastoroncall@churchoftheapostles.org to reach someone on our pastoral team.
Vestry
The Vestry is an elected body of lay members of the church who conduct the business of the parish.
The Senior Warden is appointed by the Rector and approved by the Vestry, and the Junior Warden is elected by the Vestry members. The Senior Warden’s main responsibility is to support and advise the Rector. The Junior Warden’s main responsibility is to perform duties as assigned by the Rector. Unless an executive session is called, all vestry meetings are open to church members. For downloadable copies of minutes from recent vestry meetings, visit the Vestry Minutes page. If you have any questions for the vestry, please contact the Vestry Liaison.
John Kirby
Senior Warden
Andrew Blount
Junior Warden
Bill Bremmer
Registrar
Lib Gillam
Vestry Member
Ann Blackwood
Vestry Member
John Stock
Vestry Member
Larry Bamford
Vestry Member
Charlie Baldwin
Vestry Member
Faith McDonnell
Vestry Member
Ministry Leaders
Zaki Rhett
Director of Music Ministry
Zaki Rhett has been a member of Church of the Apostles since 1996, and had her first job as a main worship leader for the church plant at George Mason University called Apostles at Mason. She is currently in charge of picking songs and leading the musical portion of worship at services held at church, and coordinating the schedule for the talented volunteers in the band. In her free time she loves to run, bake, and write songs.
Melissa Ciavarella
Interim Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Melissa has 26 years of church ministry experience working with children, teens, and families and is thrilled to be part of Apostles and serving with Family Ministry. In addition to serving at Apostles, she is on staff with Reset180, a Christian non-profit organization that fights human trafficking in Northern Virginia. She also loves gardening, home improvement projects, and hanging with her family.
Office Staff
(703) 591-1974
medwards@churchoftheapostles.org
Mary Edwards
Office Manager
Mary is a long time member of the church and works as a volunteer to help keep the church office and facilities running smoothly. She coordinates the calendar for church activities. If Mary is not at her desk you are likely to find her in the kitchen making coffee for coffee hour and baking up some treats for the congregation.
Phil Rooney
Treasurer
Phil is a retired Naval Aviator, graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1963, he spent 25 years flying on and off aircraft carriers. He graduated Harvard Business School in 1973, and married Jan Parker that July. He filled several financial positions in the Navy before retiring in 1987. The Rooney’s have four daughters, they began attending Apostles in 1991 and in 2003, Phil became treasurer.
Gayle Fischer
Facilities Manager
Assistant Treasurer
Gayle is a long-time member and keeps Church of the Apostles running smoothly with her skilled organization and administrative expertise. She manages building and grounds contracts, oversees maintenance and serves as a volunteer assistant to the Finance Team. A retiree from the federal government, Gayle has a love for people, and lots of wisdom to share with anyone she meets. She has also served as a leader/coordinator for our campus ministry at George Mason University since 2015.
(703) 591-1974
juehlinger@churchoftheapostles.org
Jenny Uehlinger
Finance and Operations Manager
Jenny ensures contributions are recorded, bills are paid, expenses are tracked. She also oversees payroll and benefits administration, church records, and day-to-day operations. She enjoys working with staff and ministry leaders, to equip and help them steward their budgets and designated gifts, and co-laboring together in caring for and serving the body of Christ.