Pastoral Search Updates

“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?”
— Isaiah 43:19

After 40 years of ministry, including almost 30 years of faithful service to Trinity, our pastor, Stephen Smith-Cobbs, is retiring at the end of November. Shortly after Pastor Stephen announced his retirement, our Session engaged the Center for Healthy Churches to guide us in our search process.

View our Congregational Profile here, and our Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) here.

Track our progress and get the latest news below!

Recent Updates

  • 8/30/26: Our Congregational Profile was officially released, telling the story of Trinity’s past and hopes for our future.

  • 8/24/26: Our Congregational Profile was approved by Session.

  • 8/3/26: Our consultant from the Center for Healthy Churches began a formal search for candidates.

  • 7/28/26: Our Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) went live on the Presbyterian Church (USA) and National Capital Presbytery websites, and candidates immediately began to apply!

  • 7/27/26: The PNC completed the Pastor Profile, which helps us know the qualities we’re looking for in our next pastor.

  • 7/27/26: The Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) was approved by Session.

  • 6/29/26: PNC retreat was held.

  • 5/3/26: The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) was elected by the congregation.

Track Our Progress…

A colorful diagram representing a work process with five stages in pastel colors on a pink background: Preparation, Active Search, Interviews, Call Weekend, and Installation, with a blue arrow pointing to a light blue box labeled 'We are here!'

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Center for Healthy Churches do?

The consultants at Center for Healthy Churches collaborate with the PNC. They have guided us through a healthy discernment process to develop an honest church profile and to build a realistic pastor profile. The CHC is now actively recruiting candidates that match our profile and networking to connect the PNC with viable and reliable candidates.

How long will it take to call a new pastor?

It’s hard to say precisely, but we can assume the recruitment and interview phases to take 4-6 months. Once a candidate is chosen, it may still take a bit of time for that person to assume the role of pastor. The PNC meets at least weekly and will continue to work until we have a new pastor! We will keep the congregation updated about our progress!

I have other questions!

Email us at with any questions or concerns, or to share a word of encouragement with the PNC. We appreciate your support!

Meet the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC)

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Pat Tamaccio

Co-Chair

I have been a Trinity member since 1992. I am married to Tom, and we have two children and two grandchildren. Retired now, I had a career in college admissions at several institutions, and I also served in Public Affairs with the federal government. Currently, I am a docent at Hillwood Estate in Washington, DC. I am an ordained PCUSA Elder and have served on Session at Trinity. For the past ten years, I have served on Trinity’s Personnel Committee where I remain active. Other Trinity activities include Lunch for the Soul, Senior Sisters, NCP Presbyterian Women, and Herndon Elementary School Volunteer activities, and I also was a Wedding Coordinator at Trinity.

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Sonia Patterson

Co-Chair

I am married to Joel, and we share our home with two Bengal cats, Pancho and Zorro, who keep things lively. We have been part of the Trinity community since 2018. Professionally, I work as a nonprofit growth and impact strategist, supporting faith-based organizations in leadership, strategy, and mission effectiveness. I am an ordained PCUSA elder and have served on Session at Trinity. I helped launch the Creation Care Team, chaired the Regathering Taskforce following Covid, and also chaired the Service and Mission Team, where I remain active.

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Stacie Blythe

Hi! I’m Stacie, married to Brad, mom to Nora (19) and Cara (16). I am an elementary school special education teacher and a woodworker. Our family has been at Trinity since 2010, and I’ve been involved in different ways including working on Vacation Bible Camp for many years and serving as an Elder from 2020-2023. I am honored to be part of this committee and am committed to serving with integrity and deep love for our church family.

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Jason Brown

I'm married to my wonderful wife, Hannah, and a proud "Fun Uncle" to over a dozen nephews and nieces. Hannah and I joined Trinity in 2024 after attending for over a year. I currently serve the church on the Property Team. My career has focused on recruitment and human resources. Currently, I spend my workdays leading panel interviews for Loudoun County Government's Mental Health Department.

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Betty Eidemiller

Trinity has been my home for almost three decades. I've served as elder, confirmation class teacher, and as Trinity's LINK representative. Thanks to my two offspring, I'm a grandmother of four. I work for a scientific society supporting science education and career-building activities.

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Jacque Scholl

I am married to Donny Scholl. We have three grown children and four grandchildren all living in the area. I joined Trinity over 35 years ago. Over the years, I have served as the volunteer Youth Director at Trinity (for over 10 years), taught the four/five-year-old Sunday School class, sang with the Westminster Choir, and kept the official score for the Trinity Softball team (many years ago). Now in my second term as an Elder, I serve on the Personnel Committee and Discipleship team, help support Trinity’s nursery, and am the liaison to the Trinity Preschool.

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Jim Sims

I’m married, the father of twin sons and a daughter, and a grandfather of four. I’m both an attorney and an executive leadership coach. Benta and I joined Trinity Presbyterian—in Arlington—nearly 35 years ago and recently joined this Trinity Presbyterian after moving to Herndon. At the “other” Trinity, I served as an Elder on Session, chaired the Personnel Committee, served on a task force to consider how to best use the church’s land, and even served as Sunday School Superintendent. Here, I’ve joined the Finance Committee, participated in a Never Alone book group, and filled in as a Transition Team Table Leader.

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Ian Slimon

I am married to Lauren with two adult children, one in Amsterdam and one in Columbus, OH. I have built a career working in financial services (debit cards), moving to Herndon in 2020, mid Covid. Lauren and I started attending Trinity in September/October of 2020 when services were being held out in the parking lot, and we bonded with others over gathering in the cold. Here at Trinity, I am a member of the Men Sharing Christ's Care group, attend Sunday Morning Live Sunday school, and regularly enjoy the Men's Breakfast. While I have been attending Presbyterian services on and off for the past 30 years, it wasn't until we came to Trinity that I officially joined the church.