POHICK POST

Pohick Episcopal Church

9301 Richmond Highway Lorton, VA 22079
Telephone: 703-339-6572 Fax: 703-339-9884
Let your light so shine (Matt. 5:16)

From The Rector

The Reverend
Donald D. Binder, PhD
Rectors Report

This past year has been one of many blessings for

our congregation. Most of these have been related to
our continuing work on the Let Your Light So Shine
initiatives begun in 2013, wherein we have tried to
reflect the light of Christ more brightly into our surrounding communities.
The Country Fair was the most visible of these.
Under the capable leadership of Mike Wooten, Anne
Derbes, and the entire Fair Committee, this past September, along with our fair goers, we welcomed to join
in the days festivities many partner ministries such as
LCAC, Gunston Hall, and Mt. Vernon. As a result, our
bonds with those organizations and their constituents
have been strengthened in many tangible ways: we now
have increased representation within LCAC, a renewal
of the annual visitations by the Gunston Hall reagents,
and an increase of my pastoral work at Mt. Vernon,
which this past year included the offering of prayers
and a homily at the public memorial service for Jim
Rees, the late, longtime Director of that august institution.
While the Fair was the most conspicuous manifestation of the LYLSS initiatives, other of our parish
groups have also been letting Christs light shine in the
surrounding highways and byways. Our Community
of Hope has ramped up its visitation schedule among
those needing pastoral care - especially in our weekly
services at the Health Center at the Fairfax Retirement

JANUARY 2015
Home, whose numbers have dramatically increased
over the past year. Similarly, members of the recently
constituted ministry, Agape Works, have responded
lovingly to the regular requests they receive for practical assistance. Elsewhere, our Ushers, Docents, Greeters, and Newcomers Committee members have been
particularly conscientious in welcoming the increased
number of visitors we have had this past year, many of
whom have chosen to join our parish family.
Not only have the aforementioned events and ministries attracted these visitors, but so has our online
presence. Here, we have continued to make good use
of our Google Adwords grant, now in its second year.
In 2014, ads for our church and its events received 7.7
million impressions, leading more than 27,000 Internet
users to our website. Had we been paying customers,
those ads would have cost us over $41,000. Late in the
year, we did begin paying for a much more modest program, where (hardcopy) mailings are now being sent
to new families in the neighborhoods surrounding our
church.
Our Sunday school, Adult ed, EYC and Choir
have welcomed the families who have learned of our
work through these and other channels, leading their
numbers to swell. Similarly, our recently chartered Boy
Scout troop has doubled in size since its establishment
late last year.
I dont want to preempt the descriptions of the
wonderful work of the many other ministries found
in our Annual Report, and so I would ask you to read
through these carefully, noting with thanksgiving the
successes of the past year, while reflecting upon how
you might help in any challenges for the year ahead.
Continued on page 2

Page 2 January 2015

From the Rector: continued from page 1

One of those that the incoming Vestry will face

in 2015 is a somewhat new one for Pohick Church:
being good stewards of large and generous bequests.
As reported at our December forum, this past year
we received bequests from the estates of two couples
who were personal friends and longtime parishioners
of Pohick Church: Bob & Bunny Kilmarx and Roy
& Norma Avery. Together, their one-time gifts total
approximately $300,000. Beginning at its retreat this
month, the Vestry will begin its deliberation of how
best to use these monies to advance the ministries of
our parish above and beyond what the generous annual
financial commitments of our congregation sustain.
We welcome your input in this regard as we start to
weigh the various needs and mission possibilities for
the years ahead.
Another matter we will be considering is the current structure of our Sunday service times. We adjusted
these slightly not long after my arrival in 2001 in order
to expand Sunday school time from 35 to 50 minutes.
In the interim, we have explored other possibilities that
have been suggested in connection with our Strategic
plan reviews, but ultimately it was my decision (with
Vestry support) to keep these times unchanged. This
year, we will take a fresh look, weighing the benefits of
any such changes against potential drawbacks.
Through this all, it is my intention that we keep our
wills in accord with the calling of our heavenly Father,
our eyes firmly fixed upon the face of Christ our Lord,
and our hearts and minds prayerfully attuned to the
stirrings of the Holy Spirit. If we do this together, I
know that we will discern wisely and have an incredibly fruitful harvest of mission and ministry in the New
Year.
I would like to conclude by thanking all of those
who have offered so generously of their time, talent
and treasure in the Lords fields this past year: our
church staff, especially Vonne Tronkya, who retired
after twenty-three years of faithful service as Parish
Secretary; our Vestry members who put in countless
hours in their ministry areas; and our volunteers and
benefactors, who have given so much in so many ways.
May God bless you all for your good work at Pohick
Church, both in the years past and in the months and
years to come.
Faithfully,
Donald D. Binder+
Rector

Pohick Episcopal Church

Christian Education

Frances Sessums, Director of Christian Education

Pohicks annual Christmas Pageant was held on
December 14. It was an outstanding production! The
students did a wonderful job in all of their parts! All of
the Church School students participated in the pageant and they should be proud of the performance.
Their hard work preparing paid off.
A huge thanks goes to Jim From, who directed the
Pageant again this year! He did a super job of working
with everyone. The senior high students did a fine job
coaching the students with speaking parts over the last
five weeks, and the middle school students wrote and
performed an outstanding introduction skit. Thanks
also to all of the Church School teachers who did such
a great job helping their students and for attending
the Saturday rehearsal!
Thanks to Heather Seaton for directing the stable
animals, Jennifer and Rod Strawderman for help with
costumes, Graham Hogg, Neil Hogg, and Rusty Booth
for the stage setup, Graham Hogg and John Sessums
for the sound, as well as Mari and Steve Harding for
the tremendous help with the party. Thanks to all who
helped make the pageant such a success!

LCAC Christmas
Gifts & Food Baskets

The Outreach Committee would like to express its appreciation to the wonderful Pohick
congregation for the Christmas gifts, food baskets, and money contributions donated for LCAC.
This generosity made it possible for many families
in the community to enjoy the holidays. Thanks
for sharing and putting joy into the lives of others.

Pohick Episcopal Church

From The Assistant Rector

The Reverend
Dr. Ruth E. Correll, Ed.D.
Looking Back on 2014:
Alterations and Innovations

Several changes came about during my second calendar year of full time ministry at Pohick. Our loving
and energetic volunteers have helped to make these
transitions inside and outside our church go smoothly
at every point.
Our weekly Eucharistic service at The Fairfax
changed day, time, and location. With the willing cooperation of the staff, we found that Wednesday at
2:00 pm works well with their schedule of activities.
By moving to the nursing care floor of the Health
Care Center, ambulatory residents from the assisted
living and memory units can join those confined to
wheelchairs. We are delighted that our attendance has
tripled this year. Thanks to independent living Pohickians, Anne Arnhart and Grace Delaune, along with
our Community of Hope representatives, residents receive a warm welcome and assistance. Either Heather
Seaton or Beth Baird carry their electronic keyboards
to provide accompaniment to sing favorite hymns.
The Community of Hope under the leadership of
our veteran trainers, Jennifer Sassin, Nancy Bireley,
and Marleen McCabe opened wide our doors to St.
Margarets and St. Aidans Churches who are just beginning COH. All three churches took turns in hosting the classes while forging new bonds with other lay
ministers. This innovation not only took a great deal of
coordination with winter weather challenges but also
yielded new bonds forged in Region Six lay ministry.
Once again this year, Rita Stankwitz hosted two
womens retreats. The best part of the 2014 retreats
was the increased number of women who planned
and participated these mornings. They told stories of
rich encounters with the Lord, recalling the Emmaus
Road (February 8) and modeled a score of ways to pray
with all five senses (August 2). As they loosened their
tongues and creativity to lift up our Lord, they encouraged everyone present.
On Sunday, May 4, a new group called Moms Unleashed, introduced a luncheon after church in the Annex. Lisa Herbert, Amanda Choi, and consultant An-

January 2015 Page 3

drea Stremler-Godwin work together to plan periodic

meetings for moms of all ages. They swap child-rearing techniques, reveal wisdom of experience, and, yes,
air the challenges of family living in frenetic Northern
Virginia. Mostly, this new group gives mothers a time
away from meal production for Christian table talk.
Chris Binder hosted the Alpha Parenting Course
at the Rectory with a living room full of parents of
children up to age 11. The participants kept up a lively
conversation on the topics with our able facilitators,
Clint Herbert and his wife, Lisa Truesdale. Some of
these couples plan to take the Alpha Marriage Course
beginning January, 2015 on the first Mondays of the
month.
The current balance (12-16-14) in my discretionary fund is $300.39. Disbursements in 2014 totaled
$4184.89 as follows: rent assistance, $1825.00; help
with utility bills, $999.44; emergency temporary housing, $584.00, transportation aid, $336.45; and health/
education matters, $440.00.
You can see theres never a dull moment in the Assistant to the Rectors office with all of the above along
with regular celebrating, preaching, offering pastoral
care, and keeping track of newcomers with the help of
Anne Poads welcome committee. Thank you for the
privilege of serving at Pohick Church.

Begin 2015 With a Pohick

Church History Refresher!

Please join new trainees and fellow Historic Pohick Church Docent Guild Members in a day of
Pohick History training. The Docent Guild will
be holding a Full Training Session on Saturday,
January 24, 2015. The training will feature explanations of the Guilds activities by Guild members;
videotaped lectures by Father Don Binder on the
history of Pohick Church; a demonstration tour of
the church. Coffee, treats, and lunch are included.
The session will begin at 9:30 am and end at 2:30
pm. It will be held in the Parish House Annex.
The cost is $10 for those with a manual and $15
for those needing a manual for the morning session. Reservation by check payable to the Pohick
Church Docent Guild to the Church Office, or to
Fred Crawford. RSVP to Fred Crawford at frcrawford205@comcast.net or 703-680-1664.

Page 4 January 2015

Senior Wardens Report

Stew Remaly, Senior Warden

Hopefully everyone was able to enjoy a very Merry Christmas and will be blessed with a prosperous,
safe and happy New Year. This past year the Parish
continued to spread the love of Christ through all
its wonderful ministries, while remaining committed to maintaining a balanced budget. The Stewardship campaign lead by Jud Birely and Tony Marsico
has kept the Church on pace to maintain the fiscal
responsibilities and continue to support the many
outreach programs. As a parish, there has been new
growth and a number of new families and members
have been welcomed as they seek a deeper relationship
with Christ and look to be part of an active, caring
and loving Church Family.
Next month, the Parish will elect a new Vestry
from an extremely strong slate of candidates. Thanks
again to Mike Wooten, Susan Pehrsson, Fuzzy Thurston, Theron Jackson, Carolyn Cockroft, Brent Goeller,
Fred Crawford, Amanda Choi, and Zach Smith for
volunteering to take on the challenge of leading the
Parish. Pray for the entire Vestry as they take on new
challenges this next year and work to grow the Parish
and show others how to share in the love of Christ.
Thanks again to the outgoing Vestry for their
leadership, spirit, friendship, and love. It has been a
privilege and great joy to have served on the Vestry of
Pohick and serve as the Senior Warden. It is everyone working through Christ that makes this Parish
Family so special and makes Pohick such a wonderful
place to live and grow in His Love.
At the December meeting as recorded by Don
Brownlee, the Vestry:
Told that repairs to the organs electrical supply
have revealed that the electrical wiring on the north
side of the Sanctuary is deteriorating and poses a fire
threat from arcing. A risk assessment will be conducted, and recommendations to take necessary action developed as quickly as possible. Initial indications show
the wiring on the south side to be newer and not exhibiting the same symptoms of deterioration.
Discussed concerns that have been raised regarding the dishwasher in the kitchen. The issue was
turned over to a small group that will review issues
with both the dishwasher and the hot water supply,

Pohick Episcopal Church

and recommend the best way forward.

Considered a Vestrygram regarding the worship
practice of reading all the names on the Prayer List
during the Prayers of the People. After consideration,
the Vestry consensus was to continue the current
practice. The clergy regularly reviews the Prayer List
to be sure those on it are still in need of prayer.
John Pasour, Jud Bireley, and Tony Marsico were
thanked for their presentations at the Parish Forum
last Sunday. Parishioner feedback on the structure of
this forum has been very good.
Approved the Treasurers Report. Plate and
Pledge income recovered significantly in November. If
December giving follows normal trends income goals
for the year will be achieved. The Vestry thanks parishioners for their strong support, and urges everyone
to prayerfully remember Pohick during the Christmas
season. Expenses for the year are generally running
as expected, with the exception of higher than anticipated heating costs from last winter.
Approved a plan to install a sprinkler system in
the courtyard, to be funded by the Historic Pohick
Church Foundation.
Expressed its appreciation to all who supported
the Candlelight Supper and Christmas Party for the
Homeless.
Declared December 30 as Vonne Troknya Appreciation Day. Parishioners and organization leaders
are encouraged to stop by the office that day to thank
her for her two decades plus of service to the Parish.
Remember that questions or problems should be
directed to a Vestry member or send a Vestry Gram.
May the Parish Family continue to receive many
blessings this New Year and thanks again to all for
support, friendship, and love.

Send News!
Articles for the February 2015 Pohick Post are due no
later than January 15. Forward input by email in Word
compatible format to Lori Buckius, raebuck@aol.com.

Design concerns &

items for the Sunday
Service Volunteers page
should be addressed
to Carmel Hodge,
cchodge@aol.com.

Pohick Episcopal Church

January 2015 Page 5

Music Notes

Linda Egan, Minister of Music

Epiphany: The sages follow a bright star - a star!

- to worship Jesus. They ask Herod, that fox, where he
is to be born. And even wily Herod becomes part of
Gods plan by directing them to Bethlehem. When
they see that the star has stopped, they are overwhelmed with joy. They see the child with Mary, his
mother. They kneel, pay him homage, and offer him
their gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
And this Jesus, when a grown man, how does he
make this destiny to be king of the Jews manifest? He
changes water into wine at a wedding feast. He heals
the sick. He casts out demons. He is transfigured before Peter, James and John. Miraculous, to be able to
behold the glory of the Lord in the presence and life
of this man, this man who is also the son of God.
So we can sing Songs of thankfulness and praise,
hymn 135, during Epiphany, because God is made
manifest in power divine, changing water into wine,
and manifest in gracious will, ever bringing good
from ill. Even cross and Easter Day attest God in
man made manifest.
Part of sharing this Epiphany light is sharing the
good news of Jesus birth and presence in the world.
One way is to sing at home. Do you sing with your
spouse, your children? Think about singing as you
work around the house; think about singing grace before a meal. Think about sharing the songs that you
love with your family. Think of the songs you know
about light and about light in the world. Share them.
Happy Epiphany.

The Marriage Course

Produced By Alpha Ministries

The Marriage Course will be offered at Pohick

Church for the fourth time the first Monday night
of each month starting January 5. The course runs for
seven sessions but will probably meet twice in April
for the course to end on June 2.
Enjoy this opportunity to have a date! Interspersed
between video segments are pauses for couples to
converse only with each other on topics introduced.
Dinner is served at 6:00 pm and the class concludes
before 9:00 pm. There is room for only 10-12 couples,
so please call the church office soon to reserve a spot,
703-339-6572. There will be a cost for the meals and
workbook, but scholarships are available.

The Baptism of Our Lord

January 11 is one of the traditional times in the

Episcopal Church for the Sacrament of Holy
Baptism. If you or a family member would like to
be eligible, call the Church office at 703-339-6572
and forms will be sent. When returning the forms,
please mark it to the attention of the parish secretary.

Martha Guild

The Martha Guild will not meet in January. The

next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 beginning at 7:30 pm in Classroom B.

Credit Card for Commitments

Credit card use is now available for parishioners to pay

commitments and make gifts to Pohick Church. Visa,
MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express will
be accepted. Contact Mike Morgan, 703-339-6572 or
mmorgan@pohick.org for all the details and to enroll in
the program.

Flower Guild Volunteers Needed

The Flower Guild is desperately in need of some

volunteers. WILL TRAIN! Call Anita Stribling,
703-550-0444 or the Church office, 703-3396572.

Page 6 January 2015

Pohick Episcopal Church

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion

Don Brownlee, Co-chair, Policy and Planning Commission

This monthly report is part of the Vestrys ongoing effort to inform and update the Parish about the ongoing controversies within
The Episcopal Church (TEC) and the Anglican Communion. These
controversies largely involve the blessing of same-sex unions, ordination of non-celibate homosexuals, interpretation of Scripture,
and breakdown of traditional boundary lines between Provinces.

The last General Convention of The Episcopal

Church, held in the summer of 2012, created a special
task force, charged with developing a plan for reforming the Churchs structures, governance, and administration, and report that plan back to the next General
Convention in 2015.
The resolution creating the task force noted that
the churchs administrative and governance offices and
bodies now consume almost half of the churchwide
budget, and they sometimes hinder rather than further
this Churchs engagement in Gods mission.: It concluded that reform is urgently needed to facilitate this
Churchs strategic engagement in mission and allow it
to more fully live into its identity in a world that has
changed dramatically over the years but that also presents extraordinary missional opportunity.
The belief that basic structural reforms were needed
was so strong that the resolution passed both the House
of Bishops and the House of Deputies unanimously.
In December, the Task Force for Reimagining the
Episcopal Church, or TREC, presented its report in
advance of Junes 78th General Convention.
It said, the Churchs structures and governance processes have not yet responded to the profound changes
occurring across the country and around the world. We
see this in our inability to deal with very real and pressing issues: many of our parishes are no longer financially
self-sufficient and cannot afford full-time stipended
clergy. Many of our churches are disconnected from the
neighbors who surround them, with expensive buildings
that consume too many resources to maintain. Young
people called to ordained ministry face a mountain of
debt at the end of their seminary training that they may
not be able to repay. While our Church structures and
governance have offered a platform for public witness
and have helped to create a more inclusive Church committed to practicing and advocating for justice in the
world, they have been less effective at addressing other
pressing issues.
It said that in a year of listening, it sensed change
was needed that would focus (financial and other re-

sources) more deeply on local missions and communitybuilding make better decisions more effectively and
allocate resources more wisely respond to a changing world with more insight and agility as social and
economic transformations unfold faster than everand
make more space for innovation that emerges from all
parts of the Church.
The Church, it said, must reconsider many of our
current practices in areas such as congregational and
diocesan collaboration, congregational and leadership
development, clergy formation, Church Pension Fund
incentives and initiatives, and the use of our sacred
buildings, and come together in collective and constructive reimagination around three topics:
Restructuring for spiritual encounter;
Reimagining dioceses, bishops, and General Convention and ;
Restructuring assets in service of Gods mission in
the future.
Its recommendations on the first topic included:
Developing new curricula for clergy training, and
new degrees beyond the traditional Master of Divinity
(MDiv);
Requiring tangible, measurable evidence that seminary trained leaders (lay and ordained) have the spiritual formation, skill sets, and intellectual aptitude to engage the world and to transform and lead The Episcopal
Church, looking beyond competency in the academic
areas defined by canon;
Directing diocesan councils on ministry to explore,
encourage and support diverse ways for ordained clergy
to make a living inside and outside the Church;
Its recommendations on the second topic included:
Restructuring the current bicameral General Convention a House of Bishops and House of Deputies
(priests and lay people) into a unicameral body. All three
orders would continue to be represented.
Election of the Presiding Bishop by the entire
General Convention (the current process is that the
presiding bishop is elected by the House of Bishops, and
the choice then confirmed by the House of Deputies);
Cutting the Executive Council in half, and eliminating Executive Council staff;
Developing of a new diocesan bishop search process that includes mandated discernment with adjoining
Continued on page 7

Pohick Episcopal Church

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,

continued from page 6

dioceses
On the final topic, its recommendations included:
Church leaders, from bishops to rectors to vestries,
should work with congregational and community partners to re-envision their purpose in a spiritually hungry,
community-seeking, and contemporary culture, considering especially the potential for full-scale community
involvement in the use of its space and its strategic role
in their context at large. This essentially asks: Are our
church buildings, and the financial resources we put into
maintaining them, standing between us and mission?
Its report included a series of resolutions implementing these recommendations for the General Convention to consider.
***
In addition to considering those far-reaching proposals for change, the General Convention must in June
elect the Presiding Bishop who may be tasked with implementing them. The committee developing the slate
of nominees has released an update on its work. It has
completed the initial conversations with all the nominees who have agreed to continue in the discernment
process, and conducted virtual interviews with them.
These will be followed by face-to-face meetings in January.
The names of those being considered have not been
made public. However, Bp. Shannon has confirmed that
he was among those nominated, but has taken himself
out of the running.
In a letter to the Diocese, he said that despite encouragement from some of his fellow bishops, he has
decided not to allow himself to be considered as a possible nominee. After prayerful consideration, he said, he
concluded the answer was clear; I am convinced that
I was called and ordained to be Bishop of Virginia, and
I intend to fulfill this great trust, privilege and responsibility for many years to come. He added, I am very
clear and comfortable in my decision.
***
Observers had predicted that once the Church of
Englands (COE) General Synod took the last steps
necessary for women to be consecrated as bishops,
church leaders would move quickly to name the first female bishop. Those predictions proved accurate: Barely
a month after Novembers final Synod action, Prime
Minister David Cameron announced that the Queen
had approved the nomination the Rev. Libby Lane to

January 2015 Page 7

be bishop of Stockport, serving as a suffragan (assistant)

bishop in the Diocese of Chester. Stockport is in westcentral England near Manchester.
The Rev. Lane has served for the last eight years as
a parish vicar, and was one of eight female clergy who
were elected a year ago to serve as

observers in the House of Bishops until the issue of consecrating
women and bishops was resolved.
She said after he appointment
was announced, I am grateful for,
though somewhat daunted by, the
confidence placed in me by the
Diocese of Chester. This is unexpected and very exciting. On this historic day as the
Church of England announces the first woman nominated to be Bishop, I am very conscious of all those who
have gone before me, women and men, who for decades
have looked forward to this moment. But most of all I
am thankful to God.
She added,The church faces wonderful opportunities, to proclaim afresh, in this generation, the Good
News of Jesus and to build His Kingdom. The Church of
England is called to serve all the people of this country,
and being present in every community, we communicate
our faith best when our lives build up the lives of others,
especially the most vulnerable. I am excited by the possibilities and challenges ahead.
The announcement was welcomed by both the archbishops of Canterbury and York, both of whom has
pushed strongly for female bishops.
Abp. Justin said, I am absolutely delighted that
Libby has been appointed to succeed Bishop Robert
Atwell as Bishop of Stockport. Her Christ-centred life,
calmness and clear determination to serve the church
and the community make her a wonderful choice.
She will be bishop in a diocese that has been outstanding in its development of people, and she will make
a major contribution. She and her family will be in my
prayers during the initial excitement, and the pressures
of moving.
She will be consecrated by the archbishop of York
on January 26.

It is important to remember that despite all these controversies, the work of

the Church - globally, nationally, and locally - goes on. The Stewardship Commission continues to remind us of the ways Pohick carries out that work, and
spread the good News. Pohick continues to be the only Bible some people will
ever read. Through youth mission trips, donations of school supplies, backpacks,
Christmas meals to LCAC, Santas annual visit to New Hope Housing, and the
Community of Hope, Pohick continues to leak the love of God to those in need.

Page 8 January 2015

Health News

Carol Heddleston, Parish Nurse

Grief and Mourning

Grief and mourning are different terms that people

tend to use interchangeably. However, there is an important
distinction between them. Grief is the internal thoughts
and feelings experienced when a loved one dies. Mourning
is taking the internal experience of grief and expressing it
outside ourselves. People move toward healing not only by
grieving, but through mourning.
Unfortunately, some people grieve but do not mourn.
They grieve within themselves in isolation. Society encourages people to move prematurely away from grief, suggesting that mourning should be done quietly, quickly, and efficiently. Some behaviors, such as tears or crying may be
considered expressions of weakness, craziness, or self-pity.
Attempting to mask or move away from grief without
mourning often results in internal anxiety and confusion.
Crying is a natural way of releasing internal tension in the
body, and allows the mourner to communicate a need to
be comforted. Crying makes people feel better, emotionally
and physically.
Mourning helps a person to reconcile with his grief.
It helps the person to integrate the new reality of moving
forward without the physical presence of the loved one. As
the process of reconciliation unfolds a sense of energy and
confidence, the ability to acknowledge that pain and grief
are a difficult and yet necessary part of life and living will
come. The sense of loss does not disappear completely, but it
does soften. As outbursts of grief and mourning become less
frequent, the hope for a happier life emerges along with the
realization that the person who died will never be forgotten.
Tips to Cope with Grieving During the Holiday Season
The Christmas season is a time when family and friends
typically gather together with cheer and happiness. For
those who have recently experienced the death of a loved
one, the holiday traditions, images, and memories can be
painful reminders of their loss that may intensify feelings of
sadness, loss, and loneliness.
Make it Simple
Do not expect to do everything like it has been done in the
past. Recognize that things are not the same and expect to
feel some pain.
Talk to family and friends about feelings. Let them know
plans and what may be needed in return. Do not go into
isolation. Make time for planned activities with others.

Pohick Episcopal Church

Treasure the Memories

It is alright to acknowledge the loss, and mourn the loved
one. Include other family members who are grieving in
plans.
Many holiday traditions can change after the loss of a relative or friend, but still treasure and share the good memories. Some memories may spur laughter and some may spur
tears, but they are a lasting part of the relationship with a
very special person.
Create New Traditions
Holidays mark special milestones in a familys life. Think
about ways to remember the life of the loved one in the familys history and traditions.
Change the focus of the celebration. Revisit why a particular holiday is celebrated and its significance. This may
inspire new traditions.
Make Room for Feelings
Slow down and allow time to think about a lost loved one.
Open the windows, exercise, eat a healthy diet, write in a
journal.
Talk about the loved one.
Avoid using alcohol or self-medicating treatments to control the mood. Instead, look for professional help if needed.
Create a New Tradition or Ritual
that Accommodates the Current Situation
In memory of a loved one, create a memory box, make
a decorative quilt, light a candle, put a bouquet of flowers
on the holiday table, have a moment of silence during the
family gathering, write a poem, play the loved ones favorite
music, or plan a meal with the loved ones favorite foods.
Be Generous with Others
Do things that help feel a connection to other loved ones.
Nurture relationships with family and friends.
Give time, talents and skills. Sharing can lift spirits and
ease burdens.
Be Generous with Yourself
Expect and recognize that there will be feelings of sadness,
anger, and loneliness. These are all appropriate feelings. They
will promote acknowledgement of the intense love for the
loved one.
Allow happiness. There is nothing selfish about celebrating
or feeling joy. The capacity for joy is what connects individuals to community.
Rely on personal faith and spirituality.
The most important thing to remember is that there is
no right or wrong way to celebrate the holiday season after
the death of a loved one, and that the best way to cope with
that first holiday season is to plan ahead, get support from
others, and take it easy.

January 2015 Page 9

Pohick Episcopal Church

Pohick Church Activities

January 2015

Sunday

DEC 28

Christmas Ib
8a HE I
10a HE II/Blessing
of the Toys

Monday

29

7p EFM

Tuesday

30

Vonne Troknya
Appreciation
Day!

Wednesday

Thursday

31

JAN 1

Friday

Saturday

New Years Eve New Years Day 11a Elizabeth 8a Brotherhood

Office Closed
8:30p AA
Scott Burial of St. Andrew
2p HE, the Fairfax

9:30a Staff Mtg

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Christmas 2b
6p Marriage
7:45a HE I
Course
9a HE II
7p EFM
10:15a Christian Ed
11:15a HE I
6p EYC Dinner Night

Epiphany 1b
7p EFM
7:45a HE I
7p Docent
9a HE II
Board Mtg
10:15a Annual Mtg,
Christian Ed
11:15a HE II
6:30p EYC ( Jr&Sr)

Epiphany 2b
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
10:15a Christian
Ed, Fx Visit
11:15a HE I
6p EYC Coffee
House

25

7p EFM
7p Docent
General Mtg

26

EYC Winter Trip

7p EFM
Epiphany 3b
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
10:15a Christian Ed
11:15a HE II

9:30a Staff Mtg

7p Tutoring

9:30a Ann Mason Guild Mtg

9:30a Staff Mtg
7p Tutoring
7:30p Vestry

9:30a Staff Mtg

7p Tutoring

27

9:30a Staff Mtg

7p Tutoring

2p HE, the Fairfax

6p St. Cecelia St. Alban
6p St. Francis Choir
7p Prayer Shawl
Ministry
7:30p Healing Service
7:30p Martha
Guild Mtg
2p HE, the Fairfax
6p St. Cecelia St. Alban
6p St. Francis Choir
7:30p Healing
Service

6:15p Bell
Choir
7p Boy Scouts
7:30p Choir of
Pohick
8:30p AA

6:15p Bell
Choir
7p Boy Scouts
7:30p Choir of
Pohick
8:30p AA
Deadline for
Pohick Post

9a Inventory/
Diocesan Council
6:15p Bell
Gift Shop
2p HE, the Fairfax Choir
6p St. Cecelia St. Alban 7p Boy Scouts
6p St. Francis Choir 7:30p Choir of
Pohick
7:30p Healing
8:30p AA
Service

28

29

2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell

6p COH
Choir
6p St. Cecelia St. Alban 7p Boy Scouts
6p St. Francis Choir 7:30p Choir of
7:30p Healing
Pohick
Service
8:30p AA

8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew

Vestry
Retreat

Diocesan
Council

30

Contact the Parish Secretary to list group meetings or events on the calendar.

Vestry
Retreat
8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew

Diocesan Council
EYC Winter Trip
8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew

31

8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew

Page 10 January 2014

Pohick Episcopal Church

SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

4 JANUARY
7:45
9:00

Tony Marsico
Mike Zane

Mo Faber
Santos Garcia
John Godley
Grant Hodges

11:15 Bill Bland

11 JANUARY

Alan Mayberry
Mike Vaughn

Edwardene Pitcock
Jim Heller
John Pasour
Bill Patton

Rita Smith

Hank Foresman
Mike Wooten

7:00

E. Pitcock

H. Parker

1:00

T. Marsico

S. Remaly

BJ McPherson
A. Powell
J. Schmid, E. Pitcock
A. Marsico
M. Tonkin
D. Trussell
M. Yezek

J. Sunderland
N. Bireley
A. Cannon
C. Heddleston
J. MacDonald
M. Hartig
R. Teale, B. Wagner

TBD

TBD
Wagner/Byrne

7:45 Stew Remaly

9:00 M/M John Godley
11:15 Jodi & Randy Haufe

Edie Bartlett

7:45

Thorson (R)
Wagner (R)

9:00

Marsico (R)
Elston (P)

Cockroft (R)
M. Booth (P)

11:15 Poad (R)

Ayorinde (P)

9:00 F. Crawford
11:15 M/M Costa

Heddleston (R)
Sage (P)
P. Kind

M/M Foresman

Angela Edgemon
Steve Edgemon

Kathy Kirkland
Dave Billingsley

Dan Derbes
Beth Altman
Tom Bland
Greg Wilson

Wes Speer
Camela Speer
Jim Foster
Jan Hoffheins

D. Derbes

R. Wyllie

TBD

R. Heddleston

E. Pitcock

TBD

M/M Thurston

Faber/Hoffheins

TBD

J. Sunderland
N. Bireley
A. Cannon
C. Heddleston
J. MacDonald
M. Hartig
R. Teale, B. Wagner

J. Wells
N. Sage
J. Mullins
C. Foster
H. Parker
R. Stankwitz
J. Geschickter

J. Wells
N. Sage
J. Mullins
C. Foster
H. Parker
R. Stankwitz
J. Geschickter

TBD

TBD

TBD

M/M Jones

M/M Bryant

M/M Altman

TBD

TBD

TBD

FLOWER GUILD
COFFEE HOUR
M/M Wise

GREETERS

M/M Fuzzy Thurston

Choi (R)
Faber (P)

Paul Walden
Bill Hosp

ALTAR GUILD

TBD

C. Hodge

Tony Marsico
Mike Zane

Matt Gurrola
Chris Brown
Don Cooke
Fuzzy Thurston

Ann Mason Guild

1 FEBRUARY

Ken Evans
Stew Remaly

TELLERS

AM

25 JANUARY

Rodger Jones
Becky Wagner

LOCK - UP

Heintze/Jacobus

7:45 Wagner/Byrne
9:00 M/M Edgemon
11:15 TBD

USHERS

OPEN - UP

12:15 M/M Myers

AM

18 JANUARY

M/M Garcia

M/M Vaughn

M/M Ken Evans

Becky Wagner

Doug Smith

Leslie Aqueron

Lynn Jonas

Mohammed Kanu

M/M Dennis Myers

LAY READERS

M/M Dick Heintze

Beth Altman

Marsico (P)
Wagner (R)

Thorson (P)
Marsico (R)

TBD

Elston (R)
Gastrell (P)

Ayorinde (R)
Cockroft (P)

DOCENTS
E. Pitcock

D. McHugh

M. Booth (R)
Heddleston (P)

TBD

Faber (R)
Poad (P)

TBD

J. Bartholomew

H. Parker

D. Hamly

N. Sage

The Sunday Service Volunteers Schedule is also available at Pohick Churchs website, www.pohick.org, under Ministries.

Pohick Episcopal Church

January 2014 Page 11

Welcome New Parishioners!

On January 4 after the 9:00 am service, Pohick

will welcome those who are new to the parish family. Parishioners, please come and get
acquainted with the newcomers! Newcomers,
please come and meet with parishioners!

Donations for Guest Musicians

This year, due to budget constraints, funding of

guest musicians is through the music memorial
fund, a fund normally used for
emergency organ and equipment
repair. Please consider contributing to this fund to support the
continuance of this wonderful music at festival times during the year.

First Sunday Food Collection

Pictured are Alicia and Andrew Hubbard with

their five year old twins, AJ and Evie, and dog Rookie in front of the Woodland themed tree decorated
by members of the Historic Pohick Church Docent
Guild. The tree, wrapped carefully in bubble wrap,
was delivered to the Hubbards Fort Belvoir home by
some members of the Guild.
The Hubbards were looking for a new church
home after their minister left the church they were
attending in Old Towne. Alicia said they had never
before been so warmly welcomed at a church and the
children begged to come back. Was it the apple butter,
the tree, the rich history, or Sunday School teacher
Dana Hutson? Probably all four! And, buying raffle
tickets for the Candlelight Dinner tree and centerpieces supports LCAC and outreach as well.

The first Sunday of each month Pohick

collects non-perishable food items to be contributed to the Lorton Community Action
Centers food pantry. Please consider bringing
an item or two on December 7 to include as a
part of the alms giving. Foods brought to the
church for the 10:00 am service are brought
to the altar by the ushers for a blessing. Food
items can be brought at other times too,
and left in the Common Room for delivery
to LCAC. Suggested items include canned
fruits, vegetables, soups, boxed cereal, brown
rice, pasta, and pasta sauce.

Computers for Kids

Donate and Make a Difference

School has started and Mark Bartlett needs more laptop computers for children in need. To donate a laptop (preferably with wi-fi), please leave it in the office
and Edith Bartlett will pick it up. Mark will completely
clean the hard drive so that
nothing can be retrieved, and
install necessary programs for
the students. Please check out
his website http://www.computerequipmentforkids.org
for more information.

Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 2
Lorton, VA

Pohick Church

9301 Richmond Highway

Lorton, Virginia 22079-1519
Return Service Requested

The Purpose of Pohick Church is to be a nourishing community where Christs love is experienced and taken beyond its walls.

VESTRY GRAM

Date: _____________________ Subject: _____________________

To: The Vestry

From:

Stew Remaly
Neil Sunderland
John Pasour
Don Brownlee
Jud Bireley, Dan Derbes,
Reed Heddleston,
Clint Herbert, Kathy Kirkland,
Tony Marsico, Helen Parker,
Edwardene Pitcock,
Rita Stankwitz,
Emma Wallace, Russ Wyllie

Pohick Church Vestry

The Revd Donald

Sr. Warden:
Binder, PhD
Jr. Warden:
The Revd Dr. Ruth Treasurer:
E. Correll, Ed.D.
Register:
James Rickenbaker
Members:
Linda Egan


Frances Sessums

Rusty Booth

Susan Hayward-Costa
Mike Morgan

John Sessums

Pohick Church Staff

Rector:

Assistant:

Seminarian:
Minister of Music:
Director of
Christian Ed:
Youth Minister:
Parish Secretary:
Finance Admin:
Sexton:

Telephone: 703-339-6572 Fax: 703-339-9884

Church Office Email: Troknya@pohick.org Web Site: www.pohick.org