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

ur Vestry, staff, and congregation began 2016 with a

series of discussions about the collection of generations that make up our parish membership. This emerged
from a demographics study Id performed which showed
how our membership rolls, as well as our Sunday school
and service attendance, has mirrored a generational shift
from Baby Boomer families, who are now mostly emptynesters, to GenX families, who are both fewer in number overall and have generally delayed starting families
when compared to previous generations.
The concern here, of course, was to develop strategies to reach out to this smaller pool of younger families and individuals so that they too might share in the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. After soliciting input through a
dedicated parish forum and an online survey, the Vestry
and church staff held special meetings to consider ways
we might reach out not only to the GenX population
(and their New Silent children), but also to Millennials, who are now largely immersed in the pursuit of
higher education (and that elusive first job).
In several ways, the strategies and tactics that came
out of those sessions were expansions of the Let Your
Light So Shine campaign begun several years earlier that is, ways that Pohick Church can best invite our surrounding communities to become a part of Pohicks rich
collection of Christian ministries.
Thus, during the previous year, the Vestry had already approved $50k of two bequests towards establishing a Let Your Light So Shine grant fund. Since then,

January 2017
the Vestry has awarded three grants from this fund, of
which two will help attract and retain new families, while
one has already established a new program - Walking
the Mourners Path - that ministers directly to them
(as well as to our existing membership). One from the
former of these categories is the new moveable sign that
now advertises special church services and events to
passersby on Richmond Highway.
The other is the establishment of the Robert and
Bernice Kilmarx Scholarship Fund, which seeks to assist graduating high school seniors who have been active in Pohick Churchs youth programs in their pursuit
of post-secondary education. The first of these scholarships was awarded this past June to Graham Hogg, now
a freshman at Shenandoah University.
While on a pastoral call last summer, I shared this
last bit of news with our (now) late parishioner Anne
Powell. She then said to me, Oh, Ive been a educator
all my life; thats something Id really like to support!
And so Im pleased to announce that before she died,
Anne generously designated one third of her estate to go
into that scholarship fund. While the total of her final
bequest is pending the sale of her home, the amount is
estimated to be more than $100,000. Once those monies
have been received, the size and/or the number of annual scholarships awarded to future Pohick scholarship
recipients can potentially be enlarged.
From our survey responses, another area identified
for improvement was our parish website. When I last redesigned it six or seven years ago, it was tailored towards
audiences who browsed through the then dominant
desk- and laptops. Since that time, of course, the tech
Continued on page 2

Page 2 January 2017

Pohick Episcopal Church

From the Rector: continued from page 1

world has changed, with most viewing now taking place
on tablets and smartphones. So much so, in fact, that in
2015, Google started degrading a websites search score
on mobile devices if it was not mobile friendly.
With this in mind, I totally redesigned Pohicks site
using the open-platform program Bootstrap, which is
slowly becoming the new standard. It incorporates a responsive design, whereby webpages automatically adapt
to the device being used, whether a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. After I implemented this new design last May, Google officially designated our website
as mobile friendly, and our search traffic has increased
accordingly. This has included our free web advertising
from Google Grants, which this year gave our ads fivemillion page displays, leading to nearly 70,000 clicks to
our website. Had we been paying customers, those ads
would have cost us more than $100,000.
Elsewhere, we have been seeking to more proactively incorporate members of the younger generations into
church leadership positions and parish activities, while
endeavoring to work with them in juggling the multiple
commitments they have with their families, vocations,
and other outside activities. In a similar vein, our new
seminarian, Wesley Arning, has dedicated a significant
portion of his work-learning agreement to the development of a 20s-30s group within the parish. The potential
leadership for that group met last month and are looking forward to launching the group in February. We are
also exploring ways to incorporate a preschool at Pohick,
or at least a parents day out or playgroup. In this regard,
Im presently in discussions with a homeschool co-op
that is interested in using our facilities on a weekly basis.
Theres lots more going on or in the offing, but I dont
want to preempt the reports of other church groups and
leaders in our Annual Parish Report. And so I would
ask to read through these when they are published in
conjunction with our Parish Meeting on January 15th.
In conclusion, however, I will say that our efforts do
seem to be bearing some fruits, for we have had numerous younger families join our congregation over the past
year, offsetting the recent loss of several longtime members (including our past Sr. Warden and longtime Parish
Nurse) to moves or death. We look forward to further
incorporating their ideas and enthusiasm into the life
and ministry of our parish in 2017, even as we seek to let
Christs light even more brightly to those living in the
neighborhoods and communities around us.

Senior Wardens Report

Helen Parker, Senior Warden

Christmas and Advent were magnificent at Pohick

with holiday parties for those less fortunate, a wonderful
Pageant, The Gift, and the glorious service of Lessons and
Carols.
At its December meeting, the Vestry voted to accept a
gift of six residential lots in Louisiana contingent on a favorable appraisal, discussed the need for more coffee hour
volunteers, and considered a Vestry Gram suggesting two
Sunday services year-round. An Apparently Abandoned
Vehicle policy was also adopted. Please notify the office if
planning to leave a car on Pohick property overnight.
January 15 is the Annual Meeting at which time reports and statistics will be given from 2016, a survey will
be taken to determine parishioners interest in changing the
service times, and four new Vestry members will be elected.
Make this a priority on the calendar. Thanks to all who
volunteer time, talent, and treasure to this parish.

Junior Wardens Report

Fred Crawford, Junior Warden

Thanks: To Jeff Parker for his lead in procuring a

replacement for the exterior boiler room door. It has
been delivered. One part of the door was damaged in
shipment and will be replaced by the supplier. Installation is pending the replacement. To John Sessums
for identifying the source of the roof leak into the
upper level of the classroom wing. It was the skylights that were cracked, and they have been replaced.
To Bill Bland for arranging for the repointing of the
brickwork on the patio area, and following the job
to completion. To Rodger Jones for getting the new
dishwasher ordered, and following the progress of the
installation planning.
What has been done: Pre-installation inspection for
the new dishwasher has been done. Awaiting for the
first invoice to schedule and start work.
What is planned: Installation and startup of the
new dishwasher in January. Installation completion
of the boiler room door. Continue planning on the
proposed conversion of the Sanctuary to all electric
heat and ventilation of the underfloor area.
Troubleshooting and repair of the courtyard lamp
by the Vestry House will be done in January. That post
does not have power. There will be digging to find the
disconnect in the electrical supply to that post.

Pohick Episcopal Church

From The Assistant Rector

The Reverend
Dr. Ruth E. Correll, Ed.D.
2016 in Review: Deeper and Wider

My fifth year as assistant to the Rector has presented new opportunities and challenges that have
stretched me and increased my appreciation for this
fine parish body with its dedicated staff. I am particularly grateful for study leave time. During the last
twelve months, I have profited by taking courses on
spiritual formation, the use of music in worship, understanding Islam, and the 20th century intellectual
life of the Christian community. I enjoyed passing on
the profoundly rich heritage of our faith to students in
Confirmation Class.
Pastoral Care: Jennifer Sassin spearheaded and
developed Community of Hope at Pohick. Her leadership has extended far beyond our church. Congratulations for her new role as Executive Director of
COH International. Lay ministers of COH carry on
their ministry to encourage ill parishioners, do continuing education, and explore Benedictine spirituality through study of The Rule, retreats, and attendance
at the annual convention of COHI in Texas. Chuck
and June MacDonald spearheaded a new visitation
program to residents at The Fairfax. My thanks go to
all those who have helped Pohickians in difficult circumstances. Some complicated situations have been
resolved through combined efforts of COH members,
parish nurses, Agape volunteers, prayer shawl knitters,
skilled parishioners, social service agents, and Gods
intervention.
This year had its regular rhythms of Holy Baptism,
Matrimony, and Burial. I value highly the pastoral offices that provide opportunities to work with parishioners on a one-to-one basis as they approach, undergo,
and persevere when dealing with significant turning
points in life. For the first time, our Alpha Marriage
Course team, Bruce and Beth Baird and Edwardene
Pitcock, are hosting engaged couples along with the
usual married couples. Early in the year, EYC meetings provided an opportune time for parents to take
the Alpha Parenting course. The choir set the tone for
our largest gathering for Blue Christmas, and gifts of
prayer shawls left a concrete sign of loving care. Our

January 2017 Page 3

first offering of Walking the Mourners Path, ably facilitated by Nancy Bireley and Mary Howard, supported seven parishioners as they dealt with a past
bereavement in his or her life. Blessings to everyone
involved.
Ministry with Women: In April, Rita Stankwitz
hosted once again a womens retreat addressing the
incredibly busy lifestyle in this area through directed
prayer, meditation on Scripture, and calming physical yoga exercises. The MOMs group has gone on
Facebook to share information and to announce their
meetings, primarily for informal conversations about
topics of interest. The Ann Mason Guild sponsored
a Beth Moore study series on the Psalms of Ascent.
They watched and discussed while enjoying the bag
lunches they brought.
Discretionary Fund: Last year, we made a policy
that we would not give donations to people unknown
to this parish unless they were referred to us through
one of the social service agencies in Fairfax or Prince
William Counties. The LCAC for which we supply
goods, financial gifts, and leadership provides a first
step for many of our neighbors in need. The new
policy has allowed us to diversify use of discretionary
funds.
Jesus Christ leads us in extending both internal
and external support for growth in faith. The quality
of care people receive at Pohick truly lets the light of
Christ shine within and outside our walls. Thank you
for allowing me to be a part of this witness.

Music Schedule January 2017

Sunday, January 8 First Sunday after the Epiphany

9:00 am Choir of Pohick, St. Francis Choir
11:15 am Early Church Music Ensemble

Sunday, January 15 Second Sunday after the Epiphany

9:00 am Choir of Pohick, Pohick Pickers
11:15 am St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir
Sunday, January 22 Third Sunday after the Epiphany
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, Pohick Bell Choir
11:15 am Pohick Bell Choir
Sunday, January 29 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
9:00 am Choir of Pohick
11:15 am Susan Hayward-Costa, soprano

Page 4 January 2017

Pohick Episcopal Church

Stewardship Corner
Hello, Goodbye

Jesus told him, if you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor,
and you will have treasures in heaven. Then come, follow me. (Matthew 19:21)
In this issue of the Post, well talk briefly about how
Pohick financial life works. From a parishioner standpoint, Pohick is now, and has always been a church in
flux. Each year we welcome 20 or so new families and
typically three quarters of those will pledge some level
of financial support. For some churches, that would
indicate a huge increase in their budget. But Pohick
also loses parishioners each year as a result of military
or government transfers, retirement moves, and deaths.
The total number of parish families fluctuates slightly
from year to year, but stays relatively constant. As you
might now guess, the number of families who pledge
their financial support also remains relatively constant.
By in large, the parishioners who leave pledge at a
higher rate. This is to be expected because they tend to
be older and more established in their finances. We also
expect a certain number of parishioners to reduce their
pledge each year. This might be, for example, because
one member of the pledging family has recently retired
from the military and has not yet found post-retirement
employment. As a result of these generally downward
fluctuations, Pohick depends on current parishioners to
step in and pick up at least some of the slack. As parishioners are promoted, as they receive raises, as their
children finish college, as they pay off mortgages, we
anticipate that their giving will increase. That is why we
emphasize proportional giving (moving toward a tithe)
in many of the stewardship articles - both in the Post
and in the weekly stewardship perspectives. Lets see
how that seems to be working out for 2016.
For 2017, we are thus far aware of the loss of only
nine pledging families from our 2016 baseline. That is
well below the average and that should be good news.
However, we know the cumulative pledge of those
nine families was close to $40,000 and that cumulative number is well above average and nearly equal to
2015 when we lost 24 pledging families who gave, cumulatively, $41,000! In addition, thus far in 2016 we
are looking at slightly more decreased pledges than has
been the recent norm but for a smaller dollar total just
over $12,000. Partially offsetting these reductions, as
of mid-December, we had welcomed 10 new pledging
families and had 36 families increase their pledges for

a combined offset of $42,000. Weighing in the likely

pledge of the families we have not yet heard but from
who pledged last year, then our total would be about
$33,000 less than last years total. Thats not good news
for the 2017 budget.
Even in the time of Acts, it took stewardship time, talent, and treasure to run the church. That is part
of Jesus message to the rich young man in Matthew
19 cited above. Pohick has no healthy endowments
from its colonial founders or from those who came after them. Without parishioners financial support, our
bank account would not last the year. We are asking
those who have yet to respond to please do so and those
who have responded to give prayerful consideration to
slightly increasing their pledge. If each pledging family
were to give just an additional $3.95 per week, we could
erase that shortfall.
Pohick is an active, vibrant church and we are more.
We are a family. Those who were at the coffee hour
when we said goodbye to Reed and Carol will recall
Reed saying, with a tear in his eye, that he had never
before been as much a part of a church family as he was
at Pohick. Ill add that I have never seen a church give
so willingly of time and talent - seventy plus ministries
and activities: the Community of Hope, Brotherhood,
Sunday School teachers, Christmas Pageant directors,
ushers, flower guild, the list goes on and on. We are
here for each other and we care for our community.
But there is an underpinning to it all, as there was 2000
years ago, money. Could you give just a little more this
coming year to help your church family?
Yours in Christ,
Your Stewardship Commission

Send News for February

Articles for the February 2017 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 2017 Page 5

The Persecution Corner

By Bob Munson

Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. Look, he said to his people, the Israelites
have become far too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and,
if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country. - Exodus 1: 8-10

As the first foray to the New World, journey to

Cuba, a small country lying a mere 90 miles from
Florida but far away in recent development. While
not a great analogy, the verses from Exodus came to
mind with the recent death of former Cuban President (aka dictator) Fidel Castro on November 25. A
new king in Egypt changed the governments stance
since the contributions of Joseph in saving Egypt the
famine meant nothing to him; perhaps in Cuba, a new
pharaoh will eventually change Cuba for the better.
Since the Cuban revolution brought Fidel Castro
to power in 1959, Cuba has been more of a secular
than atheist state (officially gave up atheism in 1992)
and Christianity has been tolerated. Fidel essentially
left power in 2008, but his brother Raul has continued
his policies in this country of about 11.1 million people. Before Castro seized power, nominally 85% of the
population was Roman Catholic. Now estimates hold
that about 48% of the people would claim Catholicism, (although perhaps only 10% of Catholics regularly attend Mass) with another 7.5% of Cubans being Protestant, spread among 57 denominations. The
Anglican community is very small at perhaps 14,000
people (or .12%), although the Diocese of Cuba has a
Bishop resident in Havana.
Discrimination against Christians is technically
illegal, but harassment and low-level persecution continues. The communist government likely fears that
the Church (either the Roman Catholic Church as
an institution or a broad-based Christian community) could become a formidable center of protest as in
Eastern Europe, but so far that has not happened in
the slow Cuban opening to the Western world.
The US and Cuba established diplomatic relations
in 2014, after a break of over 55 years, and the US
opened an embassy in Havana on 20 July 2015, but
little has changed. A Voice of the Martyrs worker says
that the situation has even gotten worse for the church
(www. persecution.com details religious persecution
around the world). The American opening pales in
comparison to the years of contact between Western
tourists and the island nation. Millions of tourists

from Western Europe along with a few Americans

have been visiting Cuba over the years, but it has not
fundamentally helped to open up the Cuban society.
Thus, the slow American changes in policies will not
likely mean much until the communist dictatorship
feels forced to liberalize.
Religious persecution in this historically Christian country is much more insidious than direct. The
communist government tightly controls most aspects
of society and Christian life is not much different.
People are afraid of Communist informants in the
church congregations and churches are not allowed
to have signs on their doors or expand their buildings; some have been denied basic utilities such as
electricity. The government has threatened to close
thousands of churches and new ones do not receive
building permits. If the government believes a church
has obtained building materials illegally, it can close
or even destroy them. On top of this, Christians are
not allowed to evangelize publicly (cf. www.persecution.com).
Few Christians have gone to prison for their beliefs or work, but the harassment and discrimination
makes the practice and spread of Gods word very difficult. In the coming month, pray for Christian brothers and sisters in Cuba that the government will give
them more freedom to practice and express their beliefs. Pray for the country that all the Cubans will find
more freedom since religious persecution is linked
closely with the lack of political freedom; more of one
means more of the other! Perhaps in the coming years,
prayers will help Cuba see a new pharaoh who does
the opposite to the one in Exodus and truly improves
the country for all.

Welcome New Parishioners!

On January 8 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!

Page 6 January 2017

Pohick Episcopal Church

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion

Don Brownlee, Member of 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 samesex unions, ordination of non-celibate homosexuals, interpretation of Scripture, and breakdown of traditional boundary lines
between Provinces.

The year closed out with a back-and-forth betwen

theological conservatives in the Church of England (COE)
and a senior official of the Church of England over a paper
arguing the COE is allowing a culture to develop where
violations of Lambeth Resolution I.10 are increasingly
prevalent, and no action is taken against those who, in the
view of theological conservatives, violate it. The public discussion comes as the COEs bishops continue to privately
chart their way forward on these issues.
Lambeth I.10, as it is usually called, is the resolution
on human sexuality adopted by the Lambeth Conference
of Anglican bishops in 1998. It says homosexual activity is
incompatible with Scripture, calls on all to minister pastorally and sensitively to all irrespective of sexual orientation, condemns irrational fear of homosexuals, and says
the bishops gathered there cannot advise the legitimising
or blessing of same sex unions nor ordaining those involved
in same gender unions.
The latest round in this theological argument began
with an unsigned presentation published online by GAFCON UK, the British branch of the Global Anglican Futures Conference. It was described as a recent briefing to
the GAFCON Primates on the situation in the Church
of England regarding attitudes, teaching and practice on
sexual ethics, and it say it catalogues some of the ways in
which Lambeth I.10 has been violated within the Church
of England. It lists by name priests who have entered into
civil unions themselves, or officiated at or blessed same-sex
unions.
It also cites a number of instances where bishops have
actively recruited into their diocese, those who have knowingly broken Lambeth I.10, citing as one example, the
Diocese of Liverpool has recently made The Rt. Rev. Susan
Goff of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia an Honorary
Assistant Bishop in Liverpool. Bishop Goff has actively
supported The Episcopal Churchs violations of Lambeth
1.10 and been involved in litigating orthodox congregations.
It charged the COE was following the trajectory of
The Episcopal Church, Church of Canada, and Scottish
Episcopal Church(where there was) a clear pattern of

violations (of Lambeth I.10) at various local levels. When

the dioceses and provinces either could not or would not
bring order and discipline at the local level, the number of
violations increased.
In response, William Nye, secretary-general of the
COEs General Synod and Archbishops Council, said
Lambeth I.10 is an important document in the history
of the Anglican Communion. It is not the only important
resolution, from that Conference or others. It does not have
the force of Scripture, nor is it part of the deposit of faith.
Nyes statement is important, because it casts Lambeth
I.10 as being part of the Communions approach to issues
of human sexuality, but not the beginning and end of it. He
is not a priest or bishop, but clearly was speaking for the
church leadership.
Having set Lambeth I.10 in that context, Nye said the
COE has not (yet) changed its teachings with regard to
marriage, and noted that the law which allowed same-sex
marriages in England expressly leaves intact the Church
of Englands Canon which defines marriage as in its nature a union permanent and lifelong of one man with
one woman.
With regard to actions that GAFCON UK saw as violations, Nye countered that under current church guidelines:
Clergy in the Church of England are permitted to
enter into civil partnerships (which are legally not the same
as marriage, and therefore have no bearing on the doctrine
of marriage);
Clergy in the Church of England are permitted to
offer prayers of support on a pastoral basis for people in
same-sex relationships;
Churches are able to indicate that they welcome
LGBTI people, just as they would welcome all people;
Clergy and laity alike are entitled to argue for changes to teaching and practice.
The COEs bishops are continuing a process of discernment about whether indeed to change its teachings
and practice on these issues. They most recently met at
Lambeth Palace in December for further discussions, and
receive an update from the Chair of the Bishops Reflection
Group on Sexuality. A statement said nothing beyond the
fact that the meetings too place; as with (previous meetings), the discussions took place in private and participants
have agreed not to comment on the contents of the meetings beyond their own views.
***
Continued on page 7

Pohick Episcopal Church

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,

continued from page 6

In an ecumenical letter to churches around the world,

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby noted the many
attacks on Christians in areas where they are a minority religion. In some places, this is motivated by a desire to eradicate the indigenous Christian presence completely. These
are acts not only of terror but of genocide; criminal acts for
which the international community must bring those guilty
to account. Yet although so vulnerable and often forgotten
and marginalised, our brothers and sisters are being courageous in the Lord. Indeed, God chose what is weak in the
world to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1.27).
I ask your prayers for those of us who live in safety that
we may not be bystanders afar off, beating our breasts as we
retire to the security of our homes, but that we may draw
nearer to the cross of Jesus, stand there alongside our suffering brothers and sisters and be ready to take our part in
practical action for change. More than ever we need Christ
like communities proclaiming the good news of the gospel
in word and action. In many countries there is no persecution but there is apathy and complacency which leads us, in
the striking words of Pope Francis, to be practical atheists.
In our common celebration of the light of Jesus coming into the world, may we then encourage and build up
one other, and so may the Church in every place, united in
suffering and in hope, shine with his light and act with his
strength, today.
He returned to the theme in his Christmas Day sermon:
Like the shepherds
none of us can do much, but
the angel does not say to
them solve the problems of
war torn Palestine under the
Romans, but go to Bethlehem. Our response to the
child in the manger is not to
solve the problems of the world, but to do what we can
do, with our resources, in our time, at the age and with the
capacity we have.
That capacity is liberated when it is centred on Jesus.
In faithfulness to the glory of the Baby in the manger we
are all called to respond to this child with unlimited devotion, in worship and awe. Then, whoever, wherever we are,
we see the glory of God, perhaps at first a faint glow and
distant song, but at the end of all things light beyond imagining and the chant of all the angels.
Elsewhere:
A priest whose background includes a stint as chief
of staff to former president Richard Nixon, and director

January 2017 Page 7

of the Nixon Presidential Library, has been elected bishop

coadjutor of the Diocese of Los Angeles. The Rev. John
Taylor was elected on the eight ballot at the dioceses annual convention in early December.
He has served as vicar of St. John Chrysostom Church
and School in Rancho Santa Margarita since 2004.
To our divided nation, to those living in fear and uncertainty, to anyone yearning for a rich relationship with
the God in Christ who loves everyone without reservation, The
Episcopal Church throws its arms
open, he said after his election was
announced. In our diverse, farflung diocese, we are united in our
baptismal pledge to strive for justice
and peace among all people and to
respect the dignity of every human
being, especially those who are most vulnerable. I look forward with joy to serving alongside my fellow ministers laypeople, deacons, priests and bishops - as we continue to
proclaim the gospel in word and deed.
His election was unusual in that he was nominated at
the last minute by petition, rather than going through the
usual selection and walk-about process.
Bishop-elect Taylor has written two novels, one a fictional alternative version of history in which President
Nixon decides at the last minute to fight his impeachment
rather than resign.
Diocesan Bishop John Bruno has said he intends to
retire at the next diocesan convention in 2017. But he is
facing disciplinary charges that could result in his retirement or being forced from office sooner than that.
A church disciplinary panel has set a March trial date
on charges he engaged in conduct unbecoming a member
of the clergy when he attempted sell
St James the Great Episcopal Church
in Newport Beach, and told the
Episcopal congregation it could not
worship there. The diocese had won
a long legal battle with the previous
congregation, which wanted to leave
The Episcopal Church and retain title
to the property. A new Episcopal congregation formed and
began worshiping there. This group, which wants to remain
part of the Diocese of Los Angeles and The Episcopal
Church, brought the charges against Bp. Bruno.
Bp.-Elect Taylor noted those tensions, and said, We
have to live into the reality of that division and take from
it the invitation to find ways to move forward together despite differences.
Continued on page 8

Page 8 January 2017

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,

continued from page 7

The Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky and its bishop

have agreed to end their pastoral relationship. In October
the dioceses Standing Committee told Presiding Bishop
Michael Curry that its relationship with bishop, Douglas
Hahn, is irreparably broken, and asked that he dissolve
the relationship and remove Bp. Hahn from his position.
Bp. Hahn has acknowledged that some years before
being called as bishop in 2012, he had a sexual relationship
with an adult female parishioner. He also acknowledged
intentionally withholding this information from the search committee during the episcopal election
process. He was suspended for one
year by the presiding bishop, and the
Standing Committee asked the presiding bishop to dissolve the pastoral relationship.
Following the procedures set forth in the Canons,
Bp. Michael appointed a mediator. In mid-December, the
Standing Committee and Bp. Hahn issued a joint statement saying he would resign his position in March. I am
grateful for my time serving alongside you, the clergy and
people of the Diocese of Lexington, Bp. Hahn said. You
will be in my prayers as you continue to serve Gods mission in Lexington and beyond.
For its part, the Standing Committee said, Bishop
Hahn has pastoral gifts that will well serve another diocese
or ministry. We will continue to pray for him as his future
endeavors unfold..
Bp. Bruce Caldwell, retired bishop of Wyoming, will
continue to serve as provisional bishop.
It is important to remember that despite all these controversies, the work of the Church - globally, nationally,
and locally - goes on. In the first six months of 2016, Pohick has donated more than three tons of food to the Lorton Community Action Centers food pantry, helping feed
mothers, fathers and children who would otherwise go hungry. Over the same period, Pohick provided nearly 1,400
lunches to residents of the Eleanor Kennedy Shelter at Ft
Belvoir. The annual December New Hope Housing Dinner provided dinner to over 100 people, and Breakfast with
Santa later that week was attended by approximately 75
LCAC clients. Through youth mission trips, food donations
to LCAC, donations of school supplies and backpacks, and
the Community of Hope, Pohick continues to leak the love
of God to those in need. As Bp. Ted reminded us during his
episcopal visit in June, the Christian lives we lead may be
the only Bible some of our neighbors ever read.

Pohick Episcopal Church

Music Notes

Linda Egan, Minister of Music

New year
New light
New chances
New choices
New songs
New insight
New grace
New life
Behold, I make all things new.

Thanks to all who worked so hard on the music for the

Service of Lessons and Carols and the Christmas Eve services. Special thanks to Don Brownlee, Nancy Sage, and
Susan Hayward-Costa, who labored many hours over the
notebooks that the choir uses for these services. All the singers and bell ringers have been rehearsing this music and preparing for the services for many weeks. Barb Lynn directed
the St. Francis Choir. She and all those involved wear multiple hats for these services. Thank you to everyone.

Coffee Hour Angels

Coffee Hour volunteers are needed for the

11:15 am coffee hour. Please contact Lucy Look
at llook@unitytec.com for details.
Volunteering for the 11:15 am service is a very
simple task. There is usually coffee left from the
9:00 am coffee hour and there are
rarely more than 15-20 people.
There is no need for Costco size
packages of goodies. Please consider volunteering for this activity
- the fellowship is so special!

First Sunday Food Collection

The first Sunday of each month Pohick collects nonperishable food items to be contributed to the Lorton
Community Action Centers food pantry. Consider
bringing an item on February 5 to include as a part of
the alms giving. Foods brought to the church for the
9:00 am service are brought to the altar by the ushers for a blessing. Food can be brought at other times
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.

January 2017 Page 9

Pohick Episcopal Church

Sunday

Pohick Church Activities January 2017

Monday

7p EFM

9:30a Staff Mtg

8a GD Inventory
7p Boy Scouts
8:30p AA
11a Epps Funeral
2p HE, the Fairfax
7:30p Healing Service

10

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

19

20

Epiphany 2a
Martin Luther
7:45a HE I
King Day
9a HE II
Office Closed
10:15a Annual Mtg
11:15a HE I
7p EFM
6:30p EYC Jr&Sr
Pohick Post Deadline

22

23

9:30a Staff Mtg

7p Tutoring
7:30p Vestry
Mtg

14

8a Brotherhood of
St. Andrew
10a Holy Spirit
Retreat

21

Vestry Retreat

Vestry Retreat 8a Brotherhood

of St. Andrew
10a SAR

26

27

28

FEB 1

9:30a Staff Mtg

7p Tutoring

29

30

31

6p Marriage
Course
7p EFM

8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew
9:15a Baptism
rehearsal
1p 1st Sat Docent Tour

25

7p EFM

Winter Trip
Epiphany 4a
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
11:15a HE II

6:15p Bell Choir

7p Boy Scouts
7:30p Choir of
Pohick
8:30p AA

Saturday

24

Epiphany 3a
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
11:15a HE II
6:30p EYC

8p Sheffield
Rec HOA

2p HE, the Fairfax

6p St. Cecelia St.
Alban Choir
6p St. Francis Choir
7:30p Healing Service

6:15p Bell Choir

7p Boy Scouts
7:30p Choir of Pohick
8:30p AA

Friday

New Years Day

Christmas 1a
8a HE I
10a HE II/Blessing
of the Toys

2p HE, the Fairfax

6p St. Cecelia St.
Alban Choir
6p St. Francis Choir
7:30p Healing Service
7:30p Martha Guild
Dinner

Thursday

6:15p Docent 9:30a Staff Mtg

9:30a Ann MaBd Mtg
son Guild Mtg
7p Docent
Gen Mtg
7p EFM

Wednesday

JAN 1

Epiphany 1a
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
11:15a HE II
6p EYC Dinner

Tuesday

9:30a Staff Mtg

7p Tutoring

2p HE, the Fairfax

6p COH COC
6p St. Cecelia St.
Alban Choir
6p St. Francis Choir
7:30p Healing Service
2p HE, the Fairfax
6p St. Cecelia St.
Alban Choir
6p St. Francis Choir
7:30p Healing Service
7:30p Martha Guild

Diocesan Convention
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

Diocesan
Convention
Winter Trip

Diocesan Convention
Winter Trip
8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew

8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew
1p 1st Sat Docent Tour

Contact the Parish Secretary, Susan Hayward-Costa, to list group meetings or events on the calendar, shcosta@pohick.org.

Need Chores Done?

Call the Boy Scouts from Troop 899 - chartered

at Pohick Church to help with chores. Weeding,
raking leaves, yard work, moving furniture - the
troop can (almost) do it all! The rate
is $25 per hour for 3-4 scouts with
adult supervision. Contact Jennifer
Gilley, 757-553-7823, to schedule
the chores!

Annual Parish Meeting and Vestry Election

Pohicks Annual Meeting is Sunday, January 15 at

10:30 am in the Common Room. Please mark the
calendar and plan to attend. Parishioners will be voting on four new Vestry positions. The nominees are:
Anne Derbes, Cyrena Eitler, Jane Albertson, Christian Boateng, Beth Altman, Beth Cooke, and Carney
McCullough. Church members will also be voting to
ratify the election of Emily Elston as Youth Rep.

Page 10 January 2017

Pohick Episcopal Church

SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

1 JANUARY
7:45
9:00

8a Rodger Jones
Stew Remaly

10a Dan Derbes

Don Cooke
Bill Patton
Paul Walden

11:15 N/A

8 JANUARY
Mike Vaughn
Mike Zane

Hal Yarwood
Jim Foster
Brent Goeller
Fuzzy Thurston

F. Thurston

K. Kirkland

1:00

A. Choi

E. Pitcock

12:15 M/M Brown

Pitcock/Schmid

AM

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

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

R. Stankwitz

M. Bartholomew

AM

9:00 N. Sage
11:15

T. Bland

7:45

Thorson (R)
Wagner (P)

9:00

10a Pasour (R)

Egan (P)

11:15 N/A

Nelson (P)
Sage (R)
Faber (P)
Choi (R)

Paul Walden
Mike Wooten

Mo Faber
Beth Altman
Grant Hodges
Ron Schow

Tom Bland
Chris Brown
Pehr Pehrsson
Greg Wilson

D. Smith

A. Choi

TBD

E. Pitcock

F. Crawford

TBD

Bartlett/Remaly

M/M Myers

Faber/Kirkland

BJ McPherson
A. Powell, J. Schmid
M. Tonkin
S. Caesar
E. Pitcock
A. Marsico
M. Yezek

BJ McPherson
A. Powell, J. Schmid
M. Tonkin
S. Caesar
E. Pitcock
A. Marsico
M. Yezek

J. Sunderland
B. Altman
N. Bireley
V. Jones
J. MacDonald
R. Teale
B. Wagner

M. Harding

R. Stankwitz

S. Pehrsson

M/M Sunderland

M/M Bryant

M/M Stankwitz

TBD

TBD

TBD

COFFEE HOUR

M/M Rodger Jones

8a Marsico (P)
Sunderland (R)

Sandra Caesar
Rick Nelson

FLOWER GUILD

7:45 8a Pagan/Wallace
9:00 10a W. Patton
11:15 N/A

D. McHugh

Dave Billingsley
Ed McGovern

ALTAR GUILD

TBD

Paul Walden

Stew Remaly
Rodger Jones

TELLERS

Schmid/Pitcock

29 JANUARY

Becky Wagner
Don Cooke

LOCK - UP

Byrne/Wagner

22 JANUARY

Tony Marsico
Alan Mayberry

OPEN - UP

7:45 M. Wagner
9:00 M/M Ayorinde
11:15 TBD

M/M Morawski

USHERS
Dru Hodges
Matt Gurrola
Bob Munson
Dennis Myers

Bill Bland
Kathy Kirkland

7:00

15 JANUARY

M/M Yarwood

GREETERS

M/M Bland

M/M Lynn

E. Bartlett

R. Stankwitz

M/M Biddlecomb

D. Sebastian

M/M Ickes

Darling/Antonelli

M/M Yarwood

DOCENTS
J. Bartholomew

M/M Jeff Parker

M/M Fred Crawford

F. Crawford

C. Knipling

Thorson (R)
Wagner (P)

Thorson (P)
Marsico (R)

Thorson (R)
Marsico (P)

Cockroft (R)
Sage (P)

Pasour (R)
TBD

Gastrell (R)
Arning (P)

C. Darling

LAY READERS
Gastrell (P)
Egan (R)

G. Delaune

Sage (R)
Egan (P)

B. Bland

Faber (R)
Cockroft (P)

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

January 2017 Page 11

Pohick Episcopal Church

Golden Dove Gift Shop

Thanks to all who have generously supported

the Golden Dove throughout the year. The many
purchases are appreciated as they provide funding
to Pohick and its outreach programs.
Reminder:
Golden Dove Gift Shop Hours

Between Sunday Morning Services

1st Saturdays from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
During docent tours and special events

North end of the Vestry House - follow the signs!

Martha Guild News

Connie Myers

The Martha Guild will be dining out for

the January meeting on Wednesday, January 11.
The time and place are yet to be determined. All
Women of the Church are cordially invited to
join the fun, so be watching for all the details.
Questions should be directed to Connie Myers at
703-455-4652 or jetskiing@hotmail.com.
The Outreach Committee would like to express its appreciation to the wonderful Pohick
congregation for all the Christmas gifts, food
baskets, and money contributions so generously
donated for LCAC and New Hope Housing.
Thanks for the food donations and volunteers for
the Christmas Party for New Hope Housing and
Breakfast with Santa for LCAC. This generosity made it possible for many
families in the surrounding community to enjoy the
holidays. Thanks for sharing
and putting joy into the lives
of others. Pohick is truly an
amazing congregation!

The Golden Dove Gift Shop Board members gathered

to celebrate the season and discuss shop business.

New Hope Housing and LCAC

Golden Dove Volunteer Schedule

January, 8 2017
8:15 am to 9:00 am Myers/Marsico
10:15 am to 11:15 am TBA
January 15, 2017
8:15 am to 9 am Morgan/Jones
10:15 am to 11:15 am Closed

January 22, 2017

8:15 am to 9 am Wylie/Jones
10:15 am to 11:15 am Jackson/TBA
The Golden Dove Gift Shop hosted
the 2nd Common Room display for Christmas.

January 29, 2017

8:15 am to 9 am Knipling/Mitchell
10:15 am to 11:15 am TBA/Nelson

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:

Helen Parker
Fred Crawford
Dan Derbes
Susan Pehrsson
Amanda Choi,
Caroline Cockroft,
Isabel Hogg, Kathy Kirkland,
Edwardene Pitcock,
Doug Smith, Eric Thorson,
Fuzzy Thurston

Pohick Church Vestry

The Revd Donald

Sr. Warden:
Binder, PhD
Jr. Warden:
The Revd Dr. Ruth Treasurer:
E. Correll, Ed.D.
Register:
Wesley Arning
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: shcosta@pohick.org Web Site: www.pohick.org