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

few years ago when I was serving on the Transition Committee for the Suffragan Bishop election, I helped staff one of the Meet and Greet sessions held at Good Shepherd, Burke. Before breaking
into five different rooms for small group interactions,
we gathered as a plenary assembly inside the church in
order to hear the five candidates give their responses
to a series of questions that had been submitted by
Episcopalians from around the Diocese.
Since another committee was in charge of compiling those submissions, I, like the candidates themselves, was in the dark about what would be asked that
night. But I did know that this other committee had
only chosen questions that, specific wording aside, had
been submitted multiple times.
One of the questions the moderator asked them
was about tithing - the biblical charge to contribute
ten percent of our income for the spread of Christs
Kingdom. The question ran something like this (and
here I paraphrase): Tell us about your experience
with tithing on a personal level.
To be honest, I dont remember the specific answers of all five candidates, though I do recall that
none of them tried to duck the question, but spoke
frankly of the struggles and successes in their strive to
tithe journeys. But what surprised me the most was
that the question was asked at all - that a critical mass
of people within our diocese wanted to know how

NOVEMBER 2015
their prospective leadership modeled this particular
biblical mandate.
Why was I surprised? Because in my two-and-ahalf decades of ordained ministry, I have nearly always
found Episcopalians to be intensely private about
their giving, often pointing to the verses in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus bids his followers to
give their alms in secret (Matt 6:4).
The submitters of this question, however, seemed
to have been focused on another passage from that
same sermon, one quite familiar to us at Pohick
Church: Let your light shine before others, so that
they may see your good works and give glory to your
Father in heaven (Matt 5:16).
Ive elsewhere reconciled the apparent contradiction between these two passages, so Ill leave it to you
to refer to the online Pohick Post archives for some
thoughts on that ( Jan. 2013 edition). Here, Ill only
say that if its a fair-game question for bishop candidates, its fair-game for the rest of us clergy.
Ill begin my own answer to the above question by
saying that I was blessed to have had good teaching
on this subject (both in word and deed) as a young
person, and so even as a teenager working a part-time
job, I pledged separately from my parents ten percent
of my meager earnings to my little Episcopal church
in Ft. Lauderdale.
If I stumbled in this endeavor, it was as a young
adult, since while the meager earnings continued, the
bills began to pile up on top of that! I cant give exact
figures, but I do recall for many of those eleven-andContinued on page 2

Page 2 November 2015

Pohick Episcopal Church

From the Rector: continued from page 1

a-half college years being a few percentage points below tithing in our giving.
When I was called to be Rector of Pohick Church
back in 2001, I resolved to be more consistent. For
starters, I asked the Vestry to write into my Letter of
Agreement that I would immediately deduct 5% of
my salary and contribute it back to the church. That
arrangement continues today. On top of that, we have
also pledged (or committed in our more recent language) the other 5% to Pohick and a few other smaller
charities.
Why have I strived to tithe in this manner
throughout my teenage and adult years? For starters,
it is what God has called his people to do since Old
Testament times, even requiring a tithe of the tithe
from the Levites and Priests who received the peoples
tithe (see Numbers 18:20-32).
Of course, there is always a reason behind Gods
calling, and in this case it has to do with helping
us recognize that we are merely stewards of all that
he entrusts to us, including our livelihoods. By giving back a mere tenth of that, we are acknowledging
with thankful hearts all the blessings that God has
bestowed upon us from the great riches that he in fact
ultimately owns. That is a lesson and an attitude I have
always tried to keep close to my heart - and tithing
helps in that endeavor in a very real and tangible way.

Another reason for calling us to tithe is that by

doing so we can better advance Christs Kingdom
through our congregations common worship, service,
and study. Here, the churches that flourish in their
ministries are the ones in which parishioners consider
tithing as a spiritual discipline that they must take seriously.
That is something that, as Rector, I continue to
seek for all our congregation, well knowing that what
we have accomplished over this past decade-and-ahalf is in direct proportion to the generosity of those
parishioners who have embraced tithing of their treasure, time, and talent in this manner. You can see the
fruits of this in the many Stewardship Perspectives
columns of this past year - and the more that everyone
gets onboard, the more the ministries highlighted in
those columns will continue to flourish and grow.
And so this month as we embark upon our Stewardship Campaign and hold our ingathering the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day (November 22nd), as an
expression of our thanksgiving to God for his many
blessings, I would ask each of you to consider embracing the spiritual discipline of tithing, either fully or by
moving in that direction. If my own experience is any
measure, I think you will not only find it liberating
spiritually, but greatly enriching to our Christian mission together at Pohick Church.

Jackson-Feild

Christmas Mart
Frozen Casseroles

Santa brings gifts for children at Christmas, right?

Not so for many young residents of Jackson-Feild
Homes in Jarratt and Richmond. Begun as an
Episcopal orphanage for girls in 1855, Jackson
Feild now serves at-risk girls and boys ages 13-18
with shelter, education, counseling and vocational
training. Again this year, the Ann Mason Guild
hopes to help at least 15 young people have a Merry Christmas. Pohick parishioners have been extremely generous in the past in helping make this
possible. Please consider supporting these young
people by writing a check to Ann Mason Guild,
with Jackson-Feild on the memo line. Contributions can be put in an alms bag or in Ann Mason
mailbox in the office. Questions? Call Anne Poad,
703-455-1616.

There is still time to get that frozen casserole,

soup, stew, or sauce ready for the Christmas Mart.
Once it has been prepared, please email Carol
Heintze with the following information: Name
of Item, Ingredients, Cooking Directions, Number of Servings. This information can be sent by
email to cheintze1043@
verizon.net.
Items should be completely frozen, brought to
Church, and placed in
the freezer. Thanks for
the contributions, and
hope to see everyone at
the Christmas Mart.

Pohick Episcopal Church

From The Assistant Rector

The Reverend
Dr. Ruth E. Correll, Ed.D.
Episcopal Church Women
Annual Meeting Report
At 8:00 am on Thursday, October 15, 2015, eight
women from Pohick Church traveled to The Falls
Church Episcopal Church for the annual meeting
of the ECW. After dealing with rush hour traffic, we
were delighted to see a nutritious continental breakfast prepared for participants in the lovely modern facility attached to the historic building. Helen Parker,
Jackie Wells, Edwardene Pitcock, Grace Delaune,
Rita Stankwitz, Judy Schmid, Nancy Sage, and I
joined about 130 other lay women and seven other
clergy who represented 37 churches in the diocese.
Only one other church brought a larger group than
ours, an indication that interest in this organization
has increased significantly at Pohick over the past few
years.
The year 2015 marks the 125th anniversary of this
group of women whose annual national donations
have amounted to approximately three million dollars
in recent years. We gathered in the large nave to hear
reports of how the funds of the ECW are being used
to address issues of social injustice. Here is a sampling
of projects presented.
Viva Voce grants this year have focused on the
abuse and exploitation of girls and women, particularly in sex trafficking. Beth Saunders, president of
Just Ask, talked about the work done completely by
volunteers, which include herself, who raise awareness
and help prevent this growing local crime against minors.
The Scholarship Committee reviews applications
from high school students who are in need of money
to attend college and universities as well as seminary.
If awarded a $1000 scholarship, the students are able
to reapply each of the four years in college for an equal
amount. Contributions can be made to the Gift of
Life fund in recognition of milestones in a respected persons life. Or, one can make a donation to the
Book of Remembrances in memory of a loved one.

November 2015 Page 3

During the worship service, ECW delegates

formed a procession to bring the United Thank Offering gifts from their respective churches. The gifts
collected from our little blue boxes at Pohick came
to about $500. So far this year, the offerings from
the Diocese of Virginia have totaled about fifty-four
thousand dollars. These funds have contributed to the
renovation of a community kitchen at a local church
and provided a vehicle for a bishop in Southern Sudan.
Our Bishop, Ted Gulick, Jr., celebrated and
preached at the worship service. His sermon lifted up
the late Verna Dozier, an African American public
school educator whose Bible teaching impacted many
people in the greater Washington area. At lunch, a
special guest from the distant past, the first general
secretary of ECW, Miss Sally, spoke to us about the
founding of ECW.
This was only my second time to attend the annual meeting, and it was clear that currents are shifting since my first visit two years ago. The day ended
with a half hour of discussion on significant changes
in process at this time. In the past, ECW leadership
has been able to make independent decisions about
use of funds. Diocesan and national representatives of
the bishops are now taking interest in directing choices about use of these substantial donations. Soon, the
first paid executive director may be hired to promote
centralization, provide continuity, and encourage conformity in purpose, priorities, and mission statements
across the country. Thank you to all those who attended and those who organized and prepared this nice
event.

Needed -- Box Truck

The Christmas Mart is in need of a Box

Truck for temporary storage of the furniture
that is in the Vestry House. Furniture needs to
be cleared to allow space for some of the crafters that will be participating in the Christmas
Mart. The truck is needed on Tuesday, November 17 through Thursday, November 19.
If you know of someone that could possibly
loan the truck, please contact Connie Myers,
703-455-4652 or [email protected].

Page 4 November 2015

Senior Wardens Report

Reed Heddleston, Senior Warden

Looking back on September, thanks to everyone

who helped make the Pohick Country Fair a success. The month began as always with the Apple Butter Gang operating like a well-oiled machine. Under
the leadership of Randy Brooks and Jim Foster, they
produced another wonderful, vintage year. The volunteer turnout for set up, cooking, and canning is deeply
appreciated by all. The old saying, many hands make
light work, certainly applies when it comes to apple
butter.
The fair was successful in spite of an unfavorable
weather forecast. It was a cloudy but dry fall day at
least until the fair closed. Anne Derbes and Jeff Parker
did a great job leading the parish. The splendid volunteer effort was deeply appreciated with so many in
the parish enjoying a pleasant day while serving the
attendees. Thanks to all who helped set up, work, perform, and put away the fair. The music is always a high
point, so a special thanks goes out to the Pohick Pickers and invited performers.
The other September celebration was the rededication of the Common Room and kitchen. The
congregation has worked hard over several years to
remodel the Common Room, annex, and kitchen.

Christmas Mart
Consignment and Arts Room

Now is the time to start looking through collectibles and think about sharing them with someone
else. Items can be sold on consignment or donated with the profits going to the Women of Pohick.
Consignors receive 75% of the sale price with
25% going to the Women of Pohick. New crafters are needed to join
the group. For anyone
that knows people that
do a great job making
gifts or crafts, please
provide their contact
info to Edie Bartlett
at 703-780-6809 or
[email protected].

Pohick Episcopal Church

Many have labored long and hard to refurbish facilities that are used by all on a weekly basis. Thanks to
the three chairs of the Renovation Committee - Jeff
Parker, Fred Crawford, and Stew Remaly - who had
the foresight and perseverance to see this large project
to completion. They will be the first to say that volunteers were once again critical to the success at an affordable cost. So heartfelt thanks to all who labored to
complete this project. Who knew that Rodger Jones
was such a talented plumber?
A question came from the congregation concerning the safety of the electrical system. The electrical
system is safe. A professional assessment is being conducted of the entire electrical system to determine if
an upgrade is required for more capacity. The initial
question of safety arose because a new dishwasher
could not be purchased and installed. The new dishwasher required much greater power than currently
available on the kitchen electrical panel. Thus, the
present dishwasher had to be reinstalled so the panel
would not be overloaded.
The old dishwasher is still very capable if operated
correctly. This requires turning on the water heater at
least thirty minutes before washing dishes. The line of
unheated water must be drained immediately before
washing. Before operating the dishwasher for the first
time, please get instruction from an experienced operator.

Christmas Mart Jewelry Table

Done some fall cleaning lately? Be aware

of any jewelry that is no longer worn, and
please donate it for the Christmas Mart Jewelry Table. Profits from the Jewelry Table have
been very substantial for the past few years,
thanks to all the donations received.
Jewelry in any condition is useful. Broken
jewelry is either mended or put in bags and
sold to crafters. These
bags are among the
first items sold. Jewelry can be left in the
Church Office, or call
Cammie Liddle at
703-971-7548.

November 2015 Page 5

Pohick Episcopal Church

The Persecution Corner

By Bob Munson
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
Before the Air Force took us away from Pohick at
the end of 2013, I had been writing a series of short
essays on modern Christian persecution throughout
the world, inspired by an adult Sunday school course
led by Paul Marshall and Reverend Don Binder. Now
back at Pohick, Im continuing the series since we
read very little about our brothers and sisters in Christ
suffering for their beliefs. On Sunday mornings, our
Prayers of the People include the following:
We pray for peace in the Middle East, especially for
the Church in Syria, Iraq and Egypt. We pray for
Christians and others around the world, especially
those in Pakistan, Nigeria, and North Korea, who
continue to face persecution for their faith.
Over the next several months, well look at each
of these areas. When you read the news, all of these
countries tell gripping dramas of people in trouble,
no matter what religion; however, of these only Nigeria has a significant Christian population. In these
countries, Christians often suffer greater oppression
because they stand out from the majority. Currently,
the most poignant news concerning these countries
focuses on the huge waves of refugees pouring out of
Syria on their way to Europe as well as the United
States. While the majority is Sunni Muslim, Christians make up a large number also, even though their
population in Syria was already significantly reduced.
----------------------------Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their
synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the
kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness
among the people. News about him spread all
over Syria, and people brought to him all who
were ill with various diseases, those suffering
severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having
seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.
[emphasis added]
- Matthew 4: 23-24
During the Arab Spring in 2011, demonstrations
against President Assad turned into a civil war due to
his attempt to crush all opposition.

The current President Bashar al-Assad took over

after his fathers death in 2000. Father and son come
from the Islamic Alawite minority and have ruled
essentially secular regimes. These brutal, despotic regimes, nevertheless, gave Christians more rights than
in most Middle Eastern countries. While living under
the same tyrannical system as all Syrians, the Christians had the freedom to worship and run schools
and churches. Pre-2011 Christians composed about
6.3% of the population composed primarily of Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox, but also a number of more ancient denominations such as the Syrian
Orthodox Church, along with the Armenian Apostolic and Assyrian Church of the East. The Anglican
Church in Syria was very small with only seven congregations.
Christians tend to live in the cities, and have been
targeted due to their location along with the fact that
many of the Syrian rebel groups see Christians as supporting the government. With the rise of the Sunni
extremist group ISIS, Christians have become explicit
targets as apostates, crusaders, or enemies in the holy
war they are fighting for Islam. The targeting not only
includes the people, but attempts to wipe out the culture through physical destruction of symbols such as
churches, writings, and monuments. About half of the
pre-2011 Syrian total population of 20 million is now
displaced with about six million within Syria and over
4 million in the surrounding countries. The Christian
population in Syria, according to European Parliament estimates, has been reduced from about 1.1 million in 2010 to 400,000 today. A significant number of
the Christian Syrian refugees are certainly in the large
movement towards Europe.
Christian persecution in Syria not only has serious humanitarian implications, but ISIS and its ilk
are threatening to drive Christianity out of its birthplace. The people of Syria heard of Jesus during His
lifetime and, later, Barnabas and Paul evangelized in
Syrian Antioch (Acts 13). The Assyrian Church links
directly back to this time. In a number of places, SyrContinued on page 6

Page 6 November 2015

Pohick Episcopal Church

The Persecution Corner,

continued from page 5

ian Muslim tolerance of their Christian neighbors

has turned into deadly attacks. This is accompanied
by a general evolution to a polarized religious environment. The persecution points to a Middle East increasingly shaped by religious extremists and the lack
of freedoms - two aspects which impact all the people,
but the Christian minority even more.
For more insight into the situation of Christians in Syria and throughout the Middle East see
the Center for American Progress report: The Plight
of Christians in the Middle East, available at: https://
www.americanprogress.org/issues/security/report/2015/03/12/108473/the-plight-of-christiansin-the-middle-east/

Historic
Pohick Church Docents
Candlelight Dinner

Time is running out to buy tickets for the

Candlelight Dinner to be held on Saturday
December 5. An Evensong Service will be
held at 6:00 pm followed by an elegant dinner
at 7:00 pm. Do not miss this annual event!
Tickets are $75.00 each and may be purchased during the coffee hour following the
7:45 am and 9:00 am church services. Checks
should be made payable to Pohick Church
Docent Guild with Candlelight Dinner on the
memo line. Checks can be brought to church
or mailed to the church at 9310 Richmond
Highway, Lorton, VA 22079. Please include
a phone number and email. All sales are final.
Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Questions? Contact Charlotte
Knipling at 703-946-1031.

Christian Education

Frances Sessums, Director of Christian Education

During the month of November, the church
school classes will be preparing for the Christmas
Pageant. Jim From has volunteered once again to direct the pageant this year.
The dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December12
from10:00 am until 12 noon. This rehearsal is for Kindergarteners through 8th grade students.
The Christmas Pageant will be in the Church following the 10:00 am service on December 13. A reception will be held in the Common Room after the
completion of the Pageant.
On November 15, the 4th, 5th and 6th grade students will be rehearsing during class time. It is very
important that the students who are musicians or have
speaking parts be present every Sunday. If a child must
miss a rehearsal, please be sure to let Jim or Frances
know about the absence. The preschool through third
grade students will continue with their Godly Play
studies and practice their parts during part of class
time.

Advent Wreath Making

and Potluck Dinner

Pohicks annual Advent Wreath making will

take place on Sunday, November 22 at 5:00 pm in
the Common Room. The accompanying potluck
dinner will be at 6:00 pm. There will be a sign-up
sheet for the materials of the advent wreaths in
the Common Room during coffee hour. The cost
will be $9.00 per wreath. The price includes all
materials needed to make a wreath. There will be
a sample wreath on display, as well as a handout
for the use of the advent wreath at home.
The wreaths are easy to make and are a meaningful addition to the home for the observance of
the Advent season. It would be appreciated if parishioners could bring additional greenery for the
wreaths. This promises
to be a wonderful time
for fellowship. All questions should be directed
to Frances Sessums at
703-425-2857.

November 2015 Page 7

Pohick Episcopal Church

"

Christmas Flowers
I would like to make a donation towards the poinsettias and greens
that decorate the Church at Christmas time.

Given By:______________________________________________________________________________
In Memory or Thanksgiving:
(Written the way you wish it to appear in the Christmas Bulletin.)

Please make checks payable to Pohick Church.

Designate for Christmas Flowers.

The price is $12.00 The deadline is Sunday, December 13

This form with check may be returned to the desk of the Church Secretary or dropped in the alms basket.

Page 8 November 2015

Pohick Episcopal Church

Stewardship Corner

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house,
and test Me now in this says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows
of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. (Malachi 3:10)

Stewardship Sunday is November 22, and youll

soon be receiving a commitment package in the mail.
This year the packet will include an insert on tithing.
So often, Episcopalians shut the door to their heart
when they hear the word tithe. There are a hundred
excuses offered for why we cannot tithe. So let us say
up front: were not asking you to tithe this year. What
were asking you to do is: 1) join the Vestry in acknowledging Gods abundant provision in your lives
and pledge to offer generously of time, talent and
money to do Gods work. 2) Further acknowledge
with your Vestry that the tithe is the biblically based
measure of proportional giving. 3) Commit yourself,
as each member of the Vestry has, to strive toward
that measure.
Let us suggest here that tithing is more a journey
than a destination. Its a journey each of us can undertake if our faith is strong. The key to begin that journey is to see your commitment to God as one of your
must-dos - an item in your budget instead of the left
over change in your pocket at weeks end. Certainly
each one of us can do that much.
The next step is to determine what you give now.
Were going to suggest that the percentage be determined against your after-tax income. Even Jesus acknowledged the need to render unto Caesar. Include
all income sources, and for those who are retired, that

includes dollars being taken from your 401k or other

sources to pay living expenses. If youre anything like
the author when he began the journey many years ago,
youll be surprised at just how small that percentage is.
Step three is to commit to increasing that percentage just a little each year - starting with the coming
year. What do we mean just a little? How about 0.25%
per year? Lets say your net family income is $90,000
per year, and you are currently committed to give $60
per week, which is 3.5%. If you follow the example,
you would increase your commitment for 2016 from
3.5% to 3.75%. If your net income remained the same,
that would equate to an increase of $6 per week. Does
that seem doable? Of course, if your net income went
up then so would the amount of your commitment.
What difference would an extra $6 per week make
to activities and ministries supported by Pohick? In
2015, we had 159 pledging units. If each unit increased their pledge by $6 per week, it would equate
to nearly $50,000 per year. Thats like a mustard seed
turning into a huge shrub. Perhaps the more relevant
question is: what would that do for you? It would turn
you into a miracle worker one of the saints of god
who love to do Jesus will.
Before you fill out your commitment card this
year, please ask God what he would have you do, and
then listen to his reply.

Warm Coat Outreach Project

For some, it may be hard to imagine, but when the temperature gets colder, some families need to make a
choice between paying their utility bill and purchasing a warm coat for their growing child. Help keep families
warm this winter by donating clean, used coats to help families right here in southeastern Fairfax County!
They estimate that over 500 coats will be needed to meet their needs.
To help those in need in this area, Pohick Church is having a Coat Drive to assist LCAC with providing clean, gently used or new coats for the upcoming cold weather. Coats of all sizes, especially children and
larger-sized adult coats, are needed. Gloves, mittens, scarves, or hats will also be welcomed. So, as closets are
cleaned out to make room for new coats, consider bringing in the outgrown coats for LCAC.
The collection of coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats ends Sunday, November 6 and
will be delivered to LCAC. Please bring donations to the Common Room and place them
on the table in the back corner near the closets.
Thanks in advance for continually supporting of the Outreach Projects at Pohick Church.
Any questions, please contact Edwardene Pitcock, [email protected], or Connie
Myers, [email protected].

Pohick Episcopal Church

The Martha Guild

Connie Myers

The Martha Guild will meet on Wednesday, November 4, beginning at 7:30 pm in Classroom A. Discussion will include plans for the upcoming Christmas
Mart and other plans for the group. All Women of the
Church are cordially invited to attend. Any questions,
please contact Connie Myers at 703-455-4652.

LCAC
Thanksgiving Food Baskets

Once again the Outreach Committee of Pohick is asking for help in providing LCAC with
food baskets for Thanksgiving so that those
less fortunate will be able to enjoy a wonderful
Thanksgiving meal. The list is provided below and,
if possible, it would be wonderful to include a $20
gift card to either Food Lion or Shoppers (these
are the stores closest to the LCAC clients) to allow them to purchase the meat for their meal.
Donations are needed by the 11:15 am service
on Sunday, November 22 for delivery to LCAC
for distribution to their clients.
Questions? Contact Edwardene Pitcock, [email protected] or Connie Myers, [email protected]. Thanks for continued support
of the Outreach projects to the community.
Please put items in a sturdy box or medium
plastic container with a lid. Gift cards may be
given to Edwardene or Connie. Basket contents:
2 cans corn (low sodium if possible)
2 cans collard or green beans (low sodium if possible)
1 can of fruit
1 small bag of sugar
1 package dry gravy (no jars)
1 box of stuffing (no bags)
1 brownie mix or cake mix with frosting
1 bottle of Canola oil
1 bag of rice
1 bag of apples or oranges
1 five pound bag of potatoes
1 bag of fresh carrots
1 three pound bag of onions

November 2015 Page 9

Docent Guild News

End 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 Saturday Full Training Session
on Saturday, November 7, 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; and a demonstration tour of the
church. Coffee, treats and lunch are included.
The session will begin at 9:30 am and complete
at 2:30 pm in the Parish House Annex. Completion of training qualifies participants to be Guild
members in good standing. The cost is $15 ($10
if attendee already has a manual). RSVP to Fred
Crawford at [email protected] or 703680-1664. Make checks payable to Pohick Church
Docent Guild and mail to Susan Hayward-Costa
in the Church office.

Music Schedule
November 2015
Sunday, November 1 All Saints Day
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, St. Cecelia St. Alban
Choir
11:15 am Gloria Jackson, soprano
Sunday, November 8 Pentecost 24 Proper 27
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, St. Francis Choir
11:15 am TG Powell, mezzo soprano
Sunday, November 15 Pentecost 25 Proper 28
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, Pohick Pickers
11:15 am St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir
Sunday, November 22 The Last Sunday after
Pentecost: The Realm of Christ
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, Pohick Bell Choir
11:15 am Pohick Bell Choir
Sunday, November 29 The First Sunday of Advent
9:00 am Choir of Pohick
11:15 am Soloist

Page 10 November 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 primates of the Global South provinces of the
Anglican Communion have formally accepted Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welbys invitation to a
meeting of all the primates of the Communion in January.
The decision came at a meeting in Cairo in midOctober. They were joined by Abp. Justin and Bp. Josiah
Idowu-Fearon a former bishop in the Church of Nigeria
who recently was appointed General Secretary of the
Anglican Communion.
In a communique issued after the meeting, they said
they welcomed Abp. Justins call for the primates to
suggest the agenda; We appreciate this very helpful
approach, one that gives us a sense of ownership and
responsibility to our meeting. We agreed on the agenda
items which we will request.
The communique did not disclose what those agenda items were, but some of them can be inferred from
the fact that it
went on to repeat
the are grieved
one more time
at the unilateral
decisions taken
by the last General Convention
of the Episcopal
Church (TEC) in the USA to redefine marriage and to
accept same-sex marriages. We see these latest resolutions as a clear departure from not only the accepted
traditional teaching of the Anglican Communion, but
also from that of the one Holy, Universal, and Apostolic
Church, which upholds the scriptural view of marriage
between one man and one woman.
The group also accepted the Anglican Church in
North America (ACNA) as a partner province, and
seated Abp. Foley Beach as a member of its Primates
Council. Abp. Justin had previously invited him to attend part of the gathering in January, but he has stopped
short of formally acknowledging ACNA as a province,
or Abp. Foley as a primate, within the Communion.
The Global South primates have heretofore refused
to attend meetings in which The Episcopal Church or

Church of Canada also participated.

In a pastoral letter a few days later, Archbishop
Eliud Wabukala, Primate of Kenya and chairman of
the GAFCON Primates Council, said he believed the
upcoming meeting will be an historic meeting unlike
anything that has gone before. There is now a shared
realisation that the time for dialogue is over and there
must be a decision that will settle the future direction of
the Communion and free us from being dragged down
by controversy and confusion.
British news reports have said Abp. Justin is expected at that meeting to propose some new form of relationship among the provinces, and effectively dissolve
the fractious and bitterly divided worldwide Anglican
communion and replace it with a much looser grouping. reorganized as a group of churches that are all
linked to Canterbury but no longer necessarily to each
other.
***
By the time you read this issue of the Pohick Post,
Bp. Katharine Jefferts will have concluded her nine-year
term, and Bp. Michael Curry will have been installed as
our new presiding bishop. In a Letter to the Church
marking the end of her arch-episcopacy, she said The
Episcopal Church has come a long way over those nine
years. We are no longer consumed by internal conflict
over various social issues. We are clearer about who we
are - a multinational church, with congregations in 17
nations, worshipping in countless different languages,
thriving in international, immigrant, and multicultural
contexts everywhere, and discovering the abundant life
that comes in turning
outward to love the
neighbors nearby and
far away. We are far
more conscious about
our vocation as partners in the mission
of God to reconcile
and heal the world,
particularly shaped
by the Five Anglican
Marks of Mission.
We are holding our
identity as Episcopal
Christians a bit more
confidently, even in the midst of our diversity. We are
also more willing to hold that identity lightly and graceContinued on page 11

Pohick Episcopal Church

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,

continued from page 10

fully in engaging other Christians and people of other

religious traditions, searching for what we dream of in
common shalom, the Reign of God, a more just and
peaceful world, with abundant life for all creation.
I am deeply grateful for what God has been up to
in the midst of our journey together, and I look forward
to seeing how this church of the middle way will continue to lead and partner as we travel the road home,
into Gods fullest dream of abundant life for all. I thank
the people of this Church and beyond for your prayers
over the last nine years especially in recognition that
we do this work together, never alone. May God bless
the next chapter of The Episcopal Churchs engagement
in Gods mission, as we go together into Galilee!
***
In one of her last official acts as presiding bishop,
she joined Abp. Justin, Bp. Michael and Bp. Shannon
Johnston to dedicate the new Immanuel Chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary, It replaces the historic chapel that was destroyed by fire some five years ago.
In his sermon, Abp. Justin raised questions that perhaps have special relevance to us at Pohick. He paraphrased a quotation set in brass in the floor of Coventry
Cathedral:

In 2010, to the Glory of God this chapel burned, and was rebuilt 2015.To the
Glory of God this chapel burned. Is it possible? Can such an event ever be seen to be
to the Glory of God?
Why yes, because in death and resurrection we are drawn back into the presence of
the living God who raised Jesus Christ from
the dead.
Buildings are things of power, with demands and instructions. In the UK, the Church of Englands ownership of 15,000 buildings - 9,000 officially
listed as of historic significance and thus protected in
one way or another, and unchangeable without permission from every heritage body you can think of, and such
ownership is not always by every parish priest seen as a
blessing. [laughter].
He brought to bear the hermeneutical tool of
Winnie the Pooh to help describe the situation we face:
If I remember rightly the story goes that sometimes
Pooh was on the honey pot and sometimes the honey
pot was on Pooh. Buildings can be like that. Sometimes
they are the servants of the Church, and sometimes they
are on top, her tyrant.
The Church is, after all, dynamic in its beauty and

November 2015 Page 11

its figure, whereas a building is static. So why is it that

we are so addicted to buildings, and what is it about this
astonishing and wonderful and beautiful space that capture the eye and the heart and the imagination? What
is it about this space, this building on a holy hill, that
enables us to feel a sense of exultation and beauty as we
come in?...
For Immanuel Chapel to live up to the beauty of
its architecture, it must be a place not of tidiness or conformity, but of transformation and daily conversion, as
Saint Benedict would have it.
It is to be a place where the encounter with God
turns a traveling crowd of pilgrims into the people who
meet God in Christ.
It is to be a place which accepts our motley variety
and untidiness, because it is full of human beings who
are all sinners; but in which those who come in as sinners find forgiveness, and go out with new heart and
hope to transform a world in which otherwise darkness
seems to extinguish light, fear surrounds and despairfilled suffering encompasses the weakest and the poorest.
It is through Jesus that this happens.
He concluded, Returning to Winnie-the-Pooh and
his honeypot, as all good stories must: this building is on
top of us when we serve it, and becomes the servant of
the people of God when it points to Jesus Christ, and
where
confronted
by that mystery and
love we fall in worship, find ourselves
reorientated through
the liturgy, are captivated by Gods holiness and sent out to
do His will.

To the glory
of God may future
generations burn with fire in this new chapel, just as they
did in the former one many of you here to follow the
words of Jesus in that chapel and on the arch opposite
me here, and go ye into all the world and preach the
gospel.

It is important to remember that despite all these controversies,

the work of the Church - globally, nationally, and locally - goes on.

As Bp. Susan observed, we consciously refuse to be a museum
church. Our Stewardship Commission continues to remind us of the
ways we at Pohick carry out that work, and spread the good News.
We continue to be the only Bible some people will ever read. Through
youth mission trips, food donations to LCAC, donations of school supplies and backpacks, the Gunston School tutoring program, and the
Community of Hope, Pohick continues to leak the love of God to
those in need.

Page 12 November 2015

Pohick Episcopal Church

2015 Christmas Mart Thursday, November 19

It is Christmas Mart month! The annual Pohick
Church Christmas Mart, sponsored by the Women of
the Church, Ann Mason Guild, and Martha Guild will
take place on Thursday, November 19 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.
There are MANY opportunities for the congregation, women and men, to participate in making this another successful Mart. A list of the various categories and
the respective chairmen is listed below. Find a place to
volunteer time and talents!
Attic Treasures (Beverly Peterson, Jane Goeller) clean out closets and bring in unwanted items. Please
make sure items are clean and in useable/working condition. PLEASE, NO CLOTHES! Also looking for
Christmas decorations - old/unwanted lights, ornaments, knick-knacks, etc.
Baked Goods/Pantry Shelf ( Judy Schmid & Edwardene Pitcock) - donate homemade cakes, pies, cookies, candy, fudge, breads, homemade jams, jellies, preserves, relishes, vinegars, etc.
Pohickery (Ann Mason Guild, Wendy Remaly &
Angela Edgemon) - crafts or items depicting the beautiful Pohick Church.
Consignment & Art Show (Edith Bartlett) - fine china, glass, silver, and crafts are sold on consignment.
Decorations (Rita Stankwitz) - help transform the
buildings into a beautiful Christmasy atmosphere.
Frozen Casseroles (Carol Heintze & Helen Parker)
- donate homemade frozen main dishes, soups, sauces,
casseroles, etc.
Jewelry (Cammie Liddle, Anne Poad, Pat Osisek) contribute old jewelry, both fine and costume.
Luncheon (Connie Myers) - help in the kitchen preparing the delicious lunch served on Mart day.
Waitresses (Anita Stribling) - volunteer to be one of
the lovely waitresses dressed in colonial costume to serve
the delicious luncheon.
Outside Crafters (Connie Myers) - there will be a few
tables that are rented to outside crafters, who add to the
affair and help draw the crowds.
Advertising & Publicity (Connie Myers) - it is important to get posters and flyers into the community, as
well as in local newspapers.
Docents (Docent Guild, Nancy Sage) - the Church
will be open for tours during the Mart, so Docents will
be needed.
Greeters - to greet the guests at the front door of the

Parish House and handout the Mart Booklet.

Set-up & Cleanup (Kathy Kirkland) - this is where
the MEN of the Church are encouraged to get involved!
The assistance of their muscle-power is needed. The
main setup, which is moving the heavy furniture, takes
place Tuesday evening, November 17. Cleanup, which
places things back to normal, begins right after the 2:00
pm closing time on Mart Day.
Mini-Mart - on November 22, the Sunday following
the Mart, a mini-mart is setup in the Common Room
offering items that remain. This gives those unable to attend the Mart on Thursday an opportunity to purchase
remaining crafts, baked goods, or Pantry shelf items.
Please see the Christmas Mart Newsstand in the
Common Room. There will be sign-up sheets and information on the event.
There are MANY ways to get involved with the
Christmas Mart. It is a great way to meet new friends
and share hours of fun. Come join the fun! The proceeds
raised from the Christmas Mart are divided among the
Ann Mason Guild, the Martha Guild, and the Women of
the Church. Funds will be used by these groups in various
outreach programs. There will be many announcements
and requests for help. Hopefully, there will be a volunteer
opportunity for all. Please contact the names listed above
or in further announcements, or contact Connie Myers
at 703-455-4652, [email protected].

2015
Christmas
Mart

November 19
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

November 2015 Page 13

Pohick Episcopal Church

Pohick Church Activities

NOVEMBER 2015

Sunday

NOV 1

All Saints Sunday

7:45a HE I
9a HE II/Baptism
10:15a Christian Ed
11:15a HE I/II
6p EYC Dinner

Monday

7p EFM/VH

Tuesday

9:30a Staff Mtg

Wednesday

2p HE, the Fairfax

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

Thursday

Friday

6:15p Bell Choir PYM Sr. High

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

Saturday

PYM Sr. High Retreat

8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew
9:30a Docent
Training

10a Alpha Retreat

1p Docent Tour

10

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

DEC 1

PYM Sr. High Retreat 7p EFM/VH

Proper 27b
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
10:15a Christian Ed
11:15a HE I/II

Proper 28b
7p EFM/VH
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
10:15a Christian Ed
11:15a HE I/II
6:30p EYC
Pohick Post Deadline

Last Pentecost, Year B

Stewardship Sunday
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
10:15a Christian Ed
11:15a HE I/II
5p Advent Wreath/
Potluck

9:30a Ann Mason Guild Mtg

9:30a Staff Mtg
10a DAR Luncheon
7:30p Vestry

Christmas
Mart Setup
9:30a Staff Mtg
7:30p Vestry

9:30a Staff Mtg

7p Docent
General Mtg
7p EFM/VH
8p Sheffield
Rec HOA

Advent 1c
7p EFM/VH
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
10:15a Christian Ed
11:15a HE I/II

9:30a Staff Mtg

4:30p Dove
Board Mtg

2p HE, the Fairfax

6p Alpha
6p St. Cecelia St.
Alban Choir
6p St. Francis Choir
7:30p Healing
Service
Christmas Mart Setup
2p HE, the Fairfax
6p Alpha
6p St. Cecelia St.
Alban Choir
6p St. Francis Choir
7:30p Healing Service
2p HE, the Fairfax
7:30p Healing
Service

2p HE, the Fairfax

6p COH/COC
6p St. Cecelia St.
Alban Choir
6p St. Francis Choir
7:30p Blue Christmas w/COH

6:15p Bell Choir

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

10a Christmas
Mart
6:15p Bell Choir
7p Boy Scouts
7:30p Choir of
Pohick
8:30p AA
Thanksgiving
Office Closed
8:30p AA

6:15p Bell Choir

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

14

8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew

8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew

Thanksgiving 8a Brotherhood
Office Closed of St. Andrew

8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew
1p Docent Tour
5p Candlelight
Dinner

Contact the Parish Secretary, Susan Hayward-Costa, to list group meetings or events on the calendar, [email protected].

Page 14 November 2015

Pohick Episcopal Church

SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

1 NOVEMBER
7:45
9:00

Mike Vaughn
Becky Wagner
Matt Gurrola
Beth Altman
Greg Wilson
Hal Yarwood

11:15 Angela Edgemon

8 NOVEMBER

Rodger Jones
Tony Marsico

Chris Brown
Jim Foster
Brent Goeller
Jan Hoffheins

Steve Edgemon

Rick Nelson
Bill Bland

7:00

A. Choi

E. Pitcock

1:00

D. Brownlee

J. Pasour

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

BJ McPherson

J. Brimmer
T. Biddlecomb

7:45 Susan Yarwood

9:00 M/M Eric Edmond
11:15 Paul Walden

M/M Ken Evans

7:45

Marsico (P)
Sunderland (R)

Rickenbaker (R)
Foresman (P)

11:15 Rickenbaker (P)

M. Harding (P)
S. Harding (R)

9:00

Choi (P)
Gastrell (R)
Pasour (R)

9:00 C. Knipling
11:15 M/M Costa

Frank VanDevelder

BJ McPherson
G. Delaune

Kathy Kirkland
Rita Smith

Dave Billingsley
Mike Wooten

Tom Bland
Dennis Myers
John Pasour
Pehr Pehrsson

Edwardene Pitcock
Beth Altman
Matt Gurrola
Fuzzy Thurston

N. Sunderland

F. Crawford

H. Parker

A. Choi

R. Heddleston

E. Pitcock

Bartlett/Remaly

M/M Myers

Pitcock/Schmid

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

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

J. Wells

R. Stankwitz

A. Stribling

M/M Pasour

T. Biddlecomb

T. Biddlecomb

TBD

TBD

TBD

ALTAR GUILD

COFFEE HOUR

TBD

Ayorinde (R)
Heddleston (P)

Paul Walden
Sandra Caesar

FLOWER GUILD

Schow/Hayward

Rachael Lamin

Becky Wagner
Mike Vaughn

TELLERS

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

29 NOVEMBER

Stew Remaly
Don Cooke

LOCK - UP

AM

22 NOVEMBER

Alan Mayberry
Mike Zane

OPEN - UP

Heintze/Jacobus

7:45 M/M Pasour

9:00 M/M Yarwood
11:15 TBD

USHERS

Dan Derbes
Grant Hodges
Dru Hodges
Bill Patton

12:15 M/M Brown

AM

15 NOVEMBER

M/M Lynn

GREETERS

M/M Harding

M/M Bartholomew

Doug Smith

Becky Wagner

M/M Rodger Jones

M/M Ryan Ickes

M/M Bill Poad

M/M Haufe

Sunderland (P)
Wagner (R)

Marsico (R)
Elston (P)

Marsico (R)
Wagner (P)

Elston (R)
Nelson (P)

Choi (R)
Rickenbaker (P)

Foresman (R)
Ayorinde (P)

C. Choi, Andrew & Emma John Dwyier

LAY READERS
M. Harding (R)
S. Harding (P)

DOCENTS
T. Bland

D. McHugh

Pasour (P)
Heddleston (R)

F. Crawford

H. Foresman

M/M Jud Sage

Gastrell (P)
Pasour (R)

P. Kind

B. Bland

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

Pohick Episcopal Church

November 2015 Page 15

eens in focus

Every year, teens who serve at Group Mission

Trips are asked to complete a survey about various
things. This past year the survey subject was fear, and
the teens were asked to rate fears on a continuum from
one to ten. The thing that scares kids the most - failure
and rejection. Because teens live in an environment
where everything they do is graded, mistakes feel like
getting a failing grade as a person. The fear of rejection
or disappointing others - parents, peers, partners - are
also ways teens experience fear.

At EYC, Jesus is introduced to the youth and his
power to help them overcome their fears. By following
Christ, they can experience the power of forgiveness
and know that He has their back. A faith community
is the best place to learn about Christ and experience
forgiveness and affirmation. The EYC youth group
provides a place where teens can make mistakes, try
new things, and still feel loved and affirmed. EYC
gives teens a structured environment to learn and
grow spiritually and the freedom to be who they are at
the moment. During youth group, teens are encouraged to grab the hand of Jesus thats extended to them
in the midst of failure and rejection.
EYC is a vital part of helping teens grow spiritually, learn how to live in community with others, and
experience the love and forgiveness of Jesus.

Coffee Hour Angels

Coffee Hour Coordinators are needed for the

9:00 am and 11:15 am coffee hours. Interested
in volunteering? Please contact Carol Heintze at
[email protected] for the 9:00 am/10:00
am coffee hour and Melody Yezek at myezek@
verizon.net for the 11:15
am coffee hour.
Volunteering for the
11:15 am service is a fairly
simple task. There is usually coffee left from the
9:00 am coffee hour and
there are rarely more than
15-20 people, so there is no need for Costco size
packages of goodies.

Golden Dove Gift Shop

End of Summer Display in Common Room

Thanks to all who made purchases from the display,

and also in the shop. All proceeds go to the church for
outreach and other needs. Visit the Golden Dove Gift
Shop on Sunday mornings, during docent tours, during the Christmas Mart, and other special events.
Regular Hours:
Sundays 8:00 am - 9:15 am and 10:15 - 11:00 am
THE GOLDEN DOVE WILL HAVE
A SPECIAL DISPLAY IN THE COMMON
ROOM AGAIN DURING DECEMBER.
Note the date and times in upcoming bulletins.
Become a Golden Dove volunteer - one hour shift
only one Sunday a month. Training provided.
Join the team by contacting Pamela Nelson
at [email protected] or 703-932-3378.

Golden Dove display at the Pohick Country Fair

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:

Reed Heddleston
Clint Herbert
John Pasour
Don Brownlee
Amanda Choi,
Caroline Cockroft,
Fred Crawford,
Dan Derbes, Helen Parker,
Edwardene Pitcock,
Zach Smith, Fuzzy Thurston,
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: [email protected] Web Site: www.pohick.org