pohick post, november 2015

POHICK POST

Let your light so shine (Matt. 5:16)

Pohick Episcopal Church9301 Richmond Highway • Lorton, VA 22079Telephone: 703-339-6572 • Fax: 703-339-9884

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NOVEMBER 2015From The RectorThe ReverendDonald D. Binder, PhD

A few years ago when I was serving on the Transi-tion Committee for the Suffragan Bishop elec-

tion, I helped staff one of the “Meet and Greet” ses-sions 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 com-piling those submissions, I, like the candidates them-selves, 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 Christ’s 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 don’t remember the specific an-swers 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

their prospective leadership modeled this particular biblical mandate. Why was I surprised? Because in my two-and-a-half decades of ordained ministry, I have nearly always found Episcopalians to be intensely private about their giving, often pointing to the verses in the Ser-mon 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). I’ve elsewhere reconciled the apparent contradic-tion between these two passages, so I’ll leave it to you to refer to the online Pohick Post archives for some thoughts on that ( Jan. 2013 edition). Here, I’ll only say that if it’s a fair-game question for bishop candi-dates, it’s fair-game for the rest of us clergy. I’ll 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 can’t give exact figures, but I do recall for many of those eleven-and-

Pohick Episcopal Church • November 2015

From the Rector: continued from page 1

a-half college years being a few percentage points be-low 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 lan-guage) 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 people’s tithe (see Numbers 18:20-32). Of course, there is always a reason behind God’s 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 giv-ing 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 Christ’s Kingdom through our congregation’s 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 se-riously. 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-a-half is in direct proportion to the generosity of those parishioners who have embraced tithing of their trea-sure, 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 Stew-ardship Campaign and hold our ingathering the Sun-day 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 embrac-ing 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 mis-sion together at Pohick Church.

Jackson-FeildSanta 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 Mer-ry Christmas. Pohick parishioners have been ex-tremely 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. Contribu-tions can be put in an alms bag or in Ann Mason mailbox in the office. Questions? Call Anne Poad, 703-455-1616.

christmas martFrozen casseroles

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, Num-ber of Servings. This information can be sent by email to [email protected].

Items should be com-pletely 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 November 2015 •

From The Assistant RectorThe ReverendDr. Ruth E. Correll, Ed.D.

episcopal church Womenannual 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 break-fast prepared for participants in the lovely modern fa-cility 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, particu-larly 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 mi-nors. 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 respect-ed person’s life. Or, one can make a donation to the “Book of Remembrances” in memory of a loved one.

During the worship service, ECW delegates formed a procession to bring the United Thank Of-fering 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 Su-dan. 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 an-nual meeting, and it was clear that currents are shift-ing 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 choic-es about use of these substantial donations. Soon, the first paid executive director may be hired to promote centralization, provide continuity, and encourage con-formity in purpose, priorities, and mission statements across the country. Thank you to all those who attend-ed 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 craft-ers that will be participating in the Christmas Mart. The truck is needed on Tuesday, No-vember 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].

Pohick Episcopal Church

christmas martconsignment and arts room

Now is the time to start looking through collect-ibles and think about sharing them with someone else. Items can be sold on consignment or donat-ed 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 craft-ers 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].

christmas mart JeWelry taBleDone some fall cleaning lately? Be aware

of any jewelry that is no longer worn, and please donate it for the Christmas Mart Jew-elry 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. Jew-elry can be left in the Church Office, or call Cammie Liddle at 703-971-7548.

senior Warden’s reportReed Heddleston, Senior Warden

Looking back on September, thanks to everyone who helped make the Pohick Country Fair a suc-cess. The month began as always with the Apple But-ter Gang operating like a well-oiled machine. Under the leadership of Randy Brooks and Jim Foster, they produced another wonderful, vintage year. The volun-teer 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 vol-unteer 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, per-form, and put away the fair. The music is always a high point, so a special thanks goes out to the Pohick Pick-ers and invited performers. The other September celebration was the re-dedication of the Common Room and kitchen. The congregation has worked hard over several years to remodel the Common Room, annex, and kitchen.

Many have labored long and hard to refurbish facili-ties 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 volun-teers were once again critical to the success at an af-fordable 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 concern-ing the safety of the electrical system. The electrical system is safe. A professional assessment is being con-ducted 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 dish-washer 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 op-erator.

• November 2015


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, I’m 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, we’ll 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 Ni-geria 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, Chris-tians 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 father’s death in 2000. Father and son come from the Islamic Alawite minority and have ruled essentially secular regimes. These brutal, despotic re-gimes, nevertheless, gave Christians more rights than in most Middle Eastern countries. While living under the same tyrannical system as all Syrians, the Chris-tians had the freedom to worship and run schools and churches. Pre-2011 Christians composed about 6.3% of the population composed primarily of Ro-man Catholic and Greek Orthodox, but also a num-ber of more ancient denominations such as the Syrian Orthodox Church, along with the Armenian Apos-tolic and Assyrian Church of the East. The Anglican Church in Syria was very small with only seven con-gregations. 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 sup-porting 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 cul-ture 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 Parlia-ment estimates, has been reduced from about 1.1 mil-lion 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 seri-ous humanitarian implications, but ISIS and its ilk are threatening to drive Christianity out of its birth-place. 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, Syr-

the persecution cornerBy Bob Munson

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

November 2015 •

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• November 2015

The Persecution Corner,continued from page 5ian Muslim tolerance of their Christian neighbors has turned into deadly attacks. This is accompanied by a general evolution to a polarized religious envi-ronment. The persecution points to a Middle East in-creasingly 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 Chris-tians 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/re-port/2015/03/12/108473/the-plight-of-christians-in-the-middle-east/

christian educationFrances 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 di-rect the pageant this year. The dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December12 from10:00 am until 12 noon. This rehearsal is for Kin-dergarteners through 8th grade students. The Christmas Pageant will be in the Church fol-lowing the 10:00 am service on December 13. A re-ception will be held in the Common Room after the completion of the Pageant. On November 15, the 4th, 5th and 6th grade stu-dents 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 makingand potluck dinner

Pohick’s 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 mean-ingful addition to the home for the observance of the Advent season. It would be appreciated if pa-rishioners could bring additional greenery for the wreaths. This promises to be a wonderful time for fellowship. All ques-tions should be directed to Frances Sessums at 703-425-2857.

historicpohick church docents’

candlelight dinnerTime 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 pur-chased 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 War-rior Project. Questions? Contact Charlotte Knipling at 703-946-1031.


I would like to make a donation towards the poinsettias and greensthat 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 13This form with check may be returned to the desk of the Church Secretary or dropped in the alms basket.

Christmas Flowers"


Stewardship Sunday is November 22, and you’ll 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: we’re not asking you to tithe this year. What we’re asking you to do is: 1) join the Vestry in ac-knowledging God’s abundant provision in your lives and pledge to offer generously of time, talent and money to do God’s 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. It’s a journey each of us can under-take if our faith is strong. The key to begin that jour-ney 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 week’s end. Certainly each one of us can do that much. The next step is to determine what you give now. We’re going to suggest that the percentage be deter-mined against your after-tax income. Even Jesus ac-knowledged 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 you’re anything like the author when he began the journey many years ago, you’ll be surprised at just how small that percentage is. Step three is to commit to increasing that percent-age just a little each year - starting with the coming year. What do we mean just a little? How about 0.25% per year? Let’s 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 in-creased their pledge by $6 per week, it would equate to nearly $50,000 per year. That’s 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.

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 windowsof heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” (Malachi 3:10)

Warm coat outreach proJectFor 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 provid-ing 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].


the martha guildConnie Myers

The Martha Guild will meet on Wednesday, Novem-ber 4, beginning at 7:30 pm in Classroom A. Discus-sion 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.

lcacthanksgiving Food BasketsOnce again the Outreach Committee of Po-

hick 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 al-low 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 pos-sible) • 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

music schedulenovemBer 2015

Sunday, November 1 • All Saints’ Day9:00 am Choir of Pohick, St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir11:15 am Gloria Jackson, soprano

Sunday, November 8 • Pentecost 24 Proper 279:00 am Choir of Pohick, St. Francis Choir11:15 am TG Powell, mezzo soprano

Sunday, November 15 • Pentecost 25 Proper 289:00 am Choir of Pohick, Pohick Pickers11:15 am St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir

Sunday, November 22 • The Last Sunday afterPentecost: The Realm of Christ9:00 am Choir of Pohick, Pohick Bell Choir11:15 am Pohick Bell Choir

Sunday, November 29 • The First Sunday of Advent9:00 am Choir of Pohick11:15 am Soloist

docent guild neWsEnd 2015 with a Pohick Church history re-

fresher! Please join new trainees and fellow His-toric 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 Guild’s 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. Comple-tion 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 703-680-1664. Make checks payable to Pohick Church Docent Guild and mail to Susan Hayward-Costa in the Church office.


update on issues in the anglican communionDon Brownlee, Co-chair, Policy and Planning Commission

This monthly report is part of the Vestry’s ongoing effort to in-form 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, ordi-nation 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 Arch-bishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s invitation to a meeting of all the primates of the Communion in Janu-ary. The decision came at a meeting in Cairo in mid-October. 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. Justin’s 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 agen-da 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 Gen-eral Convention of the Episcopal Church (TEC) in the USA to redefine marriage and to accept same-sex marriages. We see these latest resolu-tions 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 at-tend 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 expect-ed at that meeting to propose some new form of rela-tionship among the provinces, and “effectively dissolve the fractious and bitterly divided worldwide Anglican communion and replace it with a much looser group-ing…. 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 part-ners 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 grace-

Continued on page 11


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 con-tinue to lead and partner as we travel the road home, into God’s 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 Church’s engagement in God’s 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 Vir-ginia Theological Seminary, It replaces the historic cha-pel that was destroyed by fire some five years ago. In his sermon, Abp. Justin raised questions that per-haps have special relevance to us at Pohick. He para-phrased a quotation set in brass in the floor of Coventry Cathedral: “In 2010, to the Glory of God this cha-pel burned, and was rebuilt 2015….To the Glory of God this chapel burned. Is it pos-sible? Can such an event ever be seen to be to the Glory of God? Why yes, because in death and resurrec-tion we are drawn back into the presence of the living God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Buildings are things of power, with de-mands and instructions. In the UK, the Church of Eng-land’s ownership of 15,000 buildings - 9,000 officially listed as of historic significance and thus protected in one way or another, and unchangeable without permis-sion 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

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,continued from page 10

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 cap-ture 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 con-formity, 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 sin-ners 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 despair-filled suffering encompasses the weakest and the poor-est. “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 wor-ship, find ourselves reorientated through the liturgy, are capti-vated by God’s holi-ness 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 sup-plies and backpacks, the Gunston School tutoring program, and the Community of Hope, Pohick continues to “leak the love of God” to those in need.


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 un-til 2:00 pm. There are MANY opportunities for the congrega-tion, women and men, to participate in making this an-other 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 con-dition. PLEASE, NO CLOTHES! Also looking for Christmas decorations - old/unwanted lights, orna-ments, knick-knacks, etc. Baked Goods/Pantry Shelf ( Judy Schmid & Ed-wardene Pitcock) - donate homemade cakes, pies, cook-ies, candy, fudge, breads, homemade jams, jellies, pre-serves, relishes, vinegars, etc. Pohickery (Ann Mason Guild, Wendy Remaly & Angela Edgemon) - crafts or items depicting the beauti-ful Pohick Church. Consignment & Art Show (Edith Bartlett) - fine chi-na, 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 pre-paring 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 im-portant 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 at-tend 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 infor-mation 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].

2015ChristmasMartNovember 1910:00 am - 2:00 pm


Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdayNOV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7All Saints’ Sunday

7:45a HE I9a HE II/Baptism10:15a Christian Ed11:15a HE I/II6p EYC Dinner

7p EFM/VH 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax6p St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir6p St. Francis Choir7:30p Healing Service7:30p Martha Guild

6:15p Bell Choir7p Boy Scouts7:30p Choir of Pohick8:30p AA

PYM Sr. High Retreat

PYM Sr. High Retreat8a Brotherhood of St. Andrew9:30a Docent Training10a Alpha Retreat1p Docent Tour

8 9 10 11 12 13 14PYM Sr. High RetreatProper 27b7:45a HE I9a HE II10:15a Christian Ed11:15a HE I/II

7p EFM/VH 9:30a Ann Ma-son Guild Mtg9:30a Staff Mtg10a DAR Lun-cheon7:30p Vestry

2p HE, the Fairfax6p Alpha6p St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir6p St. Francis Choir7:30p Healing Service


8a Brotherhood of St. Andrew

15 16 17 18 19 20 21Proper 28b7:45a HE I9a HE II10:15a Christian Ed11:15a HE I/II6:30p EYCPohick Post Deadline

7p EFM/VH ChristmasMart Setup

9:30a Staff Mtg7:30p Vestry

Christmas Mart Setup2p HE, the Fairfax6p Alpha6p St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir6p St. Francis Choir7:30p Healing Service

10a Christmas Mart6:15p Bell Choir7p Boy Scouts7:30p Choir of Pohick8:30p AA


22 23 24 25 26 27 28Last Pentecost, Year BStewardship Sunday7:45a HE I9a HE II10:15a Christian Ed11:15a HE I/II5p Advent Wreath/Potluck

7p Docent General Mtg7p EFM/VH8p Sheffield Rec HOA

9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax7:30p Healing Service

ThanksgivingOffice Closed

8:30p AA

ThanksgivingOffice Closed


29 30 DEC 1 2 3 4 5Advent 1c7:45a HE I9a HE II10:15a Christian Ed11:15a HE I/II

7p EFM/VH 9:30a Staff Mtg4:30p Dove Board Mtg

2p HE, the Fairfax6p COH/COC6p St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir6p St. Francis Choir7:30p Blue Christ-mas w/COH


8a Brotherhood of St. Andrew1p Docent Tour5p Candlelight Dinner

Pohick Church ActivitiesNOVEMBER 2015

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


The Sunday Service Volunteers Schedule is also available at Pohick Church’s website, www.pohick.org, under “Ministries.”

SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS1 NOVEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 15 NOVEMBER 22 NOVEMBER 29 NOVEMBER

7:45 Mike VaughnBecky Wagner

Rodger JonesTony Marsico

Alan MayberryMike Zane

Stew RemalyDon Cooke

Becky WagnerMike Vaughn

9:00 Matt GurrolaBeth AltmanGreg WilsonHal Yarwood

Chris BrownJim FosterBrent GoellerJan Hoffheins

Dan DerbesGrant HodgesDru HodgesBill Patton

Tom BlandDennis MyersJohn PasourPehr Pehrsson

Edwardene PitcockBeth AltmanMatt GurrolaFuzzy Thurston

11:15 Angela EdgemonSteve Edgemon

Rick NelsonBill Bland

Paul WaldenSandra Caesar

Kathy KirklandRita Smith

Dave BillingsleyMike Wooten

7:00 A. Choi E. Pitcock N. Sunderland F. Crawford H. Parker

1:00 D. Brownlee J. Pasour A. Choi R. Heddleston E. Pitcock

12:15 M/M Brown Heintze/Jacobus Bartlett/Remaly M/M Myers Pitcock/Schmid

AM J. SunderlandN. BireleyA. CannonC. HeddlestonJ. MacDonaldM. HartigR. Teale, B. Wagner

J. SunderlandN. BireleyA. CannonC. HeddlestonJ. MacDonaldM. HartigR. Teale, B. Wagner

J. WellsN. SageC. FosterJ. GeschickterJ. MullinsH. ParkerR. Stankwitz

J. WellsN. SageC. FosterJ. GeschickterJ. MullinsH. ParkerR. Stankwitz

BJ McPhersonA. Powell, J. SchmidM. TonkinD. TrussellE. PitcockA. MarsicoM. Yezek

AM BJ McPherson J. Brimmer J. Wells R. Stankwitz A. Stribling

7:45 M/M Pasour T. Biddlecomb M/M Pasour T. Biddlecomb T. Biddlecomb

9:00 M/M Yarwood Schow/Hayward M/M Lynn M/M Harding M/M Bartholomew

11:15 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

7:45 Susan Yarwood M/M Ken Evans Doug Smith Becky Wagner M/M Rodger Jones

9:00 M/M Eric Edmond Rachael Lamin C. Choi, Andrew & Emma John Dwyier M/M Jud Sage

11:15 Paul Walden Frank VanDevelder M/M Ryan Ickes M/M Bill Poad M/M Haufe

7:45 Marsico (P)Sunderland (R)

Rickenbaker (R)Foresman (P)

Sunderland (P)Wagner (R)

Marsico (R)Elston (P)

Marsico (R)Wagner (P)

9:00 Choi (P)Gastrell (R)

Ayorinde (R)Heddleston (P)

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

Pasour (P)Heddleston (R)

Gastrell (P)Pasour (R)

11:15 Rickenbaker (P)Pasour (R)

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

Elston (R)Nelson (P)

Choi (R)Rickenbaker (P)

Foresman (R)Ayorinde (P)

9:00 C. Knipling BJ McPherson T. Bland F. Crawford P. Kind

11:15 M/M Costa G. Delaune D. McHugh H. Foresman B. Bland

OPEN - UP

LOCK - UP

TELLERS

ALTAR GUILD

FLOWER GUILD

COFFEE HOUR

USHERS

GREETERS

LAY READERS

DOCENTS


Ṫeens 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 encour-aged to grab the hand of Jesus that’s extended to them in the midst of failure and rejection. EYC is a vital part of helping teens grow spiritu-ally, learn how to live in community with others, and experience the love and forgiveness of Jesus.

Golden Dove display at the Pohick Country Fair

golden dove giFt shopEnd 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, dur-ing 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.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 usu-ally 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.

Pohick Church9301 Richmond HighwayLorton, Virginia 22079-1519

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

P A I DPermit No. 2Lorton, VA

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

Pohick Church Staff

Rector:

The R

ev’d Donald

Binder, PhD

Assistant: Th

e Rev’d D

r. Ruth

E

. Correll, E

d.D.

Seminarian:

James R

ickenbakerM

inister of Music:

Linda Egan

Director of

Christian Ed: Frances Sessum

sYouth M

inister: R

usty BoothParish Secretary:

Susan Hayward-C

ostaFinance Adm

in: M

ike Morgan

Sexton: John Sessum

s

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

hurch Offi

ce Em

ail: [email protected] • W

eb Site: www.pohick.org

Pohick Church Vestry

Sr. Warden:

Reed H

eddlestonJr. W

arden: C

lint Herbert

Treasurer: John Pasour

Register:

Don Brownlee

Mem

bers: A

manda C

hoi,

Caroline C

ockroft,

Fred Crawford,

D

an Derbes, H

elen Parker,

Edwardene Pitcock,

Z

ach Smith, Fuzzy Th

urston,

Russ W

yllie

VE

ST

RY

• G

RA

M

To: The Vestry

Date: _____________________ Subject: _____________________

From:

pohick post, november 2015

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