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

n midsummer of 1620, a ragged band of settlers

boarded a ship anchored off Englands Plymouth
harbor. They were seeking to establish a community
in the New World: a place where they could worship
Christ without fear of persecution. For during the
reign of James I, their brand of Christianity - Separatist Puritanism - was little tolerated in England.
And so the 102 colonists who sailed off on the
Mayflower that summer dreamed of establishing a
remote community where they could make a decent
living, worship as they saw fit, and generally lead the
simple life outlined in the pages of the New Testament.
Yet this band of brave Pilgrims faced many hardships: a long and arduous voyage across a furious
ocean, a rugged and untamed land to settle, and the
prospect of meeting with disease and hostile natives.
They had planned to come to Virginia in order to
begin their new life not far from where Jamestown
had been established thirteen years earlier. But after
enduring a grueling sixty-six day voyage, the Pilgrims
landed far north of their planned destination, in a
little-charted region of Massachusetts. Unguarded by
other established colonies, they quickly went to work
building cabins to protect themselves from attack, as
well as from the approaching cold of winter.
With little fruit and few vegetables left for them
to eat, a great sickness fell upon the Pilgrims that

NOVEMBER 2016
winter. Nearly half of them died from scurvy, pneumonia, or typhus. Wives lost their husbands, and husbands buried their wives and children. Three entire
families were wiped out. Despite these hardships, the
community survived.
The spring sunlight brought rays of hope as the
Pilgrims planted their fields and made peace agreements with the surrounding Native American tribes.
It was with these Indigenous Americans that the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving in October
of 1621 - the one that most of us recall at our celebrations later this month.
Reflecting back on the adversity they had faced in
their first years, William Bradford, then governor of
the colony, would later write:
May not and ought not [our children] rightly
say: Our fathers were Englishmen which came
over this great ocean, and were ready to perish
in the wilderness; but they cried unto the Lord
and He heard their voice and looked on their
adversity . . . let [us] therefore praise the Lord,
because He is good; and His mercies endure
forever.
********************************************
Over the course of the current presidential campaign, there has been a lot of discussion, much of it
heated, about whether or not to allow entry to refugees from Syria and other parts of the worn-torn
Middle East. Most of the concerns expressed stem
from the worry that a terrorist operative or ISIS
Continued on page 2

Page 2 November 2016

Pohick Episcopal Church

From the Rector:

continued from page 1
sympathizer would be among those allowed into the
country. Having witnessed the suffering of families
whose loved ones have been victimized by perpetrators of such domestic terrorist attacks, I can understand and sympathize with these apprehensions.
At the same time, Im reminded that we also pray
in our church every week for Christians and others
around the world . . . who continue to face persecution for their faith. Whats more, each November we
join with millions of Christians in observing the Day
of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We will do so
again this year on Sunday, November 13th.
Whenever we offer those prayers, part of me
wishes that we could do more to help such persons
- something more tangible than praying. Reflecting on the plight of the Pilgrims each Thanksgiving
intensifies that desire, especially when I recall that
some of my own ancestors were French Huguenots
who arrived on these shores in the early 18th century,
seeking relief from the religious persecution they had
faced in their homeland.
Surely we can lend a helping hand to those in
similar (and indeed, even more severe) circumstances
today, while at the same time working to ensure that
there are no terrorist plants among them. More-

over, since approximately 10% of Syrian refugees are

Christians, surely we can insist that our leaders approve a proportionate number of refugee applications
to such families (currently, they are reportedly only
0.5% of those being admitted), particularly because
they are usually the ones most savagely persecuted
under ISIS. Surely the present either/or divide on
this issue can be replaced with a both/and solution
that is in keeping with our Christian (and American)
values.
As we gather around our dinner tables at Thanksgiving later this month - and indeed around the
communion table each week - I pray that we will remember those of our American forebears who sacrificed so much for their children, grandchildren, and
the generations yet unborn; that we will remember
those who helped them along the way, many of whose
names are known to God alone; and most of all, that
we will remember the sacrifice of our own Lord Jesus
Christ, whose own great deed of compassion opened
the gates of divine blessing for us all.
Then, with these things firmly in mind, I pray that
we will each seek ways to offer aid and support to
those truly in need, so that together we might echo
those early words of William Bradford: Let [us]
therefore praise the Lord, because he is good; and His
mercies endure forever.

Advent Celebration

Gifts for Jackson-Feild Homes

Larry Nelson, a member of the Historic Pohick

Church Docent Guild, portraying General William Brown, MD, invites everyone to an Evening
Prayer Service at 5:30 pm on Saturday, December
3. The service at Pohick will be followed by dinner at The Fairfax to celebrate the beginning of the
Advent Season.
A social hour with a cash bar will begin at 6:15
pm. The buffet dinner will be served at 7:00 pm with
dessert and a short program at 8:00 pm. Transportation will be provided by The Fairfax shuttle from
the Colchester parking lot.
Reservations may be purchased at coffee hours
following the church services or from Susan Costa,
Pohick Church Secretary. The cost is $50 per person.
Checks should be made payable to Pohick Church
with Dr. Browns Advent Dinner in the memo
line. All proceeds beyond the cost of the dinner will
be contributed to the Pohick Church Foundation.

For more than two decades, the Ann Mason

Guild has supplied Christmas gifts for the young
people at Jackson-Feild Homes thanks to generous help from the Pohick congregation. JacksonField opened in1855 in Jarrett, Virginia as a residential home for young people who have suffered
severe emotional trauma. For some of these residents, these are the only Christmas gifts they will
receive.
Last year, 15 children were supported and
with additional help, it would be nice to make
it 16 children this year. Please consider helping
by writing a check to Ann
Mason Guild with JacksonFeild on the memo line.
Contributions can be put in
the alms bag or in the Ann
Mason box in the office.

Pohick Episcopal Church

From The Assistant Rector

The Reverend
Dr. Ruth E. Correll, Ed.D.
Episcopal Church Women
Meeting at Aquia

On Thursday, October 13, nine women from

Pohick Church headed south to Aquia Episcopal
Church in Stafford for the annual meeting of the
ECW. The large group for the trip was primarily to
reconnect with our recently graduated seminarian,
the Rev. James Rickenbaker. He was wearing a deacons stole from Pohick and appears to be thriving at
the historic church that predates ours by a bit. James
anticipates ordination to the priesthood in December
if all the paperwork goes smoothly. His new wife, Rachel, is back to work while completing her recovery
from a concussion suffered when someone rear ended
her.
Men in long black coats wearing black stovepipe
hats met us in the parking lot and directed us to the
new recently completed education building at Aquia
Church. The 141 registrants met in the large common
room at round tables. The tall windows afforded a
splendid view of the historic church building straight
ahead.
We were treated to a fine breakfast buffet of
scones and other baked goods, fruit, and self-constructed yogurt parfaits. The hostesses in the kitchen
quietly made the transition from breakfast to a bountiful lunch. We could choose among several kinds of
sandwiches and a variety of colorful and nutritional
salads. James made sure to include vegan items. Because we ate such healthy meals, we could proceed
without guilt to the table loaded with cookies of all
sorts often presented in tall vases. Kudos for 31 Aquia
ladies who provided warm hospitality and delicious
cuisine!
Now to business - Heres a terrific idea from the
ECW.
Note to Altar Guild Members: At the Diocese of Virginia Annual Convention on January 27-28, 2017, a
Swap Meet will allow Altar Guild leaders to exchange
items they do not need for items other churches may bring.
Whatever is left over will be donated to churches overseas
in need of altar vessels for worship.

November 2016 Page 3

ECW raises funds mostly for charities within

the diocese that minister to the needs of women and
children especially related to poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, and human trafficking. Eleven
students received $500 scholarships for their college
or seminary studies. A chaplain from Grace Inside
gave a dramatic presentation of ministry to women in
prison.
The keynote speaker was our own bishop, the
Right Reverend Susan E. Goff. She presented a slide
show entitled Walk in Love depicting her many
travels in the past year to Central American nations,
Tiawan, and England. Highlights were a meeting
with Pope Francis, attending the consecration of our
new Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, and preaching
at the ordination of women priests in the diocese of
Liverpool where she has been appointed a visiting
bishop.
The day concluded with Holy Eucharist in the
historic church building where Bishop Goff preached
about our interconnectedness. In this election year,
she stated that it is not appropriate for churches to
tell others who we vote for or how to vote. Rather,
politics is about how we help each other to live together and in the world to bring healing.

Christmas Mart Jewelry Table

Consider donating unwanted jewelry to the

Christmas Mart Jewelry Table for the Christmas
Mart on November 17. 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 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 marked for Ann Poad.

Send News!

Articles for the December 2016 Pohick Post

are due no later than November 15!
Forward input by email in Word compatible
format to Lori Buckius, raebuck@aol.com.
Design concerns & items for the Sunday
Service Volunteers page should be addressed
to Carmel Hodge, cchodge@aol.com.

Page 4 November 2016

Senior Wardens Report

Helen Parker, Senior Warden

November is the beginning of a busy season for

Pohick - including the Christmas Mart, Stewardship
Drive, and Advent Wreath making. A great time to
work together as a parish.
Congratulations to the first Eagle Scout Court of
Honor from Troop 899, Ethan Meek.
At their October meeting, the Vestry approved a
40 x 60 sidewalk sign for advertising events at Pohick Church. The Communication Commission reported the donation of two smaller outdoor frames
with changeable lettering that are available for any
group to use to promote events. Approval was given
for a capital expenditure of up to $3800 to upgrade
the Parish House electrical system making it possible
to install a new dishwasher.
A slate for new Vestry nominations is being prepared. Anyone interested in serving or recommending a parishioner, please speak with a current member
of the Vestry.
As always, submit a VestryGram or speak with a
member of the Vestry with any questions or concerns.

Country Fair

The 71st annual Pohick Country Fair is now history. The Fair was blessed with good weather and
good attendance. Thanks to all the people and
groups who helped make the fair a successful
event. The most amazing part of the Fair is the
fellowship and cooperation of so many. The Apple
Butter Gang, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, the
Pohick Pickers, all the guilds, and individuals. This
is the real essence of the Fair; fellowship among
the parishioners and the public. It is impossible to
thank everyone. But special acknowledgement to
Clint Herbert, Stew Remaly, and Ann Derbes for
service above and beyond the call of duty.

Pohick Episcopal Church

Stewardship Corner

One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peters brother,

said to Him, Here is a boy with five barley loaves and
two small fish. But what difference will these make
among so many? ( John 6:8-9)
The gifts of time, talent and treasure are vital, not
only to Pohick, but to the ministry of God in the
world. Christian tradition requires a healthy church
to undertake more than worship. We are also asked,
through a series of ministries and activities, to undertake outreach, pastoral care, Christian formation, and
community building. These expectations may be met
only through the stewardship of parishioners. The
fact that your stewardship allows Pohick not only to
support 70+ ministries and activities, but to continue
to add to that total, is truly impressive.
That is only possible because Pohick is more than
a historic landmark. We are a uniquely active church
family. We take seriously Christs call to love God
wholly and one another as ourselves. We care about
those who worship here in this unique church every
week, about our neighbors, and about the community
around us. That is stewardship as the apostles lived it
and as Paul preached it.
In John 6:9 we are introduced to a boy who has
five barley loaves and two fishes. It is all he has, but he
offers them to Jesus and the miracle of the feeding of
the 5000 unfolds. Today, as then, God may multiply
the gifts (time, talent
and treasure) which
we offer in powerful
and surprising ways.
As we approach the
new year, we would
ask that you prayerfully consider expanding your gift of time, talent and treasure so that
the light that is Pohick Church can shine even more
brightly in 2017.
On Sunday, November 20th, on the eve of Thanksgiving, you will have the opportunity to bring your
commitments forth before God and we will ask Him
to support your stewardship goals. Of course, you may
also mail your commitment. If you have any questions
about completing the commitment card, please contact Fuzzy, Dan Derbes (treasurer), or Mike Morgan
(finance administrator).

Pohick Episcopal Church

November 2016 Page 5

The Persecution Corner

By Bob Munson
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land;
but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. (Hebrews 11:29)

I have come to know the father of one of my daughters friends who believes his former Eritrean home is a
Christian nation. This country lies on the west bank of
the Red Sea as a bridge between Africa and the Middle
East and certainly has a large Christian population. Despite this native population, persecution of the countrys
Christians has become more intense in the last few years
due to dictatorial paranoia as the OpenDoorsUK.org
website - 60 years serving persecuted Christians nicely formulates.
After a long, bloody struggle Eritrea broke off from
Ethiopia in 1991 with its independence formally approved in a 1993 referendum. At the time, many believed that the leaders of both Eritrea and Ethiopia
represented a new generation for Africa and could
lead their countries bravely and tolerantly into the future. Ethiopia has become increasingly authoritarian
but with a growing economy while Eritrea has become
one of the most secretive and repressive countries in the
world. It rivals North Korea in oppression, enjoys little
economic success and has turned into a source for refugees fleeing to Europe, slowly bleeding the country of
its young people who want to escape national service
which has no end.
Estimates of Eritreas population reach about 5.9
million with the rough proportions being about 50%
Muslim and 47% Christian (some sources name Christians as a slight majority - as in many countries, few
statistics are more than estimates). Orthodox Christianity has existed in Eritrea since at least the 4th century,
making it one of the oldest Christian countries in the
world; after independence from Ethiopia, the church
here got its own patriarch. Today the country has only
four officially recognized religious groups: Sunni Islam,
Eritrean Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Lutheran. The
great majority of Christians are still Orthodox with only
small numbers of Roman Catholics, Lutherans and other Protestant denominations. Other than the four recognized faiths, the government bans religious groups from
meeting and practicing while the recognized groups are
increasingly persecuted, having to endure government
appointments and other interference. Theoretically, additional groups can register with the government to

become recognized, but practically the government has

prevented this from happening for over 10 years.
President Isaias Afewerki has ruled Eritrea with
an iron hand since 1993. He is an Eritrean Orthodox
Christian but nevertheless sees Christians as agents of
the West, especially the various unauthorized evangelical denominations. This, compounded by a policy of
self-reliance which has gained strength since 2005, leads
the government to persecute any groups, such as religious denominations, which could potentially oppose
the government. The extreme dictatorship feeds persecution in a nominally Christian nation. As an example
of its iron grip, the government even arrested and held
the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church captive until deposing him a short while later in 2006. As just another
example, the government arrested Pastor Haile Naigzhi in 2004 and he remains in prison today. In 2013 his
wife and children had to flee the country after receiving credible threats that they were to be seized (www.
opendoorsusa.org). Like in many other nations, Christian persecution is just one manifestation of repression
within the society but because it reaches to the heart of
peoples identities, affects them especially hard.
OpenDoorsUK requests that Christians keep the
people of Eritrea in their prayers. In the month ahead,
please pray:
For comfort for imprisoned Christians - many
have now been in captivity for 11 years [or more!].
For provision and protection for believers [i.e. converts to Christianity] from Muslim backgrounds who
are rejected by their communities and targeted by extremists.
For the thousands of refugees who risk the dangerous journey to Europe - especially women and children,
who are particularly vulnerable to human traffickers.
Hopefully the refugees can safely pass through the
Red Sea or on their chosen routes to safety. Please remember that when we hear of the refugee streams into
Europe, immigration into the US, and the often antimigrant polemics of politicians that these migrants are
people, usually fleeing something much worse, such as
Eritrean repression, than the hard journeys across the
lands and oceans.

Page 6 November 2016

Pohick Episcopal Church

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion

Don Brownlee, Member of Policy and Planning Commission

This monthly report is part of the Vestrys ongoing effort to inform and update the Parish about the ongoing
controversies within The Episcopal Church (TEC) and the
Anglican Communion. These controversies largely involve
the blessing of same-sex unions, ordination of non-celibate
homosexuals, interpretation of Scripture, and breakdown
of traditional boundary lines between Provinces.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby led
a group of primates and bishops from across the
Anglican Communion - including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry - to Rome last month to meet
with Pope Francis and bishops from the Roman
Catholic Church. The gathering marked the 50th
Anniversary of an historic meeting between their
predecessors, Abp. Michael Ramsey and Pope Paul
VI. That 1966 meeting was first between the leaders of the two denominations in almost 400 years.
The two jointly
led vespers at the
monastery Church
of San Gregorio al
Celio. During the
service, Abp. Justin presented Pope
Francis with a silver Cross of Nails, a
symbol of reconciliation born in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral after it was destroyed by German
warplanes in 1940. Pope Francis gave Abp. Justin a
replica of St. Gregorys pastoral staff.
The setting for the service had particular significance: St. Augustine was prior at the monastery
when he was sent by Pope St. Gregory the Great to
evangelize England in 597. Last year the monastery sent its precious relic, the head of St. Gregorys
crozier, to Abp. Justin to serve symbol of prayer and
support for the him and the Anglican Communion
during the Primates Gathering and Meeting in
January. Pope Francis gave Abp. Justin a replica of
it at the service.
In a Common Declaration issues after their
meetings, they said that although much progress
had been made in the last 50 years concerning areas that had kept the two churches apart for four
centuries, new circumstances have presented new

disagreements among us, particularly regarding the

ordination of women and more recent questions
regarding human sexuality. Behind these differences lies a perennial question about how authority
is exercised in the Christian community.
While, like our predecessors, we ourselves do
not yet see solutions to the obstacles before us, we
are undeterred. In our trust and joy in the Holy
Spirit we are confident that dialogue and engagement with one another will deepen our
understanding and
help us to discern
the mind of Christ
for his Church.
These differences we have named
cannot prevent us
from
recognizing
one another as brothers and sisters in Christ by reason of our common baptism. Nor should they ever
hold us back from discovering and rejoicing in the
deep Christian faith and holiness we find within
each others traditions. These differences must not
lead to a lessening of our ecumenical endeavors
Nor should our differences come in the way of our
common prayer: not only can we pray together, we
must pray together, giving voice to our shared faith
and joy in the Gospel of Christ, the ancient Creeds,
and the power of Gods love, made present in the
Holy Spirit, to overcome all sin and division. And
so, with our predecessors, we urge our clergy and
faithful not to neglect or undervalue that certain
yet imperfect communion that we already share.
Wider and deeper than our differences are
the faith that we share and our common joy in the
Gospel.
The two commissioned 19 pairs of bishops, one
Anglican and one Roman Catholic, to send them
forth in pairs as the Lord sent out the seventy-two
disciples. Let their ecumenical mission to those on
the margins of society be a witness to all of us, and
let the message go out from this holy place, as the
Continued on page 7

Pohick Episcopal Church

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,

continued from page 6

Good News was sent out so many centuries ago,

that Catholics and Anglicans will work together
to give voice to our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, to bring relief to
the suffering, to bring peace
where there is conflict, to
bring dignity where it is denied and trampled upon.
Bp. Michael noted in a
video from Rome that the
meeting marked more than
celebrating the anniversary
of an historic meeting. The
primates and bishops there were, he said, Carrying
on the Jesus Movement together as Roman Catholics and as Anglicans...Were here to rededicate
ourselves and our churches and our communities
to the work of Jesusto make sure that children
do not go to bed hungry, to proclaim the Good
News of Jesus to all Creation, to help to make followers of Jesus Christso that this world looks
something less like our nightmare, and something
more like Gods dream.
***
Abp. Justin held two other significant ecumenical meetings in October. Shortly after returning
from Rome, he hosted the patriarch of the Serbian
Orthodox Church, His Holiness Irinej, at Lambeth
Palace. The visit marked the marked the centenary
of the first time an Orthodox Christian preached
from the pulpit of Londons St Pauls Cathedral.
Abp. Justin noted that Serbia is facing countless tens of thousands driven by darkness from their
own homes. And, tragically, as in the past, Europe
has not, in a united way, risen to this challenge,
and Serbia has had to bear a great burden and
the Orthodox Church has demonstrated, again, its
faithfulness.
Patriarch Irinej said that at a time in which the
world was saturated with confusion and unrest,
the churches had to seek ways which allow us to
approach each other more closely, to put aside that
which possibly divides us and makes us become
distant.
But at the same time to build from within that

November 2016 Page 7

which is common to us and indeed there is much

in common between you and us, both of us and
the Roman Catholics, and, of course, the Protestant world. It is on that foundation that we need
to build our common relationships. I trust this is
the will of God, and that this is what God expects
from us. This is why we need to be servants of the
mission, of evangelization in our times and in our
world.
The next week, Abp. Justin met with the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.
Patriarch Kirill was in Britain to participate in
celebrations marking 300 years of the presence of
the Russian Orthodox Church in the country.
The Anglican News Services official report on
their visit said It was acknowledged that tensions
currently exist between the Governments of their
two countries. Archbishop Justin and Patriarch
Kirill agreed that the first loyalty of the Christian
Church is to the Lord Jesus Christ, and they affirmed that reconciliation was the key ministry of
the Church in situations of conflict.
The Patriarch is considered a supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and has backed
Russias activities in the Crimea and Ukraine.
Elsewhere:
The primates of the province Aotearoa, New
Zealand and Polynesia of have named a working
group to develop structural arrangements to allow people with differing theological convictions
on blessing same-sex relationships together to remain together in the church. These structural relationships are intended to safeguard differing
theological viewpoints. The working group was
requested by the provinces General Synod earlier
this year when it postponed a decision on blessing
of same-sex relationships until its 2018 meeting.
The province recognizes three bishops as its
primates. In a letter announcing official creation of
the working group, the three wrote that they have
beenhumbled by their meetings with those who
have sought to discuss issues of sexuality with them
since the Synod decision in May.
What has stood out is the grace, the compassion and the goodwill reflected in these discusContinued on page 8

Page 8 November 2016

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,

continued from page 7

sions, they said. A very high proportion of those

who have spoken with us are so clearly genuinely
seeking to step into the shoes of those they disagree with.
There is a clear determination to come around
the table and work for mechanisms that allow us to
move forward together in mission without minimising or denying our differences.
The working group will consist of six priests
and lay people who will do the actual work, and a
larger advisory group with members suggested by
the various interest groups involved in the issue,
and legal advisers.
The Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky has told
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry that its relationship with its bishop, Douglas
Hahn, is irreparably broken,
and asked that he use his
authority under the Canons
of The Episcopal Church to
start a process that could end
in dissolving the pastoral relationship and removing Bp.
Hahn from his position.
In March, Bp. Hahn acknowledge he had a sexual
relationship with an adult female parishioner several years before being called as bishop in 2012. He
also acknowledged intentionally withholding this
information from the search committee during the
episcopal election process. He was suspended for
one year by the presiding bishop.
Since that time, the Standing Committee has
reached out to the priests and people of the diocese
asking how Bp. Hahnss admissions had affected
them and their congregation; whether they felt the
integrity of the relationship between the bishop
and the people of the diocese can be restored; what
they saw as the advantages and disadvantages of
restoring him to his position as bishop; and where
they had experienced grace during this time.
It asked the same questions of Bp. Hahn.
The Standing Committee reported that the listening process showed that most who responded to
surveys have forgiven Bp. Hahn for his sexual mis-

Pohick Episcopal Church

conduct. But an overwhelming majority continued

to struggle with the fact that he deceived the search
committee, and they did not believe the integrity
of the relationship with the diocese can be restored.
The Standing Committees conclusion: Bp.
Hahn was dishonest throughout the search
process that chose him as bishop; as a priest, he
abused his position of power when he committed sexual misconduct with a parishioner; and the
emotional and spiritual effort necessary to attempt
restoration of the relationship would continue to
divert significantly Diocesan focus and resources
away from the mission and ministry to which we
are called.
It therefore asked the presiding bishop to dissolve the pastoral relationship.
Bp. Hahn has not accepted the Standing Committees conclusion, so Bp. Michael will now appoint a mediator. If mediation fails, a recommendation could eventually be made that the House
of Bishops dissolve the relationship. A two-thirds
vote in the House of Bishops is required to approve
such a recommendation.
In May the diocese called Bp. Bruce Caldwell,
retired bishop of Wyoming, to serve as provisional
bishop.

It is important to remember that despite all these

controversies, the work of the Church - globally, nationally, and locally - goes on. In the first six months
of 2016, Pohick has donated more than three tons of
food to the Lorton Community Action Centers food
pantry. This food goes to mothers, fathers, and children who would otherwise go hungry. Over the same
period, Pohick has provided nearly 1,400 lunches to
residents of the Eleanor Kennedy Shelter located in
an historic building on Ft Belvoir grounds and run
by New Hope Housing.
Through youth mission trips, food donations to
LCAC, donations of school supplies and backpacks,
and the Community of Hope, Pohick continues to
leak the love of God to those in need. As Bp. Ted
stated during his episcopal visit in June, the Christian
lives we lead may be the only Bible some of our neighbors ever read.

Pohick Episcopal Church

Music Notes

Linda Egan, Minister of Music

Hymns in History: For all the saints,

who from their labors rest #287

This stirring hymn for All Saints Day, which we

will sing on All Saints Sunday, was written by W.
Walsham How. How was an English curate, rector
and bishop known for his book about Holy Communion, his straightforward, attractive sermons, many of
which were published, and his care for people of all
economic classes, as well as for children. One of the
lines from For all the saints appears in London on a
plaque honoring him: Sweet is the calm of Paradise
the blest.
The tune we sing, SINE NOMINE, was written
by Ralph Vaughan Williams specifically for this text.
It was published in 1906 in The English Hymnal, of
which he was editor. Vaughan Williams high musical
standards helped him create, in that hymnal, one of
the most influential hymnals of the 20th century.
The writers of The Hymnal 1982 Companion state,
There is probably no question that this tune [SINE
NOMINE]... stands as one of the finest hymn tunes

Music Schedule November 2016

Sunday, November 6 All Saints Sunday

9:00 am Choir of Pohick, St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir
11:15 am Gloris Jackson, soprano
Sunday, November 13 Pentecost 26 Proper 28
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, St. Francis Choir
11:15 am To be determined

Sunday, November 20 The Last Sunday after Pentecost:

The Realm of Christ
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, Pohick Pickers
11:15 am St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir
Sunday, November 27 The First Sunday of Advent
9:00 am Choir of Pohick
11:15 am To be determined

Handbell Ringers Wanted!

Please contact Linda Egan for
more information, 703-339-6572.

November 2016 Page 9

produced in the twentieth century. Amen!

Short Notes
In our fine bell choir in the last year, we lost four
ringers; three moved to other areas and one has a new
work schedule. This leads me to say: consider learning to ring handbells! We are looking for people who
would like to learn. Come to a few rehearsals and ring
beside experienced ringers, then decide if you would
like to participate. You could become a substitute
ringer or even a regular position ringer.
Bell Choir rehearsals are Thursdays, 6:15 pm 7:15 pm in room C/D, and we ring the fourth Sunday
of the month at both the 9:00 am and 11:15 am services. It is gratifying to ring such beautiful sounding
instruments - come try it out! Contact Linda Egan or
any bell ringer for more information.
Welcome to these new or returning singers and
instrumentalists:
Choir of Pohick: Jessica Savage Cronin, John Egan,
Heather Seaton
Early Church Music Ensemble: Susan HaywardCosta
Pohick Pickers: Jason Holben
St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir: Will Elston
St. Francis Choir: Misho Seaton

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
redsse@aol.com.

Page 10 November 2016

Martha Guild News

Connie Myers

The Martha Guild will meet on Wednesday, November 5, 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, 703-455-4652, or via
email, jetskiing@hotmail.com.

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 here in
southeastern Fairfax County! It is estimated that
over 500 coats will be needed to meet their needs.
To help those in need in the local area, Pohick
Church is having a Coat Drive to assist LCAC
with providing clean, gently used coats (or new
ones) for the upcoming cold weather. Coats of all
sizes - especially children and larger-sized adult
coats - are needed. Gloves, mittens, scarves, or
hats are also welcomed. When cleaning out closets to make room for the kids new coats, consider
bringing in the outgrown coats for LCAC.
The Martha Guild will be collecting coats,
gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats through Sunday,
November 9. Please bring donations to the Common Room and place them on the table in the
back corner near the closets.
Thanks in advance for the continued support
of all the Outreach projects.
Any questions, please contact Edwardene Pitcock, epitcock@mindspring.com, or Connie Myers, jetskiing@hotmail.com.

Pohick Episcopal Church

Christian Education

Frances Sessums, Director of Christian Education

During the month of November, the church
school classes will be preparing for the Christmas
Pageant. Happily, Mike Elston has volunteered to
direct the pageant this
year. The Christmas Pageant will be on December
11 following the 10:00 am
service in the Church followed by a reception in the
Common Room. The dress
rehearsal will be Saturday, December 10 from 9:00
am until 11:00 pm. This rehearsal is for Kindergarteners through 8th grade students.
Starting November 13, 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 alert
Mike or Frances. 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 20 at 5:00 pm in the
Common Room. The 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. There
will be a sample wreath on display as well as a handout for the use of the Advent Wreath at home.
These are easy to make and are a meaningful addition to the home for the observance of the Advent
season. The price includes everything to make a
wreath. It would be appreciated if parishioners could
bring additional greenery for the wreaths. This
promises to be a wonderful time for fellowship.
Please direct any questions, please call Frances
Sessums at 472-5180.

Pohick Episcopal Church

November 2016 Page 11

2016 Christmas Mart Thursday, November 17

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 17 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) - Pohick cookbooks, notecards ,
raffle baskets, pantry shelf items.
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 (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, Susan Pehrsson) - 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.
Docents (Docent Guild, Nancy Sage) - the Church
will be open for tours during the Mart.
Greeters (Ruth Correll, Marsh Tonkin) - 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 in-

volved! The assistance of their muscle-power is

needed. The main setup, which is moving the heavy
furniture, takes place Tuesday evening, November 15.
Cleanup, which places things back to normal, begins
right after the 2:00 pm closing time on Mart Day.
Mini-Mart - on November 20, 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 703455-4652, jetskiing@hotmail.com.

2016
Christmas
Mart

November 17
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Page 12 November 2016

Pohick Episcopal Church

Junior Wardens Report

Fred Crawford, Junior Warden

Thanks: To everyone who participated in the Work

Day on Saturday, October 15. The chores were numerous: finding and repairing a water leak in the water
line to the Nursery; lots of cones along the inbound
drive near the welled exit to the boiler room; Rodger
Jones and Stew Remaly took turns standing on their
heads in the excavation to execute the temporary repair. As usual, John Pasour was also deeply involved
in the project. Other activities included a deep clean
of the Kitchen and Pantry including the chest freezer,
painting the Parish House lower level hall, and lots of
garden cleanup. Five minor repair items were completed from the Property Status Log. Thanks to Fr.
Don and Frances Sessums who teamed up to provide
lunch for the volunteers. All efforts were greatly appreciated.
What has been done: There is a contract for the electrical circuits necessary for the new kitchen dishwasher to be installed. In addition, there is a contract for
delivery of two metal storage containers (conex boxes)
as approved by the Vestry at the September meeting.
These activities should be completed by early November.
What is planned: Repair of the exterior door to the
Boiler room will be undertaken in November. The replacement door will be a metal fire rated door with the
required ventilation for the oil fired boiler.
The proposal from R&B to convert the Sanctuary
to all electric heat and A/C is currently being evaluated. This should be completed and a meeting held
with R&B to answer questions and discuss options.
This is a big project and will be approached carefully
to insure that the needs of the project are met.
There is also a contract to repoint the brickwork
on the patio behind the Common Room. A contractor has been selected and a walk down, scheduling of
the work and final contract are done.
An Eagle Scout project has been initiated to build
a wall behind the shed to prevent erosion that occurs
on the sharp slope behind the shed. The project has
been broken into two potential projects, and will improve the appearance of that area as well as prevent
further erosion. Bill Bland, also an Eagle Scout, is the
liaison with the Eagle Scout candidate.

First Sunday Food Collection

The first Sunday of each month Pohick collects

non-perishable food items to be contributed to
the Lorton Community Action Centers food
pantry. Please consider bringing an item or two
on November 6 to include as a part of the alms
giving. Foods brought to the church for the 9:00
am service are brought to the altar by the ushers
for a blessing. Food items can be brought at other
times too, and left in the
Common Room for delivery to LCAC. Suggested items include canned
fruits, vegetables, soups,
boxed cereal, brown rice,
pasta, and pasta sauce.

Christmas Mart
Frozen Casseroles

Consider donating a frozen casserole, soup,

stew, or sauce to 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.

November 2016 Page 13

Pohick Episcopal Church

Pohick Church Activities November 2016

Sunday

OCT 30

Monday

31

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

NOV 1

Jr/Sr High
7p EFM
Girls Retreat
Stewardship Kickoff
Proper 26c
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
10:15a Christian Ed
11:15a HE I
12:30p Jr/Sr High
Boys Retreat

9:30a Staff Mtg

2p HE, the Fairfax

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

6:15p Bell Choir

7p Boy Scouts
7:30p Choir of
Pohick
7:30p Walking the
Mourners Path
8:30p AA

All Saints Sunday 7p EFM

End, Daylight Savings
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
10:10a Pageant
Rehearsal
10:20a Alpha
11:15a HE I

9:30a Staff Mtg

9:30a Ann Mason Guild Mtg
7:30p Vestry Mtg

Friday

Saturday

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

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

24

25

26

Proper 28c
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
10:20a Alpha
11:15a HE II

20

7p EFM

21

Christ the King

7p EFM
Stewardship Ingathering
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
10:10a Pageant
Rehearsal
11:15a HE I
2p Walking the
Mourners Path
5p Advent Wreath/
Potluck

27

Advent 1a
7:45a HE I
9a HE II
10:10a Pageant
Rehearsal
10:20a Alpha
11:15a HE II

28

6p Marriage
Course
7p EFM
8p Sheffield
Rec HOA

9:30a Staff Mtg

7p Southgate
Woods
Pohick Post
Deadline

22

9:30a Staff Mtg

29

9:30a Staff Mtg

2p HE, the Fairfax

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

2p HE, the Fairfax

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

23

2p HE, the Fairfax

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

30

2p HE, the Fairfax

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

6:15p Bell Choir Veterans Day

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

Office Closed
Thanksgiving
Day

DEC 1

6:15p Bell Choir

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

7a EYC Region VI
event
8a Brotherhood of
St. Andrew

8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew
9:30a Docent
Full Day Training
12p Flag Retirement Ceremony

Office Closed 8a Brotherhood

of St. Andrew

8a Brotherhood
of St. Andrew
1p 1st Sat Docent Tour
5p Advent Dinner/Fairfax

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

Page 14 November 2016

Pohick Episcopal Church

SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

6 NOVEMBER
7:45
9:00

Alan Mayberry
Rodger Jones
Mo Faber
Beth Altman
Grant Hodges
John Pasour

11:15 Dave Billingsley

13 NOVEMBER
Tony Marsico
Mike Zane

Dan Derbes
Chris Brown
Bill Patton
Fuzzy Thurston

Bill Bland

Rick Nelson
Sandra Caesar

7:00

E. Pitcock

K. Kirkland

1:00

H. Parker

C. Cockroft

12:15 Heintze/Jacobus

Pitcock/Schmid

AM

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

J. Sunderland
N. Bireley
J. MacDonald
R. Teale
B. Wagner

M. Bartholomew

BJ McPherson

AM

7:45

Thorson (R)
Foresman (P)

11:15 Foresman (R)

Choi (P)

Arning (R)
Cockroft (P)

Dru Hodges
Matt Gurrola
Bob Munson
Dennis Myers

Tom Bland
Beth Altman
Ron Schow
Greg Wilson

F. Crawford

H. Parker

E. Thorson

S. Pehrsson

D. Derbes

C. Cockroft

Bartlett/Remaly

TBD

TBD

J. Sunderland
N. Bireley
J. MacDonald
R. Teale
B. Wagner

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

Flower Guild

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

S. Pehrsson

M/M Steele

TBD

COFFEE HOUR

F. Crawford

Darling/Antonelli

Faber (P)
Sage (R)

Angela Edgemon
Steve Edgemon

M. Bartholomew

9:00 C. Knipling
11:15 C. Darling

Nelson (P)
Egan (R)

Rita Smith
Hank Foresman

FLOWER GUILD

M/M Bartholomew

9:00

Paul Walden
Hank Foresman

ALTAR GUILD

7:45 M. Holmes
9:00 Schow/Hayward
11:15 J. Sassin

Marsico (P)
Wagner (R)

Stew Remaly
Mike Vaughn

TELLERS

M/M Wise

R. Ickes

4 DECEMBER

Don Cooke
Rodger Jones

LOCK - UP

Turner/Look

27 NOVEMBER

Becky Wagner
Alan Mayberry

OPEN - UP

TBD

G. Delaune

USHERS

Kathy Kirkland
Jim Foster
Brent Goeller
Hal Yarwood

7:45 TBD
9:00 M/M Yarwood
11:15 S. Caesar

M/M Herbert

20 NOVEMBER

GREETERS

M/M Herbert

Schow/Hayward

S. Yarwood

C. Wylie

D. Smith

D. Sebastian

B. Atkinson

M/M Poad

M/M Godley

DOCENTS
P. Kind

M/M Thurston

M/M Myers

N. Sage

J. Wells

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

D. McHugh

LAY READERS

H. Foresman

M/M Costa

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

November 2016 Page 15

Pohick Episcopal Church

Visit the Golden Dove Gift Shop

Time for Christmas Shopping!

Wire angel ornaments, pins & earrings,

willow tree angels
Handmade scarves, cross & crystal necklaces
Cross pendants, bracelets, earrings, bookmarks
Decorative items for home or gifts
Books, Bible rulers, inspirational plaques &
new cards of encouragement, military, VA
and angel & other ornaments
Pohick mugs, tote bags, sketches, photograghs,
historical books, cookbooks, Father Dons CDs,
tea canisters & postcards
Cross/other purse hangers, key chains/finders,
toys & markers
Coloring books for kids and adults

Fall has
arived
at the
Golden Dove
Gift Shop!
Come shop!

Many items on sale &

Christmas items coming soon!

Open Sundays
from 8:15 am - 9:00 am & 10:15 am - 11:15 am

Also open during Docent Tours on 1st Saturday of every

month, November 17 Christmas Mart & December 18
Common Room Sale & other special events.
North end of the Vestry House - follow the signs!

"

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 18
This form with check may be returned to the desk of the Church Secretary or dropped in the alms basket.

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

Pohick Church

9301 Richmond Highway

Lorton, Virginia 22079-1519
Return Service Requested

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

VESTRY GRAM

Date: _____________________ Subject: _____________________

To: The Vestry

From:

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

Pohick Church Vestry

The Revd Donald

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


Frances Sessums

Rusty Booth

Susan Hayward-Costa
Mike Morgan

John Sessums

Pohick Church Staff

Rector:

Assistant:

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

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

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