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
W ith the approach of Holy Week and Easter
this month, we will be joining with Christians
around the world in turning our thoughts towards Je-
rusalem, where the final days of Jesus earthly life took
place. In particular, on Good Friday we will be reflect-
ing upon our Lords great sacrifice of love on the cross
at Calvary, while rejoicing on Easter morn over Jesus
first appearances as the Risen Lord following the wom-
ens discovery of the empty tomb.
The site of that empty tomb has recently been in the
news, evoking much joy among Christians. It rests at
the center of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, whose
first construction was overseen by the Emperor Con-
stantines mother, Queen Helena, from 325 335 AD.
At that time, the workers carved away the rock form-
ing the tomb, leaving only the slab upon which Jesus
body once rested, and a small portion of the interior
walls. This was in order to build a monumental aedicule
around it, as well as the Mother Church of Christen-
dom itself over top of the entire holy site, which also
incorporates the nearby Rock of Calvary.
That original church was mostly destroyed by the
Caliph Al-Hakim in 1009, but was soon rebuilt, first by
local Byzantine Christians and later by western Cru-
saders. The current aedicule dates only to 1810, as the
earlier one had been severely damaged by fire. But in
the two centuries since that monument was built, it too
had been exposed to the ravages of time. Not only was
April 2017
it blackened by the smoke of the thousands of candles
that had been burned in and around it, but vibrations
had left it structurally compromised. As a result, just be-
fore the British left in 1948, they built an unsightly steel
cage around the aedicule to keep it from collapsing.
Since then, the three denominations having charge
over that section of the church (Greek, Roman Catho-
lic, and Armenian) could not agree about its repair. But
then the Israeli government judged the aedicule unsafe
and threatened to shut it down. Necessity became the
mother of cooperation. And so last year, just as Pohick
made its last pilgrimage to the Holy Land in May, res-
toration work began. This involved the cleaning and re-
inforcement of the stonework, including a brief removal
of the marble slab that had been placed over the original
first-century burial table.
No living person had ever seen it, so with great an-
ticipation and humility the religious leaders entered
the aedicule last October to witness the removal of the
marble slab, as can be seen through video now avail-
able on YouTube. They found the limestone burial slab
intact, along with a portion of an earlier protective sheet
of marble that was adorned with a carved cross. After
archaeologists had examined and extensively pho-
tographed the area, the marble slab was cleaned and
placed back over top.
Still, from the venture, the religious leaders gave
permission for a small window to be placed on the ex-
terior of the aedicule so that modern pilgrims could see
for the first time the original limestone of the burial
cave, much as they have long been able to do with the
Continued on page 2
 Page 2 April 2017 Pohick Episcopal Church

From the Rector: continued from page 1

Rock of Calvary. Beyond that, with the extensive clean-
ing of the stonework, the appearance of the aedicule has
radically changed. Gone now are the supporting girders
of the steel cage, and the formerly blackened stonework
is now light rose-yellow in appearance, its recovered
brightness offering pilgrims a much more welcoming
air than did the dark, foreboding tones of before.
The official reopening of the aedicule took place at
10 am on March 22nd, with many foreign dignitaries
and all of the local religious leaders in attendance, in-
cluding Anglican Archbishop Suheil Dawani. It was a
joyous ecumenical celebration, where calls were made
for further cooperation between the Christian denomi-
nations, including the Armenian Patriarchs proposal
that resident Coptic, Syrian, Ethiopian, Anglican, and
Lutheran churches be permitted to conduct a service in
the aedicule once a year during the Easter season.
With all of the worlds Christian denominations
celebrating Easter on the same date this year, hope-
fully the cooperation begun in this restoration of Jesus
empty tomb will continue into this years celebration of
our Lords resurrection. This would be a welcome devel-
opment indeed, for it would bring us closer to realizing
Jesus prayer offered at the Last Supper: that his follow-
ers would all be one; as you Father, are in me and I am
in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may
believe that you have sent me ( John 17:21).
Junior Wardens Report
Fred Crawford, Junior Warden
Thanks: To everyone who has identified issues with
the church buildings and other problems on the grounds.
There are always issues to work, but it is great to have oth-
ers watching and identifying problems.
What has been done: There has been a problem with
the kitchen refrigerator that required a recharge of the re-
frigerant. This was accomplished in early March and the
refrigerator is again operable. Also, the seals on the doors
were replaced by John Sessums, which saved about $125.
Airborne mold samples were taken in the Sanctuary,
and they revealed very low levels of airborne mold in the
occupied spaces of the Sanctuary but indicated high lev-
els in the one crawl space sampled. The levels of moisture
in the wood in the crawl space under the floor were less
than 12% compared to 17% back in November. Although
it appears that there is progress, the situation is still being
monitored and remediated where needed to pursue an all-
electric heating and cooling system in the Sanctuary.
What is planned: By the end of March or early April,
the B & G Committee will be painting the railings on the
outside steps to the Sanctuary and cleaning and painting
the handicap ramp to the Sanctuary.
The B & G Committee will be doing some preliminary
planning for Spring Cleanup to be held on Saturday, May
13. A good turnout is needed that day, and hopefully many
work items can be cleared from the Property and Repair
Status Log.

Easter Flowers
To make contributions toward flowers for the Church at Easter, fill out this form and return it to the Church office with payment
no later than Tuesday, April 11, 2017. Forms can be mailed to: Pohick Church, 9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA 22079.
Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone: ________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________
Please write the memorial, thanksgiving, or other designation for publication in the Easter Bulletin:

Enclosed is a check payable to Pohick Church, marked For Easter Flowers in the following amount:
$12 (1) $24 (2) Other __________ Please note For Easter Flowers on the memo line of check.
Pohick Episcopal Church
From The Assistant Rector
The Reverend
Dr. Ruth E. Correll, Ed.D.
Discovering Gold
When you receive this Pohick Post, we will be more
than half way through Lent. So - how has Lent been
for you so far? Do you remember a discipline you at-
tempted last year, five years ago, ten years ago, or in
childhood? Have you noticed some changes in your-
self ? Has anyone else encouraged you by pointing out
an unrealized quality in you? Has someone taken the
time to uncover hidden beauty in your heart? Have
you done the same for someone you love?
Recently, I heard a true story from Thailand. Some
of our world travelers at Pohick may have visited the
Golden Buddha in Bangkok. Weighing over five tons
in solid gold, its value is estimated between 200-250
million dollars. The statue is nearly ten feet tall and
somewhat less than that across from knee to knee. It is
now housed in a beautiful ziggurat-like temple, but it
has wandered from place to place over the past seven
or so centuries. Now how do you move that sort of
furniture? Therein lays a story. Details vary among ver-
sions, but here is a synopsis.
Sometime in the mid 18th century, the region near
the monastery where the Golden Buddha resided came
under attack. To mask its value, the monks quickly
plastered it over with clay or stucco embellished with
pieces of colored glass. Sadly, all the monks must have
been slaughtered so no one knew what hid under the
hardened mud and bits of broken glass. In the first half
of the 19th century, the huge piece moved to a temple
in Bangkok. Over the next century the temple deterio-
rated until the Buddha statue had to move once again
in 1935 to a minor pagoda covered only by a tin roof.
Alas, the next time it moved in 1955, the ropes broke
and the statue fell to the ground, leaving some cracks
in the covering.
Stories vary about what happened next, but heres
the one I like best. Monks covered the statue with a
tarp to protect it from a downpour of rain. Late at
night, one of monks checked on the Buddha. He lifted
the tarp and shone his flashlight on one of the cracks.
Light reflected back from within the fissure. Pains-
takingly, the monk and his brothers carefully chipped
April 2017 Page 3
away at the stucco to uncover the golden statue under-
neath. Amazingly, the statue actually had been fash-
ioned to disassemble into nine pieces like a puzzle for
ease of transport. They found a key encased in plaster
at the base so that this Humpty Dumpty could be put
back together again.
Some of us, like the Golden Buddha, have had set-
backs and disasters on our pilgrimages. Doubt, hurts,
insecurity, and fears have covered over our true self. We
may not realize the shabbiness of soul care we have
received. We need the Holy Spirit or an agent of that
spirit of truth to shine the light of Gods revelation
into the deep fissures in our cover. During Lent, care-
fully and painstakingly, the bits and pieces of clay are
chipped away that mask the golden image of Christ
in which we were fashioned. We need the healing that
will take us apart and put us back together again in a
new place. Lent, carried out in community, is not only
for self-examination but also for the soul care we can
offer to each other.
One word of caution, the spiritual masters instruct
us that spiritual transformation normally happens
slowly. We discover JNIs, Just Noticeable Improve-
ments, first in ourselves; then we may discover them
in others. Often the transforming work of the Holy
Spirit is so gradual that we dont even notice it our-
selves unless someone close to us points it out. May
God give you the joy of being like that monk who dis-
covered gold.
Robert and Bernice
Kilmarx Scholarship
The Robert and Bernice Kilmarx
Scholarship assists the youth of Po-
hick Church by providing a $1000 scholarship to one
graduating senior entering post-secondary education,
is a confirmed member of Pohick Church and is regu-
larly involved in parish life.
Individuals and organizations will replenish the
fund on an ongoing basis. The annual Youth Sunday
service in June is the only event planned to replenish
the scholarship.
Please consider donating to the scholarship!
Application deadline is April 30. Questions about
the scholarship or application should be directed to
the Youth Minister. Applications are available online
now!
 Page 4 April 2017 Pohick Episcopal Church

Music Notes
Linda Egan, Minister of Music
Easter Day: the return of Alleluias after their absence
in Lent, the celebration of Christs victory over death and
sin, the bursting from the tomb just as all creation bursts
forth after a long, if this year mild, winter.
We sing Jesus Christ is risen today, a hymn not with
just an occasional alleluia, but with an alleluia after every
line! The text is by an anonymous poet; the tune has been
paired with it since the early eighteenth century.
The original Latin text dates from the early 14th cen-
tury, and contains alleluias at the end of every line; for in-
stance, the first stanza is: Surrexit Christus hodie, Alleluia,
Humano pro solamine, Alleluia. [Christ is risen today, al-
leluia, for the comfort of humanity, alleluia.] The earliest
manuscripts are from Prague, and the Bohemian Brethren
sang this hymn in the 15th century. It was also published
in German in 1478.
The jubilant tune and the English translation of the From left, the Rev. Dr. Thomas Costa, Paul Walden, and Susan
German text first appeared in London in Lyra Davidica in Hayward-Costa
1708. According to the author, the tunes in the book were
meant to provide a little freer air than the grave move- Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the
ment of the Psalm-tunes being sung at the time. With Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
this tune, he certainly succeeded! John Wesley included it of the Revolution: February 20, 2017
in his Foundery tunebook in 1742, and it was published in
A Pocket Hymn Book in Philadelphia in 1793. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Costa, Susan Hayward-Cos-
With Hail thee festival day, it is one of the great de- ta, and Paul Walden of Historic Pohick Church in
lights of Easter Day. Lorton participated in the Wreath Laying Ceremony
at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolu-
Music Schedule April 2017 tion outside the Old Presbyterian Meeting House in
Sunday, April 2 Lent 5 Alexandria as part of the events on Presidents Day,
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir 2017. Rev. and Mrs. Costa are members of the His-
11:15 am Gloria Jackson, soprano
toric Pohick Church Docent Guild, and Mr. Walden
Sunday, April 9 Palm/Passion Sunday is the president of the George Washington Chapter
9:00 am Choir of Pohick
11:15 am Choir of Pohick; about 12:30 pm, after the of the Sons of the American Revolution. The annual
service, Choir of Pohick and St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir event in conjunction with the Kate Waller Barrett
rehearse for half an hour in the church Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolu-
Thursday, April 13 Maundy Thursday tion is to honor the soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
7:30 pm Choir of Pohick
Sunday, April 16 Easter Sunday
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir
Send News for May
11:15 am Choir of Pohick Articles for the May 2017 Pohick Post
Sunday April 23 Second Sunday of Easter are due no later than April 15!
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, Pohick Bell Choir Forward input by email in Word compatible
11:15 am Choir of Pohick format to Lori Buckius, raebuck@aol.com.
Sunday, April 30 Third Sunday of Easter Design concerns & items for the Sunday
9:00 am Choir of Pohick
Service Volunteers page should be addressed
11:15 am Jeff Parker, baritone
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Coffeehouse: St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir to Carmel Hodge, cchodge@aol.com.
Pohick Episcopal Church
The Persecution Corner
By Bob Munson
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? - Romans 8:35 (NIV)
When we hear of Vietnam we often think of a war, but
more importantly, it is a modern, enigmatic country. Vietnam
enjoys a strong emerging economy and has been opening up
to the world. The US government has been opening up to it,
including a visit by then-President Obama in May 2016. The
country, however, remains a communist country ruled by an au-
tocratic Party still intent on hanging on to power.
This ruling Communist Party keeps the lid on what it sees
as potential threats to its power, including threats from reli-
gious groups. The US Commission on International Religious
Freedom is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government
body which studies religious freedom throughout the world.
It issues an annual report detailing the state of religious free-
dom in a number of countries and Vietnam has remained in
the commissions view over many years. In the 2016 report it
was one of the seventeen countries on the Tier 1 Countries of
Particular Concern (accompanied by most of the nations we
have discussed here).1
Christianity first arrived in Vietnam in the 17th century
with Roman Catholic missionaries, primarily Jesuits. The
French colonial seizure of Vietnam in the 19th century further
strengthened the Christian influence and allowed the entry
of Protestants in the early 20th century. After the north ob-
tained independence from France in 1954, Roman Catholicism
declined as the independent North Vietnamese government
treated it as a reactionary, foreign force. When US support to
South Vietnam ended in 1975 followed by the countrys unifi-
cation under the Communist North, Christianity continued to
suffer under the authoritarian government.
Today, Vietnam is a dynamic, growing country of about
95 million people. The Vietnamese, as one might expect, are
the majority ethnic group at about 85% of the population, but
the government recognizes an additional 53 minority groups.
Along with this ethnic variety, Vietnam enjoys a diverse col-
lection of religious groups. Depending on how Buddhism is
defined, the population of Vietnam is predominantly Buddhist
(up to about 55%) or of no religion (up to about 82%). More
certain are those who profess Christianity and make up about
8-10% of the population. The majority of the Christians are
Roman Catholic. One key, though, to understanding Christian
persecution in this country is to see that Christians tend to be-
long to minority groups and mountain tribal peoples and do
not comprise such a large percentage among the majority Viet-
namese ethnic group.
The nations constitution guarantees freedom of religion,
but the strong authoritarian government permits no dissent,
especially from minority, ethnic or religious groups. The treat-
ment of Christians varies from province to province throughout
April 2017 Page 5
the country but the government views some groups and activi-
ties as threatening to the state and to Vietnams unified nation-
al identity. With support and sympathy coming from outside
Vietnam, such as from the West and the Vietnamese diaspora,
Christianity certainly could appear as a threatening force.
Voice of the Martyrs, a non-denominational group help-
ing the persecuted Church worldwide, summarizes the situ-
ation in Vietnam as: The government controls all religious
activities. Religious organizations are required to register, and
Christians and churches face land confiscations. In particu-
lar, minority groups face government harassment. Pastors and
churches are subject to arrest, interrogation and beatings. Lo-
cal authorities in rural areas target new believers for especially
harsh treatment, including village expulsion. In November
2016, the communist government adopted a new Law on Belief
and Religion, further limiting freedom of religion.
Luckily, few terrible persecution stories come out of Viet-
nam, just lots of smaller ones of harassment, threats, violence
and jail which makes Christian life and practice difficult. www.
opendoorsusa.org tells of Pastor Chihn, a Vietnamese Lutheran
leader, who was arrested in 2011 for fighting for religious free-
dom. He was charged with violating Article 87 of the Vietnam
penal code for undermining national solidarity. The govern-
ment sentenced Pastor Chihn to eleven years in prison and re-
cently placed him in isolation and would not allow him to con-
tact his family after he sought equal rights with other prisoners.
Www.opendoorsusa.org also shares the story of Donh who
came to believe in Christ in June 2016. Thereafter he refused
to participate in traditional sacrificial ceremonies and thus pro-
voked anger among other villagers. A gang led by a police of-
ficer came and beat him in July 2016 until they thought he was
dead. They destroyed his house and crops and kicked him out
of the village. He remained loyal to Christ and his faith spread
to three related families who became Christian.
Vietnam remains a country unfriendly to Christians who
want to practice their faith in peace. During the next month,
pray that true religious freedom will grow along with the
emerging Vietnamese economy. Pray for the new Christians
who feel pressure from relatives to return to traditional faiths
and rituals. And, finally, pray that Christians in Vietnam from
different backgrounds will find unity in Christ and support
one another under persecution. For Vietnam to truly become
a modern country, it must not just accept all of its people and
their beliefs but protect and nurture them.
1
The 2016 list of 17 countries includes: Burma, Central Afri-
can Republic, China, Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, North Ko-
rea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
Uzbekistan, Vietnam. See http://www.uscirf.gov.
 Page 6 April 2017
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, or-
dination of non-celibate homosexuals, interpretation of Scripture,
and breakdown of traditional boundary lines between Provinces.
The last several of these monthly Updates have de-
tailed ongoing struggles within the Church of England
(COE) over issues of human sexuality. In March, those
struggles largely faded into the background temporar-
ily, and tensions over the role of women in the life of
the church returned to the foreground. The catalyst: Ap-
pointment of a current suffragan bishop who does not
support ordination of women as either priests or bishops
to be diocesan bishop of the diocese of Sheffield. Ul-
timately, he chose to withdraw from consideration for
the post. Theological conservatives said he was borked,
a reference to the controversial, and ultimately unsuc-
cessful, nomination of Robert Bork to the U.S. Supreme
Court a generation ago.
Late in January, the Prime Ministers office an-
nounced that Queen Elizabeth had approved the nomi-
nation of the Rt. Rev. Philip North, currently suffragan
bishop in the diocese of Burnley, to be diocesan bishop
in the diocese of Sheffield. (As Supreme Governor of
the Church of England, the Queen approves all nomi-
nations for bishops).
The Archbishop of York said, Philip is a gifted and
godly bishop with a passion and calling to serve the poor
and those on the margins. In a time of uncertainty and
change in our nation and the wider world, his has been
a prophetic voice, calling the Church back to the com-
mand of Christ to serve the poor and the marginalized.
But Bp. Philip is a prominent member of an orga-
nization called The Society, and serves on its Council
of Bishops. The groups mission is to pro-
vide episcopal oversight (oversight from a
bishop) to churches and individuals who,
because of theological conviction, are un-
able to accept or receive the ministry of
women bishops or priests (typically, in
dioceses with a woman as diocesan bish-
op), and guarantee a ministry in the historic apostolic
succession in which they can have confidence. That
latter phrase often is used in connection with a theo-
Pohick Episcopal Church
logical belief that any bishop who ordains a woman to
the priesthood thereby invalidates his own standing as a
priest and bishop, and the standing of any men he later
ordains.
A third of the priests in the diocese of Sheffield are
women. Opponents of his nomination asked how they
could be expected to exercise their ministry under a di-
ocesan bishop who did not recognize them as priests.
After his nomination was approved by the queen,
he held an introductory meeting with priests in his new
diocese. A news release from the diocese said While
unable in conscience to ordain women, Bishop Philip
made clear he was not opposed womens leadership - to
the contrary. Canonically ordained means a priest is a
priest is a priest and a bishop is a bishop is a bishop. The
issue is not purely sacramental or about validity.
He was keen to find an adequate workable resolu-
tion, however messy.
But as February and March unfolded, pressure from
supporters of womens ordination grew. The Dean of
Christ Church, Oxford published an essay which gained
wide attention urging Bp. North to clarify his position
regarding female priests, or decline the post.
Early in March, he announced he had decided to
decline. It is clear that the level of feeling is such that
my arrival would be counter-productive in terms of the
mission of the Churchand that my leadership would
not be acceptable to many.
There is clearly much to be done on what it means
to disagree well and to live with theological difference in
the Church of England. The highly individualised na-
ture of the attacks upon me have been extremely hard
to bear. If, as Christians, we cannot relate to each other
within the bounds of love, how can we possibly presume
to transform a nation?
In response to the controversy, the archbishops of
Canterbury and York jointly asked an independent re-
viewer to look into what had happened, including reac-
tions to that nomination in the Church and beyond,
and what the controversy meant for the Churchs policy
of mutual flourishing, which was designed to allow
supporters and opponents of womens ministry to co-
exist.
***
Continued on page 7
Pohick Episcopal Church
Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,
continued from page 6
Elsewhere:
The Diocese of South Carolina, which broke from
The Episcopal Church in 2012 over issues of human
sexuality and the role of gays and lesbians in the life
of the church, has voted to become part of the Angli-
can Church is North America (ACNA). The diocese
has been without formal affiliation with any province
or larger organization since that time, but had accepted
primatial oversight from the primates of the Global An-
glican Futures Conference. The vote to join ACNA was
unanimous among both priests and laity at a diocesan
convention.
Bp. Mark Lawrence, who led the diocese out of The
Episcopal Church, said, I believe God
has called us to this and I believe we will
find a deeper richness in our vocation;
fuller fellowship in the Spirit; a more
zealous thrust in mission. But most of
all, I believe a door will be opened, the
fresh winds of the Spirit will blow, and a
caged eagle will soar.
ACNA is recognized by many theologically con-
servative primates and provinces, but not formally ac-
knowledged by the Anglican Communion.
The South Carolina Supreme Court has yet to rule
on a dispute over whether church property and funds
in that state belongs the diocese which broke away, or
the diocese of The Episcopal Church in South Carolina,
which remains part of The Episcopal Church. The case
was argued in the fall of 2015.
The Design Group established by the Archbish-
op of Canterbury to plan the 2020 Lambeth Confer-
ence has held its first formal meeting. The group is led
by the Archbishop of Capetown, Thabo Makgoba, and
includes the Revd Dr Robert Heaney of Virginia Theo-
logical Seminary and Dr. George Sumner, the former
principal of Wycliff Seminary who recently was conse-
crated as bishop of Dallas.
A story from the Anglican Communion New Ser-
vice quoted Archbishop Thabo as describing the atmo-
sphere as robust: We didnt gloss over the issues before
us and we acknowledged we can only do it through the
prayers of others and through an interrogation of the
missional issues before us.
He said the theme for the conference, Gods Church
for Gods world, would encourage a celebration of dif-
ference. I am humbled by the fact that in spite of the
April 2017 Page 7
challenges there are people that are willing to celebrate
the gift of the Anglican Communion and the fact that
we were addressed by the Archbishop of Canterbury,
that is an affirmation of the process.
The Lambeth Conference is a gathering of all bish-
ops from across the Anglican Communion, under the
invitation of the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury. It
is generally held every
ten years, but Archbish-
op Justin delayed that
rhythm by two years in
this case. It is one of four recognized Instruments of
Communion, along with the Archbishop of Canter-
bury, the Primates Meeting, and the Anglican Consulta-
tive Council. A key decision, and possible friction point,
for Lambeth 2020 will be whether to invite bishops who
have broken from The Episcopal Church, such as Bp.
Lawrence, and whether bishops from theologically con-
servative provinces will participate if bishops from The
Episcopal Church and Church of Canada also are in at-
tendance.
The Anglican Communion will soon officially be
adding another province to its numbers, recognizing the
Province of Sudan as a separate province, the 39th in
the Anglican Communion. It currently is considered an
internal province within the Anglican Church of South
Sudan and Sudan. Provinces generally align with na-
tional borders; South Sudan gained independence from
Sudan in 2011,
Its a welcome development that we now have an-
other Anglican Province in a predominantly Muslim
country, said Archbishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon, Secre-
tary General of the Anglican Communion. We hope
the Province will stand and proclaim Christ in a way
that will be meaningful in that context. Having Sudan
as a separate Province of the Communion will benefit
Christians in Sudan; now they will know they are not
alone, that they are a part of the worldwide Anglican
family, a family of 85 million believers.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will travel there this
summer for the official inauguration of the new prov-
ince.
It is important to remember that despite all these controversies, the
work of the Church - globally, nationally, and locally - goes on. Through
youth mission trips, food donations to LCAC, donations of school supplies
and backpacks, the Community of Hope, and other outreach efforts, Pohick
continues to leak the love of God to our neighbors in need. And as our Sr.
Warden reminded us recently, God continues to send Pohickians out two-
by-two to spread the good news of stewardship to other churches and other
dioceses.
 Page 8 April 2017
Christian Education
Frances Sessums, Director of Christian Education
Pohicks Wednesday evening Lenten programs
continue in April. Frances Sessums will be teach-
ing a class on Talking with God for the preschoolers
through third graders. Rusty Booth is working with
the fourth through senior high students studying The
Beatitudes. The nursery is available with a paid atten-
dant during class time.
On Sunday, April 2, the 5th - 12th grade students
will visit the Fairfax for the spring visitations. They
will meet directly after the 9:00 am service in the Se-
nior High trailer. After the visit, there will be a pizza
party in classrooms A & B. Students should bring
$4.00 and a permission slip. Parents should pick their
students up at 12 noon.
The Flowering of the Cross and the collection of
the Mite Boxes takes place during the 9:15 am Easter
Sunday service on April 16. Students should bring
single stemmed flowers to insert into the Cross. If
someone forgets their mite box on Easter Sunday,
bring it to the Education office the following Sunday.
Pohicks annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held di-
rectly following the 9:15 am service on Easter Sun-
day. There will be two egg hunts occurring simulta-
neously for the Preschoolers through Fourth grade
students. At least one parent should accompany each
child during the Hunt. Egg hunters should gather in
the following rooms directly following the service.
The Preschoolers and Kindergarteners will meet with
their parent in classroom F, and the 1st through 4th
grade students will meet with their parent in class-
rooms C and D. Please be on time so there is an ac-
curate count for Egg Hunters!
Parents of students participating in the Easter Egg
Hunt should donate a dozen filled plastic eggs per
child to the hall outside classrooms E and F down-
stairs by Easter morning before the 9:15 am service.
There will be a box marked Easter Eggs. Please call
Frances Sessums for additional information.
Pohick Episcopal Church
General Browns Scalpel
By Lawrence M (Larry) Nelson, MD, MBA
CAPT USPHS, Retired
The National President of the Brotherhood of
Saint Andrew, Jeffrey Butcher, visited the Pohick
Chapter earlier this year. Accompanying him was the
Vice President for Veterans and Chaplaincy, Everett
Price. The National Brotherhood is on the move
with important new initiatives. Their initiative to de-
velop veteran friendly congregations seems particu-
larly relevant to Pohick Church. The two visitors were
in town to attend the ordination and consecration of
the Venerable Carl Walter Wright as Bishop Suf-
fragan for the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries.
This beautiful ceremony was held at the Washington
National Cathedral.
The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew is a worldwide
ministry founded in 1883 by a group of workingmen
at Saint James Episcopal Church in Chicago. The fo-
cus is to bring men and boys to Christ. The vision is a
muscular form of Christianity and a source of strength
for dealing with adversity. The Pohick Chapter meets
every Saturday morning at 8:00 am for a hearty mans
breakfast, prayer, service, and study. New members are
welcomed with open arms. Come join the group!
The logo above is Saint Andrews cross. As the
patron saint, his cross comprises the flag of Scotland
and is also part of the Episcopal flag.
Pohicks Afternoon Tea
The Historic Pohick Church Docent Guild invites
ladies and gentlemen to an afternoon tea on Satur-
day, April 29, beginning at 3:00 pm. The Golden Dove
Gift Shop will be open from 1:30 pm until 2:45 pm
and docent led tours of the church will be held from
2:00 pm until 2:45 pm. There will be a Living His-
tory program beginning at 4:00 pm, and music will
be provided by the Apollo String Quartet. The cost
for the tea is $35 per person, and tickets will be sold
during all three coffee hours. Please RSVP by Sun-
day April 23. Contact Nancy Sage
at nbsage@aol.com or call Susan
Hayward-Costa at 703-339-6572.
This has been a very popular event
in the past, so dont delay!
Pohick Episcopal Church April 2017 Page 9

Pohick Church Activities April 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
MARCH 26 27 28 29 30 31 APRIL 1
Lent IVa 6p Marriage 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell Choir 8a Brotherhood
7:45a HE I Course 7p Tutoring 6p St. Cecelia St. 7p Boy Scouts of St. Andrew
9a HE II Alban Choir 7:30p Choir of 10:30a Yoga
6p COH
10:15a Inquirers Class 6p St. Francis Choir Pohick 1p 1st Sat
10:20a Alpha 7p EFM 8:30p AA Docent Tour
6:30p Lenten Pot-
11:15a HE II 6p LCAC Gala
luck & Program
5p Confirmation Class
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Lent Va 7p EFM 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell Choir 8a Brotherhood of
7:45a HE I 7p Tutoring 6p St. Cecelia St. St. Andrew
7p Boy Scouts
9a HE II Alban Choir 10:30a Yoga
7:30p Choir of Pohick
10:15a Inquirers Class 6p St. Francis Choir
10:20a Alpha 8:30p AA
6:30p Lenten Pot-
11:15a HE I luck & Program
5p Confirmation Class
6p EYC Dinner
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Palm Sunday 7p EFM 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax Maundy Thursday Good Friday Holy Saturday
7:45a HE I 9:30a Ann Ma- 6p St. Cecelia St. 6:15p Bell Choir 8a Brotherhood
9a HE II, GH Regents son Guild Mtg Alban Choir 7p Boy Scouts of St. Andrew
10:20a Alpha 7p Tutoring 6p St. Francis Choir 7:30p Choir of 10:30a Yoga
11:15a HE II 7:30p Vestry Mtg Pohick Pohick Post
8:30p AA Deadline
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Easter Sunday Office Closed 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell Choir Spring Youth Spring Youth Retreat
5:30a Easter Vigil 7p EFM 7p Tutoring 6p St. Cecelia St. 7p Boy Scouts Retreat 8a BSA
7:45a HE I Alban Choir 7:30p Choir of 9a COH Retreat
9:15a HE II 6p St. Francis Choir Pohick 10:30a Yoga
10:20a Alpha 7:30p Healing Service 8:30p AA 11a Creighton
10:30a Easter Egg Hunt Memorial service
7:30p Martha Guild
11:15a HE II
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Spring Youth Retreat 6p Marriage 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell Choir 8a Brotherhood
Easter IIa Course 7p Tutoring 6p COH 7p Boy Scouts of St. Andrew
7:45a HE I 6p St. Cecelia St. 7:30p Choir of 9a COH Retreat
7p EFM
9a HE II Alban Choir Pohick 10:30a Yoga
10:15a Inquirers Class 6p St. Francis Choir 8:30p AA 2p Signature
10:20a Alpha Tea
7:30p Healing Service
11:15a HE II
2p C.A.R.
30 MAY 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easter IIIa 7p EFM 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell Choir 8a Brotherhood
7:45a HE I 7p Tutoring 6p St. Cecelia St. 7p Boy Scouts of St. Andrew
9a HE II Alban Choir 9:30a Docent
7:30p Choir of
10:15a Inquirers Class 6p St. Francis Choir Training
10:20a Alpha Pohick 10:30a Yoga
7:30p Healing Service
11:15a HE I 8:30p AA 1p 1st Sat Do-
5p Confirmation Class cent Tour
6p Coffee House

Contact the Parish Secretary, Susan Hayward-Costa, to list group meetings or events on the calendar, shcosta@pohick.org.
 Page 10 April 2017 Pohick Episcopal Church

SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

2 APRIL 9 APRIL 16 APRIL 23 APRIL 30 APRIL
USHERS
7:45 Mike Zane Alan Mayberry Tony Marsico Rodger Jones Mike Vaughn
Tony Marsico Becky Wagner Becky Wagner Stew Remaly Mike Zane
9:00 Dru Hodges Chris Brown, Jim John Pasour, Don Edwardene Pitcock Mo Faber
Beth Altman Foster, Matt Gurrola, Cooke, Jim Foster, Bill Tom Bland Brent Goeller
Brent Goeller Dennis Myers, Patton, Pehr Pehrsson, Dan Derbes Ron Schow
Hal Yarwood Bill Patton, Mike Zane Fuzzy Thurston Grant Hodges Greg Wilson
11:15 Paul Walden K. Kirkland, S. Caesar, D. Billingsley, H. Fores- Bill Bland Sandra Caesar
Hank Foresman D. Hodges, E. McGovern man, P. Walden, M. Zane Rita Smith Paul Walden
OPEN - UP
7:00 E. Thorson D. Smith TBD TBD TBD
LOCK - UP
1:00 J. Albertson C. Cockroft TBD TBD TBD
TELLERS
12:15 Faber/Kirkland M/M Thurston TBD TBD TBD
ALTAR GUILD
AM J. Wells J. Wells BJ McPherson BJ McPherson J. Sunderland
N. Sage N. Sage A. Powell, J. Schmid A. Powell, J. Schmid B. Altman
C. Foster C. Foster M. Tonkin M. Tonkin N. Bireley
J. Geschickter J. Geschickter S. Caesar S. Caesar V. Jones
J. Mullins J. Mullins E. Pitcock E. Pitcock J. MacDonald
H. Parker H. Parker A. Marsico A. Marsico R. Teale
R. Stankwitz R. Stankwitz M. Yezek M. Yezek B. Wagner
FLOWER GUILD
AM TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
COFFEE HOUR
7:45 M/M Bryant M/M Jones M/M Bireley M/M Sunderland M/M Stankwitz
9:00 M/M Myers M/M Ayorinde Vestry/S. Pehrsson M/M Yarwood M/M Bland
11:15 Ryan Ickes M. Luger M/M Nelson Darling/Antonelli Need Volunteer(s)
GREETERS
7:45 M/M Holben D. Smith B. Wagner M/M Jones S. Remaly
9:00 C. Turner M. Elston M/M Cooke D. Prior W. McHargue
11:15 D. Sebastian B. Atkinson M/M Poad C. Hodge L. Aqueron
DOCENTS
9:00 N. Sage E. Pitcock P. Kink TBD TBD
11:15 G. Delaune D. Hamly F. Crawford TBD TBD
LAY READERS
7:45 Thorson (R) Thorson (R) Pasour (R) Arning (R) TBD
Nelson (P) Foresman (P) Sunderland (P) Booth (P)
9:00 Elston (P) Egan (P) Prior (P) M. Harding (R) TBD
Pasour (R) Arning (R) Egan (R) S. Harding (P)
11:15 Cockroft (R) Pasour (P) Ayorinde (R) Walden (P) TBD
Arning (P) Walden (R) Arning (P) Foresman (R)
The Sunday Service Volunteers Schedule is also available at Pohick Churchs website, www.pohick.org, under Ministries.
Pohick Episcopal Church
Marthas Table Sandwich Making
Wednesday, April 5 9:30 am
Participate in this monthly program to help make
sandwiches for this important hunger ministry. Mar-
thas Table is a DC-based non-profit, charitable or-
ganization that provides many services for the home-
less and less fortunate in the Washington DC area.
These services include providing meals served daily
from McKennas Wagon, which supplies sandwiches,
soup, fruit, and beverages; Marthas Outfitters provides
clothing to the needy; special meals on holidays; and
learning activities for over 300 children each day.
Sydenstricker United Methodist Church in Spring-
field has worked with Marthas Table for over 30 years
providing sandwiches for their many activities. In 2016,
Sydenstricker volunteers made about 4,000 sandwiches
per month. The current menu is peanut butter and jelly
along with luncheon meat and cheese made with over
500 loaves of bread each month. Volunteers are Syden-
stricker members, neighbors, and friends. Sandwich
prep days provide a great opportunity for fellowship
and to meet members of other denominations to share
in a local mission project that touches so many people.
Sydenstricker would like to extend an invitation to Po-
hick Church members to share in this ecumenical work
on the first Wednesday morning of every month.
No experience necessary - just a willingness to
help. Show up on the first Wednesday of each month
at Sydenstricker UMCs Hottle Hall (their version of
Pohicks Common Room) at 9:30 am and the work is
generally finished by 11:00 am.
Sydenstricker United Methodist Church - 8508
Hooes Road, just off the Fairfax County Parkway be-
tween Pohick Road and Rolling Road in Springfield.
For more information contact Rev. Tom at tom_nicho-
las@verizon.net.
Martha Guild News
Connie Myers
The Martha Guild will meet on Wednesday, April 19 at
7:30 pm in Classroom B.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to Lent, this is a change from the
normal meeting time. This is an important meeting to final-
ize plans for the upcoming Wine Tasting. All Women of the
Church are cordially invited to attend. Any questions about
the group, please contact Connie Myers at 703-201-2204 or
jetskiing@hotmail.com.
April 2017 Page 11
Golden Dove Volunteer Schedule
April 2, 2017
8:15 am to 9:00 am Leon/Leon
10:15 am to 11:15 am TBA/Jackson
April 9, 2017
8:15 am to 9 am Knipling/Mitchell
10:15 am to 11:15 am TBA/Nelson
April 17, 2017: Closed
April 23, 2017
8:15 am to 9 am Myers/TBA
10:15 am to 11:15 am TBA/Crawford
April 30, 2017
8:15 am to 9 am TBA/Jones
10:15 am to 11:15 am TBA/TBA
Hodge Podge May 20, 2017
The 2017 Hodge Podge will take place on
May 20. Consider taking this opportunity to use
your time, talents, and treasures to support Pohick
Churchs Outreach Mission.
Time and talents are needed to help set up and
work the event. Treasures are also needed - those
no longer wanted or needed - to sell
to others who will treasure them.
A signup sheet will be posted in
the Common Room for those who
want to help. Have ideas or ques-
tions? Contact Edwardene Pitcock,
epitcock@mindspring.com or 703-
380-2609. Stay tuned for updates.
p SAVE THE DATE P
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Martha Guild Wine Tasting
4:30 pm 7:00 pm
Home of John Cutler
8439 Lee Alan Drive, Fairfax Station
Cost - $30 per person
Make reservations with Helen Parker, Judy
Schmid, Edwardene Pitcock or Connie Myers
Be a part of this fabulous event!
Proceeds will go towards various Outreach Projects.
 The Purpose of Pohick Church is to be a nourishing community where Christs love is experienced and taken beyond its walls.
Non-Profit Org.

VESTRY GRAM
Permit No. 2
U.S. Postage

Lorton, VA
PAID

Date: _____________________ Subject: _____________________

To: The Vestry
From:
Pohick Church Staff Pohick Church Vestry
Rector: The Revd Donald Sr. Warden: Fuzzy Thurston
Binder, PhD Jr. Warden: Fred Crawford
Assistant: The Revd Dr. Ruth Treasurer: Doug Smith
E. Correll, Ed.D. Register: Susan Pehrsson
Lorton, Virginia 22079-1519

Seminarian: Wesley Arning Members: Beth Altman, Amanda Choi,

9301 Richmond Highway

Minister of Music: Linda Egan Caroline Cockroft,

Return Service Requested

Director of Anne Derbes, Isabel Hogg,

Christian Ed: Frances Sessums Kathy Kirkland,
Pohick Church

Youth Minister: Rusty Booth Carney McCullough,

Parish Secretary: Susan Hayward-Costa Edwardene Pitcock,
Finance Admin: Mike Morgan Eric Thorson
Sexton: John Sessums
Telephone: 703-339-6572 Fax: 703-339-9884
Church Office Email: shcosta@pohick.org Web Site: www.pohick.org