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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
D
uring my seven-year tenure as Rector of Pohick
Church, I have often heard social commentators
quote or paraphrase the saying “May you live in interesting times” - usually referred to as the “Chinese
Curse.” Of course, since the turn of the millennium,
they have had ample occasion for doing so. From the
controversial presidential election of 2000 through the
tragedy of 9/11, from the resulting wars in Afghanistan
and Iraq down to the present financial meltdown, we
have arguably lived in some very interesting times.
It turns out, however, that the so-called “Chinese
Curse” is a mistranslation of an ancient Chinese proverb. Properly rendered, it reads, “Heroes are made over
turbulent times.” This seems to me the more apt saying, for it recognizes the two-edged nature of a crisis:
either one can be overwhelmed by it, as with a curse
- or by courage, sacrifice and true grit, one can rise to
meet it. As JFK once famously said, “When written in
Chinese the word crisis is composed of two characters. One represents danger, and the other represents
opportunity” (though as it turns out, this too is a bit of
an etymological stretch).
From a Christian perspective, such dauntless optimism represents not just a proper attitude, but a defining one. We must remember that our God is one who
is forever seeking to turn the hopelessness of Good
Friday into the triumph of Easter Sunday. Indeed,
JANUARY 2009
that is why it is called Good Friday - not because the
horrors suffered on that day were in and of themselves
good, but because, through compassionate heroism,
Christ bore those trials on our behalf, bursting beyond
them and opening for all of humanity a new avenue to
a good and glorious path.
That’s a path we’re all called to follow. But it
means, like Christ, taking up our crosses and by his
grace facing squarely any challenges set before us. And
the more turbulent the times, the more the opportunity for heroic deeds.
Within our own ranks, we’ve seen many examples
of these in this first decade of the new millennium.
From our intrepid soldiers braving danger in foreign
lands, to their longsuffering families remaining behind and praying for them each day. From the victims
of crippling accidents toughing out torturous rehab,
to the selfless first-responders risking life and limb to
rescue such strangers in distress. From cancer patients
enduring round after round of chemotherapy, to their
devoted family and friends supporting them night
and day. From laid-off workers struggling to escape
financial ruin, to the compassionate sympathizers sacrificing their own resources to give such persons aid
and comfort. All these have embraced Christian acts
of heroism - heroism to which we will more and more
be called as the global financial crisis continues to unfold.
For Christians in general, this is no new thing. For
Christians at Pohick Church, it’s a recurring theme.
Throughout our church’s long history, our parish has
Continued on page 2
Page 2 • January 2009
Pohick Episcopal Church
From the Rector: continued from page 1
faced wars and calamity, financial struggle and social
turmoil. Yet buoyed by their regular worship, spiritual
reflection, and Christian fellowship, each new generation has risen to face the challenges set before them.
In our time, we must resolve to do the same.
In working toward this end, I am blessed with
a gifted staff dedicated to our ministries at Pohick
Church. This past year, I have been particularly pleased
to welcome on board three new staff members. The
Reverend Lyn Youll Marshall, our new Assistant to
the Rector, has brought to the position a passion for
evangelism and pastoral care as can be seen in her recent institution of the Alpha program and her work
with the Newcomers Committee and Community
of Hope. Julia Messer, our Middler seminarian, has
displayed a youthful enthusiasm in her sermons and
her work with our young people. And finally, Rusty
Booth, our new Youth Minister, has contributed to
our youth the benefits of his many years of experience
in this ministry area. My thanks goes out to all of you
for your support of the three of them, and for our entire staff, as we daily seek to serve you - so that you in
turn might be more effective ministers of the Gospel
in the world.
I am also thankful for the congregation’s continuing support of our many ministries as the “church
gathered.” These extend from outreach work in the local community to mission trips in distant states; from
Sunday school classes to Sunday morning worship;
from care of our physical plant to care of the physically distressed. In all these areas and many more, our
scores of volunteers have swelled the ranks of parish
ministry, helping further the growth of God’s Kingdom.
Many of these ministries are described in some
detail throughout the annual report. And so I would
encourage each of you to read through it carefully and
prayerfully - prayerfully because there is always need
for “more laborers in the harvest” (Matt 9:38), and
God may well be calling you into a new avenue of
ministry at Pohick.
At the same time, because “without a vision, the
people perish” (Prov 29:18, KJV), this January we as a
parish will review our Strategic Plan, as we have not
revisited it since 2004. While the Vestry and its commissions have long worked towards attaining many of
that plan’s goals and objectives (most recently those
concerning the improvement of our physical plant,
but many others as well), there may be additional ones
that have arisen in the intervening years.
In preparation for these brainstorming sessions, I
would ask that each of you look over the current plan,
which can be found through the main page of the parish website. Then bring your ideas to these gatherings,
which will take place on Sunday, January 4 and 11
during the Sunday School hour.
•
These are indeed interesting and turbulent times
in which we live. Yet as St. Paul writes, “we rejoice in
our troubles, knowing that adversity produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character
produces hope - and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts by
the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Rom 5:3b5).
Like Paul, may we too hold fast to our Christian
calling, hopeful in the outcome because we are confident in God’s gracious providence. By doing so, we
may well find in our time more than a few heroes being made.
T he Martha Guild
Connie Myers
There will be no meeting for the Martha Guild in
January. The next regular meeting will be Wednesday,
February 4, 2009 at 7:30 pm in the Common Room
Annex.
Send News!
Articles for the February 2009 Pohick Post are due
no later than JANUARY 15! Forward input by
email in Word compatible format
to Lori Buckius, raebuck@aol.com.
Design concerns & items for
the Sunday Service Volunteers
page should be addressed
to Carmel Hodge,
cchodge@cox.net.
Pohick Episcopal Church
Senior Warden’s Report
Tom Mayberry, Senior Warden
The December Vestry meeting is probably the
busiest of the church year. Reverend Binder welcomed
the newly-elected Vestry members that were elected
at the annual parish meeting: Julia Bowman, Chris
Brown, Roberta Fede, Jim From, Kelsey Hodge, Susan McHargue, and Neil Sunderland.
Heartfelt thanks to all those participating in the
election. With such a strong slate, it was very difficult
to choose from the candidates. Thanks also go to the
outgoing Vestry members for providing superb service
during their tenure - Wayne Biggs, Neil Hogg, Joe
Moran, and Susan Pehrsson.
Notes from the December meeting:
• Most of the meeting focused on the budget. John
Pasour, Treasurer, indicated that plate and pledge income for November was extraordinary with many parishioners responding to the publicized shortfall. As
a percentage of budget, income was by far the highest for any November on record, and elevated the income to 85.4% of budget, which is more consistent
with previous years. John was hopeful that this strong
showing will not be at the expense of December giving. Everyone is encouraged to fulfill their pledges so
the year can end with a balanced budget. Expenditures
for November were in the normal range, but the Repair and Maintenance Fund is in the red with 106%
expended.
• Regarding the 2009 budget, thanks to the Finance Committee for thorough analysis, and the range
of options presented by John to the Vestry. While the
committee recommended going forth with a $22,250
deficit, which would have required salami-slice decrements across all budget categories, including a salary
cut for the staff (up to 8%), the Vestry opted for a larger deficit that totals $35K. This will keep staff salary
rates at the 2008 level, plus a one-percent cost of living increase, which is well below the forecasted 3.8%
cost of living increase projected for Federal workers in
the DC area. Even with the deficit, cut backs will need
to be made in many areas, including Outreach, unless
there is a marked increase in 2009 pledges.
• Regarding pledges, Stew Remaly, Stewardship,
indicated that the 2009 pledge count is down slightly
compared with the same point last year - 132 pledg-
January 2009 • Page 3
es compared with 146 pledges, although the average amount pledged is a bit higher with an average
of $400 per pledging unit. Total pledges so far total
$427,555. Everyone that has not yet submitted their
pledge cards is encouraged to submit them as soon
as possible to allow the budget to be established. The
goal is 200 pledging units.
• Wayne Biggs, Junior Warden, and Jeff Parker,
Property, briefly discussed $25,000 in repairs needed
to address water damage at the Rectory and in the
Parish Hall.
• Femi Ayorinde, Mission and Outreach, recounted
an action-packed month for Outreach, which included a food drive, Breakfast with Santa, the homeless
gift exchange, support to LCAC, the Christmas party
for the homeless, and Christmas food baskets.
• Susan Pehrsson, Service and Fellowship, indicates
she will press on with the pre-school committee when
she moves off the Vestry.
• The meeting concluded with election of Vestry
officers. Officers for 2009 are as follows:
Senior Warden: Stew Remaly
Junior Warden: Jeff Parker
Treasurer: John Pasour
Register: Don Brownlee
EYC News
Rusty Booth, Youth Minister
Happy New Year! The next coming months are
going to be very busy for the teens in EYC. Several
events are already on the schedule - Super Bowl party,
bake sale, pancake supper, a visit to The Fairfax, and
regular EYC meetings! There are also a few surprises
planned for EYC in January, so do not miss a single Sunday meeting! EYC has a photo web site, so
check it out, and look at all of the photos from the fall
events. There are some very special photos there that
are worth reviewing.
Registered members of EYC should be receiving
weekly emails. To register, download a registration
form from the Pohick web site, and send it to Rusty
Booth at the Church. Registration will ensure that everyone receives the information needed to attend all
the fun EYC events.
During the Christmas holidays, focus on the “reason for the season!”
Page 4 • January 2009
Health News
Carol Heddleston, Parish Nurse
Holiday Healing
During the holidays, be alert for depression among
older adults. For most people, the holidays are a time
of joy and celebration. For many Americans, it is a
time to visit with friends and families and enjoy religious events. But for some older adults, the winter
holidays can be a very lonely and difficult time. Often
overlooked, the holiday season may be the prime time
that many older adults experience depression. During the holidays, some older adults may focus on the
absence of parents, siblings, children and friends who
have died. This can be very emotional.
Although many people travel during the holidays,
many older adults are no longer able to drive, or cannot afford to travel, so the distance of loved ones becomes more noticed during the holidays. Traditional
holiday reunions and rituals that were observed in the
past may not be possible anymore, and the holidays
may seem to lack meaning.
How to Prevent Holiday Depression
• During the holidays, plan enjoyable activities.
Avoid unenjoyable routines and plan something different.
• Poor health can contribute to depression.
• Take car of the body, mind, and spirit!
• Eat well.
• Take medications as prescribed.
• Get plenty of rest and activity.
Be aware of possible factors in holiday depression
in older adults:
• Financial limitations
• Loss of independence
• Being alone or separated from loved ones
• Failing eyesight and lessening of the ability to
write or read holiday correspondence
• Loss of mobility
How to Help?
Friends and families of older adults can make a
world of difference in helping an older adult cope better with the Holidays
• Communicate with older adults. Phone calls and
Pohick Episcopal Church
visits, no matter how brief, help everyone stay connected. Talk about great positive memories.
• Encourage regular social outings and contacts.
Do not push, but offer transportation and other services that may be needed.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
Be familiar with the following symptoms of latelife depression, which usually last over two weeks.
• Sadness that does not go away
• Withdrawal from regular social activities
• Slowed thinking or response
• Lack of energy or interest in things that were
once enjoyable
• Worry about finances or health
• Frequent tearfulness
• Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
• Weight changes
• Pacing and fidgeting
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Inability to concentrate
• Staring off into space or at the television for long
periods of time
Christian Education
Frances Sessums, Director of Christian Education
Pohick’s annual Christmas Pageant was held on
December 14. It was an outstanding production! The
students did a wonderful job in all of their parts and
should be very proud of themselves. Their hard work
preparing for the Pageant paid off. A huge thanks goes
to Jennifer and Russ Wyllie, who directed the Pageant
again this year! They did a super job of working with
everyone. Thanks also to Jim From, who assisted Jennifer and Russ, and Carolyn McNeal and Kim Fisher
for making some new costumes to add to the collection. That was greatly appreciated!
Thanks to all of the church school teachers, who
did such a great job coaching their students and came
to rehearsals to help out! The stage crew also needs
special acknowledgement for all the terrific help:
Rusty Booth, Joe Moran Jr., Kate Collins, John Sessums, Tope Ayorinde, Rebecca Booth, Wendy Remaly, Jacob Remaly, Kelsey Hodge, Kirsten Hodge,
Chris Vaughn, Kathryn
Vaughn, Sarah Booth,
Russ, Jennifer, Drew, and
McFerrin Wyllie.
Pohick Episcopal Church
January 2009 • Page 5
Outreach
WOW! What a Christmas season! The elves were
out in full force to experience the spirit and joy of
the season. For all the trappings that the Christmas
season holds in the secular world, the great joy that
comes from helping families in the community cannot be equaled. Many have seen ‘urban legend’ stories
of anonymous strangers that help make Christmas
happen for those less fortunate. It is hard to read those
stories and not wish to be the anonymous stranger.
Through Pohick’s relationship with New Hope Housing and Lorton Community Action Center, the people
of Pohick are able to personally experience the feeling
that comes from making a difference. Thanks to all
who participated in the variety of events held during
December.
On December 8, Pohick hosted the annual Christmas Party for the residents of New Hope Housing
Shelters. Likely a result of the current economy and
some very good seasonal weather, the event had a very
large attendance. Santa and his helpers distributed
gifts, and the guests dined on turkey, ham, dressing,
potatoes, and a remarkable array of desserts. There
were many elves present, who looked remarkably like
members of the Pohick congregation! THANKS to
all who participated, whether it was with the setup,
serving, cleanup, providing food for the banquet, or
by providing gifts. A special thanks also to the Pohick
Pickers, who entertained the crowd beautifully with
wonderful music.
On December 13, Santa made a return visit to Po-
hick to host Breakfast with Santa for LCAC families
with young children. At this event, Santa read “The
Night Before Christmas” to the children; and the kids
had their pictures taken with Santa, and worked on a
fun craft project. Thanks to a generous donation from
American Barbecue and a variety of elf volunteers, the
families were served a hearty breakfast while enjoying a terrific visit with Santa. Then, five vehicles were
loaded to carry gifts and food baskets to the collection
site for LCAC for their annual holiday distribution to
client families. What a sight it is to see the generous
donations carried like a parade!
Because the Christmas Season need was great,
there were increased requests for help with food and
gifts. Pohick responded in a wonderfully generous way
to meet the need. Individual members of the congregation, the Brotherhood, the Martha Guild, and the
Ann Mason Guild made extra contributions to meet
the increased demand. Thanks to all who contributed
to these activities. The support is greatly appreciated
and has touched the lives of many people.
All of these events make a substantial difference
for hundreds of people in the greater community.
Looking ahead to 2009, please know that the need
at various food banks continues. Please consider continuing this generosity by bringing in a non-perishable food item (canned foods, boxed cereal etc.) every
week. If everyone were to bring one item each week,
imagine the impact it would have on the neighbors,
who are struggling to put food on the table.
Gunston Partner’s Program - 15 Years of Tutoring Students!
This worthwhile program offers tutoring to 3rd through 6th grade students
who attend Gunston Elementary. Gunston Partners is a partnership between
the teachers and administrators at Gunston Elementary and Pohick Church.
The Gunston Partner’s Program will begin on January 13, and people are
needed to volunteer as tutors! The number of students the program can accept
is limited to the number of volunteer tutors. Please consider helping the children. Tutors do not need to be affiliated with Gunston Elementary or Pohick
Church. The desire to make a difference in a child’s life is the only requirement.
Tutoring will be held January through May on Tuesday evenings from
7:00 pm until 8:00 pm in the Parish Hall at Pohick Episcopal Church. For
further information or to volunteer please contact Diana York at 703-3396278 or snowhill@cox.net or Doug Smith at 703-644-0480 or GunstonPartners@Gmail.com.
Page 6 • January 2009
Pohick Episcopal Church
Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion
Don Brownlee
Last fall, the Policy and Planning Commission presented the Vestry with a Report on the ongoing controversies within The Episcopal Church (TEC) and the Anglican Communion. These controversies largely involve
ordination of non-celibate homosexuals, interpretation of
Scripture, and breakdown of traditional boundary lines
between Provinces.
One recommendation of that Report was that the
Parish be regularly updated on ongoing developments related to these issues, particularly as they may affect Pohick
Church. As part of that communication effort, I have been
asked to provide regular reports in The Pohick Post.
On December 3, a number of groups, dioceses and
bishops, who have been at odds with The Episcopal
Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, announced formation of a new Anglican province that
they named the Anglican Church of North America. It marks the first time a province in the Anglican
Communion attempted to define itself by theological
orientation rather than geography.
The province in formation includes four dioceses that have voted to leave The Episcopal Church
– Pittsburgh, Quincy, Ft. Worth and San Joaquin – as
well as several other groups that have split from TEC
over the years. Backers claimed it would have 100,000
members compared with 2.3 million claimed by the
Episcopal Church.
“Our chief concern is the Episcopal Church has
taken to itself a right to judge Scripture and to separate itself from Scriptural practice and the Episcopal Church has been unwilling to discipline bishops,
priests, theologians who teach that Jesus is not the
only way to the Father,” said Robert Duncan, former
Episcopal Bishop of Pittsburgh, who will become the
new province’s archbishop and primate.
The proposed province would result in two competing provinces on the same soil, each claiming to be
the legitimate Anglican church. “We’re going through
Reformation times, and in Reformation times things
aren’t neat and clean,” Bishop Duncan said in an interview with the New York Times. “In Reformation
times, new structures are emerging.”
The Rev. Charles Robertson, canon to Presiding
Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, responded with a
statement saying, “The Episcopal Church, along with
the Anglican Church of Canada and La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico, comprise the official, recognized
presence of the Anglican Communion in North
America.”
“We reiterate what has been true of Anglicanism
for centuries: that there is room within The Episcopal
Church for people with different views, and we regret
that some have felt the need to depart from the diversity of our common life in Christ,” he added.
The GAFCON (Global Anglican Futures Conference) Primates Council issued a statement saying, “We welcome the news of the North American
Anglican Province in formation. We fully support
this development with our prayer and blessing, since
it demonstrates the determination of these faithful
Christians to remain authentic Anglicans….The steps
taken to form the new Province are a necessary initiative. A new Province will draw together in unity many
of those who wish to remain faithful to the teaching
of God’s word… Furthermore, it releases the energy
of many Anglican Christians to be involved in mission, free from the difficulties of remaining in fellowship with those who have so clearly disregarded the
word of God.”
However, the GAFCON statement did not in fact
recognize the new province.
The Archbishop of Canterbury remained silent for a day, allowing the proponents of this move
to largely dominate the initial news coverage. Then,
Lambeth Palace issued a statement noting, “There are
clear guidelines set out in the Anglican Consultative
Council Reports… detailing the steps necessary for
the amendments of existing provincial constitutions
and the creation of new provinces. Once begun, any
of these processes will take years to complete. [With
regard to the proposed new province,] the process has
not yet begun.”
To which Bishop Martyn Minns, who led Truro
Church in Fairfax out of the Diocese of Virginia and
has since been ordained a bishop in the Church of
Nigeria noted, “One of the questions a number of the
primates are asking is why do we still need to be operating under the rules of an English charity, which is
Continued on page 7
Pohick Episcopal Church
January 2009 • Page 7
Anglican Communion Update:
continued from page 6
what the Anglican Consultative Council does. Why is
England still considered the center of the universe?”
The Anglican Communion Institute (ACI), a leading
think tank for traditional Anglican thought and theology, saw serious problems with the move, and warned
that the new grouping “will not solve the problems of
traditional Anglicans in North America, and will pose
new problems to the Communion as a whole.” ACI’s
analysis pointed out:
1. “The new grouping will not, contrary to the
stated claims of some of its proponents, embrace all or
even most traditional Anglicans in North America…
2. “The new grouping…will continue in litigation within the secular courts for many years. This
continues to constitute a sad spectacle, and is, in any
case, practically and morally unfeasible for most traditional Anglicans.
3. “The new grouping is, in the eyes of many, representative of diverse bodies whose theology and ecclesiology is, taken together, incoherent, and perhaps
in some cases even incompatible…
4. “There is a host of irregularities regarding ordination, representation, consent, and so on that is
included among the members of this new grouping.
Some of these are both understandable and inevitable
under the circumstances. But they nonetheless constitute barriers for future reconciliation with other Anglican churches.
5. “Will the new grouping actually be a formal
“province” within the Anglican Communion, whatever name it assumes? Surely, it will be recognized
by some of the GAFCON Primates. However, it will
probably not be recognized at the Primates’ meeting
as a whole or even by a majority of its members, and
will be yet another cause for division there. Nor will
it be recognized at the ACC. Thus it threatens to be
yet another wedge in the breakup of the Communion,
even while there have been signs of coalescing efforts
to restore the integrity of common witness.
6. “Such division on this matter among the Primates and the ACC will likely strengthen the position
of TEC and the Anglican Church of Canada. They
will move forward as continuing and undisciplined
members of the Communion. All of this will merely
hasten the demise of our common life, even among
Global South churches themselves.”
The next likely forum for discussing the proposed
province will be the Primates Meeting scheduled for
early February in Alexandria, Egypt.
It is important to remember that despite all these controversies, the work of the Church - globally, nationally,
and locally - goes on. Hungry are fed; needy are provided
for; sick are visited. Episcopal churches, including Pohick,
have responded to flood victims in Iowa, and our mission
team recently completed another rebuilding trip to New
Orleans. Your Vestry is determined to continue our important ministry and mission.
your community’s most caring experts
Would you like to spend a few hours
a month helping someone in need?
Do you enjoy caring for others?
Please consider
volunteering for Capital Hospice.
Comprehensive patient care training offered
at no charge throughout the year.
For more information about all
volunteer opportunities or to join our
team as a volunteer, please call
703-531-2398 and ask to speak with
a Volunteeer Services Coordinator
or check us out on the web
at www.capitalhospice.org.
Page 8 • January 2009
Ø
Music Notes
Linda Egan, Minister of Music
It is a new year. Most of the typical Pohick music program is being continued: the Choir of Pohick
sings an anthem each week at 9:00 am, the Bell Choir
rings for the 9:00 am and the 11:15 am services on
the fourth Sunday of the month, the St. Francis Choir
sings at the 9:00 am service on the second Sunday of
the month, and the St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir sings
at the 9:00 am service the first Sunday of the month
and at the 11:15 am service the third Sunday of the
month. Tom Goeller plays classical guitar the second
Sunday of the month at the 11:15 am service. The
congregations at both services sing the hymns and the
service music.
One new group is needed. A group of singers is
needed to lead the hymns at the 11:15 am services
on the first and second Sundays of the month. Loud
singing by the Minister of Music while playing the
organ just does not cut it!
Anyone who likes to sing is welcome. People of
all ages attend the 11:15 am service, so this could be a
choir of all ages. The primary goal would be to lead the
hymn singing simply by standing in the gallery and
singing. It could be called the Gallery Choir.
Please contact Linda Egan if interested in the new
Gallery Choir. Members of this choir could walk upstairs at 11:05 am, pick up a hymnal and a bulletin and
sing.
Thanks to all those who gave their time and talent to make beautiful music for the Service of Lessons and Carols, and the Christmas Eve services. They
were lovely and much appreciated.
Parent/Toddler Group
The Mom’s Group (Parent/Care Giver Toddler Group - PTG) that met in the nursery on
Wednesday mornings has been
changed to Monday mornings at
10:00 am. The change was made
because more moms could attend on Monday. Please call the
Church office for more information, 703-339-6572.
Pohick Episcopal Church
Inaugural Activities at Mount Vernon
January 1 - February 13, 2009 • 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
Historic Mount Vernon, the home of the first
president, welcomes Inauguration visitors in January
with 20% off adult admission. Visitors must print the
coupon from Mount Vernon’s website: http://visit.
mountvernon.org. Take the oath of office in the new
interactive Inaugural Gallery while gazing up at a
life-size model of George Washington, one of three
created from a forensic science investigation. See the
nation’s very first Inaugural buttons worn by supporters of Washington that feature such patriotic phrases as “Long Live the President!” Tour an exhibition
of the finest collection of presidential china outside
of the White House; “Setting the President’s Table:
American Presidential China” from the Philadelphia
Museum of Art is open through January 21.
“Inauguration” is the theme for Mount Vernon’s
January storytelling session, “Once Upon a Time at
Mount Vernon,” held every Saturday and Sunday at
2:00 p.m. throughout the month at the Hands-On
History room in the Donald W. Reynolds Education
Center. During the 20-minute session, children will
learn about General Washington’s dramatic journey
to New York for the country’s first inauguration! The
storytelling program is recommended for children
ages three to eight. Parental supervision is required.
Mount Vernon will be offering a special edition of
its popular National Treasure Tour, from January 14
to January 23 at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30
pm. The National Treasure Tour combines Hollywood
and history, giving visitors stories about the filming
and also information on how the locations were used
during George Washington’s time. This special tour is
limited to 25 visitors per time slot and costs $5 per
tour in addition to Estate admission.
Information taken from: http://www.mountvernon.org/
calendar/index.cfm/fuseaction/event/calID/187/
Pohick Episcopal Church
January 2009 • Page 9
Pohick Church Activities
January 2009
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
DEC 28
29
4
5
6
7
Epiphany
6:00p St. Fran10:00a Parent/
Toddler Group 9:30a Staff Mtg. cis Choir
Christmas 1b
7:45a HE I
9:00a HE II &
Blessing of the
Toys
11:15a HE II
Christmas 2b
7:45a HE I
9:00a HE II
10:15a Christian Ed. 6:30p EFM
11:15a HE I
12:30p St. Cecelia
St. Alban Choir
NO EYC
11
12
Epiphany 1b
10:00a Parent/
7:45a HE I
Toddler Group
9:00a HE II &
6:30p EFM
Holy Baptism
10:15a Christian Ed.
11:15a HE II
12:30p St. Cecelia
St. Alban Choir
6:00p EYC Dinner
Night (All Groups)
18
19
Epiphany 2b
ML King Day
7:45a HE I
Parish Office
9:00a HE II
10:15a Christian Ed.
Closed
11:15a HE I
12:30p St. Cecelia
St. Alban Choir
6:00p Red Beans &
Rice Dinner (tent.)
NO EYC
25
30
31
JAN 1
9:30a Staff Mtg. New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day
2:30p HE,
Parish Office
The Fairfax
Closed
8:30p AA
2:30p HE, The
Fairfax
6:30p Alpha
Course
7:30p Martha
Guild Mtg.
7:30p HE/LOH
13
14
2
Friday
8
9
6:30p Bell Choir
7:00p EFM
7:30p Adult Choir
8:30p AA
3
Saturday
8:00a BSA
10
8:00a BSA
15
16
17
9:30a Staff Mtg. 6:00p St. Fran- 6:30p Bell Choir Vestry Retreat Vestry Retreat
9:30a Ann Ma- cis Choir
7:00p EFM
son Guild Mtg. 6:30p Commu- 7:30p Adult Choir
8:00a BSA
2:30p HE/FX nity of Hope
9:00a Prayer
7:30p HE/LOH 8:30p AA
6:00p Vestry
Shawl Ministry
Dinner
7:30p Vestry
Meeting
Pohick Post
Deadline
20
21
9:30a Staff Mtg. 6p St. Francis Choir
7:30p HE/LOH
2:30p HE,
The Fairfax
6:30p EFM
26
27
Epiphany 3b
10:00a Parent/ 9:30a Staff Mtg.
7:45a HE I
Toddler Group 2:30p HE,
9:00a HE II
The Fairfax
10:15a Christian Ed. 6:30p EFM
11:15a HE II
12:30p St. Cecelia
St. Alban Choir
6:30p EYC (All
Groups)
Thursday
28
22
23
6:30p Bell Choir Diocesan
Council/Reston
7:00p EFM
7:30p Adult Choir
8:30p AA
29
30
6p St. Francis Choir 6:30p Bell Choir
6:30p Alpha Course 7:00p EFM
7:30p HE/LOH
7:30p Adult Choir
8:30p AA
24
Diocesan
Council/Reston
8:00a BSA
31
8:00a BSA
9:15a LEM
Training
Contact the Parish Secretary, Vonne Troknya, troknya@pohick.org, to list group meetings or events on the calendar.
Page 10 • January 2009
Pohick Episcopal Church
SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS
4 JANUARY
7:45
18 JANUARY
USHERS
25 JANUARY
1 FEBRUARY
Ken Evans
Tony Marsico
Stew Remaly
Bob Johnson
Chris Brown
Don O’Connell
Dan Muir
Bill Stewart
Jason Smith
Bill Hosp
Rick Nelson
Tom Mayberry
Annie Westover
John Pasour
Mike Wooten
Angela Edgemon
Steve Edgemon
7:00
D. Hutson
J. Parker
1:00
F. Ayorinde
S. Leon
9:00
Paul Peterson
Lane Philllips
11 JANUARY
Ed Harvie
Sean Hartig
Dru Hodges
Alan Mayberry
11:15 Don Homar
Matt Gurrola
John Hishta
Dennis Myers
Wes Speer
Tom Bland
Jim Heller
Susan Homar
Rita Smith
OPEN - UP
AM
BJ McPherson
J. Holm
A. Powell
A. Powell/J. Schmid
E. Pitcock
A. Marsico
D. Pasour
BJ McPherson
J. Holm
A. Powell
A. Powell/J. Schmid
E. Pitcock
A. Marsico
D. Pasour
Flower Guild
BJ/K. McPherson
AM
7:45 TBD
9:00 M/M Bartholemew
11:15 S. Caesar
TBD
AM
TBD
TBD
7:45
Stewart (P)
Thorson (R)
Heddleston (R)
Heintze (P)
11:15 Muir (P)
Poad (R)
Ayorinde (P)
Pasour (R)
R. Teale
Brooks/Mayberry
Buckius/Faber
B. Wagner
J. Sunderland
R. Teale
N. Bireley
J. MacDonald
M. Verneer
J. Wells/K. Hodges
N. Sage
C. Heddleston
H. Parker
J. Buckley/S. Wrona
C. Hanchin
R. Stankwitz
J. Brimmer
Hanchin/Stribling
TBD
TBD
TBD
M. Yezek
P. DeYoung
TBD
B. Wagner
J. Sunderland
R. Teale
N. Bireley
J. MacDonald
M. Verneer
K. Tracy
COFFEE HOUR
M/M Leon
NURSERY
M/M Gurrola
Arnhart/Duggin
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
GREETERS
M/M Edwin Harvie
Homar (P)
Lefean (R)
J. Pasour
ALTAR GUILD
M. Zane
M/M Roger Jones
9:00
T. Mayberry
FLOWER GUILD
7:45 Marleen McCabe
9:00 M/M Oscar Wells
11:15 M/M Pehr Pehrsson
J. Springer (R)
P. Springer (P)
R. Fede
Kirkland/Pinkard
M/M Wooten
M/M Juan Cruz
C. Brown
TELLERS
M/M Myers
Pehr Pehrsson
Jim Bartholomew
Micheyl Bartholomew
Edwardene Pitcock
S. Remaly
LOCK - UP
12:15 Johnson/Pasour
Randy Brooks
Tony Harriman
Hal Yarwood
Susan Yarwood
TBD
LAY READERS
TBD
TBD
J. Springer (P)
P. Springer (R)
Stewart (R)
Wagner (P)
Thorson (P)
Muir (R)
Gastrell (R)
Nelson (P)
Messer (R)
Poad (P)
Heintze (R)
Homar (P)
Cudworth (R)
Knipling (P)
Faber (R)
Heddleston (P)
Cockroft (P)
Sage (R)
The Sunday Service Volunteers Schedule is also available at Pohick Church’s website, www.pohick.org, under “Ministries.”
Pohick Episcopal Church
January 2009 • Page 11
SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS
4 JANUARY
7:45
9:00
11 JANUARY
LC Catherine Godley
LC William Prados
LC Olivia Howard
SC Rosser Howard
T Katherine Vaughn
T Hannah Goeller
B Julia Howard
LC Rachael Martin
SC Sarah Wooten
T Sarah Bowman
T Andrew Wyllie
B Mitchell From
11:15 LC Emily Pehrsson
SC Brad McCullough
T Mary Binder
T Isabel Hogg
B Graham Hogg
18 JANUARY
25 JANUARY
1 FEBRUARY
LC Max Schwoppe
LC Katherine Wrona
LC Thomas MacGregor
LC Kelsey Hodge
SC Dru Hodges
T Casey Ljuba
T Graham Hogg
B Julia Howard
LC Taryn Yezek
SC Brad McCullough
T Keighan Speer
T Slayton Speer
B Melisa Lynn
LC Max Schwoppe
SC Julia Mitchell
T Isabel Hogg
T Mary Binder
B Scott Schwoppe
ACOLYTES
LC Rebecca Vaughn
SC Kathryn Vaughn
T Hannah Vaughn
T Keighan Speer
B Slayton Speer
LC Kathryn McNeal
SC Amber McNeal
T Rachael Pehrsson
T Mikey Krajack
B Robert McNeal
From The Assistant Rector
The Reverend
Lyn Youll Marshall
Hymns, Exercise,
and New Year Resolutions!
Traditionally, New Year is the time to make resolutions, most of which likely won’t be kept for long.
Given the heavy food intake over Christmas, one of
those resolutions might be to do more exercise.
I was at an exercise class before Christmas and
the instructor was playing a CD from a store that she
called ‘tar-jay,’ and I later realized it was Target. The
CD was entitled “Amazing Grace,’ and it was a collection of hymns played on the piano. With the possible exception of the Jewish member, the women in
the class seemed to thoroughly enjoy listening to the
hymns as we stretched out our hamstrings.
“This is my husband’s favorite.” “My mother used
to sing this hymn when she was working in the kitchen.” “Oh, I love this hymn, what is the name of this
one?” “Listening to this is enough to send me back to
church…maybe this is church.”
Well, I’ve seen some interesting things happen at
church but a dozen women lying on their backs with
their legs in the air wasn’t one of them! It’s an interesting thing to ponder though. Not the dozen women
cooling down after an exercise class, but what people
think of as ‘church.’ If a group is gathered together
listening to ‘religious’ music, can that be called church?
Is church just about singing a few hymns, and going
LC Rachael Booth
SC Stephen Jones
T Sean Jones
T Rebecca Booth
B Andrew Wyllie
LC Kelsey Hodge
SC Hunter Garth
T Rachael Pehrsson
T Taylor Hawks
B Max Perconti
home feeling like God has been assuaged for another
week?
We aren’t doing God a favor when we show up
at church. But amazingly, God shows up all the time,
and reaches out to us through prayer and praise and
silence through communion and community. We are
not worthy to stand before him, but in his grace he
reaches out to us with the tiny hands of a baby or the
scarred hands of a man who was nailed to a cross. Often, it is through music that God touches a deep place
in our hearts.
The conversation at the exercise class is a reminder
of the enduring legacy of our cherished hymns. There
are many reasons why people leave church, but the
power of well-loved hymns might just be enough to
convince someone to come through the doors again,
especially at times like Christmas. When I was younger and had wandered a very long way from church,
some hymns would still bring tears to my eyes. I believe now that the Spirit of God was working in me,
even though I wasn’t yet ready to listen.
My prayer was that someone would invite the lady
who talked about church to come with them to a real
church where she would experience the love of God.
I prayed too that others will have been invited over
Christmas so that they too might experience God’s
love. And now that Christmas is over for another
year, I pray that one of our resolutions will be to invite
someone to our church, to hear the beautiful music
and the words of God’s enduring love and salvation,
sung so beautifully in our cherished hymns.
May your New Year be blessed!
VESTRY • GRAM
Stew Remaly
Jeff Parker
John Pasour
Don Brownlee
Femi Ayorinde, Chris
Brown, Roberta Fede,
Jim From, Steve Harding,
Kelsey Hodge, Dana Hutson,
Susanne Leon, Tom
Mayberry, Susan McHargue,
Neil Sunderland, Robin Teale
Pohick Church Vestry
Sr. Warden:
Jr. Warden:
Treasurer:
Register:
Members:
Date: _____________________ Subject: _____________________
To: The Vestry
Return Service Requested
9301 Richmond Highway
Lorton, Virginia 22079-1519
Pohick Church
From:
Frances Sessums
Rusty Booth
Vonne Troknya
Pat Osisek
John Sessums
The Rev’d Donald Binder, PhD
The Rev’d
Lyn Youll Marshall
Julia Messer
Linda Egan
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: Troknya@pohick.org • Web Site: www.pohick.org
The Purpose of Pohick Church is to be a nourishing community where Christ’s love is experienced and taken beyond its walls.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 2
Lorton, VA