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
S chool’s out, the surf ’s up, and the cool ocean
breezes beckon. Clearly it’s time for another in-
stallment of Binder’s Beach Books!
At this writing, we’ve just completed a wonder-
ful parish retreat where we focused on the topic of
Christian Friendship. Group discussions were lively
and passionate during the course of the weekend,
signaling a great interest in this subject. And so it
makes sense to begin there with this year’s list of
summertime suggestions.
The original idea for the retreat came to me as a
result of reading Friends in Christ (2012) by Brother
John of the Taizé Community in France. I’d picked
up a copy when I was on retreat there five years ago
but hadn’t gotten around to reading it until earlier
this year.
In it, Brother John reviews not only the biblical
passages dealing with friendship, but also the subse-
quent Classical and Christian literature. That alone
is worth the price of admission. But the real bonus
is when Brother John reflects upon the friendships
formed among the thousands of pilgrims from
around the world who journey to Taizé each year.
They do so in order to share in the Brothers’ com-
munity of worship, study, and fellowship. His ob-
servations of these interactions were the impetus for
the writing of this book in the first place, as they
convinced Brother John of the central role of the
July/August 2018
Christian community in the formation of deep and
satisfying relationships that are anchored in the love
and worship of Christ.
Paul J. Waddell had already reached a compa-
rable conclusion in a second book I used in crafting
the retreat sessions: Becoming Friends (2002). There,
Waddell undertakes a somewhat similar review of
the biblical and ancient literature. But he then goes
on to introduce some helpful modern studies, par-
ticularly ones that examine the societal forces in
the West that seem to be arrayed against the de-
velopment of meaningful relationships. He in turn
springboards off other such writings to grapple with
some of the challenges found within friendships
themselves (e.g., the danger of forming exclusive
cliques). This leads him to affirm Christian com-
munal worship as being a key activity for the de-
velopment of close relationships with God and our
neighbor.
The final volume from which I drew material for
the retreat was C.S. Lewis’ classic work, The Four
Loves (1960). Lewis there performs a semantic anal-
ysis of the four Classical Greek words used for our
word love. In that the New Testament was written
in Greek, this study is particularly relevant for our
understanding of the relationship between “friend-
ship love” (philía) and “divine love” (agapé). Point-
edly, Lewis highlights the inadequacies of the for-
mer, “earthly” love when not imbued with the graces
of the latter variety, about which St. Paul writes so
eloquently in I Cor 13. The Christian must aspire to
Continued on page 2
 Page 2 • July/August 2018
From the Rector: continued from page 1
make the leap between the two, much as the Risen
Lord challenged Peter to demonstrate his love (aga-
pé) by feeding Christ’s sheep (see John 21:15-19).
Moving on, earlier in the year, I drew heavily
on Eric Metaxas’ book Martin Luther (2017) during
my Lenten Study on the Father of the Protestant
Reformation. I mention it not merely because it is
written in a gripping and engaging style - yet one
that is also faithful to the latest research on Luther
- but also because reading it will allow participants
in that class to discover what happened at the end of
Luther’s life, as we sadly had to cancel the last class
because of inclement weather! Although I have not
yet read it, Metaxas’ earlier book, Bonhoeffer: Pastor,
Martyr, Prophet, Spy (2011), has received many ac-
colades since it was first published. It promises to
offer the reader many fresh insights about the great
German theologian who was executed in Hitler’s
jails for plotting against the Fuhrer’s life near the
end of WWII.
A final pair of books I’ll suggest are sequels to
Bruce Feiler’s Walking the Bible, a volume I recom-
mended in these pages several years ago. They are:
Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths (2005),
which explores the biblical patriarch through the
eyes of Jews, Christians, and Muslims; and Where
God Was Born: A Daring Adventure Through the Bi-
ble’s Greatest Stories (2007), which chronicles Feiler’s
journeys through biblical lands not open to him
during his writing of the first volume of this series
(viz., Iraq and Iran). Both are laden with biblical ex-
positions, archaeological discoveries, and spiritual
reflections.
That’s it for this year’s list. Except that I hope
you will also take some time this summer to read
the bestselling volume of all time - the Bible. Along
with that, I would commend to you a visit to the
newly opened Museum of the Bible - which is ex-
cellently and accurately done - as well as partici-
pation in my informal Bible study on the Book of
Judges. This last will be held on Sundays in July,
9:00 am - 9:45 am in the Annex. All are welcome -
bring your Bible!
Pohick Episcopal Church
Golden Dove Gift Shop News
The Golden Dove Gift Shop has a large and
wonderful group of Board members and Parish
volunteers.
Board Members:
Carney McCullough, Vestry Rep
Charlotte Knipling, Secretary/Buyer
Connie Myers, Martha Guild Rep
Donna Crawford, Inventory Manager
& Scheduling Manager
Edwardene Pitcock, Docent Guild Rep
Pamela Nelson, Shop Director/Buyer
Patty Mitchell, Parish Rep
Mike Morgan, Treasurer
Susanne Leon, Ann Mason Guild Rep
Theron Jackson, Security/Tech Manager
The congregation and the many Parish visitors
give back to Pohick and toward important out-
reach programs by simply purchasing gifts at the
Golden Dove. This support makes the shop a suc-
cess for Pohick!
Please feel free to offer suggestions for the
shop, the merchandise, or other ideas. New shop
volunteers are always welcome! Feel free to con-
tact a Board member!
Mark the calendar for upcoming shop events
and hours:
July 4: 11:30 am -12:30 pm for Declaration of
Independence Reading
July 7: First Saturday, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
during Docent Tours
July 22: “Christmas in July” in the Common
Room, 8:00 am to 12 noon
Aug 4: First Saturday, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sept 1: First Saturday, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sept 29: Pohick Country Fair, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Come by the Golden Dove to shop for unique
gifts - from Pohick mugs, magnets, tote bags, tea
canisters, and cookbooks to Father Don’s three
CDs, historical books, home decor, jewelry, gifts
for the kids, and seasonal items!
Thanks for giving back when by shopping at
The Golden Dove Gift Shop!
Pohick Episcopal Church
Senior Warden’s Report
Beth Altman, Senior Warden
The Vestry thanks all who could make it to the
Parish picnic last month. It was a very wet, rainy day
outside but the weather was nearly unnoticed inside
with the good food and fellowship. The tables were full,
which is exactly what was hoped! Although the Rec-
tor thanked everyone at the picnic, it cannot be said
enough! It takes a lot to keep everything going and the
gifts of time, talent, and treasure far exceed expecta-
tions. During the Vestry lunch with Bishop Jones,
he said that this church has all and exactly the talent
needed to grow! The Bishop was very impressed with
the church, the people, the music, the celebration of the
church history, and the activities offered as a part of the
fellowship all received high praise! The Vestry thanks
everyone for all that is accomplished by this congrega-
tion!
On Sunday, July 1, Pohick will welcome the new
Assistant to the Rector, the Rev. Dr. Lynn Ronaldi and
her husband Tom. Lynn is looking forward to a high
energy parish. A welcome reception for Lynn will be
held after the 10:00 am service on July 1. Please wear
name badges to help her connect faces with names.
Temporary name badges will be available for those that
forget to bring one.
Many found it hard to say farewell to The Rev’d
Dr. Diane Murphy. Diane’s last Sunday at Pohick was
June 24. Please be sure to thank Diane for her time at
Pohick and for her wonderful sermons. She will cer-
tainly be missed! Diane will continue to serve in area
churches needing a temporary priest.
Below are notes from the May and June Vestry
meetings.
• Organ repairs are ongoing. Replacement parts
necessary to complete the repairs have been ordered
from Germany, and the work will be completed in the
summer.
• HVAC installation in the church has begun. In-
stallation of duct work will begin in July and take a
couple weeks to complete.
• Approved Treasurer’s report for May. Alms and
commitments were good for May and within the his-
toric average.
• Approved Vaughan Restoration Masonry to re-
store the southwest steps (facing the parish house) of
July/August 2018 • Page 3
the sanctuary. The work is expected to begin Monday,
July 16. The steps will be off limits for two to three
weeks. The other two doors will be used for entry/exit
into the church.
• Approved an engineering study to assess the site
for the new playground. Most contractors require an
assessment of the playground area prior to submission
of their proposal.
• Approved request to consider upgrading church
office phone system.
• The new assistant to the Rector will begin July
1 and a welcome reception will follow the 10:00 am
service. The communication committee is requesting
everyone wear their name tags that day.
With summer there is often a great deal of travel
to spend time with family and friends. Enjoy and relax
with loved ones and refresh the soul - travel safely!
Pohick Book Club
The Pohick Book Club will meet Saturday,
July 14 at 12:30 pm in the Vestry House. The
book for July is The Bullet written by Mary
Louise Kelly. This book is a novel, not non-
fiction.
All are welcome to attend the book club
meeting. Direct any questions to Jane Thur-
ston, fuzzandjane@gmail.com or Beth Alt-
man, philbethaltman@cox.net.
Special Declaration of Independence
Reading at Historic Pohick Church
On Wednesday, July 4, the congregation and
community are invited to a free public reading
of the Declaration of Independence at Histor-
ic Pohick Church. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Costa,
portraying the Rev. Mr. Massey, rector of Po-
hick Church in 1776 will conduct the reading.
The reading will take
place at 12 noon, with
free docent tours of
the colonial church of
George Washington
and George Mason
following the event.
 Page 4 • July/August 2018
Apple Butter: A Family Event and Pohick Tradition!
For over 45 years, making Apple Butter has
always has been a Family Event! Many adult Po-
hickians can talk at length about their memories
of making Apple Butter behind the Common
Room with their parents and grandparents. Please
do not hesitate to bring the entire family by the
Church on September 21 through 23 to help with
a Pohick tradition while creating lifetime memo-
ries. Remember there are lots of ways for even the
youngest family members to participate.
Friday, September 21 is Setup Day. A giant
tarp is erected, firewood is hauled, the Common
Room is arranged, jars are washed and bricks are
moved. It takes lots of hands only a few hours for
this phase. It is always exciting to see the tarp go
up and the big copper kettles arrive. It is always
difficult to sleep that night due to the anticipation
of the next day’s events. Start time is normally
early afternoon outside the Common Room. At
the end of the day, there is a small social event to
plan for the next two days. All ages are encour-
aged to participate in these activities.
Saturday, September 22 is Apple Sauce Day.
It starts with 50 bushels of apples, and approxi-
mately 200 gallons of apple sauce will be made.
The jobs include apple cutters - removing stems
and bad spots (the cutting is not a job for the
youngest because of the use of knives but they can
pull stems); apple haulers -taking apples to the
tables and the slicers; kettle stirrers -many people
of all ages participate in this phase. The kettles
must be constantly to make the apple sauce. The
process was changed slightly
last year. After the applesauce
is complete, the Apple Butter
is cooked for a few hours. This
allows a little later start time on
Sunday. Again, all ages (with
supervision due to the fires) can participate; op-
erating the separators is also a job for all ages. It
takes three or four people on each of the two ma-
chines. Always lots of adult supervision available
Pohick Episcopal Church
for this effort and plenty to do for those of all ages.
By the way, lunch is ordered in from a favorite lo-
cal deli around noon on Saturday. This is always a
fun event. Clean up and set up for Apple Butter
Sunday is late afternoon. Please try to come by for
a few hours, or all day, and bring the entire family.
Sunday, September 23 is Apple Butter Day.
The day starts at 7:00 am. Stir the sauce for a total
cooking time of approximately 12 hours. It takes
12 hours, no shortcuts, which is why cooking be-
gins on Saturday. Stirrers of all ages are need-
ed! Long sleeve shirts, long pants and close toed
shoes are encouraged while stirring. The sauce of-
ten spits, but the right clothing will usually pre-
vent burns. Care must also be taken when moving
among the kettles so no one accidentally runs into
a kettle or a paddle. That would definitely leave a
mark!
Canning starts around 3:00 pm. This is an event
not to be missed. Roughly one hundred people
participate in the canning process and many more
watchers are present. After Father Don blesses
the Apple Butter, the organized chaos begins and
there is a job for all. Please let Carolyn Brown
or Prudence Brooks know you want to help with
canning. They try to fill the jobs early (like the day
before!) so there is no last-minute panic. Some
of the jobs are: haulers, ladlers, toppers, tighten-
ers, wipers, table cleaners, water fetchers, boxers,
stackers and sellers! Come on out and learn about
these interesting jobs. Training is provided. The
entire canning process only takes about 45 min-
utes. It is a sight to see. After the canning, every-
thing must be cleaned up and all the gear needs
to be put away, not necessarily a fun job, but a
must-do. Again, lots of hands are needed. After
the cleaning and hauling there is a short social
event. By this time, there is not a lot of energy as
1000 jars of Apple Butter have been canned!
Please join a great Pohick tradition with lots
of fellowship and memories!
- The Apple Butter Gang
Pohick Episcopal Church July/August 2018 • Page 5

Pohick
Episcopal Church

VACATION
BIBLE SCHOOL
July 9 - 13, 2018

Please PREREGISTER your students - it makes planning easier.

REGISTRATION FORM
To be held at:
Pohick Episcopal Church • 9301 Richmond Highway • Lorton, VA 22079
For chidren age 3 (only if potty-trained) through Grade 5*
Monday - Friday • 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE DAILY SESSIONS TO BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 9:00 am.

Directions: Please fill out a separate form for each child attending.

Child’s Name ______________________________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________________________
(street) (city) (zip)

Telephone _____________________________________ Date of Birth ________________________________

*School Grade completed in June of 2018 ________________________________________________________

Parents’ Names _____________________________________________________________________________

Medical Information (e.g. food allergies, etc.) ______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE CHECK WHERE APPROPRIATE:

_____ I can stay and help if needed. _____ We would like to carpool, if possible.
_____ My child would like to come, but will need a ride. _____ I can provide a ride for _____ child(ren).
Please return this form to the Church office, either in person or by mail.
(over)
 Page 6 • July/August 2018 Pohick Episcopal Church

POHICK EPISCOPAL CHURCH

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
PERMISSION FOR EMERGENCY CARE

Name of Child _____________________________________________________________________________

Date of Birth _____________________________________________________________________________

Name of Parent/Guardian ____________________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone _________________________________________________________________________________

“THE CHURCH HAS MY PERMISSION TO CALL ANOTHER PHYSICIAN IN AN

EMERGENCY WHEN FAMILY PHYSICIAN OR I CANNOT BE CONTACTED.”

Name of Family Physician _____________________________________________________________________

Telephone _________________________________________________________________________________

IS YOUR CHILD:
ALLERGIC TO MEDICATION? ____________________________________________________________

IF SO, WHICH ___________________________________________________________________________

ANY OTHER ALLERGIES - SUCH AS BEE STINGS _________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
UNDER PHYSICIAN’S CARE? _________________

UNDER MEDICATION NOW? _________________

“THE CHURCH HAS MY PERMISSION, IN AN EMERGENCY WHEN I (OR MY PHYSICIAN) CANNOT

BE CONTACTED, TO TAKE MY CHILD TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM OF THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
AND ITS MEDICAL STAFF HAVE MY AUTHORIZATION TO PROVIDE TREATMENT WHICH A PHY-
SICIAN DEEMS NECESSARY FOR THE WELL-BEING OF MY CHILD.”

NOTE: By law a parent cannot consent in advance to any and all manner of emergency care. It is un-
derstandable that in cases, other than the need for immediate emergency treatment, the attending physi-
cian may defer treatment pending the parent’s permission to administer professional service.

__________________________________________________________
(Parent/Guardian signature)

__________________________________________________________
(Date)
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 Vestry’s 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.
There are three major developments to report to
you this month: One directly involving our diocese,
one involving The Episcopal Church and ongoing
property cases, and one involving the wider Anglican
Communion.
Bp. Shannon Johnston
shocked the diocese with two
letters to the diocesan family
late in May. The first said he and
the Executive Board had de-
cided to call off the search for a
suffragan bishop due to “serious
questions...brought forward by
members of the diocesan staff having to do with the
leadership and the culture among diocesan staff.”
He did not elaborate on what that meant, nor
what was behind it. He said that as diocesan bishop he
took “full responsibility” for the situation, and added
“Utmost in my priorities will be to ensure that all of
us function well together. The crucial point as we face
this reality is that this is not the time to introduce
a new bishop into the diocesan system. Rather, it is
much preferable to bring in the help we need to ad-
dress the difficulties and identify ways that the staff as
a culture and system can be become fully functional
again.”
The first letter also said that now that he is 60 years
old, and having served 30 years in ordained ministry
and eleven as our bishop, he has “begun to look more
seriously about retiring earlier than I had originally
planned.
Three weeks later, another letter followed up.
While still not explaining what he meant by questions
about leadership and culture, he assured us, “We are
NOT in the midst of any kind of impropriety or mal-
feasance, whether legal or moral. Moreover, our entire
staff remains at work with dedication, purpose, and
integrity, and remains fully committed, both person-
July/August 2018 • Page 7
ally and professionally. The ministries of the diocese
are all right on target and still set a standard. I thank
you for the many expressions of support and trust that
we have received, and I am confident that we have the
resources, the means, and the willingness to address
the issues that have been raised.”
Then he followed up on the statement about his
possible retirement: For “personal reasons I shall re-
sign and retire earlier than I had planned (which is
another reason not to elect a second suffragan at this
time). I have not yet determined precisely when that
will be, but I am looking toward the summer of next
year, 2019.”
He promised another letter late in June, which
had not been released as of when the Pohick Post went
to press.
The diocese has several paths forward. Sometimes
when a bishop announces plans to retire, the diocese
elects a “bishop coadjutor,” who serves alongside the
outgoing bishop and becomes diocesan bishop when
he/her predecessor retires. Both Bp. Shannon and Bp.
Peter Lee served as coadjutors. Bp. Lee served only a
year in that role before the sudden death of Bp. Rob-
ert Hall; he said later that was not long enough. So
he announced his plans
to retire several years in
advance. Bp. Shannon
served a little more than
two years as coadjutor
before Bp. Lee resigned
in October 2009.
The diocese could also
decide to begin the
search process, but call our new bishop to begin his or
her episcopacy upon Bp. Shannon’s retirement rather
than serving some time as coadjutor.
If we call someone who is not currently a diocesan
or suffragan bishop, the consent of the wider Episco-
pal Church is required before he or she can be conse-
crated and installed as our bishop. If we call someone
who is already a diocesan or suffragan bishop, either
in our diocese or another, the consent of the wider
church is not required.
***
Continued on page 8
 Page 8 • July/August 2018
Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,
continued from page 7
As reported previously, the group in South Caro-
lina which voted in 2009 to take the entire Diocese
of South Carolina out of The Episcopal Church lost a
long-running battle in state courts to keep control of
parish churches and diocesan properties. Earlier this
year, it appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. In legal
terms, it filed a “writ of certiorari.”
In early June without comment, the Supreme
Court denied its petition.
The Supreme Court has wide latitude in deciding
which appeals it will consider. The votes of four jus-
tices are needed to “grant certiorari,” or agree to hear
a case. Generally speaking the Court does not explain
why it does or does not grant certiorari, nor how many
justices if any did want to hear the case. There was no
such explanation in the South Carolina cases. Its prec-
edents hold that it generally will not consider cases
where state courts have based a decision on state laws
or constitutions. The Episcopal Church had argued in
its briefs urging the court not to hear the case that
this is exactly what happened in the South Carolina
case. The break-away group and its supporters had
argued that different state courts are interpreting the
key 1979 Supreme Court ruling on church properties,
called Jones v. Wolf, differently, and only the Supreme
Court can clear up these inconsistencies.
On the same day the Court declined that invita-
tion from South Carolina, it declined to hear a case
from Minnesota where state courts had reached the
opposite conclusion: That contested property be-
longed to a Presbyterian parish that wanted to leave
the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area (Minneapolis).
There, the group representing the larger church said
“There is an entrenched, acknowledged conflict in the
lower courts about how to apply Jones v. Wolf...The
conflict implicates billions of dollars in church prop-
erty, and incorrect applications of Jones - as in this
case - unconstitutionally restrict free exercise rights.”
It cited the local church’s own petition as ac-
knowledging that lower courts are divided, and said,
“Regardless which side is correct, the state courts are
in irreconcilable conflict about a recurring, important
question of First Amendment law, as interpreted by
this Court in Jones.”
By turning down both the South Carolina and
Pohick Episcopal Church
Minnesota cases, the Supreme Court said it does not
choose to resolve these differences at this time.
The case had potential implications for other
Episcopal dioceses, including ours. The Falls Church
Anglican, those former parishioners of The Falls
Church who unsuccessfully tried to leave the diocese
but retain control of their properties, had urged the
Supreme Court to take the South Carolina case. Had
the Supreme Court ultimately ruled parishes could
keep their properties in such circumstances, property
cases in Virginia and elsewhere potentially could have
been reopened.
Bp. Mark Lawrence, who
heads the break-away South Caro-
lina group, wrote his diocese to say
“this case is not over,” and said its
attorneys would head back into
local courts to continue the fight.
But he indicated some weariness
with the long legal battles, writing, “Frankly, to pray
only for vindication of our legal cause but have little
compassion for the lost and needy; to turn a blind eye
to the huge numbers of people moving into the Low
Country; to seek God’s help in the court but not seek
him for laborers for the harvest; is to fail to respond
rightly to our Lord’s closing question in his teaching
on prayerful persistence. Frankly, we dare not let the
legal questions of the courtroom dominate or hinder
our pursuit of the God’s mission in the world. Both
the ‘stuff ’ in the courtroom and the ‘stuff ’ of the King-
dom matter. Let’s make sure we keep the order right.”
But the continuing diocese – which had been call-
ing itself “The Episcopal Church in South Carolina,”
or TECSC -- began planning for the next phase. It
announced appointment of a special “Missioner for
Returning Congregations. “This new ministry is a
way for our diocese to manifest good care of God’s
people, live out our Diocesan Vision, and always seek
the goals of reconciliation and unity in Christ during
this important time of transition,” Bishop Skip Ad-
ams said.
A statement from the diocese said the Rev. Wil-
liam Coyne would “be the chief diocesan contact per-
son for every returning parish and mission, meeting
with their leaders and identifying what is needed for
an orderly return to TECSC. He also will help them
Continued on page 9
Pohick Episcopal Church
Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,
continued from page 8
with assessing their clergy and staff needs, determin-
ing their financial position, and setting up their gov-
ernance and bylaws in accordance with church law.”
“One initial goal is for every congregation to be
able to continue to worship on Sunday mornings
without interruption through the transition period,”
the statement said.
***
Then, at the end of the month, some 2,000 del-
egates gathered in Jerusalem for the third GAFCON
conference.
GAFCON – the Global Anglican Futures Con-
ference – is an organization of Anglicans from Africa,
the U.S. and elsewhere which describes itself as “global
family of authentic Anglicans standing together to re-
tain and restore the Bible to the heart of the Anglican
Communion.” Its focus is on proclaiming what it sees
as an authentic reading of the Gospel against those
in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and elsewhere
who it believes stray from clear Gospel teachings in
matters of human sexuality. It charges the leaders of
those “developed industrial Provinces in the Angli-
can Communion have abandoned Gospel ministry in
favor of falling in step with the surrounding culture.
That decision cannot bear fruit…Rather than declar-
ing war, we need to build the structures and relational
networks that can move Gospel ministry forward
to do evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and
business as mission.”
There communique after the conference continued
the attacks on those leaders and churches. Pointing
back to the declaration by the 1998 Lambeth Confer-
ence that homosexual activity is “incompatible with
Scripture,” they said that “During the past twenty
years, the Instruments of Communion have not only
failed to uphold godly discipline but their representa-
tives have refused to recognise our concerns and have
chosen instead to demean Gafcon as a one-issue pres-
sure group and accuse it of promoting schism, where
in fact the schismatics are those who have departed
from the teaching of the Bible and the historic doc-
trine of the Church. Slogans such as “walking togeth-
er” and “good disagreement” are dangerously decep-
tive in seeking to persuade people to accommodate
false teaching in the Communion.”
July/August 2018 • Page 9
Those last two quotes are favorite phrases of
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to describe
how he thinks the various Anglican provinces should
work through their disagreements on these issues, and
quoting them in this communique was a direct attack
on him.
They “respectfully” urged him to invite bishops
from the Anglican Church in North America, and
Anglican Church in Brazil, to the upcoming Lam-
beth 2020 conference, and not to invite bishops from
The Episcopal Church, Anglican Church of Canada,
Church of Scotland, Anglican Province of New Zea-
land, and others provinces that have in their words
“endorsed by word or deed sexual practices which are
in contradiction to the teaching of Scripture and Res-
olution I.10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference, unless
they have repented of their actions and reversed their
decisions.”
But while the request was “respectful,” the threat
was clear: “In the event that this does not occur, we
urge Gafcon members to decline the invitation to at-
tend Lambeth 2020 and all other meetings of the In-
struments of Communion.”
GAFCON recognizes both the Anglican Church
in North America (ACNA) and Anglican Church in
Brazil as full-fledged Angli-
can provinces. The official or-
ganizations of the Anglican
Communion do not.
Since GAFCON was
founded ten years ago, its
leadership has been domi-
nated by archbishops from Africa. But the GAFCON
primates have now chosen Abp. Foley Beach of the
Anglican Church in North America to serve as chair-
man of the Primate’s Council starting in April of next
year. Abp. Ben Kwashi of Jos, Nigeria will become the
new general secretary, succeeding Abp. Peter Jenson
of Sydney, Australia.
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
neighbors in need. As Bp. Shannon told us in June, “The Holy Spirit is as present in
the steady as it is in the remarkable. When we assist those in need, it is the result of
the Holy Spirit’s empathy for a child of God.” And as our Sr. Warden reminded us
recently, “While human lives are limited in duration, the church continues from gen-
eration to generation and age to age…The fruit of our work with homeless children at
Christmas time may be realized 40 years into the future when Pohick’s new rector tells
her parishioners how the love she felt at that 2017 party inspired her to overcome her
poverty, and to be the first in her family to graduate from college then from seminary.”
 Page 10 • July/August 2018
General Brown’s Scalpel
By Lawrence M (Larry) Nelson, MD, MBA
CAPT USPHS, Retired
July brings parades, readings of the Declara-
tion of Independence, celebrations of freedom,
and at Pohick Church, thoughts about George
Washington’s leadership.
Merriam Webster defines trust as “assured re-
liance on the character, ability, strength, or truth
of someone or something.” Clearly George Wash-
ington earned the trust of this young nation. As
many know, he had a special warm place in his
heart for Pohick Church, which no doubt played
a significant role in his character development.
A community group has been working to
raise awareness regarding the great historical sig-
nificance of the Colonial Pohick region. The wa-
tershed area of Pohick Creek defines this region
geographically. This area includes Mount Vernon,
Gunston Hall, and, of course, Pohick Church. In
colonial times, Pohick Church essentially served
as the seat of government for the Pohick region.
These community efforts in collaboration with
the State of Virginia Department of Historic
Resources have resulted in the approval of a new
highway marker to be placed on Richmond High-
way. The text of the approved marker reads:
The Washingtons at Pohick Church
“George Washington, like his father before
him, served on the vestry of Truro Parish, which
the Virginia General Assembly established in
1732. Colonial vestries managed parish affairs
and provided crucial services to the community,
including care for widows, orphans, the poor,
and the sick. Washington served several terms as
church warden and is credited with leading the ef-
fort to replace the old Pohick Church, about two
miles south, with a new building that opened here
in 1774. He donated furnishings to the church
Pohick Episcopal Church
and attended services here with his wife, Martha
Dandridge Custis Washington, a devout Angli-
can. Their home, Mount Vernon, is six miles to
the east.”
The National Brotherhood of Saint Andrew
has an initiative to develop veteran friendly con-
gregations. This effort is particularly relevant to
Pohick Church, the church of General Washing-
ton.
The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew is a world-
wide ministry founded in 1883 by a group of
working men at Saint James Episcopal Church
in Chicago. The focus is to bring men, boys, and
youth to Christ. A muscular form of Christianity
is envisioned; a source of strength for dealing with
adversity. The Pohick Chapter meets every Satur-
day morning at 8:00 am for a hearty man’s break-
fast, prayer, service, and study. New members are
welcomed with open arms. Come join us!
By the way, the logo above is Saint Andrew’s
cross. As their patron saint, his cross comprises
the flag of Scotland and is also part of the Episco-
pal flag.
Pohick Church History Refresher
Join new trainees and current Historic Pohick
Church Docent Guild Members in a morning
of Pohick History. The Docent Guild will hold a
Saturday Historic Pohick Church Training Ses-
sion on July 7. The session will feature videotaped
lectures by Father Don Binder on the history of
Pohick Church, a visit from Rev. Lee Massey
(Rev. Tom Costa), and a demonstration tour of
the church. Coffee and treats are included.
The session begins at 9:30 am and ends at
2:30 pm in the Parish House Annex. The cost is
free or $5 if you do not already have a manual for
the session and $10 if lunch is desired. Reserve a
space with a check made payable to the Pohick
Church Docent Guild for either manual or lunch
or both, to Susan Costa in the Church Office or
Fred Crawford. Please RSVP to Fred Crawford at
frcrawford205@comcast.net or 703-994-5236 or
Susan Costa in the church office 703-339-6572.
Pohick Episcopal Church
 Music Notes
Linda Egan, Minister of Music
Thank you to all who made music at Pohick this
year. Everyone worked hard in rehearsals and sang or
played or rang beautifully. Thank you to the directors
Barb Lynn, John Sessums, and Chris Brown, and TG
Powell. Thank you to the many soloists who took a
turn and to all the spouses and parents who supported
musicians throughout the year.
Special thanks to all who made the Sounds of Po-
hick concert memorable. In addition to those men-
tioned above, Helen Parker and her committee were
in charge of the reception, Graham Hogg and Don
Binder were the cameramen, Amanda Ljuba set up
the bells, Fuzzy Thurston ushered, and Pam Hogg and
Julie Elston served as choir parents at the concert and
throughout the year.
This summer, offertory music will be provided by
soloists and small ensembles, including Fred Gray,
Don Brownlee, Susan McHargue, Wayne McHargue,
Gloria Jackson, and Vern McHargue. The women of
the choir will sing August 12; anthem rehearsals will
begin July 29 and continue on August 5 at 11:15 am.
The men of the choir will sing August 26; anthem re-
hearsals will begin August 12 and continue August 19
at 11:15 am. Each group will warm up on their date at
9:00 am.
Also this summer on Sundays in August, come to
learn to read music or to improve your music reading
on Sundays between the two services, 8:50 am - 9:30
am in the music room. I’ll be teaching Fundamentals
of Music Theory using workbooks which can be be-
gun at the level of beginner through advance interme-
diate. Come try it out!
Now is a good time to think about your fall sched-
ule. Is this your year to learn to ring handbells or sing
in one of the choirs or play with the Pickers? Contact
one of the directors, come to rehearsals and partici-
pate!
Your children can receive an extended musical
education by joining one of the choirs. Children in
kindergarten through grade 3 sing under Barb Lynn’s
experienced and knowledgeable direction. Teens in
grades 4-12 learn to sing, read music, “speak liturgi-
cal,” and much more. The benefits are great for your
child. Sign ups will be held Sunday, September 9,
July/August 2018 • Page 11
along with Sunday School sign ups, after the 9:00 am
service in the Common Room.
Rehearsals for the various groups begin again in
the fall on these dates:
• Bell Choir, Thursday, August 23,
6:15 pm - 8:00 pm
• Choir of Pohick, Thursday September 6,
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
• St. Francis Choir, Wednesday, September 12,
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
• St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir, Wednesday,
September 12, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
• Pohick Pickers, to be announced by
John Sessums and Chris Brown
• Early Church Music Ensemble to be
announced by TG Powell
I hope you have a wonderful restful summer filled
with good music.
Christian Education
Frances Sessums, Director of Christian Education
Pohick’s annual Vacation Church School will be
held July 9 through July 13 from 9:00 am to 12:00
noon. The theme is “Rolling River Rampage”
where the students will learn to trust that God will
always be with them through anything.
It is a week full of fun, music, fellowship, pup-
pet shows and crafts. There will be classes for three
year olds through fifth grade. The 6th through
12th grade students are encouraged to volunteer
as teacher assistants. Registration forms are avail-
able online at Pohick’s web site as well as outside
the church office. Please register students early, this
helps with planning. Be sure to tell friends and
neighbors about this wonderful program! If anyone
is interested in knowing more about the program,
please call Frances Sessums at 703-472-5180.
 Page 12 • July/August 2018 Pohick Episcopal Church

Pohick Church Activities

JULY 2018
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
JULY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Proper 8b 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6p Final Rehears- Sr High Mission Trip
8a HE I 6p CoH al, all groups 8a BoSA
10a HE II 6p St. Cecelia St. 7p Boy Scouts 9:15a Weight/
Alban Choir Strength Training
6p St. Francis Choir 9:30a Docent Training
10a Yoga
7:30p Healing Service
1p 1st Saturday
Docent Tour
2p Historical
Society of Mt
Vernon Tour
2:30p Setup for VBS
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Senior High Senior High Senior High Senior High Senior High Senior High Senior High
Mission Trip Mission Trip Mission Trip Mission Trip Mission Trip Mission Trip Mission Trip
Proper 9b 9a VBS 9a VBS 9a VBS 9a VBS 9a VBS 8a Brotherhood
8a HE I 7:30p Vestry Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 7p Boy Scouts of St. Andrew
10a HE II 7:30p Healing Service 9:15a Weight/
Strength Training
10a Yoga
12:30p Book Club
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Proper 10b 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 10a Washington 8a Brotherhood
8a HE I 6:30p Prayer Group Reunion of St. Andrew
10a HE II 7:30p Healing Service 7p Boy Scouts 9:15a Weight/
Strength Training
10a Yoga
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Proper 11b 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 7p Boy Scouts 8a Brotherhood
8a Christmas in July 6p CoH of St. Andrew
Gift Shop Sale 7:30p Healing Service 9:15a Weight/
8a HE I Strength Training
10a HE II 10a Yoga
29 30 31 AUG 1 2 3 4
Proper 12b 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 7p Boy Scouts 8a Brotherhood
8a HE I 7:30p Healing Service of St. Andrew
10a HE II 9:15a Weight/
Strength Training
10a Yoga
1p 1st Saturday
Docent Tour

Contact the Parish Secretary, Susan Hayward-Costa, to list group meetings or events on the calendar, shcosta@pohick.org.
Pohick Episcopal Church July/August 2018 • Page 13

Pohick Church Activities

AUGUST 2018
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
JULY 29 30 31 AUG 1 2 3 4
Proper 12b 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 7p Boy Scouts 8a Brotherhood
8a HE I 7:30p Healing Service of St. Andrew
10a HE II 9:15a Weight/
Strength Training
10a Yoga
1p 1st Saturday
Docent Tour
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Proper 13b 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 7p Boy Scouts 8a Brotherhood
8a HE I 4:30p Golden 7:30p Healing Service of St. Andrew
10a HE II Dove Bd Mtg 9:15a Weight/
Strength Training
10a Yoga
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Proper 14b 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 7p Boy Scouts 8a Brotherhood
8a HE I 7:30p Vestry Mtg 6:30p Prayer Group of St. Andrew
10a HE II 7:30p Healing Service 9:15a Weight/
Strength Training
10a Yoga
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Proper 15b 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell 8a Brotherhood
8a HE I 7:30p Healing Service Workshop of St. Andrew
10a HE II 7p Boy Scouts 9:15a Weight/
Strength Training
10a Yoga
26 27 28 29 30 31 SEPT 1
Proper 16b 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell 8a Brotherhood
8a HE I 7p Docent Guild 6p CoH Workshop of St. Andrew
10a HE II Bd Mtg 7:30p Healing Service 7p Boy Scouts 9:15a Weight/
11:15a Teachers’ Mtg Strength Training
10a Yoga
1p 1st Saturday
Docent Tour

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

Food Pantry
Pohick collects non-perishable food items the first Sunday of each month that is contributed to the Lorton
Community Action Center (LCAC) for the food pantry. Please consider bringing in an item or two the first
Sunday of each month to include as a part of the alms giving. Food can be brought to the church service on
Sunday or dropped off any time and left in the decorated boxes or in the Common Room for delivery to
LCAC. Suggested items include canned fruits, vegetables, soup, boxed cereal, brown rice, pasta, and pasta
sauce. Please note that expired food items cannot be accepted.
 Page 14 • July/August 2018 Pohick Episcopal Church

SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

1 JULY 8 JULY 15 JULY 22 JULY 29 JULY
USHERS
8:00 Don Cooke Rodger Jones Mike Zane Don Cooke Rodger Jones
Mike Vaughn Stew Remaly Becky Wagner Tony Marsico Mike Vaughn
10:00 Edwardene Pitcock Paul Walden Beth Altman John Pasour Tom Bland
Hal Yarwood Greg Wilson Fuzzy Thurston Sandra Caesar Bill Patton
Bill Bland Dan Derbes Mike Wooten Rita Smith Angela Edgemon
Ed McGovern Brent Goeller Hank Foresman Tom Goeller Steve Edgemon
OPEN - UP
7:00 D. Smith M. Bartholomew K. Kirkland A. Derbes K. Kirkland
LOCK - UP
1:00 B. Altman D. Cooke C. Herbert M. Bartholomew C. McCullough
TELLERS
12:15 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
ALTAR GUILD
AM J. Sunderland J. Wells J. Wells BJ McPherson BJ McPherson
B. Altman N. Sage N. Sage A. Powell, J. Schmid A. Powell, J. Schmid
N. Bireley C. Foster C. Foster M. Tonkin M. Tonkin
V. Jones J. Geschickter J. Geschickter S. Caesar S. Caesar
J. MacDonald J. Mullins J. Mullins E. Pitcock E. Pitcock
R. Teale H. Parker H. Parker A. Marsico A. Marsico
B. Wagner R. Stankwitz R. Stankwitz M. Yezek M. Yezek
GREETERS
8:00 D. Smith B. Wagner M/M Rodger Jones S. Remaly E. Bartlett
10:00 M/M Yarwood R. Lamin Choi Family Stribling/Brimmer C. Turner
LAY READERS
8:00 Thorson (R) Wagner (R) Marsico (R) Marsico (P) Gastrell (P)
Wagner (P) Booth (P) Thorson (P) Elston (R) Wagner (R)
10:00 Walden (R) Egan (P) Prior (P) S. Harding (R) Ayorinde (R)
Cockroft (P) Choi (R) Faber (R) M. Harding (P) Walden (P)
COFFEE HOUR
8:00 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
10:00 M/M Herbert C. McCullough M/M Prados M/M Bland Turner/Armstrong
DOCENTS
10:00 B. Bland F. Crawford P. Kind C. Knipling H. Parker

The Sunday Service Volunteers Schedule is also available at Pohick Church’s website, www.pohick.org, under “Ministries.”
Pohick Episcopal Church July/August 2018 • Page 15

SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

5 AUGUST 12 AUGUST 19 AUGUST 26 AUGUST 2 SEPTEMBER
USHERS
8:00 Stew Remaly Tony Marsico Don Cooke Mike Zane Stew Remaly
Mike Zane Becky Wagner Rodger Jones Mike Vaughn Tony Marsico
10:00 Bill Bland Paul Walden Mike Wooten Fuzzy Thurston Hal Yarwood
Chris Brown Rick Nelson Hank Foresman Dan Derbes Tom Goeller
Ed McGovern Grant Hodges Edwardene Pitcock Rita Smith Angela Edgemon
Matt Gurrola Pehr Pehrsson Greg Wilson Brent Goeller Steve Edgemon
OPEN - UP
7:00 E. Thorson D. Cookie C. Herbert B. Altman C. McCullough
LOCK - UP
1:00 S. Pehrsson S. Pehrsson H. Stankwitz M. Bartholomew J. Rolander
TELLERS
12:15 Hodges/Altman Heintze/Jacobus TBD TBD TBD
ALTAR GUILD
AM J. Sunderland J. Sunderland J. Wells J. Wells BJ McPherson
B. Altman B. Altman N. Sage N. Sage A. Powell, J. Schmid
N. Bireley N. Bireley C. Foster C. Foster M. Tonkin
V. Jones V. Jones J. Geschickter J. Geschickter S. Caesar
J. MacDonald J. MacDonald J. Mullins J. Mullins E. Pitcock
R. Teale R. Teale H. Parker H. Parker A. Marsico
B. Wagner B. Wagner R. Stankwitz R. Stankwitz M. Yezek
FLOWER GUILD
8:00 Marsico (P) Gastrell (R) Elston (R) Elston (P) M. Harding (R)
Thorson (R) Faber (P) Booth (P) Wagner (R) S. Harding (P)
10:00 Booth (R) Edgemon (P) Choi (P) Prior (R) Sage (R)
Sage (P) Cockroft (R) Egan (R) Ayorinde (P) Walden (P)
COFFEE HOUR
8:00 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
10:00 M/M Parker M. Bartholomew S. Caesar Tammy & Davis Sessums M/M Hogg
DOCENTS
10:00 D. Hamly N. Sage E. Pitcock D. McHugh TBD

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

Lions Club Send News!

Recycle for Sight
Articles for the September Pohick Post are
collects old, unused
due no later than August 15. Forward input
and usable glasses by email in Word compatible format
to help a child see to Lori Buckius, raebuck@aol.com.
better. Please drop Design concerns and items for the
off glasses in the Sunday Service Volunteers page
collection box in the office. Thank you for should be addressed to
recycling! Carmel Hodge, cchodge@aol.com.
 The Purpose of Pohick Church is to be a nourishing community where Christ’s love is experienced and taken beyond its walls.

VESTRY • GRAM
Non-Profit Org.

Permit No. 2
U.S. Postage

Lorton, VA
PAID

Date: _____________________ Subject: _____________________

To: The Vestry
From:
Pohick Church Staff Pohick Church Vestry
Rector: The Rev’d Donald Sr. Warden: Beth Altman
Binder, PhD Jr. Warden: Clint Herbert
Priest Associate: The Rev’d Dr. Diane Treasurer: Doug Smith
G. Murphy, PhD Register: Susan Pehrsson
Lorton, Virginia 22079-1519

Seminarian: Wesley Arning Members: Beth Altman,

9301 Richmond Highway

Minister of Music: Linda Egan Micheyl Bartholomew,

Return Service Requested

Director of Don Cooke, Anne Derbes,

Christian Ed: Frances Sessums Kathy Kirkland,
Pohick Church

Youth Minister: Rusty Booth Amanda Ljuba, Carney

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