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
R ejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice!
(Philippians 4:4)
The life of the Christian is meant to be one of joy
and thanksgiving, as we can see from the exhortations
of the Apostle Paul, above. He wrote those words in
the midst of one of his many imprisonments - but
that was the least of it. He had already experienced
numerous beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, and many
other hardships, all for the sake of the Gospel of Je-
sus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Despite suf-
fering these many adversities, he continued to give
thanks to God for all his many blessings each and
every day.
While countless numbers of Christians have fol-
lowed in Pauls footsteps in this regard for centuries,
it has only been recently that scientists have begun to
study to benefits of leading such a life of thanksgiv-
ing.
What they have discovered is nothing less than
astounding. In the words of Dr. Robert Emmons, one
of the leading researchers in this subfield, the prac-
tice of gratitude has dramatic, lasting, and positive
results. Among these are:
An average of 28% less perceived stress and 16%
less incidence of depression.
Twenty-three percent lower levels of stress hor-
mones.
A reduction of 25% in fat intake.
June 2017
A smoother, more regular heartbeat.
An average increase of seven years in life expec-
tancy.
This impartial list consists simply of the personal
benefits of practicing gratitude. Beyond that, there is
a ripple effect that extends out to those encounter-
ing a thankful individual. Such acts of gratitude often
inspire these persons to reassess their lives, changing
them in a more positive direction.
Of course, developing an attitude of gratitude is
easier said than done, especially in todays headline-
driven society where were practically programmed to
complain about everything. These days, not only has
everyone become a critic, but the fast-paced lifestyle
that many of us lead leaves little time for us to re-
flect upon the many blessings of our lives, much less
to find ways to give thanks to God (and others) for
them.
Thats one of the reasons Ive chosen this topic as
the theme of our Shrine Mont parish retreat later this
month ( June 23 25), entitling it, Finding an Attitude
of Gratitude: How a Spirit of Thanksgiving can Change
your Life. In our sessions, well explore not only the
theological imperative to lead a life of thanksgiving,
but also some of the studies of its benefits, which Ive
mentioned above. Then well examine and discuss the
many obstacles to practicing gratitude before consid-
ering some practical ideas for advancing such a life-
style once we return home from the retreat.
Of course, along with these sessions, which will
be tailored respectively to young people and adults
Continued on page 2
 Page 2 June 2017 Pohick Episcopal Church

From the Rector: continued from page 1

alike, there will be plenty of time for singing and worship, fellowship and play, and for enjoying the natural beauty
of the surrounding area.
And so, even if youve never been on one of these retreats, please consider joining us this year, as you will defi-
nitely return home relaxed and spiritually renewed - and to boot, youll have a whole new toolbox of strategies for
starting out (or continuing) a potentially transformative lifestyle of thanksgiving. Youll find a retreat application
with more information later in the Pohick Post; it is also available on the church website and in the parish house.
And, as always, please do not let cost be an issue, particularly if you have a large family where the overall price
can add up: weve received generous contributions to underwrite scholarships so that all who want to come to
Shrine Mont may do so. Simply speak to me or Rev. Ruth privately, and well take care of you.
Just one more thing to be thankful to God for at Pohick Church!

mounting can. Higher wattages cause cycling and

Junior Wardens Report
Fred Crawford, Junior Warden
Thanks: To everyone who worked on the May
cleanup day. There were 30 parishioners and families
working in spite of the persistent rain on Saturday,
May 6. Twenty-three separate tasks were accom-
plished, some of which were outside. Notably the new
exterior door for the boiler room was hung by Jeff
Parker and Jody Ickes. Well done, gents. Consider-
able touch up painting was also accomplished as well
as lots of cleaning and polishing. Thanks also to John
and Frances Sessums and their family for the organi-
zation and lunch. The support was appreciated.
What has been done: The water damage from the
skylight leak in the Foyer was investigated and the
drywall repaired. Sanding and painting to follow.
- The south Sanctuary entrance railings were stripped,
primed and painted. Other railings to follow.
- The night time spotlight for the flagpole had broken
free of its mounting and was realigned.
- The new dishwasher has had the soap and the rinse
agent dispensers installed and is operable. In addi-
tion, several of the punch list items have been ad-
dressed. There is still one to be addressed on the soap
dispenser.
- One of the Sanctuary heat pumps failed on Easter
Sunday due to an infestation of bugs causing elec-
trical problems. This was repaired by the contractor,
R&B, on Tuesday following.
- The door lock on the Sanctuary south door failed
internally. It has been replaced.
- The pocket light that had failed in the Annex was
repaired. The thermal cutout had failed. Pocket lights
are sensitive to wattage higher than indicated on the
failure of the thermal cutout.
What is planned: The B&G committee is plan-
ning a mini work day to trim the bushes around the
courtyard. They did not get attention during the work
day because rain precluded much of the outside work.
Planning continues on the replacement of the south-
west stairs to the Sanctuary. The Vestry approved the
general approach presented to them at the May meet-
ing. This will be funded by the Virginia State Chil-
dren of the American Revolution (VSCAR) with
matching funding from the Historic Pohick Founda-
tion. All of the entry steps to the Sanctuary need to
be addressed, but this is the one in most need at this
time.
Martha Guild News
Connie Myers
The Martha Guild thanks the congregation for
ALL support with the Wine Tasting held on May
6 at the home of John Cutler and Nancy Miller. It
was a HUGE success! Thanks to John and Nancy
for opening their lovely home, and thanks to all for
continued support. The winners of the raffle baskets
are: Charlotte Knipling, Greg Wilson, Edwardene
Pitcock, and Jane (friend of the hosts). This fundraiser
enables continued support of various Outreach
Projects within and outside of the church.
The Martha Guild will be dining out for the
June 7 meeting at Madigans Restaurant in Occoquan
at 6:30 pm. All Women of the Church are cordially
invited to attend. Notify Connie Myers, jetskiing@
hotmail.com or 703-201-2204 by Sunday, June 4 so
reservations can be confirmed. Any questions, please
feel free to contact Connie.
Pohick Episcopal Church
From The Assistant Rector
The Reverend
Dr. Ruth E. Correll, Ed.D.
Experiments in Prayer
My chemist father enjoyed science and the
rewards of curiosity gained from observing care-
fully, searching for solutions, thinking rigorously,
and trying experiments. Some of those habits of
mind rubbed off on my sisters and me. My older
sister excelled in chemistry and physics in high
school while my younger sister continues to excel
in domestic science.
Me? I was less scientifically inclined because I
tended to personify inanimate things. Around age
6 or 7, I did an experiment in the kitchen to deter-
mine which was more powerful, hot or cold. So I
ran one cup of cold water from the spigot into one
glass and one cup of hot water into another glass
and tested the temperatures of the water in each
glass with my fingers. Then I poured the water
from both glasses into a third glass. There I imag-
ined hotness and coldness fighting it out. When I
was about to put my finger into the third glass to
feel the outcome, my father entered the kitchen
and asked what I was up to. The conversation that
followed pointed out the flaws in my categories,
measurement tool, experimental design, and some
other points I could not comprehend. That lesson
only increased my respect for experiments.
In early adulthood, I ventured forth with an-
other experiment. Over a few years, I selected per-
sonal prayer requests and wrote each on a page of
a tablet with the date. When something related to
that request occurred, I recorded the information
with the date on the appropriate page.
Here are ten points in no particular order that
still linger in my mind decades after this experi-
ment in prayer. Most of these I could not have
learned without the record keeping that convinced
and increased my faith in the power of prayer.
1. God listens to and answers prayers.
2. God answers prayers I would have forgotten
all about without the written reminders.
June 2017 Page 3
3. God does good things in my relationships
with others when I listen to and obey ways the
Holy Spirit may prompt about taking action re-
lated to the request.
4. God actually shows greater interest in my
prayer requests than I do by working out solutions
while I am not paying enough attention to note
relevant developments.
5. God answers yes more frequently when I
intentionally and rigorously pray in accord with
Gods revealed will.
6. Gods pure holiness puts a check on me
when I attempt to manipulate, bargain with, or
advise the Almighty.
7. Gods striking sense of timing teaches that
patience is worth waiting for.
8. God deals with situations through gracious
and delightful options I could never dream up.
9. Gods tenderness over time sustains me
when an answer to prayer brings sadness.
10. Gods loving-kindness surprises, humbles,
and elicits adoration and joy.
Conclusion: Prayer is immensely important in
our faith and practice. If you would like to be in a
group to sustain and encourage prayer, let your in-
terest be known. Attending the Wednesday night
service may help.
Challenge: Results of valid experiments can
be repeated at other times in different places by a
variety of researchers. Let us know your results.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO ALL OF POHICKS GRADUATING
COLLEGE & HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS!
BEST WISHES TO ALL!
DONT FORGET!
Sunday service times
change on June 4!
Please attend the
8:00 am or
10:00 am service.
 Page 4 June 2017
Senior Wardens Report
T. E. Fuzzy Thurston, Senior Warden
From the May Vestry meeting: Recently, a Vestry
member, while performing the lock-up checklist, was
confronted inside the Parish House by a person ask-
ing for food and begging for money. This situation is
not isolated. There has been a dramatic increase in the
number of people coming to Pohick on Saturday and
Sunday looking for a handout - asking particularly for
money.
This is a ticklish issue. In discussing charity, many
site Matthew 5:42: Give to everyone who begs from
you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow
from you. However, the context of this sermon is not
in the city of Jerusalem in Judea, but out in the coun-
try on a mountainside in Galilee. Most of his listeners
came from small villages where everyone knew every-
bodys business. They knew exactly who was in need
and why because they were neighbors, not anonymous
strangers (think Reb Nahum, Anatevkas beggar in
Fiddler on the Roof).
Clearly, Christ expects us to be charitable toward
those less fortunate, but when is it necessary to draw a
line? Pohick does not have a soup kitchen ministry, nor
a food pantry. Instead Pohick joins with other churches
to support organizations like the Lorton Community
Action Center and the Kennedy Shelter. That is where
the indigent seeking a bed, clothing, or a meal should
be directed. Moreover, the Rector and Assistant Rec-
tor have a discretionary fund which allows them to
help the truly needy with such things as utility bills,
and car repairs. Unless certain that money given will
not be used to abet substance abuse dependencies or,
more generally, to create an unhealthy co-dependency,
keeping the person from seeking the true help that he
or she needs. Such aid may do more harm than good.
Relating this to Pohick, what about the man or
woman who comes to coffee hour or to Brotherhood
and makes the rounds asking for money? Certainly, all
are welcome to worship. Baptized Christians are wel-
come to the altar rail for a blessing or to take commu-
nion. Those who have attended service are welcome to
share fellowship at coffee hour or to Bible study and
breakfast with the Brotherhood. But neither Brother-
hood nor coffee hour is intended to be a food kitchen
and certainly they are not an appropriate venue for
asking for money. If approached around the church
Pohick Episcopal Church
on a Saturday or Sunday, tell the person that they are
welcome to worship at Pohick and to participate in
fellowship but not to use either as a venue to ask for
money. Explain that there is not a feeding ministry
and suggest the shelter as an alternative, perhaps offer
a mana bag to feed them on their way. Explain that the
rector has a small fund to help people with valid need
but that no aid is given to non-parishioners who have
not been referred from the local social agencies where
the case workers help to verify the real needs of people.
If the individual appears to be casing the facility,
notify one of the priests, a church employee, or Vestry
member. If alone and approached, and feel the least bit
threatened, ask the person to leave and if they do not,
call the police. If one must offer some assistance, please
do not offer money.
Here are a few more issues the Vestry discussed
at its May meeting. This summer, Linda Egan will
attend the meeting of the Anglican Guild of Musi-
cians, of which she is a member. Both Linda and the
choirs of Pohick will benefit greatly from the informa-
tion Linda gathers at the meeting. The Vestry voted
to underwrite part of her expenses with money from
the music memorial fund. A project is in the works
to replace the crumbling stairs at the southwest en-
trance to the church. The current steps are not original
so hopefully the project will gain quick approval from
the county architectural board. The local chapter of
the Sons of the American Revolution, in conjunction
with the War of 1812 Society, was granted approval to
erect a memorial marker honoring the service of Revo-
lutionary War patriots and War of 1812 veterans bur-
ied or memorialized on the grounds of historic Pohick
Church.
Reminder: the annual Sounds of Pohick choirs re-
cital will be held on June 3 at 4:00 pm, followed the
next day by a visit from Bishop Shannon S. Johnston,
Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia for confirmation.
Annual Parish Picnic - Sunday, June 11
The Vestry will supply hot dogs,
hamburgers, fixings, drinks, and
paper products. To round out the menu,
please bring a dish to share.
The Parish Picnic is the Vestrys
opportunity to thank everyone for
gifts of time, talent, and service.
Pohick Episcopal Church June 2017 Page 5

POHICK CHURCH ANNUAL PARISH RETREAT

Shrine Mont, Orkney Springs, Virginia Shrine Mont
Retreat coordinators: Neil and Judy Sunderland, 703-670-2962, Pohickcretreat@gmail.com CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER

Dates: June 23 - 25, 2017, from Friday dinner (5:30 pm) through Sunday lunch (12:30 pm)

Sign-up Deadline: Sunday, June 11, 2017

Shrine Mont Overview: It is that time again for fellowship, and physical, mental, and spiritual
renewal at Shrine Mont in the beautiful mountains of Virginia! Shrine Mont, located in Orkney
Springs, 13 miles west of Mt. Jackson, Virginia, is a conference center managed by the Episcopal
Diocese of Virginia. Shrine Mont consists of 1,100 acres of forest land featuring trails, lakes,
hills, and streams at the edge of George Washington National Forest, which is a stones throw
from the West Virginia state line. The centerpiece of Shrine Mont is an unusual open air stone
chapel, the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration, from which Shrine Mont takes its name.
Campers, conferees, and guests worship at this beautiful shrine regularly.

Fees: The cost is $159 for adults (ages 13 and over), $59 for children (ages 4-12), and free for
children under four. If a crib is required, there is a $6 fee for the weekend. Babysitting during
adult sessions is available for an additional $10. Please note that these costs should not prohibit
Pohick Church
anyone from attending the retreat. Church members needing financial assistance should con-
Annual Retreat
tact the Reverend Don Binder at 703-339-6572. Fees are firm for the weekend, even for late June 23-25, 2017
arrivals. If arriving late, one can usually get dinner until 6:30 pm.

Babysitting Service: For parents with children, there will be a super program for young people as well as a babysitting ser-
vice ($10), so parents can attend activities. Babysitters will be available only during adult study sessions.

What to Bring: While breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided, bring snacks and a favorite beverages for evening fel-
lowship time together at the Gathering Place. Also, consider bringing a flashlight, Bible, jacket or sweater, fan, and other
personal items. There is no air conditioning in the cottages, however, most rooms now have electric fans.

Study: There are three scheduled occasions to study, and Rev. Binder/Correll put together a new program each year. These
sessions provide a great opportunity to get to know the clergy and fellow parishioners. This years theme is Finding an At-
titude of Gratitude: How a Spirit of Thanksgiving Will Change Your Life. Please note that Shrine Mont expects parents to
be responsible for the actions of their children, especially during the periods between the three planned sessions.

2017 POHICK CHURCH RETREAT SHRINE MONT APPLICATION

Name(s)___________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________

Email:______________________________________________________ Tel:___________________________________
_____ Adults ($159 each) _____ Children (4-12, $59 each)
_____ Young Children (3 and under, free) _____ Cribs required ($6 each) _____ Babysitting ($10)
Total enclosed: $_____________
Enclose a check payable to Pohick Church, and mark Shrine Mont in the memo section. For more information, call the Parish Office at 703-339-6572.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2017
 Page 6 June 2017 Pohick Episcopal Church

2017 POHICK CHURCH PARISH RETREAT

Shrine Mont, Orkney Springs, Virginia
Friday, June 23
Afternoon arrival, rooms ready at 3:00 pm Shrine
5:30 pm Dinner Mont
Retreat
7:30 - 8:30 pm Orientation in Art Hall Center
8:30 pm Compline
9:00 pm until The Gathering Place

Saturday, June 24
6:30 am YOGA with Rita
7:30 am Morning Prayer in Art Hall N
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00-10:30 am Session I, Group Photo at Shrine* W E
10:30-12:30 pm Open/Activities
12:30 pm Lunch
1:00-4:30 pm Open/Activities S
4:30-5:30 pm The Gathering Place
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00-8:00 pm Session II in Art Hall
8:00 pm Evening Prayer at the Shrine
9:00 pm until The Gathering Place
Shrine Mont is located 1 hour south of Winchester or 1
Sunday, June 25 hour north of Harrisonburg, and approximately 2 1/2 hours
6:30 am YOGA with Rita from the Washington, DC and Richmond metro areas. To
8:00 am Breakfast reach Shrine Mont follow I-81 to Mt. Jackson (Exit #273).
9:00-10:30 am Session III in Art Hall Turn left from DC or right from Richmond onto Rt. 703
10:45 am Holy Eucharist at the Shrine* (east), then right (south) on US 11, follow through town,
12:30 pm Lunch turn right on Rt. 263 and follow approximately 15 miles to
1:30-4:00 pm Open/Depart Orkney Springs.
* Subject to change

Directions to Shrine Mont: From Pohick Church, take I-66 west to I-81 south. Exit 273 at Mt. Jackson. Turn
left on Mt. Jackson Road (Cty 292). Turn right on US 11 (traffic light). Turn right on to State Route 263 to
Orkney Springs and Shrine Mont. The trip takes about two hours from Pohick.

2017 POHICK CHURCH RETREAT SHRINE MONT APPLICATION

Activities and Options: Indicate particular activities of interest.
If you are interested in a particular activity, call Neil or Judy Sunderland, 703-670-2962. Please note that if you are not
identified on the phone ID, our phone will not answer, and they can let you know whom else has expressed interest.

_____ Swimming _____ Basketball _____ Volleyball _____ Shuffleboard

_____ Tennis _____ Sleeping _____ Fishing _____ Mountain Climbing

_____ Golf _____ Hiking _____ Eating _____ Bridge/other card games

_____ Horseshoes _____ Shopping _____ Antiquing _____ Porching

_____ Other
Pohick Episcopal Church June 2017 Page 7

Pohick
Episcopal Church

VACATION
BIBLE SCHOOL
July 10 - 14, 2017

REGISTRATION FORM
To be held at:
Pohick Episcopal Church 9301 Richmond Highway Lorton, Virginia 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.

Please PREREGISTER your students - it makes planning easier.

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

Childs Name ______________________________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________________________
(street) (city) (zip)

Telephone _____________________________________ Date of Birth ________________________________

*School Grade completed in June of 2017 ________________________________________________________

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 8 June 2017 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 PHYSICIANS 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 understandable that
in cases, other than the need for immediate emergency treatment, the attending physician may defer treatment pending the
parents permission to administer professional service.

__________________________________________________________
(Parent/Guardian signature)

__________________________________________________________
(Date)
Pohick Episcopal Church
The Persecution Corner
By Bob Munson
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution
we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. - 1 Thessalonians 3: 7-8
Millions of Christians around the world stand
firm in their faith, often in the face of threats, vio-
lence and repression. From the safety of the United
States, we have the Christian duty to support these
brothers and sisters the best we can - whether across
the water in Cuba, on the battlefields in the Middle
East, or in the modern and repressive country of
China.
We can back our brothers and sisters in many
ways: with prayer, through activism, by sending let-
ters, through supporting organizations working with
the persecuted, as well as encouraging our govern-
ment to take persecution seriously. The US has al-
ways stood as a beacon of freedom in the world,
although exactly how this will play out in the com-
ing years is still unclear. The new administration has
stated it will concentrate on American interests and
place less value on promoting human rights.
Then at other times, it has emphasized the plight
of Christians in the world. In mid-May, Vice Presi-
dent Michael Pence appeared at the World Summit
in Defense of Persecuted Christians in Washington,
DC. In his speech, he stated that [p]rotecting and
promoting religious freedom is a foreign policy pri-
ority of the Trump administration. In parallel, the
Trump Administrations travel ban (currently be-
ing challenged in the courts) which blocks visas to
those from six Muslim-majority countries includes
a clause stating the US should prioritize the admis-
sion of refugees who are persecuted Christians.
Certainly, these signs are positive as long as they
do not create a backlash against the very Christians
the US is trying to help. Often, interference from
the outside is seen by national governments as a plot
directed against national unity. As we have discussed
here, Christian persecution is never a simple issue.
Persecution generally flourishes where repression
thrives. In Eritrea (where about 50% of the popula-
tion is Christian), the persecution of Christians is
merely another aspect of the governments attempt
to maintain control. On the other hand, freedom for
Christians tends to signal a free society for all; but
June 2017 Page 9
this can have limits. Nigeria is a country struggling
with this freedom. Some Muslim-majority states
have adopted Islamic law to the detriment of the lo-
cal Christian minorities. This is despite the fact that
Nigeria, overall, has a huge Christian population. In
some areas, such as the Islamist extremist controlled
areas in Iraq and Syria, Christians become targets
due to their religion, but few other people do well
either. Human rights, including those of Christians,
must be pursued and supported.
This is my last Persecution Corner. I retired
from the military last fall and have been searching
for a new career. I recently accepted a position with
the US military in Germany. Over the last year and
a half I have enjoyed writing these pieces which
encouraged me to learn more about persecution.
Learning about persecution, per se, is not enjoyable
but exposing it a bit more has hopefully helped in
a small way. The stories of people who bravely de-
fend their faith make me to question how I view and
practice my faith in my own country. I appreciate
the encouraging words I have received from fellow
Pohickers and my family and I will definitely miss
the congregation here.
One of my sources for information on persecu-
tion has been The Voice of the Martyrs, a non-
profit, interdenominational missions organization
(www.persecution.com). This organization bases its
ministry on Hebrews 13:3 :
Continue to remember those in prison as if
you were together with them in prison, and
those who are mistreated as if you yourselves
were suffering.
This provides a perfect ending for it reminds us
to continue to support our persecuted brothers and
sisters - as if we were suffering - with our prayers
and in the other ways we can. Persecution will, un-
fortunately, not soon go away but we can pray for
Gods help for those who long for his kingdom.
 Page 10 June 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 controver-
sies within The Episcopal Church (TEC) and the Anglican
Communion. These controversies largely involve the blessing
of same-sex unions, ordination of non-celibate homosexuals,
interpretation of Scripture, and breakdown of traditional
boundary lines between Provinces.
The Diocese of Virginia and Truro Anglican Church
in Fairfax have announced creation of an Institute for
Peace and Reconciliation based at the Truro campus in
Fairfax. Its initial work, Bp. Shannon said in a letter to
the Diocese, will involve seminarians and focus on rec-
onciliation among Christians, Muslims and Jews.
Truro left The Episcopal Church and Diocese of Vir-
ginia during the early 1990s, as part of the theological dis-
agreements that followed the consecration of Gene Rob-
inson as bishop of New
Hampshire. It is now
affiliated with the An-
glican Church in North
America, or ACNA. The
Diocese eventually won
court battles over control
of the property, but has
allowed the Truro Anglican congregation to continue
using it. Several years ago, Bp. Shannon began meeting
and praying with its rector, the Rev. Tory Baucum. The
announcement of the Reconciliation Institute is part of
the ongoing dialog that came out of those meetings.
A statement from the Truro vestry announcing the
agreement said, The Institute represents the continued
fulfillment of Gods work at Truro over many decades
and is consistent with our congregational history and
DNA. It is also the culmination of our outreach to and
discussions with the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia with
whom we are joining in this exciting initiative. Years af-
ter the costly litigation and sometimes on-going animos-
ity with the EDV, we have arrived at a new era of com-
munity building and peacemaking.
The agreement was praised by the Archbishop of
Canterbury, and attacked by leaders of ACNA.
Abp. Justin said, I am deeply moved by the estab-
lishment of the Peace Centre at Truro, not least because
I have looked more closely at it in the days following
Pohick Episcopal Church
the terrorism in Westminster, merely 400 yards from
Lambeth Palace. The kingdom of God is proclaimed in
practices that develop virtues. The Peace Centre will pro-
claim that reconciliation is the gospel, with God through
Christ, but like the Temple in Ezekiel 47, releasing a
flood of water that as a mighty river becomes the place
of fruitfulness and healing for the nations. Thank you for
your step of faith. We too will work with you as best we
can.
The leadership of ACNA did not see it that way.
Abp. Foley Beach said, I would welcome the opening of
centers with this focus around the Anglican Church in
North America if they promote Biblical reconciliation.
Unfortunately, the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia has
not been reconciled with the revealed
Word of God, and is therefore not an
appropriate partner for such a project.
Their leadership continues to promote
teaching and practice that is contrary
to Scripture - teaching that, if followed,
would keep people from an eternal in-
heritance in the Kingdom of God, teaching that has torn
the fabric of the Anglican Communion, and teaching
that remains a scandal in the Anglican Communion to
this day. Therefore, until there is repentance by the Epis-
copal Diocese of Virginia, there can be no true Gospel
partnership with them.
Bp. John Gurnsey of the ACNA Diocese of the
Mid-Atlantic said he was deeply grieved by the an-
nouncement, and urged the Truro vestry to reconsider.
Because of the false teaching of the Episcopal Church,
I asked them not to enter into a joint
ministry with the Episcopal Diocese.
The issues that divide us are of first
importance and to partner with the
Episcopal Church is to give the mis-
taken impression that these concerns
are merely secondary. If I thought
that the issues that divide us were
secondary, I would never have left the
Episcopal Church. The Truro leadership has chosen to
proceed in joint ministry with the Episcopal Diocese in
spite of my opposition.
Continued on page 11
Pohick Episcopal Church
Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,
continued from page 10
But the Truro vestry pushed back.
Just as we gratefully and humbly partner with Ro-
man Catholics and Southern Baptists on matters of
marriage and domestic church strategies, we rejoice that
Episcopalians wish to join us in building a peaceable
community in an increasingly diverse and dynamic re-
gion of the country. We also acknowledge that there is
no need for peacemaking and reconciliation with those
who fully agree with what we believe/stand for. Truro is
trying to build a relationship with the Episcopal Diocese
of Virginia (EDV) from the position of what we have in
common without ignoring, diminishing or papering over
what divides us.
The move was criticized by some within our diocese
as well. I am aware that some in our Diocese may still
have strong concerns about making long-term agree-
ments with a congregation that left us and holds funda-
mentally different views on important matters of the-
ology, Bp. Shannon said in his letter. But after much
prayer and reflection, I feel very strongly that we are
being called to live into the Gospel in this way. Build-
ing new relationships with the ACNA congregation has
helped us to recognize that there is so much to gain and
to achieve. Indeed, there is much more that unites us
than divides us.
Naturally, the very fact that such a major ministry is
being run jointly by an Episcopal diocese and an ACNA
congregation, two entities that had previously been very
publicly in opposition, will be an additional narrative in
itself. This is precisely the kind of witness that our Dio-
cese and our Church need to provide in this divided and
polarized world. A peace center has been born at a time
when we desperately need it.
The institutes governing board will have equal repre-
sentation from the Diocese and the Truro congregation.
As part of the agreement, Truro may continue to use the
church and other diocesan property going forward, po-
tentially for the next 53 years.
* * *
The Church of Scotland (Presbyterian Church) has
taken a major step toward allowing same-sex weddings.
Its General Assembly approved a report on same-sex
marriages from its Theological Forum, and directed its
Legal Questions Committee to determine exactly what
changes to church law would be needed to allow them.
June 2017 Page 11
The forums convenor said told the Assembly there was
no sufficient theological reason for the Church not to
authorise specific ministers to officiate at same-sex wed-
dings.
The report also said that the conscientious refusal
of other ministers and deacons to preside at such mar-
riages due to their theological convictions must be pro-
tected.
As part of the debate, the Assembly urged church
leaders to take stock of its history of discrimination at
different levels and in different ways against gay people
and to apologise individually and corporately and seek to
do better.
The Scottish Episcopal Church is expected to give
final approval early in June to a proposal to allow same-
sex weddings. The plan won initial approval a year ago,
subject to a final vote this year.
The primates of the Global Anglican Futures Con-
ference (GAFCON), anticipated that final vote when
they met for their annual conference this spring, and said
they would be stepping in. If this were to happen, faith-
ful Anglicans in Scotland will need appropriate pasto-
ral care. In addition, within England there are churches
that have, for reasons of conscience, been planted out-
side of the Church of England by the Anglican Mission
in England (AMiE). These churches are growing, and
are in need of episcopal leadership. Therefore, we have
decided to consecrate a missionary bishop who will be
tasked with providing episcopal leadership for those who
are outside the structures of any Anglican province, espe-
cially in Europe.
***
Elsewhere:
A committee of bishops, priests and lay people from
The Episcopal Church and United Methodist Church
have approved a report which recommends establish-
ment of full communion between the two denomina-
tions.
The report says several years of study and dialogue
found, no theological impediments to unity. We be-
lieve that this proposal represents a significant witness of
unity and reconciliation in an increasingly divided world
and pray that you will join us in carrying this work for-
ward.
Full communion is understood as a relationship be-
tween two distinct ecclesiastical bodies in which com-
Continued on page 12
 Page 12 June 2017
Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,
continued from page 11
municant members of each would be able freely to com-
municate at the altar of the other, and ordained ministers
may officiate sacramentally in either church, it explains.
The primary theological difference between the two
denominations is its approach to consecration of bish-
ops. If approved, all future consecrations would include
at least one bishop from the other denomination.
The report now goes to the 2020 General Confer-
ence of the United Methodist Church, and 2021 Gen-
eral Convention of The Episcopal Church, for adoption.
A Maryland parole board has denied early release
to former bishop Heather Cook. She was convicted of
vehicular homicide and other charges related to drunk
and distracted driving after a December 2014 accident
in Baltimore that killed a cyclist. She was removed as a
priest and bishop, and sentenced to seven years in jail.
Bp. Jon Bruno of the Diocese of Los Angeles con-
tinues to wait the judgement of an ecclesiastical trial
panel on charges he engaged in conduct unbecoming a
bishop. He was accused of improperly closing St. James
the Less Church in Newport Beach
and trying to sell the property to a
townhouse developer. That sale even-
tually fell through.
The diocese won control of the
property after a long-running bat-
tle with the previous congregation,
which wanted to leave The Episcopal Church. A new
Episcopal congregation formed, but Bp. Bruno eventu-
ally locked it out of the buildings.
Attorneys representing The Episcopal Church in the
proceedings recommended that the panel order that the
church be reopened, its vicar be reinstated, and that Bp.
Bruno step aside from overseeing the congregation.
It also recommended that Bp. Bruno be suspended
from ministry for at least a year, but the penalty be stayed
if he agrees to forgo any appeal.
It is in the best interest of everyone to bring about
prompt reconciliation.
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 sup-
plies 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 Pohick-
ians out two-by-two to spread the good news of stewardship to other
churches and other dioceses.
Pohick Episcopal Church
Christian Education
Frances Sessums, Director of Christian Education
It has been a wonderful Church School year.
Thanks to education superintendent, DAndrea Woo-
ten, all of the teachers, staff, substitutes, and aides who
have made this year such a success! They have all been
so generous with their time and talents. The students
have all been very blessed to have such fabulous peo-
ple to work with them. Thanks also to the outstanding
children and youth of the parish who have participat-
ed in the Church School this year.
During the summer months, preschool through
rising second graders will meet together in classrooms
C and D for Summer Bible Storytelling Time. This
will be in lieu of Childrens Chapel and Childrens
Church. Parents should drop off their children be-
tween 9:50 am and 10:00 am. Following story time,
the children will join their parents in the Church dur-
ing the peace. Any questions should be directed to
Frances Sessums at 703-472-5180.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Pohicks annual Vacation Bible School will be held
July 10 through July 14 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
The theme is Hero Central, and the students will be
studying fantastic bible stories to help discover their
strength in God. Do not miss this adventure! Regis-
tration forms are available online, in the Church of-
fice, and in this Pohick Post issue. Please register stu-
dents early as this helps with planning. Be sure to tell
friends and neighbors about this wonderful program!
There will be classes for three year olds through
fifth grade students. The 6th through 12th grade stu-
dents are encouraged to volunteer as teacher assistants.
Many volunteers are needed. There are openings
for assistant teachers, craft assistants, recreation assis-
tants, snack assistants, nursery leader and assistants.
All those interested in learning more about the pro-
gram, please call Frances Sessums at 703-472-5180.
Pohick Episcopal Church June 2017 Page 13

Pohick Church Activities June 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
MAY 28 29 30 31 JUNE 1 2 3
Easter VIIa Memorial Day 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6p SoP Rehearsal 8a Brotherhood
7:45a HE I Office Closed 6p COH 7p Boy Scouts of St. Andrew
9a HE II 6p St. Cecelia St. 7:30p Martha 9:15a Confirma-
11:15a HE II Alban Choir Guild Dinner tion Rehearsal
7p EFM 10:30a Yoga
6p St. Francis Choir
1p 1st Sat
7:30p Healing Service
Docent Tour
4p Sounds of
Pohick
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Pentecost Year A 7p EFM 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:30p Ffx Co 8a Brotherhood of
Bp Johnstons Visitation 9:30a Ann Ma- 7:30p Healing Service Mtg St. Andrew
8a HE I son Guild Mtg 10:30a Yoga
7p Boy Scouts
10a HE II, Baptism, 6p Youth Choirs
Confirmation Picnic
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Trinity Sunday, Year A 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 7p Boy Scouts 8a Brotherhood
Youth Sunday 7:30p Vestry Mtg 7:30p Healing Service of St. Andrew
& Parish Picnic Pohick Post 10:30a Yoga
8a HE I Deadline
10a HE II

18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Proper VIa 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 7p Boy Scouts Shrine Mont Shrine Mont
Fathers Day 7:30p Healing Service Weekend Weekend
8a HE I 8a Brotherhood
10a HE II of St. Andrew
10:30a Yoga
25 26 27 28 29 30 JULY 1
Proper VIIa 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 7p Boy Scouts 8a Brotherhood
Shrine Mont Weekend 6p COH of St. Andrew
8a HE I 7:30p Healing Service 10:30a Yoga
10a HE II 1p 1st Saturday
Docent Tour

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

COMBINED ISSUES! Thank You Note from

The July and August 2017 issues of the
Pohick Post will be combined into one newsletter.
On June 15, please submit all articles that would
usually appear in the July AND August Pohick Post.
Thanks very much for the cooperation! Forward ar-
ticles by email in Word compatible format to Lori
Buckius, raebuck@aol.com. Items for the Sunday Ser-
vice Volunteers page should be addressed to Carmel
Hodge, cchodge@aol.com.
Lorton Community Action Center
Dear Anita,
Wow! Thank you so much for coordinating the Souper
Bowl Collection at Pohick Church! The efforts you put in
place Anita, will help hundreds of families avoid hunger.
The funds raised will enable Lorton Community Action
Center to purchase more than 8,000 pounds of food over
the coming months to help families. Thank you!
Linda
 Page 14 June 2017 Pohick Episcopal Church

SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

4 JUNE 11 JUNE 18 JUNE 25 JUNE 2 JULY
USHERS
8:00 Becky Wagner Rodger Jones Stew Remaly Tony Marsico Don Cooke
Alan Mayberry Alan Mayberry Mike Zane Mike Vaughn Becky Wagner
10:00 Chris Brown Kathy Kirkland Mo Faber Hal Yarwood Pehr Pehrsson
Beth Altman Don Cooke Dave Billingsley Hank Foresman Sandra Caesar
Dru Hodges Ed McGovern Brent Goeller Matt Gurrola Bill Patton
Greg Wilson Ron Schow Bob Munson Rick Nelson Rita Smith
OPEN - UP
7:00 B. Altman C. McCullough F. Thurston E. Thorson D. Smith
LOCK - UP
1:00 A. Choi J. Rolander A. Derbes J. Rolander C. Cockroft
TELLERS
12:15 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
ALTAR GUILD
AM BJ McPherson J. Sunderland J. Sunderland J. Wells J. Wells
A. Powell, J. Schmid B. Altman B. Altman N. Sage N. Sage
M. Tonkin N. Bireley N. Bireley C. Foster C. Foster
S. Caesar V. Jones V. Jones J. Geschickter J. Geschickter
E. Pitcock J. MacDonald J. MacDonald J. Mullins J. Mullins
A. Marsico R. Teale R. Teale H. Parker H. Parker
M. Yezek B. Wagner B. Wagner R. Stankwitz R. Stankwitz
FLOWER GUILD
AM A. Stribling TBD TBD TBD TBD
GREETERS
8:00 Choi Family M. Holmes M/M Bartholomew S. Yarwood C. Wylie
10:00 M/M Armstrong M/M C. Brown Bland/Girten M/M Bland M/M Botts
LAY READERS
8:00 Sunderland (R) Booth (R) Foresman (R) Thorson (R) Cockroft (R)
Foresman (P) Thorson (P) Pasour (P) Foresman (P) Thorson (P)
10:00 Nelson (P) Cockroft (P) Walden (P) Elston (R) M. Harding (R)
Faber (R) Elston (R) Prior (R) Ayorinde (P) S. Harding (P)
COFFEE HOUR
8:00 M/M Pasour M/M Jacobus M/M Jacobus M/M Remaly M/M Biddlecomb
10:00 Vestry Vestry Persigehl/Dudley C. McCullough M/M Wise
DOCENTS
10:00 E. Pitcock F. Crawford M/M Costa H. Foresman TBD

The Sunday Service Volunteers Schedule is also available at Pohick Churchs website, www.pohick.org, under Ministries.
Pohick Episcopal Church
Pohick Church Annual Parish Retreat
Shrine Mont, Virginia
The annual parish retreat, June 23- 25, is fast ap-
proaching! All Pohickians are encouraged to participate
in this weekend of spiritual renewal and enrichment.
For those new to Pohick, the parish retreat is the fourth
weekend in June, usually the weekend after kids get out
of school. The emphasis this year is upon getting as many
past participants and new singles and couples as possible
in attendance to really max-out on what the Pohick fam-
ily has to offer! Consider a few reasons to go:
It is a wonderful way to meet and get to know fellow
parishioners.
Wonderful family-style dining with down-home
cooked meals.
Clergy-led sessions, this year entitled, Finding an At-
titude of Gratitude: How a Spirit of Thanksgiving Will
Change Your Life.
Cozy sleeping rooms with central parlors in quaint cot-
tages and houses in a secluded resort community from
yesteryear; time stands still at Shrine Mont; no traffic,
no TV
The surrounding is as peaceful as it gets. Take the op-
portunity to curl up on an Adirondack or rocking chair
on a porch or next to the lake with a book - or just snooze.
Puzzles, Cards, Music
Swimming (handicap accessible and suitable for all
ages), Tennis, Golf (available through arrangements at
Bryce Resort)
Scenic hiking and nature trails
Fellowship at the Gathering Place (bring favorite bev-
erage and snack to share Friday and Saturday nights)
Book Store
Shopping in the Shenandoah Valley
Outdoor services at the Cathedral Shrine of the Trans-
figuration
Nearby Vineyards and wine tasting
The fried chicken on Sunday
Please look for the flyer/registration form found at
the Common Room Information Center, upstairs land-
ing, in the Pohick Post, or as a downloadable PDF doc-
ument from the church website. Fill it in, then simply
drop the application, along with payment, in to the col-
lection plate at any of the Sunday services, or drop it by
the Church Office.
Please note, that cost should not prohibit any Pohick
Church parishioner from attending the retreat. Church
members needing financial assistance should contact di-
rectly the Reverend Don Binder, 703-339-6572.
June 2017 Page 15
General Browns Scalpel
By Lawrence M (Larry) Nelson, MD, MBA
CAPT USPHS, Retired
The National Brotherhood of Saint Andrew has
an initiative to develop veteran friendly congregations.
This effort is particularly relevant to Pohick Church,
the church of General Washington. June brings Flag
Day, commemorating the adoption of the flag of the
United States on June 14, 1777.
The Episcopal Church House of
Bishops and House of Deputies ad-
opted the official church flag on Octo-
ber 16, 1940. The white field represents purity. The red
cross represents the blood of martyrs. The nine cross-
crosslets in the shape of a cross on the sky blue field
represent the nine original dioceses in 1789 America.
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. A muscular
form of Christianity is envisioned, 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 their
patron saint, his cross comprises the flag of Scotland
and is also part of the Episcopal flag.
Golden Dove Gift Shop
Come see whats new in the Golden Dove!
- Gifts for Grads, Dads and Kids
- Pohick Mugs, Tote Bags, Tea Canisters,
Cookbooks, Ornaments, Sketches, Photos
and Father Dons CDs
- Episcopal Shield Lapel Pins and Car Decals
- Cross Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings
- Trivets, Plaques, & Home Decor
Open Between Sunday Services
First Saturdays 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
and during Special Events
 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, Emily Elston,

Christian Ed: Frances Sessums Kathy Kirkland,
Pohick Church

Youth Minister: Rusty Booth Carney McCullough,

Parish Secretary: Susan Hayward-Costa Jane Rolander,
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