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
A lthough it did not get much coverage from the press,
last month on April 6, a service of commemoration
was held in Kansas City, Missouri, marking the centen-
nial of the United States entry into World War I, then
known as The Great War. With our annual observance
of Memorial Day coming later this month, its worth re-
calling Pohick Churchs connection to this tragic chapter
in world history.
The touchstone for this is a memorial marker at-
tached to the wall near the southwest door of the church.
If youve taken the time to read it, youll recall that it lists
the names of six fallen servicemen from southeast Fairfax
County who gave their lives fighting in that war. What
you may not know is that President Warren Harding
himself came to Pohick Church to dedicate the plaque.
The presidential visit occurred on Sunday, May 29,
1921, the day before Memorial Day that year. The dedi-
cation of the plaque took place at the conclusion of the
regular Sunday service, which began at 11:00 am. De-
spite our congregations long history, we dont have many
descriptions of services at Pohick Church, but fortunate-
ly that day forms a rare exception: present at the pro-
ceedings was a reporter from the Alexandria Gazette who
went on to publish a detailed, one-and-a-half-column
story in the next days edition of that publication.
The headline read, Harding Delivers Address at
Pohick - Largely Attended. Indeed, the article goes on
to state that some 500 people had crammed inside the
May 2017
church with another 500 listening from the doors out-
side. The President and Mrs. Harding sat in Washingtons
front pew while my predecessor, the Rev. Edward Mel-
lichampe, led the service of Morning Prayer, followed by
a sermon entitled, Warring for Right (apparently about
either WWI as a just war or the more metaphorical
Christian struggle for righteousness - or both).
When the service had concluded, President Harding
stood to speak: I dont know that I am more susceptible
to emotions than others, he began, but I cannot escape
a strange feeling that I have sat in a pew occupied by the
revered Father of your country. He went on observe that
a spirit of patriotism and service had swept the country
during and after the war, helping to unify the people of
our nation.
Prior to the presidents remarks, Virginia Congress-
man R. Walter Moore had spoken more directly about
the servicemen named on the plaque: Their experience
we do not know. All we know is that they dared, suffered
and died - they died for their country . . . if there is any
nobler duty, it is for each to do all in his power to save the
world in the future from such a tragedy.
After the speeches had ended, the Sunday school
children paraded through the church past Washingtons
pew where the President and Mrs. Harding greeted each
of them individually. The children themselves had led the
drive for the plaque, inspired by the fact that the daughter
of one of the fallen soldiers, Rosa Lee Dove, was among
their number. When she came to the president, he took
her up in his arms and expressed his sorrow over her loss.
As the plaque itself was formally dedicated, a band
from Camp Humphreys played outside, bringing the
Continued on page 2
 Page 2 May 2017 Pohick Episcopal Church

From the Rector: continued from page 1

ceremony to a close at around one oclock. Afterwards, the President and Mrs. Harding, along with those who had been
inside, joined the crowds outside the church to pose for a panoramic photograph. You can find that historic moment
frozen in time on a framed copy on display in the church office (it is also, in part, atop the history page of the parish
website).
The poignant proceedings of that day serve as a reminder for us of the very human cost of war, and of the continuing
need for us to honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country, as we do
each year on Memorial Day weekend:
God, the King of Glory, in whose hands are the living and the dead: we give you thanks for all those who have laid
down their lives in the service of our country. We bless you for their courage and devotion, even unto death. Accept their
sacrifice, we beseech you; let it not be in vain that they have died in the cause of righteousness and honor; and in your
mercy send your peace into the hearts of all people everywhere; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
one service or three. Moreover, our surveying has told us that
Senior Wardens Report we would probably lose parishioners if we eliminated either
T. E. Fuzzy Thurston, Senior Warden the 7:45 am or the 11:15 am service.
The second possibility is to reduce the number of jobs to
As most of you know, the Vestry is taking a hard look be filled and the complexity of the remaining jobs. During
at service times. This was a prime topic of discussion at the Lent, for example, we are experimenting with cutting back
January Vestry retreat and more recently, weve held a forum on what has become almost a buffet that accompanies coffee
where many of you gave us your thoughts and opinions. The hour each week. Two simple snack items, along with coffee
issues seem to boil down to two. The first is whether Pohick and tea (and maybe lemonade in the summer) should sustain
should hold an evening service, either Saturday or Sunday. The our spirits for the hour before lunch. Moreover, the Women
second is whether we should continue with the three-service of the Church have agreed to make financial aid available to
schedule Sunday mornings or go to a two-service schedule those who are willing to do the work of being coffee hour
similar to the summer schedule. Neither of these issues has a hosts but whose budgets are strained by doing that. We might
clear solution. In this months Post article, Im going to look also be able to cut back on the number of acolytes and LEMs,
briefly at the Sunday morning service issue. especially at the first and third services and to make altar duty
As you might expect, we have parishioners with strong a bit easier by using things that dont have to be polished. Cer-
opinions each way. The principal driver for moving to a two- tainly e-giving is reducing the tellers duties.
service seem to be volunteers. It might surprise you to learn The third possible solution would be to increase the num-
that on a three-service Sunday there are 53 different volunteer ber of volunteers. Folks, Pohick is actually growing. The latest
duties to be accomplished, and that does not include the choir count of parishioners in good standing, conducted within the
(whose numbers vary from week to week), Sunday School past two weeks, put us back over the 451 required for a second
teachers or those who man the Golden Dove! It also doesnt representative to the Diocesan Council. Yet as we grow, our
include the parents who make sure the 12 acolytes make it volunteer pool for worship service-related jobs seems to be
to church on time. Besides the acolytes, volunteer positions shrinking. We understand some of the reasons for that - more
include ushers, LEMs, altar guild members, childrens church youth sports activities on Sunday mornings, situations where
volunteers, coffee hour hosts, tellers, flower guild, and more. one parent is serving in a volunteer capacity (or otherwise en-
It is really a huge undertaking. More and more often - in fact gaged - military reserve drilling for example) and the kids are
on most Sundays, we have volunteers performing more than too young to be left unsupervised in a pew, etc.
one duty - choir members doing LEM duties, ushers teller- So thats the conundrum we face and the solution is not
ing, flower guild volunteers greeting, and the like. The more yet obvious. How could you help? Would you be able to usher
we have examined the issue the clearer it has become that the occasionally or be an acolyte supervisor? Its not hard and you
problem is a shrinking pool of volunteers. are at church anyway. Your family can even join you in the
It would seem that there are actually three ways to deal acolyte pew or in one of the pews at the back of the church.
with the shrinking volunteer pool. One option is to reduce the Could you do a 9:00 am coffee hour if your kids are there in
number of services. This does reduce the number of volunteer Sunday School anyway? Might one of your kids be interested
positions to be filled, but not proportionately. There are fewer in being an acolyte?
ushers, acolytes, and choir members at the first and third ser- At any rate, please know that this issue continues to be at
vices and the number of Sunday School teachers, flower guild the forefront of what your vestry thoughts and deliberations.
volunteers and tellers will remain constant whether we have
Pohick Episcopal Church
From The Assistant Rector
The Reverend
Dr. Ruth E. Correll, Ed.D.
The Puddleglum Syndrome
Some of us, especially if our parents endured the
Great Depression, suffer from The Puddleglum Syn-
drome. Faith and hope do not come easily for us. Lent
comes naturally; Easter takes effort. At this time on
the liturgical calendar, Puddleglum the Marsh-wiggle
in The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis helps me with the
spiritual gymnastics required for the transition from
Lent to Easter.
Well fit for dwelling in marshland, Puddleglums
body consisted mostly of arms and legs with webbed
hands and feet like frogs. The smoke from his pipe,
made from tobacco mixed with clay, floated downward
out of the bowl and drifted along the ground. A child
of his dreary setting, this solemn pessimist rarely pre-
dicted anything resembling a happy outcome. Heres
the situation. The Emerald Queen of the Underworld
had captured the Prince. Aslan, the Lion, had sent a
boy and girl on a quest to find and rescue him - or die
in the effort. Puddleglum agreed to go along.
Im coming, sure and certain. Im not going to lose an
opportunity like this. It will do me good. They all say
I mean, the other wiggles all say -- that Im too
flighty; dont take life seriously enough. . . . Youve got
to learn that life isnt all fricasseed frogs and eel pie.
You want something to sober you down a bit. . . . Now
a job like this a journey up north just as winters be-
ginning, looking for a Prince that probably isnt there,
by way of a ruined city that no one has ever seen will
be just the thing. If that doesnt steady a chap, I dont
know what will. [75-76]
During the failures of the would-be rescuers, Pud-
dleglum dolefully pointed out when the children put a
good face on challenges to make the best of a bad job.
At the climax, the wicked witch threw green powder on
her fire and thrummed on a stringed instrument. The
effect of the sweet smelling enchantment and droning
rhythm fogged the travelers minds and slowed their
blood. She had almost convinced them that Aslan and
Narnia were merely childish daydreams when our hero
May 2017 Page 3
ventured a brave and painful last ditch effort. With his
bare webbed foot, he stomped on the fire till most of
it turned to ashes. Instantly, the disenchanting odor of
burnt Marsh-wiggle snapped the children out of their
stupor. The shock of pain dissolved the magic spell and
cleared Puddleglums thinking. Confronting the witch,
he stalwartly declared:
Im on Aslans side even if there isnt any Aslan to lead
it. Im going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if
there isnt any Narnia. So . . . were . . . setting out in
the dark to spend our lives looking for Overland. Not
that our lives will be very long, I should think; but
thats a small loss if the worlds as dull a place as you
say. [182]
Hurrah for Puddleglum! At that, the outraged
Queen turned into a green snake. In a flash, the un-
bewitched Prince severed the snakes head from its
body and rightfully took the Narnian throne.
Dont underestimate those of us who can mus-
ter only a mustard seed of faith. Even that can move
mountains. Under all that pessimism may be someone
who knows only too well the muddy swamps and sink
holes of her soul. Maybe in desperation, she will be
ready to take up her cross, tramp on a burnt foot, and
follow our rightful King from Good Friday to Pente-
cost.
C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd, 1953, 1981, reprinted by HarperCollins
Publishers, New York.
Hodge Podge May 20, 2017
The 2017 Hodge Podge will take place on
May 20. Consider taking this opportunity to use
your time, talents, and treasures to support Po-
hick Churchs Outreach Mission.
Time and talents are needed to help set up
and work the event. Treasures are also needed
- those no longer wanted or needed - to sell to
others who will treasure
them. A signup sheet will
be posted in the Com-
mon Room for those
who want to help. Have
ideas or questions? Con-
tact Edwardene Pitcock,
epitcock@mindspring.
com or 703-380-2609.
 Page 4 May 2017
The Persecution Corner
By Bob Munson
[Paul wrote:] I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was,
but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. - Galatians 1:17
Pauls Arabia, the region east and south of Judea (in-
cluding the Sinai Peninsula), likely extended only to the
very northwest of the modern country of Saudi Arabia.
The Arabian Peninsula, though, played an important role
in Christian history, if mostly in opposition.
Islam was born in the 7th century in what is now Saudi
Arabia, springing out of the Jewish- and Christian-influ-
enced populations. The advance of Islam across North Af-
rica in the ensuing centuries wiped out historical African
Christian populations and threatened Christianity in Eu-
rope, taking Spain and advancing into southern France and
to the gates of Vienna. Since that time, the Mediterranean
and Red Sea worlds have been dominated by Christian-
Muslim interactions, not all negative. The Muslim empires
preserved and transmitted the learning of Greece and
Rome to the Europe of the Middle Ages. Out of this his-
tory, Saudi Arabia remains the home of Islams two holi-
est cities (Mecca and Medina) and the destination for the
annual Hadj - the trip to Mecca required of all Muslims
(with limited exceptions) once during their life.
The modern country of Saudi Arabia formed out of the
ruins of the Ottoman Empire and the post-World War I
colonial division of the Middle East. After a 30-year cam-
paign to unify the Arabian Peninsula, Abd Al-Aziz bin
Abd al-Rahman Al Saud founded the state in 1932 and his
descendants remain in power to this day. The current king,
Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud took the throne in 2015.
As an absolute monarchy, the King depends upon various
interests in the country for support, one of the most power-
ful includes the conservative Islamic leaders. The U.S. has
long supported the Saudi royal family due to the stability
it brings to the region as well as the countrys large oil re-
sources.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabias Islamic history along
with modern politics has produced one of the most reli-
giously repressive countries in the world. The country has
a population of about 28 million and virtually all Saudis
are Muslims. However, an estimated 30% of the 28 mil-
lion are immigrants/expatriate workers of various faiths, a
large number (perhaps 1/6th) of the foreigners are Chris-
tian, spanning the spectrum from menial laborers such as
the large number of Filipinos and Sub-Saharan Africans
to Western professionals serving in the oil and other high-
tech industries.
Despite the presence of large numbers of foreigners,
Saudi Arabia does not allow public religious expression in-
consistent with the government-sanctioned interpretation
Pohick Episcopal Church
of Sunni Islam. Non-Muslim places of worship are not
permitted and non-Muslims cannot hold Saudi citizen-
ship. Churches are forbidden in the officially Islamic state,
and the government prosecutes those charged with apos-
tasy or blasphemy and conversion to Christianity could be
punished with death. According to a 2014 law, blasphemy
and advocating atheism are acts of terrorism. Essentially,
Christian worship can only be done at home, hidden from
the world. But this too, can be dangerous.
On a personal level, the Christian persecution often
impacts families deeply with new Christians sometimes
simply disappearing when families learned of conversions.
Voice of the Martyrs, an interdenominational missions
organizations supporting the persecuted around the world
(www.persecution.com), detailed how a father who worked
for the Saudi religious police killed his own daughter after
her conversion. Similarly, the religious police arrested and
then jailed two Indian expatriate workers after their par-
ticipation in a prayer meeting.
Persecution in this country is intense, but some signs
point to hope. The new Saudi king is attempting to mod-
ernize the country and pull it out of its middle-ages mind-
set while the Western world, especially the United States,
continues to pressure the government to allow more free-
dom. Even though the Bible, Christian books and open
Christian proselytization are banned in the country, the in-
ternet brings in Gods word and the chance to learn about
Christianity. Because of Saudi Arabias wealth many Sau-
dis travel abroad and can hear about Jesus Christ and bring
the good news back to the country.
In the month ahead, please pray for the people of Saudi
Arabia, especially the Christian minority, both expatriate
workers and converted Muslims. OpenDoorsUSA (serv-
ing persecuted Christians worldwide) offers these prayer
points:
Pray for those who secretly follow Christ after hear-
ing the gospel via the internet or satellite TV.
Pray for Christian migrant workers to witness power-
fully to their abusive employers.
Pray that Christians in Saudi Arabia would be bold
in ministering to their Muslim families, neighbors and
friends. Pray that they would be comforted.
As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia develops in the years
ahead, we can hope that it once again could be open to
welcoming a great Christian leader like Paul who visited
2000 years ago.
Pohick Episcopal Church May 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 May 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
Music Notes
Linda Egan, Minister of Music
Hymns are meant to be expressive of the spiritual heart of
the lectionary, the liturgy, and the people worshipping. Mu-
sic provides very specific nonverbal communication which,
in the best circumstances, makes spiritual texts memorable
because the music replays in our minds. Music unites us,
because, as Wesley Arning said recently, we all draw breath
together to sing at the same time. It encourages us, it gives us
a way to celebrate. It gives us a way to repent. It can reflect all
the emotional variation and subtlety of our own lives, and of
our reactions to the hymn texts, some of which teach, some
of which praise and adore God, some of which transport us
to a different realm beyond and outside ourselves, and some
of which call us to serve the world.
With this knowledge of musics function and purpose
in worship and with the awareness of the increasing diver-
sity and needs of parishes, the Episcopal Church provides us
with these resources:
The blue hymnal, The Hymnal 1982, 720 hymns, is ac-
knowledged throughout the Christian church (by Baptists,
Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics and
others) as the best hymnal produced in the last 32 years. (You
will recall it was approved in 1982 and published in 1985.)
Many of the hymns we sing are drawn from this hymnal.
The red hymnal Lift Every Voice and Sing II (LEVAS),
281 hymns, has been used at Pohick since 1993, when John
Sessums was asked to lead the Pohick Pickers in playing
communion music from it on one Sunday each month. He
and they have done a great job at it ever since.
LEVAS, according to the preface, consists of Ne-
gro spirituals, traditional and contemporary Gospel songs,
adapted Protestant hymns, missionary and evangelistic
hymns, and... several new works. Sources included Lift Ev-
ery Voice and Sing I, Lead Me, Guide Me (from post-Vatican II
Roman Catholicism),and Songs of Zion (United Method-
ist). Included are a few African worship songs as they were
known in the US at the time of publication (1993). In the
Episcopal Church at large, familiarity with these hymns has
increased over twenty-four years of usage.
The hymn questionnaire filled out by 41 parishioners
here in 2013 revealed a wide variety of Pohick parishioners
cradle faith music traditions. In addition to Episcopalians,
there were nine other denominations represented. Over half
of the respondents took the trouble to request 230 specific
hymns (thank you!), 67 of which were requested by more
than one person. 83 of the requests came from LEVAS. We
have been and will continue to sing those requested hymns,
which were also drawn from The Hymnal 1940 (16 requests),
The Hymnal 1982 (121 requests), and other sources.
May 2017 Page 7
The number of LEVAS hymns requested confirmed the
desire by a good number of parishioners for continued, ex-
panded use of that hymnal and that is exactly what we have
done. The third Sunday of the month at the 9:00 am ser-
vice there are always three hymns from LEVAS II. The other
Sundays of the month LEVAS II is also used, and this use
is now extending into the 11:15 am service. This is far more
usage of LEVAS than in any other Episcopal congregation I
am aware of. So, LEVAS devotees, rejoice!
Wonder, Love and Praise, 1997, 113 hymns, from which
I draw many of our insert hymns. Its numbering begins at
721 and is meant as a continuation of The Hymnal 1982, re-
flecting the churchs recent emphasis on welcoming all to the
table, and encouraging the sharing of ones cultural story to
foster the unity proclaimed in the gospel. There are a num-
ber of beautiful new tunes with many thoughtful texts.
Voices Found, Women in the Churchs Song, 2003, 166
hymns and spiritual songs about women and their spiritual
history from the Bible to the present, written by, for and
about women (including yours truly). It is a unique compi-
lation of contemporary and historical materials that crosses
boundaries of geography, time, and culture. I also draw in-
sert hymns from this hymnal.
My Heart Sings Out, 2006, 101 worship songs for fully
incorporating children and youth into worship, which we
have just begun to use.
The Hymnal 1940, the previous Episcopal hymnal, is
completely available for us to use, and we insert hymns from
it. Many of its hymns also appear in The Hymnal 1982.
As you may know, a new principal hymnal for the Epis-
copal Church is in the planning stages.
In addition, we have had requests to turn contemporary
Christian solos into congregational song. It is quite a com-
plex process, because, as is true of sacred music solos in any
genre, most of these solos cover a far wider pitch range than
is typical of congregational song, and have extremely com-
plex rhythms. That makes a number of them unable to be
sung in a congregational setting. Some favorites have been
adapted successfully by John Sessums, modifying the ranges
and simplifying the rhythms. You will hear them next on
Youth Sunday, which this year is June 11, and the Pickers
also play them during communion. We are continuing to ex-
plore this.
From the day Don Binder introduced me to Pohick at
coffee hour the first Sunday of January 2006 to this moment,
I have had this same policy: if you have a favorite hymn you
would like us to sing, tell me. I will schedule it and let you
know the Sunday it will be sung, and we will sing it.
Please understand: if, on a Palm Sunday, you tell me your
favorite hymn is Silent Night, I will immediately tell you
Continued on page 8
 Page 8 May 2017
Music Notes,
continued from page 7
that we will sing it next on Christmas Eve. But you wont
hear it the next week, because it isnt an Easter hymn. Or, if
you travel to visit family on Christmas Eve....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SOUNDS OF POHICK is coming this year on June 3,
2017, at 4:00 pm. Each musical organization in the church
will perform: the Choir of Pohick, Bell Choir, Early Church
Music Ensemble, Pohick Pickers, St. Cecelia St. Alban
Choir and St. Francis Choir. Be sure to come and bring your
friends for all that good music, and stay for the reception
to celebrate it. A very nice way to spend a late Saturday
afternoon in early June. Save the date!
Music Schedule May 2017
Sunday, May 7 Fourth Sunday of Easter
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir
11:15 am Gloria Jackson, soprano
Sunday, May 14 Fifth Sunday of Easter
9:00 am Men of the Choir of Pohick, St. Francis Choir
11:15 am Early Church Music Ensemble
Sunday, May 21 Sixth Sunday of Easter
9:00 am Choir of Pohick, Pohick Pickers
11:15 am St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir
Sunday May 28 Seventh Sunday of Easter
9:00 am Choir of Pohick
11:15 am TBD
Thursday, June 1
Final rehearsal for Sounds of Pohick concert
Martha Guild News
Connie Myers
The Martha Guild will meet on Wednesday, May
3 at 7:30 pm in Classroom B.
This is an important meeting to finalize plans
for the upcoming Wine Tasting. All Women of the
Church are cordially invited to attend the meeting.
Any questions about the group, please contact Connie
Myers, 703-201-2204 or jetskiing@hotmail.com.
Don Brownlees report on issues in the
Anglican Communion will return in June.
Pohick Episcopal Church
General Browns Scalpel
By Lawrence M (Larry) Nelson, MD, MBA
CAPT USPHS, Retired
The National Brotherhood of Saint Andrew is
on the move with important new initiatives. The
initiative to develop veteran-friendly congregations is
particularly relevant to Pohick Church, the church of
General Washington. We as the Pohick Brotherhood
Chapter send out a warm invitation to active duty
military and veterans. Our chapter has many veteran
members who take special pride in supporting those
who serve. We ask the entire Pohick congregation to
spread this word.
The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew is a worldwide
ministry founded in 1883 by a group of workingmen
at Saint James Episcopal Church in Chicago. Our fo-
cus is to bring men and boys to Christ. We envision
a muscular form of Christianity, 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 us!
By the way, the logo above is Saint Andrews cross.
As their patron saint his cross comprises the flag of
Scotland and is also part of our Episcopal flag.
Martha Guild Wine Tasting
Saturday, May 6, 2017
4:30 pm 7:00 pm
Hosted by John Cutler & Nancy Miller
8439 Lee Alan Drive, Fairfax Station
Cost: $30 per person
Make reservations with
Helen Parker, Judy Schmid,
Edwardene Pitcock
or Connie Myers.
Be a part of
this fabulous event!
Proceeds will go towards
various Outreach Projects.
Pohick Episcopal Church May 2017 Page 9

Pohick Church Activities May 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
APRIL 30 MAY 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easter IIIa 7p EFM 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell Choir 8a Brotherhood
7:45a HE I 6p St. Cecelia St. 7p Boy Scouts of St. Andrew
9a HE II Alban Choir 7:30p Choir of 9:30a Spring
10:15a Inquirers Class 6p St. Francis Choir Pohick Work Day
10:20a Alpha 7:30p Healing Service 8:30p AA 9:30a Flower Guild
11:15a HE I 10:30a Yoga
7:30p Martha
5p Confirmation Class 1p 1st Sat
Guild Mtg
6p Coffee House Docent Tour
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Easter IVa 7p EFM 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell Choir 4p Wedding 8a Brotherhood of
African Art Display 9:30a Ann Ma- 6p St. Cecelia St. St. Andrew
7p Boy Scouts Rehearsal 9:30a Docent
7:45a HE I son Guild Mtg Alban Choir 7:30p Choir of Pohick Training
9a HE II 7:30p Vestry Mtg 6p St. Francis Choir
10:15a Inquirers Class 8:30p AA 10:30a Yoga
7:30p Healing Service 4p Tarantino/
10:20a Alpha
11:15a HE I Axarlis Wedding
5p Confirmation Class
6p EYC Dinner
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Easter Va 6:15p Docent 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell Choir 7a Hodge Podge
African Ministries Bd Mtg 6p St. Cecelia St. 7p Boy Scouts 8a Brotherhood
Mothers Day 7p Docent Alban Choir 7:30p Choir of of St. Andrew
7:45a HE I Gen Mtg 6p St. Francis Choir Pohick 10:30a Yoga
9a HE II 7p EFM 7:30p Healing Service 8:30p AA
10:20a Alpha Pohick Post
11:15a HE II Deadline
5p Confirmation Class
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Easter VIa 6p Marriage 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6:15p Bell Choir 8a Brotherhood
7:45a HE I Course 6p St. Cecelia St. 7p Boy Scouts of St. Andrew
9:15a HE II Alban Choir 7:30p Choir of 10:30a Yoga
7p EFM
10:15a Inquirers Class 6p St. Francis Choir Pohick
10:20a Alpha 7:30p Healing Service 8:30p AA
11:15a HE I
5p Confirmation Class
6p EYC Family Picnic
28 29 30 31 JUNE 1 2 3
Easter VIIa Memorial Day 9:30a Staff Mtg 2p HE, the Fairfax 6p Choir of 8a Brotherhood
7:45a HE I Office Closed 6p COH Pohick of St. Andrew
9a HE II 6p St. Cecelia St. 7p Boy Scouts 9:15a Confirma-
10:20a Alpha Alban Choir 8:30p AA tion Rehearsal
11:15a HE II 7p EFM 10:30a Yoga
6p St. Francis Choir
1p 1st Saturday
7:30p Healing Service
Docent Tour
4p Sounds of
Pohick
Contact the Parish Secretary, Susan Hayward-Costa, to list group meetings or events on the calendar, shcosta@pohick.org.
 Page 10 May 2017 Pohick Episcopal Church

SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

7 MAY 14 MAY 21 MAY 28 MAY 4 JUNE
USHERS
7:45 Don Cooke Tony Marsico Rodger Jones Mike Vaughn 8a Becky Wagner
Becky Wagner Alan Mayberry Stew Remaly Mike Zane Tony Marsico
9:00 Dan Derbes Dennis Myers Pehr Pehrsson Edwardene Pitcock 10a Chris Brown
Beth Altman Jim Foster John Pasour Tom Bland Beth Altman
Dru Hodges Matt Gurrola Bill Patton Dan Derbes Dru Hodges
Hal Yarwood Bob Munson Fuzzy Thurston Grant Hodges Greg Wilson
11:15 Kathy Kirkland Hank Foresman Bill Bland Paul Walden
Dave Billingsley Rick Nelson Sandra Caesar Rita Smith
OPEN - UP
7:00 K. Kirkland E. Thorson F. Crawford F. Thurston B. Altman
LOCK - UP
1:00 C. McCullough S. Pehrsson C. Cockroft D. Smith A. Choi
TELLERS
12:15 Hodges/Altman M/M Myers Bartlett/Remaly Heintze/Jacobus 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
FLOWER GUILD
AM S. Pehrsson Stankwitz/Wells Stankwitz/Turk-Hofmann Stankwitz/Riker A. Stribling
GREETERS
7:45 E. Bartlett R. Stankwitz M/M Biddlecomb J. Byrne 8a Choi Family
9:00 Pagan/Wallace V. Axarlis J. Dwyier M/M Sage 10a M/M Armstrong
11:15 M. Kanu P. Walden M/M Ickes Darling/Antonelli
LAY READERS
7:45 Booth (R) Thorson (R & P) Foresman (R) Thorson (R) TBD
Thorson (P) Booth (P) Sunderland (P)
9:00 Pasour (P) Prior (P) Pasour (P) Sage (R) TBD
Cockroft (R) Ayorinde (R) Faber (R) Pasour (P)
11:15 Arning (R) Egan (P) S. Harding (R) Elston (P) TBD
Nelson (P) Elston (R) M. Harding (P) Ayorinde (R)
The Sunday Service Volunteers Schedule is also available at Pohick Churchs website, www.pohick.org, under Ministries.

Send News for June
Articles for the June 2017 Pohick Post are due no later
than May 15! Forward input by email in Word
compatible format to Lori Buckius, raebuck@aol.com.
Design concerns & items for the Sunday Service Volunteers page
should be addressed to Carmel Hodge, cchodge@aol.com.
Thank You! The Vestry thanks everyone for
their generous help in making Pohicks 2017
Easter Sunday services a wonderful occasion!
Those that provided finger foods out did
themselves! Everything was delicious! For all
volunteers who help make it a joyous season,
thank you!
Pohick Episcopal Church May 2017 Page 11

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 The Golden Doves March Common Room Sale was a great
cooked meals. success! Nearly $1000 was raised and a portion of that was
Clergy-led sessions, this year entitled, Finding an At- donated to the Youth Mission Trip.
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. Visit the Golden Dove Gift Shop!
Puzzles, Cards, Music COME SEE NEW ITEMS IN THE GIFT SHOP!
Swimming (handicap accessible and suitable for all
Spring Decorations & great gifts for Moms, Dads
ages), Tennis, Golf (available through arrangements at
& Grads for their Special Days!
Bryce Resort)
Scenic hiking and nature trails Baptism Bowls, Christian Coloring Books,
Fellowship at the Gathering Place (bring favorite bev- Toys & Home Dcor
erage and snack to share Friday and Saturday nights) Cross Necklaces, Ear Rings & Bracelets
Book Store Pohick Section: Tote Bags, Mugs, Porcelain &
Shopping in the Shenandoah Valley Wooden Ornaments, Framed Sketches,
Outdoor services at the Cathedral Shrine of the Trans- Father Dons CDs, Pohick History Books,
figuration Needlepoint, Cookbooks & More!
Nearby Vineyards and wine tasting
The fried chicken on Sunday Open Between Sunday Services
Please look for the flyer/registration form found at 8:15-9:00 am & 10:15-11:15 am
the Common Room Information Center and upstairs FIRST SATURDAYS 1:00 pm 3:00 pm
landing, in the Pohick Post or as a downloadable PDF
New Volunteers Are Welcome! See Pamela Nelson or
document from the church website. Fill it in, then simply
Donna Crawford for more info. Thanks for supporting
drop the application, along with payment, in to the col-
the Golden Dove gift shop; all proceeds go back to
lection plate at any of the Sunday services, or drop it by Pohick and toward outreach projects.
the Church Office.
Please note, that cost should not prohibit any Pohick Recently, the Golden Dove made nearly $1,000 at the
Church parishioner from attending the retreat. Church March Common Room Sale! A portion of those sales
members needing financial assistance should contact di- were donated to the upcoming Youth Mission Trip.
rectly the Reverend Don Binder, 703-339-6572.
 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 Edwardene Pitcock,
Finance Admin: Mike Morgan Eric Thorson
Sexton: John Sessums
Telephone: 703-339-6572 Fax: 703-339-9884
Church Office Email: shcosta@pohick.org Web Site: www.pohick.org