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)

DECEMBER 2012
handed a clerk $9,800 to pay-off sixty-three accounts and dropped the remaining $200 in the Salvation Army kettle on the way out. At a store in Omaha, Nebraska, dozens of accounts were paid off by smaller donors of lesser means. By Christmas Day, more than $412,000 had been anonymously donated to over 1,000 layaway accounts around the country at K-Mart alone. As you can imagine, the recipients of this largess were overwhelmed. Said one Assistant Manager: Some scream, some holler - with joy, of course. They cry big time. Now, when this was happening last year, there was a tendency at the end of reports for the announcer to say something like, We certainly have in these displays the true reason for the season. Or, for those broadcasters daring enough to risk uttering the CWord, they exclaimed something along the lines of: Now thats the true meaning of Christmas. From our purview within the church, I would say that we can partially agree. How could we not? In our own congregation, we spend considerable time and resources each year to give Christmas presents and holiday meals to struggling families within our community. And we are by no means alone. Thousands of churches around the country do the same thing each Christmastime. And by so doing, they bring joy and cheer to countless children and families at this time of year.
Continued on page 2

The Reverend Donald D. Binder, PhD

From The Rector

uring last years holiday season, you may recall that there arose a phenomenon known as the Kmart Mystery Donor. It began in early December at a K-mart outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan. A woman in her thirties approached the layaway desk and asked if she could pay-off any outstanding accounts. At first, the clerk at the counter was confused. Are you trying to pick them up? she asked. Cause you cant pick them up unless you have ID. Nope, replied the woman. I just want to help. Out of the 800 layaways, the mystery donor picked out three, choosing them because they were mostly for childrens toys. The woman proceeded to fork over to the clerk nearly $500 in cash, paying all of them off except for $10 each. And then she vanished from the store. A local news station picked-up on the story, and from there, several national media outlets aired their own reports. The effect was like a match lighting the fuse on a keg of dynamite. An explosion of generosity erupted, with scores of Secret Santas descending upon layaway counters around the country. In Indianapolis, a woman stepped up to pay-off 50 peoples layaway accounts. On her way out, she handed out fifty-dollar bills to some customers and paid for two carts of toys for a young mother standing in line. In Hayward, California, a man walked into a Kmart with ten-thousand dollars in cash. Of that, he

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Pohick Episcopal Church

From the Rector: continued from page 1

But if Christmas were only about presents and holiday hams, wouldnt the joy of this season ring hollow? After the presents have been opened and the meal consumed, wouldnt there be a lingering emptiness hanging in our hearts? For the twin seasons of Advent and Christmas are ultimately about filling more than a hunger of the belly. Theyre about filling a hunger of the heart. Theyre about going outside in the nighttime and seeing the vast array of stars and galaxies and knowing that we are not alone. Beyond that cosmic canopy is the Creator of the Universe who chose not to remain distant, but deigned to come down among us as one of us: to live and breathe the same air, to share the same joys and sorrows - and more than that - to serve as Savior to a suffering and fallen creation. Fear not, said the angel, I bring you good news of great joy for all the people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. In that manger in Bethlehem lay a babe whose very birth beckoned us into a relationship with God himself. And for all those willing to pursue that relationship, there emerges a new wholeness, the healing of a heart wounded from waywardness and hurtful misadventures. There begins a journey of hope for true peace with both God and our neighbor. Without that relationship, whatever other gifts are given on Christmas Day, we can never truthfully speak about the true meaning of Christmas. And so with this little reminder, I would like to wish each and every one of you a Blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas. It is my prayer that the Christ whose birth we celebrate later in the month will shine more and more from our hearts - so that all the world may see and join in the rich blessings of that sacred encounter.

Senior WardenS report

Mike Elston, Senior Warden Thanksgiving may be in the rearview mirror, but it is never the wrong time to be thankful for all the gifts that fellow parishioners have put on display during the past month. Starting with the fall clean-up, going through the amazing Christmas Mart and all of the work getting Pohick ready for Advent and Christmas, the Pohick congregation has done amazing things for the community. At the annual parish meeting on December 2, Pohick will elect six new Vestry members. Thanks to all of the members who have agreed to stand for election and are willing to make the three-year commitment to serve the community. Please pray for them and support them in this important ministry for the next three years. Finally, it is time to address parish finances. The pledge and plate income is substantially lower than the 2012 budget plan. For those behind in pledges, please catch up as soon as possible. Any additional gifts, would be much appreciated. The money is being put to good use, and a difference is being made in the lives of others and people are being brought to Christ. Support is critical to success. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a very merry Christmas!

Send News!
Articles for the January 2013 Pohick Post are due no later than December 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.

The Martha Guild will meet at the Pane e Vino Restaurant located at 9020 Lorton Station Boulevard, Lorton, VA for a Christmas Dinner on Wednesday, December 5 at 6:30 pm. All women of the Church are invited to join the celebration. For those wishing to attend, please contact Connie Myers by Monday, December 3 so the appropriate reservations can be confirmed.

Martha Guild

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December 2012 Page 3

The Reverend Dr. Ruth E. Correll, Ed.D.

froM

From The Assistant Rector

Recently two of our parishioners, Jim Foster and John Pasour, devised an ingenious method to take down a dying tree overlooking the Colchester parking lot. They actually cut it from the bottom up. Figure that one out! The incident brought to mind a well worn volume from childhood. I still have the Golden Christmas Book, which was published the year I was born. The story in it that always makes me laugh is a chapter from The Peterkin Papers by Lucretia P. Hale. The episodes delight readers with the Peterkin familys outlandish, unworkable solutions to fairly simple problems. Mr. and Mrs. and their children, Agamemnon, Elizabeth Eliza, Solomon John, and the little boys continually get stuck in foolish predicaments. Arriving just in time, the Lady from Philadelphia never fails to solve their problems, and the family wonders why they did not think of that. In The Peterkins Christmas Tree, Mr. Peterkin cut the familys Christmas tree from Mr. Bromwicks woodlot. But, when he measured it where it lay in their barn, alas, the tree was too tall to stand in the parlor. In secret council, Elizabeth Eliza and Agamennon agree to their fathers brilliant solution: cut a hole in the ceiling to accommodate the tree. However, this means that Elizabeth Elizas room over the parlor might be too short for her to walk upright. Rather than raising the entire ceiling, Eliza decides a hump in her floor would be fine as a divan. Although the carpenter insisted the tree could be cut off at the lower end, Mr. Peterkin had his heart set on the tree as it was, and Elizabeth Eliza had already cut the carpet in her room. The renovation proceeded behind the closed doors of the parlor while the secret work (that everyone except the little boys knew about and pretended was not happening) produced wood chips and dust beyond measure. The hump in the parlor ceiling turned out higher than expected so Elizabeth Eliza had to nail padding on the ceiling of her room to protect her head.

philadelphia ViSitS

the lady

On Christmas Eve, the Peterkins realized they had no decorations for the tree, and it was too late to go to town to purchase them. No one had a workable solution. Suddenly there was a loud knocking on the door. A man delivered a huge package addressed to Elizabeth Eliza. The Lady from Philadelphia had packed every sort of tree decoration into it. The Peterkins rejoiced! We are all Peterkins, Jesus disciple whose inappropriate words and misplaced efforts have made him the favorite of Christs disciples. We fail to listen to wisdom because we have our hearts set on what pleases us. Life becomes increasingly tangled while we pretend things are just fine. Headstrong, we continue on without cutting away the problem at the bottom of our troubles. We need the Lady from Philadelphia, or at least Jim Foster and John Pasour. Thanks be to God, Advent and Christmas remind us that our Rescuer is coming and will arrive in perfect time with every gift we need. The Gospel is so marvelous that no human mind could think of it. It is, after all, Gods story. Lets celebrate! The Peterkin Papers by Lucretia P. Hale (1820-1900) was first published by Ticknor & Company in 1886 followed by a second edition by Ellen Day Hale published by Houghton Mifflin in 1914. You can enjoy the tales from the later book on-line.

ChriStMaS Mart To everyone that contributed to the success of the 2012 Christmas Mart - THANKS! Thanks to all the women that worked all year long making crafts and to others in the congregation that donated crafts, baked goods, frozen casseroles, Attic Treasures, consignments, and jewelry. A special thanks to the men that helped with the rearranging of the furniture - this help was essential. To all the chairmen of the various rooms and the helpers - a heartfelt thanks! Thanks to the Docents that provided tours during the Mart. The proceeds from the Mart will be used by the Ann Mason Guild, Martha Guild and Women of the Church in continuing their outreach projects both inside and outside of the Church. Congratulations to Wendy Remaly, the winner of the quilt!

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Pohick Episcopal Church

This monthly report is part of the Vestrys ongoing effort to inform and update the Parish about the ongoing controversies within The Episcopal Church (TEC) and the Anglican Communion. These controversies largely involve the blessing of same-gender unions, ordination of non-celibate homosexuals, interpretation of Scripture, and breakdown of traditional boundary lines between Provinces.

update on iSSueS in the anGliCan CoMMunion Don Brownlee

Within a span of a very busy two weeks in November: A new Archbishop of Canterbury is announced; a drive to allow women bishops in the Church of England fails; and the Diocese of South Carolina affirms the decision of its Standing Committee to disassociate from The Episcopal Church. Queen Elizabeth has appointed the Rt. Rev. Justin Welby to be the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury. Pending a pro-forma vote by the Dean and Chapter of that diocese, he will be enthroned in March. Bp. Justin currently serves as bishop of Durham, considered the fourth-highest post in the Church of England. The announcement received a great deal of coverage in the secular press, much of it focusing on Bp. Justins somewhat unusual background. His mother was a private secretary to Winston Churchill; his father was, by Bp. Justins own description, a bootlegger who, at the very least, was active in the business of importing liquor into the U.S. at the end of Prohibition. His parents divorced when he was very young, and his mother re-married and became a baroness. He attended the exclusive Eaton school (as did Prime Minister David Cameron), then pursued an eleven-year career in the oil industry. During that time his first child was killed in an auto accident; he has said the tragedy brought him and his wife closer to God. Six years later he answered Gods call and began training for ordained ministry. He was consecrated as a bishop less than a year ago. Bp. Justin said he was overwhelmed and astonished at being chosen: It is overwhelming because of those I follow, and the responsibility it has. It is astonishing because it is something I never expected to happen. Response to the announcement was generally positive and supportive, and often noted his background in business and conflict resolution. The chair of the Anglican Consultative Council and Bishop of Malawi, the Rt. Rev. James Tengatenga, said he was delighted. He has significant experience with the Anglican Communion and I very much look forward to working with him. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori used same word, delighted: He brings knowledge of the immense challenges of the world in which the Anglican Communion seeks to partner in the service of Gods mission to heal and reconcile. He has experience of churches in several parts of the Communion, which should serve him wellI give thanks for his appointment and his willingness to accept this work, in which I know his gifts of reconciliation and discernment will be abundantly tested. Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, primate of Nigeria and a leading voice among African Anglicans, offered congratulations. I know Bishop Welby and he has visited our country several timesWe congratulate him heartily and wish him a successful tenure. I am optimistic that he can do something because he has a very strong negotiating ability. The archbishop made it clear where he thought those

negotiating skills would be needed: The major task is how to heal the wounds and bring the Anglican Communion together in the West, Africa and the rest of us. Lord Carey, who preceded Rowan Williams as Archbishop of Canterbury, praised Bp. Justin as able, resourceful and personable. Speaking from experience, he added. Nothing he has ever done before will have prepared him for this most challenging and exposed of positions, but he will never have a more wonderful opportunity to experience the amazing grace of God. In his introductory news conference, Bp. Justin reiterated his support for consecration of women as bishops [see below] and opposition to same-sex marriage in the church. But he added, We must have no truck with any form of homophobia, in any part of the churchI know I need to listen very attentively to the LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender] communities, and examine my own thinking [on this issue] prayerfully and carefully.I am always averse to the language of exclusion, when what we are called to is to love in the same way as Jesus Christ loves us. Above all in the church we need to create safe spaces for these issues to be discussed honestly and in love. Bp. Justin was a guest at The Episcopal Churchs 2009 General Convention, and meeting of our House of Bishops in March. He told the later gathering that during his stay, I have found some myths demythologised. For example the myth that TEC is only liberal, monochrome in its theological stand, and the myth that all minorities of view are oppressed. There is rather the sense of a complex body of wide views and many nationalities addressing issues with what I have personally found inspiring honesty and courage, doubtless also with faults and sins, but always looking to see where the sins are happening. The processes are deeply moving even where I disagreed, which I did on a number of obvious issues, but the honesty of approach was convincing, *** Twelve days after his appointment, the challenges facing the archbishop-designate grew larger when the Church of Englands General Synod voted down a proposal to allow women to be consecrated as bishops. A two-thirds majority in all three houses bishops, clergy and laity was needed for the measure to pass. The bishops voted overwhelmingly in favor, and the clergy approved by a wide margin. But it fell six votes short among the laity. Bp. Justin called it a very grim day, most of all for women priests. He had spoken strongly in favor of the proposal, saying It is time to finish the job [begun in 1992 when the Church of England voted to allow ordination of women] and vote for this Measure. Abp. Rowan Williams, who likewise had pushed hard for the measure as the final accomplishment of his tenure, told the Synod the next day that the vote the Church of England look out of touch, and said, We have, to put it very bluntly, a lot of explaining to do Whatever the motivation for voting yesterday, whatever the theological principle on which people acted and spoke, the fact remains that a great deal of this discussion is not intelligible to our wider society. Worse than that, it seems as if we are willfully blind to some of the Continued on page 5

Pohick Episcopal Church

December 2012 Page 5

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion,

continued from page 4 trends and priorities of that wider society. And he repeated, We have some explaining to do, we have as a result of yesterday undoubtedly lost a measure of credibility in our society. He later said that the vote was not the end of the issue, and went out of his way to tell the women of England is still your Church. Not mine, not Synods, but yours. Your voice matters and will be heard. Its important not to give up. Prime Minister David Cameron, in a rare comment on church matters, told Parliament, Im very sad about the way the vote went yesterday and I am particularly sad for the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams because I know that he saw this as a major campaign that he wanted to achieve at the end of his excellent tenure of office. The Church of England need(s) to get on with it, as it were, and get with the programme, he said and added, you do have to respect the individual institutions in the way they work while giving them a sharp prod. Some in Parliament called for that sharp prod to be a requirement for the Church of England, as the state church, to comply with Britains strong anti-discrimination laws. *** With the words, Weve Moved On! a special convention of the Diocese of South Carolina approved a series of resolutions disassociating itself from The Episcopal Church. The 200 delegates overwhelmingly approved changes to the dioceses constitution and canons removing references to the national church, and declared itself an extra-provincial [not part of any recognized province] diocese within the Anglican Communion. The resolutions declared Mark Lawrence the dioceses rightful bishop [despite his inhibition by Presiding Bishop Katharine] and that as God has sent Bishop Lawrence to be our bishop, only he [God] has the authority to declare otherwise. For its status as an extra-provincial diocese to have official recognition within the Anglican Communion, it would have to be approved by the Anglican Consultative Council, which will not meet again until 2015. Bp. Mark told the gathering, We have spent far too many hours, days and years in a dubious and fruitless resistance to the relentless path of TEC[the charges of abandonment against him] finally left us no place to stand within TEC. So be it. They have spoken and we have acted. We have withdrawn from that Church which we along with six other dioceses help to foundThose who are not with us you may go in peace We shall turn the page. We shall move on. Actually let me state it more accurately. We have moved on. The move to disassociate from TEC had been simmering for years, but was finally triggered when a church disciplinary panel certified in effect, indicted Bp. Mark on charges of abandoning the doctrine and discipline of The Episcopal Church. Presiding Bp. Katharine, as required by the canons, then inhibited him from further ministerial or episcopal acts. In a pastoral letter to the diocese after the vote, Presiding Bp. Katharine reiterated the Episcopal Churchs position that people can leave TEC, but churches and dioceses cannot. She said Please know that The Episcopal Church wants you to remain! Your presence adds to the ability of this community to discern the will of God, even if you disagree vehemently with one or another resolution passed by a particular General Convention. She pledged that the national church

will do everything in its power to support loyal Episcopalians who wish to remain members of this Church. To that end, a group which says it wants to remain part of The Episcopal Church has formed a steering committee to guide and assist in the reorganization of the Diocese in the absence of those leaders who had announced their separation from The Episcopal Church. It claims members from 12 of the 79 parishes in the diocese, and two retired Episcopal bishops who now live there as its episcopal advisors. Elsewhere: The Virginia Supreme Court agreed to hear The Falls Churchs appeal of the district court decision that said disputed Virginia church properties belonged to the diocese, not the individual parishes. The Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council has turned down a request from the diocese of Uruguay to switch provinces over the issue of ordaining women as priests. The diocese is part of the Province of the Southern Cone. It wants to ordina women, which the province does not allow. It asked to transfer to the Province of Brazil, which does allow it, feeling it was more compatible with Brazils theology, philosophy and approach to mission. Civil courts have resolved a six-year dispute over church properties in favor of the established Anglican Church of Zimbabwe. The church had been battling an excommunicated bishop over control of property in the Diocese of Harare. It is important to remember that despite all these controversies, the work of the Church - globally, nationally, and locally - goes on. Pohick donated almost 1,750 pounds of food to LCAC in October, and generously supported community with Thanksgiving meals, and in December will continue to show the light of Christ through the annual New Hope Housing Christmas Party and Children Breakfast with Santa.

deCeMber opportunitieS for outreaCh

Please consider participating and supporting the following Outreach activities during December. 1. In the Common Room there are two sets of gift tags that can be used to spread some Christmas joy. There are strip tags used to identify gifts needed for the children hosted at the New Hope Housing Christmas Party on Monday, December 3. Please take one or more of these tags and return the gifts unwrapped to the Common Room with tag attached by Sunday, December 2. There are 3x5 cards with the names of children and the gifts needed for clients of Lorton Community Action Center. These cards should be returned with the unwrapped gifts to the Common Room by Saturday morning December 15 for delivery to LCAC. 2. There are sign-up sheets on the bulletin board outside the Common Room for contributions needed for the Holiday Feast that will be hosted from New
Continued on page 11

be the GhoSt of ChriStMaS preSent!

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Pohick Episcopal Church

MuSiC noteS

Linda Egan, Minister of Music

Junior WardenS report

Stew Remaly, Junior Warden As everyone knows, this has been a very busy year for the committees and volunteers dedicated to keeping the buildings and grounds beautiful and in working order. Over this past year, Pohick recovered from the Derecho and Hurricane Sandy, fixed roads, completed the lower parking lot, replaced the floor in the Common Room, purchased new chairs and tables, installed new furnaces in the Parish House and Rectory, fixed the drainage problem, fixed the leaks in the Vestry House, gained approvals from the ARB for a new Accessibility Ramp, installed the fire detection system in the Church, and started repairs on the Church. These were the major efforts. There were many other repairs and daily maintenance challenges that were completed throughout the year under the management of Sexton John Sessums and supported by the contract cleaning crews and Mikes mowing. To everyone that has supported the Building and Grounds Committee, Renovations Committee, Historic Pohick Church Foundation, Cemetery Warden, and Garden Committee, thanks and blessings for all the hard work. Great work and thanks again to all participated in the Fall Cleanup in early November. Enough lumber was cut to heat a small city, new life was brought to the gardens, new pathways were built, and more lighting was added to the courtyard. Special thanks to Bill and Tom Bland for completing the beautiful walkway to the lower entrance in the Common Room, and to Jim Foster for his expert tractor support. Let us hope that there is some rest over the holidays to recharge the batteries for next year. If something needs to be fixed or there is a question about something, please do not hesitate to contact Stew Remaly or one of the other Vestry members.

HERE COMES THE SUN, the Light of the World, the Christ who will redeem the dark reaches of our minds, the dark recesses of our souls, the dark manipulations of power, the dark sin of the world. HERE COMES THE SUN, the Light of the World the Christ who will redeem with knowledge with hope with love with Light. Now is the darkest time of year. Now is the darkest part of the night. Can you see its getting lighter? Can you keep hoping that the sun will rise? HERE COMES THE SUN, the Light, bright, best, and truest hope of all. HERE COMES THE SON, Sun of my soul, Light of the world, Hope of our lives. EVEN SO LORD JESUS, QUICKLY COME!

Sixteenth noteS:

Sunday, December 23, 10:00 am: Service of Lessons and Carols. Choir of Pohick and Pohick Bell Choir. Monday, December 24: 6:00 pm Holy Eucharist. St Francis and St Cecelia St Alban Choirs. Warm up: St Cecelia St Alban Choir 5:00 pm; St Francis Choir 5:30 pm 10:20 pm Brass carols introduce the 10:30 pm Carol Service. 11:00 pm Holy Eucharist. Choir of Pohick and brass quartet from U. S. Marine Band. Choir of Pohick warm up 9:15 pm.

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December 2012 Page 7

October was a busy month for the Historic Pohick Docent Guild as it hosted the 250th anniversary celebration of George Washingtons election to the Vestry of Pohick Church. The event took place on Saturday, October 20. Close to 160 people attended including Mr. Curtis Viebranz, President and CEO of Mount Vernon Estate; Ms. Ann Bookout, Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association; about ten other out of state members of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association; and senior leadership of the Sons of the Revolution. Organist Linda Egan played three early American works; Barbara Lyn sang A Toast written by Francis Hopkinson, organist at Christ Church, Philadelphia and signer of the Constitution. The Pohick Mens Chorus sang My Country, Tis of Thee. In keeping with the eighteenth century, Reverend Lee Massey (Rev. Tom Costa) introduced George Washington (Greg Fisher). The patriot discussed his role as a Vestryman, his participation in building Pohick Church, and his hopes for the future. Special guest Mary V. Thompson, research historian at Mount Vernon and author of In Hands of Good Providence: Religion in the Life of George Washington signed books and spoke with guests. A wonderful reception followed in the Parish Hall, thanks to the Ann Mason and Martha Guilds. Anita

hiStoriC pohiCk ChurCh doCent Guild

Stribling was responsible for a beautifully unique table arrangement, and the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew was in charge of setting and cleaning up. It was truly a church wide event with many members working together. Thanks to all! On October 27, three new docents Neil and Judy Sunderland, and Laurie Holly were trained. Several current docents attended as well. There were five docents leading tours during the Christmas Mart.

Pictured left to right are Mrs. George Weedon of Fredericksburg (Kim Walters), Colonel George Washington (Greg Fisher), and the Director of Historic Pohick Docent Guild Micheyl Bartholomew.

ChriStian eduCation

Frances Sessums, Director of Christian Education Pohicks annual Christmas Pageant, The Gift, will be held on December 9 at 4:00 pm in the Church. Following the pageant, there will be a reception in the Common Room. Beth Cooke is directing the pageant again this year. All of the church school students are involved in some way with the pageant and are working hard to put on a great performance! They are all doing an outstanding job! Please plan to attend this wonderful event! On the day of the pageant, Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students who are participating in the pageant should be in their classrooms by 3:15 pm. The Stable animals, 5th & 6th, Junior High, and Senior High students should be in the Com-

mon Room by 3:15 pm. There will be caroling in the Church before the Pageant for the audience. On Sunday, December 16, the 5th - 12th grade students will visit the Fairfax for Christmas Caroling and visitations. They will meet directly after the 9:00 am service in the Vestry House. After the visit, there will be a pizza party in classrooms A & B. Students should bring $3.00 and a permission slip. Parents should pick their students up at 12:00 noon.

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froM perSeCution to peaCekeepinG

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 1 John 5:1
As the days are getting (a little) shorter and it is warming up, Christmas is just around the corner. Wait! From an American point of view, there is something just not right about that sentence. But with the dry season, comes the real heat. Nevertheless, December also brings the holidays here in Juba as well as in Virginia. At All Saints Cathedral, the priest began counting down the Advent weeks in the middle of November, and so, it is on our minds No one emphasizes the holidays more than children, and I have heard about Pohick plans from my two daughters. I am also realizing that having my own kids at home makes me very sensitive to the condition of children I have met in Juba. Often when driving along the back streets, I see young boys picking through the piles of garbage left stacked along the road. If I stop, they will often ask for something. One little boy of perhaps 6 or 7 almost broke my heart when he asked for one South Sudanese Pound (1 SSP = about 25 cents), and I had no small bills to give him. Other kids living on the streets have very few clothes, and occasionally no clothes. They fend for themselves the best they can. In one of the restaurants, there are young boys who shine shoes for SSP 2. They do a really good job, but I only have so many shoes to shine. Other boys congregate in places to wash cars. I cannot say I really care if my UN Land Rover gets washed since it will soon be dirty again, but sometimes I let them wash it anyway. These boys often become annoying, but I have to remember how they are living. Juba itself is not a bad city; it does not nearly have the problems of other African megacities like Lagos or Nairobi. Nonetheless, with South Sudan only 18 months old, the only place these kids can go for help are to families or to organizations. Very few street kids in Juba would actually be classified as orphans since most have members of their extended families who in a traditional society would care for them. But here in Juba, due to poverty, war displacement, and the post-traumatic stress of a society grown-up on warfare, many of the kids are not wanted. They are essentially thrown out on the street. Not all is depressing news. A girls home in Juba is one inspiring story. Cathy, a woman from Uganda, founded a home for the most vulnerable members of society - little girls. Cathy established an NGO (Confident Children out of Conflict, www.confidentchildren.org) and manages the home for about 40 girls ranging in age from about two to teenager. Boys can survive on the streets better than girls; if girls are on the streets around age 10, they often end up in brothels. I have visited the young girls in the home several times, and they usually come to church on Sunday mornings. A group

By Bob Munson

of them, perhaps 10 or 15, often sit near me at the front. Some of the little ones want to sit on my lap or be held, older ones often ask for help finding the hymns. Missing my girls, this is a nice substitute. Cathy runs the home with a few other women. The girls have a safe, clean place to sleep - even if there are three to a bed. They have food, a safe place to play, and they can go to school. The home is planning to start a program to help train older girls and all the girls have a garden plot to help raise food. Unfortunately, Juba is pulling the girls all over. Some of the older ones end up back in brothels with older sisters, some do not regularly go to school, some still search in garbage for food even though food is provided. Others do well and learn! I have met several European volunteers who come to Juba to help at the home - a woman from the Norwegian embassy teaches reading four days a week, and many of the UNMISS military contingents, such as the Japanese and Bangladeshis, have adopted the home and done construction projects. The problems are many here in Juba, but this is a ray of light for the most vulnerable, which are the little girls that are tossed aside. These girls are blessed, even if they are not old enough to realize or appreciate it. I remember a short piece written by a missionary in Nairobi who reflected on blessings. This man was an American missionary living in Nairobi with his family. One day he was driving through the streets with his son. Looking around at all the people walking, the father remarked that they were blessed to have a car. The son stared at the people and asked: are they NOT blessed since they dont have cars? Remember the blessings we have at Christmas. Despite their problems, the little girls here laugh, play, and are mischievous - just like my kids. Even if we cannot solve all the problems in the world, perhaps we can remember that our problems are perhaps not so serious, and perhaps we can help others in this season of giving. Please pray for the children here in South Sudan. Merry Christmas to the whole Pohick family from Juba!

Confident Children out of Conflict Bob and Kayji

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December 2012 Page 9

Proper 29b 7:45a HE I 9a HE II 10:15a Christian Ed 11:15a HE II)

NOV 25

Sunday

Pohick Church Activities December 2012

26 Monday 27 Tuesday
9:30a Staff Mtg 2:30p HE, The Fairfax 7p Tutoring

28

Wednesday

6p COH 6p St. Francis Choir 7:30p HE II & Healing

29

Thursday

6:15p Bell Choir 10a Docent Prep 7p EFM 7:30p Choir of Pohick 8:30p AA

30

Friday

DEC 1

Saturday

Advent 1c 6p Homeless 7:45a HE I Christmas Party 9a HE II 10:15a Christian Ed, Annual Mting 11:15a HE I 12:30p St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir 6:30p EYC (all grps)

9:30a Staff Mtg 2:30p HE, The Fairfax

6p St. Francis Choir 7p Prayer Shawl Ministry 7:30p Blue Christmas 7:30p Martha Guild

6:15p Bell Choir 7p EFM 7:30p Choir of Pohick 8:30p AA

8a Brotherhood of St. Andrew 9:15a Bldg & Grounds 9:15a HPCF 6p Christmas Dinner/Tour

8a Brotherhood of St. Andrew 10a Pageant Rehearsal 12p St. Cecelia St. Alban pizza & rehearsal

Advent 2c

10

11

7:45a HE I 9a HE II 10:15a Christian Ed 11:15a HE II 4p Christmas Pageant

9:30a Staff Mtg 2:30p HE, The Fairfax 7p Tutoring 7:30p Vestry

12

6p COH 6p St. Francis Choir 7:30p HE II & Healing

13

6:15p Bell Choir 7p EFM 7:30p Choir of Pohick 8:30p AA

14

15

8a Brotherhood of St. Andrew 9a Breakfast with Santa 9:15a Renovation Cmte

16

Advent 3c

17

18

7:45a HE I 9a HE II, Vestry Commission 10:15a Christian Ed 12:30p St. Cecelia St. Alban Choir

9:30a Staff Mtg 2:30p HE, The Fairfax 7p Tutoring

19

6p St. Francis Choir 6:15p Bell Choir 7:30p HE II & 7p EFM Healing 7:30p Choir of Pohick 8:30p AA

20

21

22

Deadline for Pohick Post

8a Brotherhood of St. Andrew

23

Advent 4c

24

8a HE I 10a Lessons & Carols

30

Christmas Eve Christmas Day 6p Family Eucharist 10a Holy 10:30p Carols Eucharist II 11p Festival Eucharist

25

26

7:30p HE II & Healing

27

6:15p Bell Choir 7p EFM 7:30p Choir of Pohick 8:30p AA

28

8a Brotherhood of St. Andrew

29

Christmas 1 8a HE I 10a Blessing of the Toys 10a HE II

31

New Years Eve

JAN 1

New Years Day

7:30p HE II & Healing

Contact the Parish Secretary, Vonne Troknya, troknya@pohick.org, to list group meetings or events on the calendar. Sunday, December 23 8:00 am: Holy Eucharist 10:00 am: Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24 6:00 pm: Family Holy Eucharist 10:30 pm: Carol Service 11:00 pm: Festival Holy Eucharist Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25 10:00 am: Holy Eucharist Sunday, December 30 8:00 am and 10:00 am: Holy Eucharist

6:15p Bell Choir 7p EFM 7:30p Choir of Pohick 8:30p AA

8a Brotherhood of St. Andrew

Join The Celebration At Pohick

Page 10 December 2012

2 DECEMBER
7:45 9:00 Ken Evans Mike Zane

SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

9 DECEMBER
Tony Marsico Stew Remaly

Pohick Episcopal Church

USHERS

16 DECEMBER

23 DECEMBER

30 DECEMBER
Ken Evans Mike Zane

11:15 7:00 1:00 12:15 AM

Chris Brown Beth Altman Bill Patton Tom Rivenbark Bill Bland Bill Hosp K. Myers R. Jones Pasour/Remaly BJ McPherson A. Marsico E. Pitcock A. Powell J. Schmid M. Yezek TBD M/M Bireley V. Newell

Tom Bland Don Buckius JimFoster Jan Hoffheins Paul Walden Don Homar

Rodger Jones Becky Wagner Mo Faber Santos Garcia John Godley Grant Hodges

Dan Muir Mike Vaughn

T. Rivenbark L. Schwoppe Pitcock/Schmid BJ McPherson A. Marsico E. Pitcock A. Powell J. Schmid M. Yezek TBD E. Bartlett M. Yezek

OPEN - UP
J. Bireley R. Wyllie

Kathy Kirkland Hank Foresman

Dru Hodges Don Cooke Hal Yarwood Susan Yarwood

Angela Edgemon Steve Edgemon K. Kirkland T. Buckner Kirkland/Hoffheins J. Sunderland N. Bireley, C. Heddleston A. Cannon J. MacDonald M. Merriam R. Teale, B. Wagner TBD M/M Pasour M/M Garcia M/M Thurston Becky Wagner Anne Cannon J. Wells

Jim Bartholomew Matt Gurrola Dennis Myers Edwardene Pitcock Tom Mayberry Mike Wooten T. Marsico M. Elston M/M Brown J. Wells N. Sage J. Buckley C. Foster H. Parker R. Stankwitz Flower Guild M/M Jones V. Newell

LOCK - UP TELLERS ALTAR GUILD

Faber/Buckius

AM 7:45 9:00 11:15 7:45 9:00 11:15 9:00

FLOWER GUILD COFFEE HOUR

M/M Bryant M/M Wise K. Kirkland TBD

J. Sunderland N. Bireley, C. Heddleston A. Cannon J. MacDonald M. Merriam R. Teale, B. Wagner

Ann Mason Guild

M/M Speer

M/M Vaughn

Doug Smith

M/M Clint Herbert M/M Don Homar M/M Heddleston BJ McPherson

M/M Ken Evans Roberta Fede Jodi & Randy Haufe M/M Hayes D. McHugh

GREETERS
Bill Wrench C. Hodge M/M John Godley

M/M Fuzzy Thurston

Marleen McCabe Leslie Aqueron Clark/Cannon G. Delaune

M/M Dennis Myers

DOCENTS
D. Hamly L. Kittle

11:15 7:45 9:00 11:15

Hayes (R) Sunderland (P) Nelson (P) Homar (R) Poad (P) Wagner (R)

Springer (R) Katona (P) Pasour (R) Faber (P)

LAY READERS
Thorson (P) Marsico (R) Muir (P) Gastrell (R) Cockroft (P) Sage (R)

M/M Costa Wagner (P) Sunderland (R) M. Booth (P) R. Booth (R) Hayes (P) Nelson (R)

Sassin (R) Heddleston (P)

Thorson (R) Springer (P)

Heddleston (P) Faber (R) Cockroft (P) Poad (R)

The Sunday Service Volunteers Schedule is also available at Pohick Churchs website, www.pohick.org, under Ministries.

Pohick Episcopal Church

December 2012 Page 11

health neWS

Carol Heddleston, Parish Nurse

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become a major mental health issue in Veterans returning home from serving in the war. The ethic to be silent about combat related problems leads to more combat stress, addiction, domestic violence, and suicide. Thirty percent of veterans serving in Vietnam, and more than 10% of military returning from the Gulf war, have shown signs and symptoms of PTSD. The military is encouraging veterans with combat stress symptoms to seek early help. With counseling and medication, these symptoms can be treated. Regardless of political views of war; clergy and members of faith communities are better able to support and provide help, healing, and hope to veterans and their families. What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that can occur after a person experiences a traumatic event that involved the threat of injury or death, such as assault, domestic abuse, prison, rape, terrorism, war, flood, fire or others. It can occur at any age and can affect the person involved, the person who sees the event, or relatives and friends of the person who suffered. The cause of PTSD is unknown. Psychological, genetic, physical, and social factors are involved. PTSD changes how the body responds to stress. It affects hormones and chemicals that carry information between nerves or neurotransmitters. Signs and Symptoms of PTSD Symptoms of PTSD can fall into three main categories: 1. Re-experience the event which disturbs day-to-day activities: Flashback episodes with continuous repeat of the event Repeated upsetting memories and/or nightmares of the event Strong and uncomfortable reactions to situations that resemble the event. 2. Avoidance Emotional numbing or not caring about anything Feeling detached, unable to remember the trauma No interest in normal activities, not showing personal moods Avoiding places, people or thoughts related to the event, feeling hopeless 3. Excitement, increased arousal

poSt trauMatiC StreSS diSorder and VeteranS

Difficulty concentrating Startling easily with exaggerated response Hyper vigilant, irritability or anger, trouble sleeping Agitation, dizziness, fainting, headaches Faith Communities Can Support Veterans and Families Acknowledge members of the congregation who have served or are serving in the military. Offer prayers, list names, or post pictures in the church bulletin or during services. Send letters, postcards, or other tokens of support to those who are deployed. Support families with the transition of family members leaving for service or returning from service. Members of the congregation can be supportive with phone calls, providing meals, child care, or just by listening. Know the signs or symptoms of PTSD and reach out when an individual or family is struggling. Children are especially sensitive to stress at home. Be non-judgmental, and provide opportunities for veterans to share their story and talk about how their experience has affected their life.

December Opportunities for Outreach,

continued from page 5

Hope Housing on Monday, December 3. Please review the items and help make this a wonderful holiday meal and party for the guests. Volunteers are needed to help with set up and clean up. 3. Another opportunity to be a change maker for a needy family is to provide a food basket at Christmas for an LCAC family. The items that are requested include: 2 cans each, green beans, corn and peas 1 pound bag of rice 2 cans of fruit 1 6 oz. box of stuffing (no bags please) 1 angel cake mix or other boxed dessert mix 1 frosting or dessert topping 2 boxes of pasta and 1 container of sauce (preferred vegetable) 3 10 3/4 oz cans of soup (no broth) 1 $20 Shoppers or Food Lion gift card for the purchase of meat for the meal

Christmas Food Baskets and LCAC gifts will be delivered on Saturday, December 15 at approximately 12:30 pm. For those that can assist with delivery, contact Susan Homar at homar.susan@ gmail.com.

The Purpose of Pohick Church is to be a nourishing community where Christs love is experienced and taken beyond its walls.

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Pohick Church Staff
Rector: Assistant: Minister of Music: Director of Christian Ed: Youth Minister: Parish Secretary: Finance Admin: Sexton: The Revd Donald Binder, PhD The Revd Dr. Ruth E. Correll, Ed.D. Linda Egan Frances Sessums Rusty Booth Vonne Troknya Mike Morgan John Sessums

Pohick Church Vestry

9301 Richmond Highway Lorton, Virginia 22079-1519

Return Service Requested

Pohick Church

Sr. Warden: Mike Elston Jr. Warden: Stew Remaly Treasurer: Jim Bartholomew Register: Kathy Kirkland Members: Femi Ayorinde, Jud Bireley, Tom Buckner, Andrea Gurrola, Rodger Jones, Tony Marsico, Kristina Myers, Tom Rivenbark, Leslie Schwoppe, Rita Stankwitz, Clay Sweetser, Russ Wyllie

Telephone: 703-339-6572 Fax: 703-339-9884 Church Office Email: Troknya@pohick.org Web Site: www.pohick.org