POHICK POST Pohick Episcopal Church

9301 Richmond Highway • Lorton, VA 22079 Telephone: 703-339-6572 • Fax: 703-339-9884 February 2021

Rather than get caught up into rampant individu- From The Rector alism and blaming, or become defeated in despair by The Reverend distressing news, our amazing Pohick community has Dr. Lynn P. Ronaldi once again demonstrated God-breathed resiliency, unity, moderation, and hope! Thank you for your gen- erosity in giving during an awesome stewardship sea- Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord son! Jesus Christ! Thank you for your tremendous patience and joy While we hoped and prayed that the New Year as we navigated our very first “virtual” Annual Meet- would bring a fresh wind ing Sunday, January 17! of renewal to our world, With the technical assis- nation, church, and fami- tance of Rev. Alex, Carmel lies, we were beset once Hodge, and several others, again by new challenges. more than 120 computers On January 6, as we were logged into the Zoom looked forward to a peace- meeting, with probably half ful transition of power, our again as many individuals capitol was attacked by an participating! (Many of you angry mob. National lead- logged in as couples or fam- ers argued bitterly, and ilies.) We rejoiced in seeing once again division reared its ugly head in our nation. beloved faces we haven’t seen in nearly a year! While we rejoiced that two vaccines were approved to I wish I could print all the wonderful photos of protect against the coronavirus, it soon became clear community life I shared during the Annual Meeting! that distribution was complicated and delayed once Taken both before and during the pandemic, the 2020 again. Bitter recriminations, blaming, and extreme pictures illustrated that community, mission, and min- opinions raged. istry have not only prevailed but deepened in many ways during these challenging times! See- ing the 2019 photos also reminded us in a surreal way that only a year ago we were gathering in groups of hundreds, with no masks! This whets our appetite for re-gath- ering and celebrating, hopefully within the next few months! Newly elected Vestry members: (from left) Marc Abrams, Mike Elston, Tony Harriman, Connie Myers, and AJ Biddlecomb (not pictured). Continued on page 2 Page 2 • February 2021 Pohick Episcopal Church

From The Rector: continued from page 1 by Carolyn Cockroft-Brown. Meanwhile, we continue to pray for everyone to During the Annual seek and receive the vaccination, for the health of our Meeting, we recognized own bodies and souls, as well as for the entire Body and thanked outstanding, of Christ. As you know, this winter the rate of new outgoing Vestry mem- COVID cases (and deaths) has multiplied more than bers Clint Herbert, Ju- tenfold. Once the vaccine produces “herd immunity,” nior Warden; Micheyl hopefully this summer, we will regather. We are look- Bartholomew, Fellow- ing now at scheduling a Bishop Visitation. Until then, Pohick is proud of our own Nate ship Commissioner; and Bontrager! He is a member of the Pohick continues to come together in a spiritual unity Don Cooke, Steward- distinguished U.S. Army Old Guard that of hearts and minds, resting in the Lord and trusting marched at the Presidential Inauguration. ship Commissioner. In a in the power of Christ’s Resurrection. close election, we chose wonderful new Vestry mem- This incredibly wearying wilderness year has cer- bers Mike Elston, Connie Myers, Tony Harriman, and tainly tested hearts, minds, and bodies to the limits. Marc Abrams. During our first Vestry meeting we With the intention of seeking renewal in the midst elected 2021 Officers: Stew Remaly, Senior Warden; of this desert during Lent, our Lenten Program theme Tony Harriman, Junior Warden; John Pasour, Trea- will be Resting in the Lord, Renewal, and Resurrection. surer; and Dru Hodges, Registrar. Our Wednesday night Lenten Program (offered via All current Vestry members were appointed Com- the usual Coffee ‘n Compline hour via Zoom) will missioners of Ministry Areas: Mike Elston, Steward- offer gentle wisdom and insights from Scripture and ship; Marc Abrams, Invite Welcome Connect and a various mystics, from the Desert Fathers and Moth- new commission, Digital Ministry; Tony Harriman, ers to more contemporary saints like Thomas Keating Building and Grounds; Connie Meyers, Fellow- and Evelyn Underhill. Powerful speakers including ship; Stew Remaly, Outreach and specifically chair The Rev. Martin Smith and Bishop Porter Taylor will of the new Re-Imagining Apple Butter and Coun- guide us in some simple but transformational spiritual try Fair; John Pasour, Resources; Edwardene Pitcock, practices of resting, renewal, and healing. Outreach; Patty Mitchell, Pastoral Care; Courtney Now that we know we are capable of large group Greathouse, Young Adults and Family; Jen Crump- gatherings on Zoom, I look forward to seeing all your Strawderman, Christian Education and IWC; Dave beloved faces on those Wednesday evenings during Billingsley, Policy and Procedure; Dru Hodges, Com- Lent! munication; and AJ Biddlecomb and Andrew Choi, Please mark your calendars for Ash Wednesday, Christian Ed. February 17, at 7:00 pm. We will celebrate an Ash The Vestry will meet for itsAnnual Retreat March Wednesday service with a virtual imposition of ashes. 6. We will review the Five-Year Strategic Plan intro- Please see my Spiritual Reflection page for more infor- duced in 2020, and begin to apply it to 2021, prayer- mation on how and why we will apply our own ashes fully and with the discernment of the Holy Spirit. from home! Plan to join us every Wednesday evening Recently, we received the bittersweet news that on Zoom, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Linda Egan will be retiring this summer. Pohick is through March, for this life- grateful to have enjoyed her considerable musical gifts giving program. and spiritual leadership for 15 years! Linda is well be- We rejoice that by Lent, yond retirement age and had considered retiring years our incredible new Audio Vi- ago. Thankfully, she agreed to remain with Pohick sual System in the church, and a few years longer. Linda said the pandemic caused Production Command Center in her to reflect on the passing of time and the impor- the Parish Hall, will be up and tance of enjoying retirement years with John, family, running! This system, donated and friends. Thankfully, Linda and John will remain by an anonymous member, will members at Pohick! I have already appointed a Music Rusty Booth repaints one of the Minister Advisory Search Committee to be chaired bathrooms in the Parish Hall. Continued on page 3 Pohick Episcopal Church February 2021 • Page 3

From The Rector: continued from page 2 From the Assistant Rector The Reverend Alex Allain

January is renowned as the month of new res- olutions, and in the Church calendar, January is recognized as the time to contemplate the Holy Name of Jesus. January 1, New Year’s Day, was the feast of the Holy Name, and we’re asked to improve our continued live-streamed worship via examine how the name of Jesus shapes our lives FaceBook! We thank Alex Hodge for his amazing and the “names” we make for ourselves in this leadership in this complex project. We thank Tom world. The name “Jesus” stems from the Hebrew Ronaldi for his year of faithful service as iPhone re- name Yehoshuah, meaning, “Yahweh is salvation,” cording producer, and for offering to be one of four or “Yahweh will save,” and I am grateful that the producers being trained by Alex. The others are John name of Jesus has been adored and imparted Wooten, Marc Abrams, and John Sessums. through in new ways as we have embraced be- With you, I look forward to this year of renewal ing a church “with or without walls.” As Rever- and resurrection! May the Lord bless you and keep end Lynn outlined in our Annual Meeting, the you safe, as you seek your vaccination for the Love of ministry of Jesus continues to shine through our God, yourself, and your neighbor! historic parish, although it looks much different In Christ’s Love, Rev. Lynn+ from the previous pattern. We carry on with Christian education, fellow- Lord God, we praise you, thank you, ship, and midweek worship in this new year. Con- and trust that you are a God firmation class via Zoom will commence some- who breathes peace into our chaos time next month, and the last class of students and shines light into our darkness. from 2020 proved that you can prepare for this You are always longing and willing spiritual step through prayer, study, and an inter- to restore and renew us. net connection. Please contact Frances Sessums We plunge once again into the waters if you believe that your child is ready for this rite. of our baptism, repenting of our Next, our Friday Fellowship resumes monthly individualism and embracing gatherings toward the end of the month, and we’ll our interconnectedness. be meeting via Zoom until the weather is warmer. Forgive us and forgive our nation Please reach out to Pierce Prior (plprior@veri- for our rampant individualism zon.net) or Jen Crump-Strawderman (h8meats@ and lack of humility. gmail.com) for details. Plus, we continue with Draw us ever more deeply into our midweek worship of Coffee ‘N Compline for prayer, praise, and service to others. the time being, and we’ll then switch over to our In the power of your Holy Spirit, Lenten Program once Ash Wednesday arrives. heal and restore your beloved children Rev. Lynn will be sharing more information about to be a fresh wind of love those events. Even though much of our activity and a light to the nations. will still be online, we will continue to hold events In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. and hold fast to the One whose name is enshrined in our hearts. Page 4 • February 2021 Pohick Episcopal Church ended the year on solid financial footing. Thanks also Senior Warden’s Report to Tony Harriman for stepping up to fill the position Stew Remaly, Senior Warden left vacant by Herb Stankowitz and to Andrew Choi as the youth representative. Finally, a big thanks to What a great way to start the New Year by hold- Clint Herbert who for the last three years has accom- ing a successful Annual Meeting. Over 123 people plished so much as the Junior Warden. Clint led the joined the Zoom virtual meeting and stayed engaged restoration of the Rectory, brought new life through throughout the entire meeting. Thanks to all who restoration projects in the Parish Hall, assisted lead- participated. Thanks to Reverend Lynn and Rever- ing numerous spring and fall cleanups, and kept our end Alex for leading and coordinating the meeting. building and grounds in top condition. Thanks to Dru Hodges for assisting with tabulating For all of us, the year 2020 is one that we want the Vestry vote count and to John and Clint for the to put in the rear-view mirror. We all know the chal- fantastic and uplifting reports. Finally, thanks to Marc lenges the Parish and the country faced and continues Abrams, Beth Cooke, Tony Harriman, Mike Elston, to face in dealing with the pandemic, racial reconcili- Kathy Kirkland, Connie Meyers, Doug Smith and AJ ation, transition of the federal government, loss of so Biddlecomb for agreeing to run for the Vestry. This many wonderful souls, dramatic increases in home- was an exceptional slate and close election. Congrat- lessness, poverty, and hunger. Even with all these ulations to Marc, Mike, Tony, and Connie as newly challenges, the Parish family found many new ways to elected Vestry members for the Vestry Class of 2023! help those in need, continue to worship as one body in Thanks to the outgoing Vestry members who Christ, virtually transmit a message of love and com- through their steadfast leadership and hard work passion, and stay engaged as a family. There is light led commissions and volunteered countless hours in at the end of what seems to be a long dark tunnel. support of the Parish family. Thanks to Micheyl Bar- Vaccines are starting and the spring and summer will tholomew, who led the Service and Fellowship Com- soon be here. We just need to keep the faith that the mission over the past three years. Micheyl turned so Lord will continue to guide us through these times many new ideas into action and set the example of and that working together we will continue to grow as selfless service. Thanks to Don Cooke for leading a Parish and meet the needs of all who are seeking a the Stewardship Commission these past three years. vibrant church family. Don, Fuzzy and Jane Thurston, and the entire Stew- Heading into this new year, the future for Pohick ardship team helped find new ways to share time, tal- remains bright. The pandemic will be in the past, and ent, and treasure. Pohick welcomed many new fami- soon, we will be worshiping, sharing fellowship, and lies over this last year and received record pledges that serving together. Clearbrook Center of the Arts Presents Martha Guild The Martha Guild will Food Donation Drive hold a meeting on MON- Saturday, February 6 • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm DAY, February 1 via Zoom 2230 Tacketts Mill Drive, Lake Ridge 22192 beginning at 7:30 pm. The Accepting canned goods and link to the meeting will non-perishable items. All donations be posted on the Pohick will go to Action in Community website, pohick.org. ALL Through Service (ACTS) PWC. women of the church are cordially invited to attend! Dear Pohick Family, Any questions, please con- Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes you tact Connie Myers, jetski- sent to me via Facebook! I was incredibly humbled and uplifted at the same time. It was a remarkable [email protected] or 703- experience to be on the receiving end of such caring. 201-2204. Thank you, Mari Harding Pohick Episcopal Church February 2021 • Page 5 10. Understand that the people around you are EYC News probably also finding this situation stressful, and they Rusty Booth, Youth Minister might also be having difficulty controlling their emo- tions. Try to resolve conflict. During the COVID-19 pandemic have you no- 11. If you continue to feel overwhelmed, out ticed your teen feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or wor- of control or unable to calm down after a period of ried more than usual about their daily life situations? weeks, seek help from a mental health professional. Constantly thinking about the situation, unable to 12. Take time for yourself. move on or think about much else? Worrying about 13. Be kind to yourself and each other. We’ll work going to public spaces and becoming unwell or con- through this together. tracting germs? Life experienced adults are having a tough time Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, during the pandemic, so it is not surprising to discover so please take a moment to talk to your teen about teens struggling with daily life. If you feel your teen is how they are feeling and what may help them dur- not doing well, please seek professional help through ing this difficult time. Remind them that all of these the church or school. thoughts and feelings are common right now, and dis- cuss simple self-care strategies that will help manage Coat, Hat & Glove symptoms of anxiety and depression. Adapted from Church Drive an article by Rubina Kapil from Mental Health First The EYC is collecting coats, gloves, hats, Aid (mentalhealthfirstaid.org), below are some tips to and other winter apparel for people living assist teens daily: on the street this winter. Please consider 1. Maintain a daily routine with consistent sleep, donating and helping EYC help others! activity, and study patterns. 2. Stay connected with others, and try to find Items will be collected Sunday, February 7 moments of humor. from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm in the 3. Talk to people you feel comfortable with about church parking lot between the your feelings or worries, then give yourself permission Parish House and cemetery. to stop worrying. Upon arrival, stay in car and a volunteer 4. Eat breakfast every morning, plus snacks and will come to collect the donation. meals at regular times throughout the day. 5. Limit coffee or energy drinks, as these will in- All items will be distributed directly to people in need through the PATH (Projects for crease feelings of anxiety and make it difficult to relax. Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) 6. Look for patterns or be aware of situations program administered through the Fairfax that make you feel particularly worried or anxious. County Community Services Board. When in these situations, try relaxation or distraction Contact Rusty Booth, [email protected], techniques or ask a family member or friend to help. with questions or need items collected. 7. Relieve times of high anxiety with physical activity; engage in regular aerobic exercise (e.g., walk, jog, yoga, dance). 8. Limit the amount of time spent talking about or watching/listening to news media or social media if you are finding information about the COVID-19 situation overwhelming or distressing. And the crowds asked him, “What then 9. Do hobbies or activities that you enjoy, calm shall we do?” And he answered them, you down or focus your mind and body. These could “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him be arts and crafts, physical activity, listening to music, who has none, and whoever has food reading, journaling, watching TV or movies, or chat- is to do likewise.” Luke 3:10-11 ting with friends by phone, videoconference or text. 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Music Notes singing alleluias- and wrote a postlude of real celebra- Linda Wilberger Egan, Minister of Music tion. Although it could be titled DIX, I titled it “As with gladness” omitting the “men of old” so it could be The Content heard as our gladness as well. The title lets you know of Sacred Music for the Organ something about the content so you can receive it. In this pandemic time, when we are sharing on- Further, if you knew or could guess something line instead of in-person services, and when most of about the composer, Wayne Wold, you would know our musical groups are unable to participate togeth- that this is a contemporary American take on this er in the services due to pandemic restrictions, you tune. That gives you information about the style of the still have heard an organ prelude and postlude most music to come, tuneful and easily heard. weeks. Unlike hymns, which have a clear text which Think of organ postludes. Unlike preludes, which uses words to direct your attention to worship, praise, bring us into worship through self preparation and repentance, the lectionary, or the liturgy, organ music anticipation of what is to come, postludes are sum- dwells in a different, more reflective, but no less rel- maries of all we have seen and heard and sung in the evant, realm. service. Music has the ability to move us in ways that By the end of the Epiphany season, coming this words cannot. It can take many words to reach the re- year the second Sunday of February, we have seen the gion of our innermost thoughts. That same communi- manifestations of Jesus: the star, his Bethlehem birth, cation can happen in music in just a few notes. Music his baptism in the Jordan, his miracle at the Cana is so much more specific than words. Music can touch wedding feast, his calls to his disciples, his healings, the very fiber of our being. his overcoming of evil. Think of the organ prelude. The prelude is a chance On the last Sunday after the Epiphany, with Peter, to prepare yourself for worship, a time for looking James and John at the Transfiguration, we see Jesus’ inward, a chance to center yourself, to notice your glory made manifest, “so that at the name of Jesus breathing, to notice your own state of mind and what every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and you are bringing to the Morning Prayer or Holy Eu- under the earth, and every tongue should confess that charist service. It’s also a time to quietly look outward: Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father,” what do you see? whom do you see? what do you hear? as Paul recounts to the Philippians. In addition, the prelude is a chance to look forward Wow! What can anyone play on the organ for a to the coming service. It might be based on a coming postlude after that? hymn in the service, reminding you of the hymn tune One approach is to play a fanfare, which acknowl- or introducing the tune to you for the first time, if it’s edges the power and the glory of God manifest in Je- not familiar. Or, the prelude might be based on the sus. The fanfare played will be by Antonio Soler, an coming ethos/tenor/aesthetic of the service: celebra- eighteenth- century Catalan priest and composer. This tory or penitential or solemn or filled with praise or work is truly energetic, celebratory and royal in sound, leading to silent meditation. as befits the worship one can imagine for the organist What the music means is partly communicated by Soler at the Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial, titles and composers, which are listed in the bulletin. with its nine pipe organs and assorted duties which If a hymn tune is the reference point for the compos- reportedly led to twenty hour workdays for him. er, the hymn text title appears in the bulletin listing. More to the point, for us it becomes a celebration In Epiphany, for instance, I played a postlude based of the God we worship, divine, but so loving that his on DIX, the tune for “As with gladness, men of old,” son became human to save us, whose power and di- hymn #119, which we sing every Epiphany because it vinity are revealed in the Transfiguration. recounts the story of the Magi. So, keep listening; and keep considering how the But the composer of the postlude took from the individual preludes and postludes speak to you. And, text not the journey of the Magi or the gifts they keep singing at home, so that we may sing together bring, but all the references to joy - gladness, holy joy, when we worship in person again. Pohick Episcopal Church February 2021 • Page 7 A Stewardship Perspective A New Chapter for Changing Times On Sunday, January 24, Rev. Lynn announced I thank my God every time I remember you. that I will be retiring as of the beginning of June. This is the text of my statement then, expanded just In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, a bit. because of your partnership in the gospel from the It’s hard to put into five minutes the accom- first day until now, being confident of this, that plishments of this Pohick music program and all of He who began a good work in you will carry it its fine musicians over the last 15 years. There will be on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. an opportunity later to do that, I hope. (Philippians 1:3-6) I want to express my gratitude for the opportuni- ty to work hard in a job that demands such moment In past Stewardship Perspectives, there has been by moment focus on the worship of God through reflection on how COVID-19 has forced develop- the next coming piece of music: through what we ment of fresh energy and fresh ideas on ways for Po- are singing, ringing, playing today, and what we will hick to carry out its mission of stewardship. There be doing the next week and the next week - always a was also discussion for 2021 to find unique new ways new piece, a new challenge, a new opportunity. to expand ministries, to welcome parishioners who It’s a life of prayer, of lectionary reading and re- live outside Virginia and perhaps outside the United reading, of listening to God, to you, and, especially States, to bring Christian tradition to children and to recently, to the needs of the wider society to which families who may not attend services regularly, and we are all connected. It’s a life of planning for liturgy, more. And of course, there will be more traditional of constant practice and upkeep of musical skills, and areas of stewardship, such as the maintenance of the of calling others to such a life. historic church and associated property so that we It’s a life of leading groups of excellent musi- continue to preserve our historic site but can also have cians to intensively prepare and then present music the ability to expand as the church grows. Together, in worship, all for the glory of God. I am grateful to combining treasure, time and talents, Pohick Church have had the opportunity to do this work here in this can be a beacon of praise of God and ministry of out- place with you. reach for the community and beyond. It’s really time for me to retire, to pass the ba- The Stewardship Commission extends a large ton to someone else. Pohick, like many Episcopal thank you to the Pohick Community for generous of- churches has had excellent sacred music for genera- ferings of time, talents and treasure in 2020 and for tions, music that inspires and comforts and supports the response to Pohick’s 2021 financial needs. The its parishioners and constantly turns our eyes, ears year 2020 saw 139 pledges for a total of $560,000, and hearts to the worship of God. Like all of us on the staff, I am not the first in my position in Pohick’s and as of mid-January, 130 pledges for 2021 total- long history, and I won’t be the last. ing $554,000 have been received. This figure is par- I truly believe I was called to this position and ticularly impressive given the financial challenges cre- I know God will call someone else here, someone ated by COVID-19. In spite of having gone virtual who will have their own talents and skills to offer, for most of 2020, Pohick has welcomed new families someone who will be embraced with Pohick’s char- into the church and have thus far received 10 new and acteristic open arms and steady support over all the 43 increased pledges over last year. Moreover, Pohick easy and hard times, as my family and I have been. continues to see parishioners give generously of their John and I currently expect to remain here as time and talent as well as donating generously to such parishioners, thanks to Rev. Lynn. We love you all, “off-budget” outreach projects as Thanksgiving bas- and look forward to seeing what comes next. kets and donations to the LCAC food bank. For those who have not yet submitted their pledge, and as of Linda Wilberger Egan, January 15, there are 21 parishioners that pledged last Minister of Music year that have not yet been heard from. All help and contributions are greatly appreciated. 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Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion Don Brownlee, Member of Policy and Planning Commission As this month’s Pohick Post was going to press, the United “shored up its already-clear property regime” by reiterating that States Supreme Court was deciding whether to resolve conflict- all local church property “is held in trust for this Church [the ing guidelines regarding church property cases. Two previous national church] and the Diocese thereof.” cases, one from 1871 and one from 1979, set different approaches The brief asks, has the neutral-principles approach turned courts should take. The Episcopal Church, joined by other main- out to be a constitutional method of resolving church property line protestant churches, has asked the court to use conflicts over disputes, or is it time to reconsider it? Episcopal Church property in Texas to settle the matter. In response, attorneys for the break-away Diocese of Ft. The court ruled in an 1871 case called Watson v. Jones that Worth say no such reconsideration is needed. Giving courts the courts should defer to church’s decisions in property cases. Where latitude to apply Jones’ “neutral-principles framework, unlike a church is considered “hierarchal,” as is The Episcopal Church, Watson’s compulsory-deference regime, permits courts to apply that means deferring to the rules and decisions of the national familiar state-law rules, respects the parties’ pre-dispute property church. “In this class of cases, we think the rule of action which arrangements, and honors the First Amendment’s limitations, should govern the civil courts, founded in a broad and sound view neither impairing free-exercise rights nor entangling courts in of the relations of church and state under our system of laws, and ecclesiastical issues.” supported by a preponderating weight of judicial authority, is that The Texas case arises from a legal dispute that began in 2008, whenever the questions of discipline or of faith or ecclesiastical when the Diocese of Ft. Worth voted to disassociate from The rule, custom, or law have been decided by the highest of these Episcopal Church over disagreements about human sexuality. The church judicatories to which the matter has been carried, the legal diocese was also the last remaining diocese in the Church which tribunals must accept such decisions as final and as binding on did not ordain women as priests. The case has see-sawed back and them in their application to the case before them.” forth in Texas courts ever since, with rulings alternately favor- This case is often referred to as “Watson.” ing one side and then the other. The Supreme Court has already But in 1979, the court in a 5-4 decision said courts may ei- decided once not to consider the case. The Texas Supreme Court ther follow the Jones standard of “deference,” or apply “neutral most recently ruled in favor of the break-away diocese. principles” of state law. “The First Amendment does not require * * * the States to adopt a rule of compulsory deference to religious Two of The Episcopal Church’s oldest authority in resolving church property disputes,” the court said, and largest seminaries, Virginia Theological ‘even where no issue of doctrinal controversy is involved.” This Seminary (VTS) in Alexandria and General case also has a Jones in its name, Jones v. Wolf.” It is often re- Theological Seminary in (GTS) New York, ferred to as “Jones.” are considering some sort of partnership. “This is not to say that the application of the neutral prin- GTS is the older of the two by a few years, founded in 1817 ciples approach is wholly free of difficulty,” the court’s majority to train priests for what was then the new Episcopal Church in opinion said. It admittedly can require courts to examine certain the United States. It was The Episcopal Church’s first seminary. religious documents, such as a church constitution. “In undertak- VTS was founded a few years later, in 1823; Francis Scott Key ing such an examination, a civil court must take special care to was among its founders. scrutinize the document in purely secular terms, and not to rely In recent years GTS has fallen on hard times, with its en- on religious precepts in determining whether the document indi- rollment and faculty dropping precipitously. It has sold off some cates that the parties have intended to create a trust.” of its Manhattan property. VTS, on the other hand, has become But the court’s majority felt that “On balance, however, the the largest Episcopal seminary in the country, attracting students promise of nonentanglement and neutrality inherent in the neu- from all over the Anglican Communion. tral principles approach more than compensates for what will be The boards of the two seminaries met in early January and occasional problems in application.” each voted to begin thinking through how the two might “share Writing for the dissenters, Justice Lewis Powell wasn’t so programming and some form of collaborative governance.” sure. The ruling superimposes a “new structure of rules” over the In a joint statement, the chairs of both boards said “Purpose- existing ones “that will make the decision of these cases by civil fully walking together in as many ways as possible is our goal courts more difficult,” he wrote. “The new analysis also is more going forward. We both put service to the church at the top of likely to invite intrusion into church polity forbidden by the First both of our missions.” Amendment.” Pohick of course has a long history with VTS. Its seminar- In response to the 1979 Jones decision, The Episcopal ians were among the first to lead services here during our first Church adopted what is known as the “Dennis Canon” which, in the words of The Episcopal Church’s brief to the Supreme Court, Continued on page 9 Pohick Episcopal Church February 2021 • Page 9

Update on Issues in the Anglican Communion, extra-marital affair. Abp. Stanley Ntagali had continued from page 8 been one of the leaders of the Global Anglican Futures Conference, or GAFCON, which op- restoration in the 1840s, and our mission has long included sup- posed what they saw as the drift of churches porting seminarians’ “field education,” or parish training. in the U.S, Canada and elsewhere away from * * * biblical principles, particularly with regard to Our diocese’s Executive Board met again in January to con- the role of gays and lesbians in the life of the church. The current tinue discussions about the diocesan budget. As previously re- archbishop, Abp. Stephen Kaziimba, announced the suspension, ported, the Diocesan Convention in November declined to adopt saying “This adultery is a grievous betrayal on many levels. Re- the proposed budget, largely over objections to proposed cuts in tired Archbishop Ntagali has betrayed his Lord and Saviour, his programs. COVID-19 has left many parishes unsure of their in- wife and their marriage vows, as well as the faith of many Ugan- come and reluctant to make pledges to the diocese, leading to dans and global Christians who looked to him to live the faith he uncertainty about the diocese’s income. proclaimed.” Rejection of the proposed budget by the convention left it to “I want to assure the Church of Uganda that this is a season the Executive Board to set one. In December the board essential- of ‘Business Unusual,’ Abp. Kaziimba said. “We are committed ly gave the treasurer authority to pay the bills for three months, to transparency as well as pastoral care for those who have been while it continued to work the issues. affected by this situation. At the January meeting, the board was told that 120 parish “This is not a time for us to gossip. This is a time for re- pledges totaling $3 million have been received, representing 85% pentance; a time for prayer; a time to examine our own sin and of the income anticipated in the draft budget. failings in humility; and a time to make all our relationships right The board will meet again in late February. before God.” * * * • The Anglican Church of Keyna has appointed the first Bishops of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) woman to serve as an Anglican bishop in east and central Africa. have adopted a new pastoral statement on ministry to “those who Canon Emily Awino Onyango, has been appointed to serve as self-identify as Christians and who are same-sex attracted.” They Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Bondo. She was the second reiterate ACNA’s foundational belief that same-sex sexual activity woman ordained as a priest in the province, in 1986, and has is incompatible with Scripture, and commit to “praying for those served as a Canon in the diocese for two years. who experience same-sex attraction, knowing that some will ex- • Due to the pandemic, Pohick and many other churches perience a change in their feelings, while others may experience a have explored new ways to share their ministries without in- change in their will, and still others may face an ongoing struggle person worship. But January marked the 100th anniversary of an but with a change in their hope–that hope of the resurrection older form of ministry outside the walls: The first broadcast of a which empowers us now and promises a life eternal where our religious service over radio airwaves. In January 1921 KDKA in suffering will be ended.” Pittsburgh, one of the world’s pioneer radio stations, broadcast “We desire the churches of the Province to be places where an evening service from Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside, those who experience same-sex attraction, especially our youth, PA. The broadcast included a sermon and music from the choir; know where they can go to share about this reality, be gently and the idea came from a KDKA employee who sang in the Calvary clearly discipled in God’s Word, and be taught the difference be- choir. tween the unsought experience of same-sex attraction and the The rector at the time apparently was not impressed with the sin of engaging in lust or bodily practices that stem from this new technology. He delegated preaching of the history-making experience.” sermon to his assistant. He eventually realized it was no “fizzle,” They said they cannot support use of the term “gay Chris- as he called it, and began preaching himself at subsequent Sunday tian,” because it directly attaches the adjective “gay” to “Chris- night broadcasts. tian;” they feel this shifts identity away from Christ and toward The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes that now, like Pohick, the individual. They said the term “Christians who experience Calvary has multiple cameras installed to produce high-quality same-sex attraction” should be used instead. video. ACNA is made up primarily of theologically-conservative * * * Anglicans who left The Episcopal Church over issues of human It is important to remember that despite all these difficulties, and despite the dis- sexuality. It considers itself part of the Anglican Communion but ruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work of the Church, globally, nationally, and is not recognized by any of the Communion’s official bodies. locally, continues. Pohick gave twice the number of Thanksgiving food baskets to LCAC * * * as last year. As Bp. Susan said in her pastoral address to the 226th Diocesan Conven- tion in November, “The truth is, there is no going back to Church...because we never Elsewhere: left the Church in the first place. Worship in person in our buildings has been suspended, • The retired archbishop of the Anglican Church of Ugan- but worship has not stopped. Church buildings are closed, but the Church is not closed. da has been suspended from ministry after acknowledging an Ministry across the diocese continues. Building community in Jesus’ name continues.” Page 10 • February 2021 Pohick Episcopal Church Spiritual Formation during Lent Observance of a Holy Lent in the Pattern of the Desert Fathers, Mothers, and other Mystics: Resting in the Lord: Repentance, Renewal, and Resurrection The Reverend Dr. Lynn P. Ronaldi+ The 40 days before Christ’s passion, death, and frond from a previous Palm Sunday, or even a piece resurrection, Lent is a season meant to immerse our- of paper to produce a small pile of ashes. Then, at the selves in Jesus’ own wilderness journey. In the Judean appointed time during the Zoom Ash Wedneday ser- desert, Jesus faced trials and temptations that threat- vice, the designated family member will dip his/her ened to confuse his very identity, purpose and mis- thumb into the ashes and impose ashes on foreheads sion. Yet it was precisely out of this wilderness period in the sign of the cross. (Smudges are fine; this is not of solitude, silence, and prayer that Jesus gained great art!) The appointed time for ashes occurs after the clarity and peace. readings, the homily and the call to a Holy Lent. As The Desert Fathers and Mothers (early monas- soon as the Officiant says a prayer blessing the ashes, tics), as well as later Mystics, learned the value of Je- the designated person imposes the ashes, saying, “Re- sus’ call to“come apart to a quiet place.” Resting in the member that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Lord, not only did they encounter God and hear His voice; they also experienced repentance, renewal and Lenten Wednesday Night Zoom Programs resurrection. February 24: The Rev. Martin Smith: Desert Fa- During this current wilderness of pandemic and thers & Mothers: Spirituality and Practice upheaval in which we find ourselves, I plan for us to March 3: The Rev. Lynn Ronaldi: Thomas Keat- embark together on an intentional wilderness jour- ing: Resting in the Lord and Welcoming Prayer ney. During Lent we will hear the deep wisdom and March 10: The Rev. Lynn Ronaldi: St. Benedict: follow the gentle practices of the Desert Fathers and Listening with the Heart: Lectio Divina Mothers, and other Mystics. March 17: The Rt. Rev. Porter Taylor, Bishop: Ev- Our Lenten Program, “Resting in the Lord: Repen- elyn Underhill: Breath Prayer tance, Renewal and Resurrection” will include simple March 24: The Rev. Lynn Ronaldi: Nouwen and but profound reflections and practices instead of Cof- other Mystics: Listening in the World fee ‘n Compline, Wednesdays from 7:00 pm to 8:00 For Children’s and Teens’ Lenten Programs, please see pm. The Lenten schedule includes: instructions from Frances Sessums and Rusty Booth.

Ash Wednesday Imposition of Ashes, via Zoom, Sundays in Lent February 17, 7:00 pm. We will offer a traditional Ash February - March, Sundays at 9:00 am: Worship Wednesday Liturgy via Zoom. Because of infection will continue to follow the current pattern: Eucharists and death rates from COVID-19, in-person gather- first and last Sunday, and Morning Prayer other Sun- ings will not be possible. As an alternative, safe way days at 9:00 am on Facebook Live. to receive Ashes, parishioners can prepare ashes in advance and apply ashes to themselves during the February 7 - April, Sundays at 7:00 pm: Adult Ash Wednesday Service. According to the Diocese of Christian Education. See descriptions below and see Virginia, any baptized person, including children or emails, web page: teens, may place ashes on the foreheads of others in “Exile and Return from Exile” their home. (Since the imposition of ashes is not a A Bible Study led by Tony Harriman, begins Feb- Sacrament, you do not have to be ordained or licensed ruary 7. See more information on page 11. to impose ashes on yourself or others.) “Being Community” Women’s Bible Study, led by Amy Bontrager, be- Home Preparation for Ash Wednesday: At gins February 14. See page 11 for more details. home prior to the service, prepare a small amount of ashes. Adults can burn a small piece of wood, or palm Continued on page 11 Pohick Episcopal Church February 2021 • Page 11

Spiritual Formation, continued from page 10 Bible Study February 28 and March 7 and 14 at 11:00 am: Being Community “Just Mercy” A community of women who come together weekly a Book, Bible, and Movie Study examining questions to share in life experiences, ask questions, of justice, based on the book by Bryan Stephenson. and explore how to navigate uncertain times. Study led by Michael Wooten and Rev. Lynn. See up- coming emails and website for details. Mission: Create a commu- nity for women to share, ask Holy Week questions, and grow in love as March 28: Palm Sunday at 9:00 am on Facebook we navigate life. Leaning into Live. Procession of Palms at Home. the Pohick spirit of “church with March 31: Wednesday Reflection via Zoom at or without walls,” all women from Pohick and be- 7:00 pm. Lectio Divina on the Garden of Gethsemane. yond are invited to join this virtual fellowship and April 1: Maundy Thursday Service via Zoom at study. Class held Sundays at 7:00 pm via Zoom, 7:00 pm. Washing of Feet at Home. beginning February 14. April 2: Good Friday Service via Zoom at 12:00 The course will discuss how to build commu- pm. Meditation on the Stations of the Cross at Home. nity: What does community mean? How to build April 4: Easter Sunday at 9:00 am, Facebook community in a Zoom box? What does scripture tell us about community? Join us to navigate the Live, Eucharist. importance of community today. Email Amy Bontrager, amy.l.bontrager@gmail. Shrove Tuesday com, for more info and to sign-up for class. Watch Pancake Supper the Pohick website for more details! To-Go Kit Because the EYC is unable to Bible Study hold Pohick’s annual Shrove Tues- day Pancake Supper fundraiser due to COVID re- Exile and Return from Exile Mission: Explore how the people of God en- strictions, the EYC is selling a Pancake Supper counter God in the midst of challenging times. To-Go Kit instead! Order your To-Go Kit to com- This seven-week course will be held on Sundays memorate the start of the Lenten season and enjoy a from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, starting on February 7. A Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at home. Complete 3:00 pm class will also be held on February 7 (in with decorations! addition to the 7:00 pm class) so there is no conflict Each kit contains: for Super Bowl fans! Class open to men and women! (1) 1lb box Aunt Jemima Complete Pancake Mix Some of the topics discussed include: Exile: (1) box of frozen 10 piece sausage links Why not turn them to salt and be down with it?; (4) 4oz cups of apple sauce + syrup, butter and Humble Access and the Properties of God; Who decorations Exiled Who? Hard Times and Hope after the Kit feeds approximately four people. Orders are Golden Calf; Jacobs Well: Promised Land and A being taken now through February 7. Cost is by do- Second Bite at the Apple; Exile in Gethsemane and nation and payment is made at pick up. Suggested The Circle Unbroken; We in donation is $20/kit. Order kit at pohick.org. Him and Him in Us. Kits are available for drive-through pick up on Email Tony Harriman Monday, February 15 (President’s Day) from 12:00 for more information and pm – 2:00 pm in the church parking lot between to sign-up for class, harri- the Parish Hall and cemetery. Proceeds go toward [email protected]. Visit the EYC Spring Retreat. Contact Rusty Booth with pohick.org for more details! questions, [email protected]. Pohick Church Non-Profit Org. 9301 Richmond Highway U.S. Postage Lorton, Virginia 22079-1519 P A I D Permit No. 2 Return Service Requested Lorton, VA

Pohick Church - the Home Church of George Washington and George Mason: In Christ, Embracing our Visionary Past, Vibrant and Welcoming in the Present, Transforming for the Future Assistant Administrative Sexton: Admin: Finance Youth Minister: Ed: Christian Director of Minister Music: of Seminarian: Assistant Rector: Rector: Pohick Staff Church To: The Vestry Date: ______Subject: ______From:

Church Office Email: [email protected] • Site: Web www.pohick.org

Telephone: 703-339-6572 • Fax: 703-339-9884 Linda Egan Carmel Hodge Carmel Booth Rusty The Reverend Mike Morgan Frances Sessums Adam Lees The Reverend John Sessums Alex Allain Dr. Lynn P. Ronaldi VESTRY Pitcock Members: Register: Treasurer: Jr. Warden: Sr. Warden: Pohick VestryChurch • GRAM

John Pasour Remaly Stew Dru Hodges Dru Tony Harriman Marc Abrams, Dave Connie Myers, Edwardene Greathouse, Patty Mitchell, Mike Elston, Courtney Jen Crump-Strawderman, Billingsley, Andrew Choi,