Minister of Music/Organist/Choir Director Pohick Episcopal Church 2021

Introduction to Pohick: “The Mother Church of Northern ,” Pohick was the first permanent church in the colony established north of the , around 1724. Originally called “the Occoquan Church,” it was soon referred to as “” because of its proximity to . (“Pohick” is a Native American word for “hickory tree.”) Pohick is the home church of several settlers of Colonial Virginia, including the Washington, Mason and Fairfax families. ’s father Augustine was an early vestry member, and George followed in his footsteps. Washington was formed at Pohick and as an adult, helped design and build our current church completed in 1774.

Today, about 600 parishioners of all ages worship, pray, study Scripture, serve others, welcome newcomers, and form thriving, Christ-centered relationships. Formed in the Anglican () ethos of our spiritual ancestors, our lively, warm and vibrant community of faith remains mission-oriented, relevant, moderate, and transformative. We recently created a multi-media platform, including state-of-the-art audio-visual streaming and recording capabilities for broader reach to the community. We have an interactive web page, www.pohick.org, a Pohick Church Facebook page on which we live-stream services, and a Pohick YouTube channel for musical and other offerings.

Description of Music Minister Position: Pohick Church is seeking a gifted, experienced, enthusiastic and flexible musician who is willing to build upon our strong music program. We highly value the ministry of music in the worship life of our parish. We have traditionally offered a rich variety of music in the Anglican tradition for adults, youth and children alike. Our music program is not only meant for worship, but also for the education of our children and community outreach as well. Our ideal Minister of Music will enrich worship by developing the musical gifts of our parishioners and community. The Music Minister will inspire the parish to appreciate music as one of God’s great gifts.

Qualifications and Gifts: The successful candidate will have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree; be familiar with Episcopal Church worship and liturgy; possess fluency in traditional Anglican and classical organ and choral works; demonstrate inspiration and direction of a variety of choirs (adult and youth); and appreciate music from other traditions, including gospel and contemporary Christian music. Particular qualifications include: • Minimum of bachelor’s degree in music, preferably choral direction, organ or sacred music. • Thorough understanding and mastery of Organ. • At least 5 years’ experience in choral direction and music planning in Parish setting preferred. • Experience in teaching choristers the relationship between music and Scripture. • Knowledge and respect for Anglican liturgy and music, with a broad knowledge of liturgical music of various eras, styles and genres for children, youth and adults. • Experience and creativity in building choral and instrumental ensembles for all age groups. • Flexibility and enthusiasm for using music to develop the faith of congregation and community.

Services and Scope of Responsibilities: Pohick has one Sunday service in the sanctuary per week with music and may move to two. Our Five-Year Strategic Plan includes potentially developing a contemporary service and expanding the music program as outreach to the community. The Music Minister directs a 30-member adult choir, a teen choir and a children’s choir, as well as a bell choir. The Music Minister also oversees a gospel/contemporary worship band called the Pohick Pickers, who occasionally play during worship and at community events. In addition to performing and directing choirs, the Music Minister works with the Rector to in overall worship planning, including theme, theology and logistics. In consultation with the Rector, the Music Minister will be asked to expand the current music program. We traditionally reach out to the surrounding community via occasional concerts and visiting music groups and want to discover new avenues for outreach. The Music Minister leads three weekly rehearsals.

Salary and Benefits: The position is Full-Time. Annual Salary begins at $60,000 plus benefits (health insurance and sick leave) Retirement/Pension at 5% of salary plus an additional 4% matched. Continuing education allowance is $500 per year.

Please mail resume or curriculum vitae and three references by March 30 to the following: The Rev. Dr. Lynn Ronaldi, Rector of Pohick Church Carolyn Cockroft, Pohick Church Music Minister Advisory Committee 9301 Richmond Highway Lorton, VA 22079 Or email them to the Rev. Dr. Lynn Ronaldi and Carolyn Cockroft at [email protected]

Organ and Other Instruments: • Noack 2-Manual, Mechanical/Action 18-Rank Pipe Organ. Completely rebuilt in 2005 and updated again in 2019. • Piano in Choir Rehearsal Room. • Three Octaves of Malmark Handbells and Three Octaves of Malmark Hand Chimes • A full set of Studio 49 Orff Instruments • Music Library • Teaching privileges are available on all instruments.

More about Pohick Church: Situated on 40+ acres at the corner of Richmond Highway (Route 1) and Colchester Road, roughly equidistant from George Washington’s and ’s , Pohick is a stone’s throw from and a large military community. We are in the center of the growing, multi- cultural community of Lorton, in south Fairfax County. With its broad diversity of neighbors, Pohick is poised to apply its legendary hospitality in new ways and grow its extensive outreach to the community. We are exploring issues of justice; we recently hosted a Racial Reconciliation Workshop.

Pohick offers live-streamed services. Meanwhile, we have created an interconnected, multi-function Digital Ministry with an eye to evangelism. This includes several platforms: a new, interactive web page, Constant Contact, Facebook, Zoom, and a new audio-visual system in the historic church, including state-of-the-art cameras and sound streamed through a remote production control center.

Our worship could be described as “Broad Church,” with aspects of both low and high church liturgy. Pohick’s multi-faceted music program involves dozens of members of all ages. It includes a 40-member Adult Choir, two Children’s Choirs, a Bell Choir, and the Pohick Pickers. We hope to introduce a contemporary service as well. Christian Education for all ages is a priority, with Sunday adult classes, Godly Play for children, and a strong Youth program. Contemplative spirituality and formation are often a focus of special programming.

Our staff includes two full-time and three part-time employees, in addition to the Rector and Assistant to the Rector. Pohick equips a wide variety of gifted lay leaders as well.