Pohick Episcopal Church Assistant Rector Job Description The Story of Pohick Church “The Mother Church of Northern Virginia,” Pohick was the first permanent church in the colony established north of the Occoquan River, around 1724. Originally called “the Occoquan Church,” it was soon referred to as “Pohick Church” because of its proximity to Pohick Creek. (“Pohick” is a Native American word for “hickory tree.”) Pohick is the home church of several American patriots, including the Washington, Mason and Fairfax families. At Pohick Church, about 550 parishioners of all ages worship, pray, study Scripture, serve others, welcome newcomers, and form thriving, Christ-centered relationships. Formed in the Anglican (Church of England) ethos of our spiritual ancestors, our warm and vibrant community of faith remains mission- oriented, relevant, moderate, and transformative today. Situated on 40+ acres at the corner of Richmond Highway (Route 1) and Colchester Road, roughly equidistant from George Washington’s Mount Vernon and George Mason’s Gunston Hall, Pohick is a stone’s throw from Fort Belvoir and a large military community. We are in the center of the growing, multi-cultural community of Lorton, in south Fairfax County. With a wide diversity of neighbors, including those of Hispanic, Middle-Eastern and Eastern descent, 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, and will soon lead a movie/book/Bible study based on Just Mercy. As many churches have done, Pohick has offered live-streamed services online since the beginning of the current pandemic. 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 brand 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,” a bluegrass band. 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 EYC 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 Rector. Pohick equips a large and wide variety of gifted lay leaders as well. General Description of the Assistant Rector Position The Assistant will minister at Pohick Church as pastor, priest and teacher, sharing in the councils of the congregation and church at large, in communion with the Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia, and under the supervision of the Rector. By word and action, informed at all times by the Holy Scriptures, the Creeds, the Book of Common Prayer, the teachings of the Anglican Communion, and the Constitution and Canons of the General Convention and the Diocese of Virginia, the Assistant shall proclaim the Gospel, love and serve Christ’s people, nourish them and strengthen them to glorify God. Responsibilities of the Assistant Priest Liturgical • Preach and celebrate in regular Sunday rotation (7:45 am Rite I and 9:00 am Rite II) • Celebrate and preach at weekday Eucharists (Wednesdays) in rotation. • Based on a five-year plan, we may add a Saturday or Sunday evening Contemporary Service, targeted to young families. • Preside, preach and/or assist at weddings and funerals as assigned. • Lead rehearsals for baptisms, confirmations and weddings as assigned. Pastoral • In coordination with the Rector, visit parishioners and others in the home, hospital, or other healthcare facilities. We also have a strong lay pastoral care program, Community of Hope. • Provide pastoral counseling (including premarital counseling) and spiritual direction as requested and in coordination with the Rector. Program • Oversight of the new Young Adult & Family Ministry. • Oversight of the Alpha! Program. • Participation in the Invite Welcome Connect (evangelism) process. • Participation/potential leadership of Youth Program with staff Youth Director. • Leadership in growing outreach and justice ministries. • Participation in Digital Ministry. • Work with staff in coordinating program planning and execution. Christian Education/Teaching/Formation • Teach young people’s Confirmation classes as assigned. • Develop and teach Adult education/Bible study classes. • Teach Adult Inquirers’ classes. • Write a monthly column in the parish newsletter. • Participation in annual Shrine Mont Parish Retreat Compensation The Assistant’s compensation is commensurate with experience and education, and is based, to a degree, upon Diocesan guidelines for assistants, by area and church size. It includes a cash stipend and a housing/utility allowance. Pohick covers CPG fund assessment, health and dental insurance through the diocesan plans, group life and accidental death insurance, workers comp insurance. Half of social security will be paid per year as salary supplement. Vacation and continuing education leave are standard. A reimbursable professional allowance is also given, and normal expenses of church operation covered. The Assistant also manages a Discretionary Fund for pastoral and charitable purposes. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and OTM Portfolio to the Rev. Lynn Ronaldi, Rector, Pohick Church ([email protected]). .