I would like to thank the congregation of Pohick Church for giving me the opportunity to serve on the Vestry. I would like to also give thanks to the outgoing Vestry members: Peter Kind (Senior Warden), Ken Wrona (Junior Warden), Reed Heddleston (Treasurer), Jane Thurston, and Ken Evans for their exemplary service over the past several years.

Many thanks to those involved with the Christmas Pageant on December 10 and the Christmas Party for the homeless on December 11. Regarding the Christmas Party, the food was excellent, the Pohick Pickers’ music superb, and the smiles on the faces of the children when they received their presents from Santa (Bill Creighton) were unforgettable.

Discussed at the December Vestry meeting:

• Rev. Binder welcomed and thanked the new members of the Vestry: Tom Mayberry, John Pasour, Dana Hutson, Neil Sunderland, Susanne Leon, Robin Teale, and Jane Albertson.

• Rev. Binder has been asked by Bishop Lee to serve as Dean of Region 6 of the Diocese of Virginia. Rev. Binder accepted, and will assume his role in this capacity in February.

• Reed Heddleston briefed the proposed 2007 church budget. A deficit of $27,260 is expected for next year. The budget as first presented did not call for a cost of living allowance (COLA) for the staff. After some discussion all agreed that $10,000, originally earmarked to replace carpet, would be used to address the COLA shortfall.

• Doug Smith (Mission and Outreach) briefed a number of ongoing mission and outreach efforts, to include the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) food baskets, Breakfast with Santa, the Homeless Christmas Party and the January adult mission trip.

• Jane Thurston and Edwardene Pitcock (Stewardship) briefed that the overall numbers were down by $30K compared to last year. Pohick has received 153 pledges (versus 177 in 2005) for a total of $409K ($439K in 2005). For those who have not returned their stewardship pledge cards, please do!

Upcoming events: January 6: Women’s Pilgrimage to National Cathedral. January 12-13: Vestry Retreat. January 26-27: Diocesan Council.

Before the meeting concluded, the Vestry elected the following officers: Senior Warden: Tom Mayberry; Junior Warden: Wayne Biggs; Treasurer: John Pasour; Register: Susan Pehrsson.

Please feel free to contact the Vestry regarding any other Pohick topics/suggestions. For issues to be addressed before the Vestry, label all written/electronic correspondence “Vestry-Gram.” Please use the proforma on the back of the Pohick Post, or send an email directly to TSMayberry@comcast.net.