The Vestry held its annual farewell dinner to honor the outgoing Vestry members at the Fairfax on January 10, 2006. After dinner, many thanks were extended to Jim Hayes, Tony Harriman, Almetha Powell, Dave Lehner, and Robin Teale for their great service. The outgoing members also provided some thoughts and words of wisdom for the remaining Vestry members. Each provided unique insight, but a theme common to all was how much was learned and how meaningful service on the Vestry was to them.

Father Binder led the Spiritual Welfare of the Cure, and Jan Hoffheins led the Compline.

Father Binder thanked all for support to the welcome reception for the new Minister of Music, Linda Eagan. To start the year, there are 12 LEMs (Lay Eucharistic Ministers) completing training. Confirmation and Inquirer classes will begin in February, and Jim Hayes will be leading a class on Ephesians. Father Binder covered procedural details for the Vestry Retreat, which is January 20-21 at the College of the Preachers, Washington Cathedral. Father Binder is planning to continue his education studying liturgical worship at Tasay, France, in April.

Reverend Piver is working with the Community of Hope , and will do continuing education addressing End of Life issues.

Pete Kind, Senior Warden, encouraged members to prepare for the Vestry Retreat by reviewing the Vestry Commissions, individual skills, and callings.

Ken Wrona, Junior Warden, thanked all who helped in the construction of the new ramp for wheelchair access to the Common Room – Jane Thurston, Doug Smith, Stew Remaly, Peter Kind, Lee Kind and Bill Bland. Modification of a pew to support wheelchair access is still under investigation. Ken also coordinated keys and open/lockup procedures.

Pete Kind presented the preliminary Treasurer’s report for December and calendar year 2005. Strong (more than double) December plate and pledge offerings more than offset the over budget expenses to yield a net positive operating funds position of $17,846.80. Whether this was support of the decision to hire a full-time Minister of Music, the frank presentation by Ken Evans of the fiscal status at the annual meeting, or a response to the general stewardship, the support is appreciated in continuing the Pohick mission.

After much discussion about the report, the budget, the capital improvement fund, outreach, fair, and other expenses, the Vestry voted to transfer $10,000 to the capital improvement fund. Outreach issues were referred to committee for study and recommendations.

In commission reports, Father Binder, Worship, reported that the Minister for Music is encouraging requests for hymns for inclusion in the service. If able to be incorporated, Linda will send a card to the requester indicating when the music will be sung.
Doug Smith, Pastoral Care, addressed special requests for prayers for the Wednesday evening healing service. Requests can be made using the cards available in the pews. A note will be placed in the bulletin. Calls can also be made to the Rector, assistant, or office staff.

Jane Thurston, Stewardship, gave a very positive report on stewardship, indicating that there are more pledges now than received by June last year. The average pledge is $110 higher and the pledge amount is $29,997 higher.

Ken Wrona, Property, reported the Wishing Well has funded a Little Giant Ladder, and receipt of a tub full of church records from recent periods. Joe Moran, Service and Fellowship, asked Vestry Members to support the Newcomer’s Reception, January 15.

Pete Kind, Communications, discussed a request to reactivate the Telephone Tree. Investigation revealed that the tree of times past was not greatly successful and that now email is much quicker and easier for most. Those who do not have email are asked to associate with parishioners with email for sharing news. All should take special thought on significant news such as deaths or special needs, and call people that may need the information. It’s one more means of fellowship and keeping in touch. If anyone would like to be on or help with a telephone tree or group for those without email, please call Pete or Sandi Kind.