January was a busy month for the Vestry. Bishop Suffragan Jones joined the Vestry annual dinner at the Fairfax. The annual Vestry retreat took place at the College of Preachers and was followed by the Diocesan Council, which was attended by Pohick clergy, Vestryman John Pasour and Don and Darlene O’Connell

Dinnertime discussion with Bishop Jones centered on a few topics. He disagrees with the premise that the Church has become more liberal, citing that fewer than ten dioceses, which are mostly in the northeast, sanction same sex unions. He felt that the Diocese of Virginia was not leaning this way. Bishop Jones was pleased that he could not remember a time when the Church was involved with so much outreach. With regards to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori’s comments in the press, he felt inclined to “give her a break,” explaining that at the time she was concerned with being inclusive of other faith traditions. He related that there was no doubt in his mind that Bishop Jefferts-Schori believes that Jesus is her personal savior. Bishop Jones recommended that we not “get stuck on issues” that are external and that we cannot change. The future of the Episcopal Church is in the hands of God.

Discussed at the January Vestry meeting following the dinner with Bishop Jones:

• Rev. Binder bid farewell to outgoing members of the Vestry, including Peter Kind, Ken Wrona, Reed Heddleston, Jane Thurston, and Ken Evans, and thanked them for exemplary service over the past years.
• Rev. Binder announced that an anonymous donation was received to repair the three doors of the church building. At a cost of $18,000, repairs are targeted to be completed by Easter.
• Rev. Jane Piver discussed the January trip to the National Cathedral.
• Wayne Biggs reported that the documentation produced at the Vestry forum had been completed and would be ready for the Vestry retreat.
• John Pasour (Treasurer) reported that December was a banner month, the best on record, resulting in a budget surplus of nearly $40,000. The finance committee will assess this situation and develop a number of financial options.
• Doug Smith (Mission and Outreach) reminded all about the Red Beans and Rice Dinner on January 14, which is a fundraiser for the adult mission trip, and identified February 11 as Scout Sunday.
• Edwardene Pitcock (Stewardship) reported that pledges were still below last year’s totals.

Upcoming events:

February 19 - Washington Breakfast and Service at 8:00 am

February 20 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

February 21 - Ash Wednesday