January was a busy month for the Vestry. The annual Vestry retreat was held at the Cathedral College, formerly known as the College of Preachers. It was followed by the Diocesan Council forum, the Diocesan Council meeting, which was attended by Pohick clergy, John Pasour, and Don and Darlene O’Connell, and the Building Plan Forum.
            The annual Vestry dinner was held at the Fairfax. Many thanks to Portia Richter for arranging the dinner. After bidding farewell to the outgoing Vestry members, Greg Wise, Mike Wooten, and Edwardene Pitcock, an attorney with Gammon and Grange, Scott Ward, gave an outstanding  presentation on advantages and disadvantages of church incorporation. We also gave thanks for the work of outgoing vestry members Doug Smith and Austin From, who were not able to attend the dinner.
             Other notes:

            • Reverend Binder briefed that the Lenten supper and study sessions will begin on February 13. The Vestry will setup and cleanup for the first session.
            • Tom Mayberry, Senior Warden, reported that planning for the Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont is on track. The Retreat will be held on June 20 through June 22. Attendance fees will increase by approximately $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. Wendy Remaly has agreed to serve as the 2009 Country Fair Chair, and Mike Wooten will take the job for 2010.
            • Wayne Biggs, Junior Warden, stated that installation of new carpet in the Parish House would begin on January 21. He indicated that the Historic Pohick Church Foundation (Pohick Inc.) had also developed three options for a handicapped ramp leading up to the Church building.
            • Neil Sunderland, Worship, indicated that Church attendance increased slightly in December. The increase is probably attributed to Christmas services.
            • John Pasour, Treasurer, briefed that December plate and pledge income was above average and that the total general income was $2,000 above budget. Due to reduced Personnel and Parish Life expenditures, expenditures for the year were below budget by approximately $24,000, and the cemetery net was $8,000 over budget, which was mostly due to a larger than budgeted payout from the Cemetery Trust. John indicated that the year should end with an operating surplus of just over $8,500.
            • Robin Teale, Pastoral Care, indicated that there would be a Community of Hope meeting on January 19.
            • Dana Hutson, Christian Education, discussed a proposal to target parents of children being tutored at the Church. She proposed an invitation to the parents involved to participate in Bible study classes. She indicated work is underway to look at options for a youth representative who will serve on the Vestry with seat and voice.
            • Susanne Leone, Service and Fellowship, indicated that volunteer coordinator for coffee hour is needed.
            • Joe Moran, Communication, reported that he had produced a PowerPoint presentation on signage options for the Church. Reverend Binder also indicated that a new parish pictorial directory will be produced in 2008.

            Reverend Binder hosted a superb Vestry retreat at the Cathedral College. The weekend included sessions on the roles of the Vestry and an outstanding presentation by Wayne McHargue on the capital campaign process and commission assignments. A decision was made to retain Orr Associates, Inc. (OAI) to conduct a capital campaign feasibility study. This three month effort will provide recommendations on efforts that can be accomplished by the Parish and tasks that will need to be outsourced.

Vestry commission assignments:

Worship - Neil Sunderland and Father Don Binder
Planning and Policy - Don Brownlee
Resources - John Pasour and Neil Hogg
Mission and Outreach - Femi Ayorinde
Pastoral Care - Robin Teale
Christian Education - Dana Hutson
Stewardship - Stew Remaly and Tom Mayberry
Property - Wayne Biggs and Jeff Parker
Service and Fellowship - Susanne Leon and Susan Pehrsson
Communication - Steve Harding and Joe Moran