Sometimes the best laid plans just don’t work out.
As I wrote last year, it had been my intention to call a part-time Priest Associate to assist not only with weekly services, but also to oversee our pastoral care and newcomers programs - similar to how the Rev. Jim White served in this parish a decade ago.

            After posting a position announcement in the Fall, I received about a half-a-dozen resumes and followed those up with as many first interviews. In the meantime, the Wardens and I assembled a search committee consisting of lay leaders overseeing areas most pertinent to the envisioned position: Tom Mayberry (Sr. Warden), Neil Sunderland (Worship), Greg Wise (Personnel), Bill Stewart (Pastoral Care), Robin Teale (Pastoral Care) and Anne Poad (Newcomers). In consultation with these members, second interviews for three of the candidates were arranged with the full committee.

            Unfortunately, only one of those interviews was conducted; the other two were either postponed or cancelled by the candidates themselves for various reasons. By the time it became clear that a revamped search would be required, another piece of the personnel puzzle loomed on the horizon: conducting a search for the full-time Assistant to the Rector position, since our current interim agreement with the Reverend Donna Foughty will be expiring in July of this year.

            And so, we have pulled the position announcement for the Priest Associate, replacing it with one for the full-time position. Depending on the ministerial gifts of the final candidate, the envisioned program responsibilities for that position will swing either towards the pastoral care and newcomers ministries, as it has done in the past, or towards overseeing our Youth Program, as is currently the case.

            The same individuals as above will continue as members of an advisory search committee, with the exception of Greg Wise, who will be replaced by the new chair of Personnel, Neil Hogg. Because the position could potentially entail oversight of our Youth ministry, two new members have also been added: Dana Hutson (Christian Ed) and Kelsey Hodge (EYC).

            Once it becomes clear which direction the Assistant’s position responsibilities will take, then I will initiate a search for either a part-time Priest Associate for Newcomers and Pastoral Care or a Youth Minister.

            In the meantime, to provide additional support to Donna in her work with our young people, I have created, and the Vestry has endorsed, the interim position of Youth Administrator. The person in this quarter-time position will assist Donna and our Youth Advisors in the areas of organization, communication and event execution between now and the end of July.

            At this time, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rusty Booth to this position. Over the past twenty years, Rusty has been closely involved in many different aspects of Pohick’s ministry with young people, having served in the volunteer positions of Youth Advisor, Acolyte Master, Sunday School Superintendent, and Sunday School Teacher. We now welcome him onboard in this capacity.

            Thanks to the congregation for all your prayers and support during this time of transition, as we work to continue Pohick’s tradition of vital ministry in these important areas of service. Keep these coming in the weeks and months ahead, as they will increase the chances that these best laid plan will indeed work out!

            With Bishop Lee’s endorsement, we are again glad to welcome back to Pohick The Most Reverend Livingstone Nkoyoyo, retired Archbishop of Uganda. He will be with us for services on Sunday, May 4 in connection with our African Team Ministries sale, a program of which we have been a part since the 1980s. At that time, he will update us on the continuing work of his partner ministry, the Chain Foundation, which cares for children orphaned in Uganda because of the HIV/AIDS crisis there. He will then accompany Donna and me to the Diocesan Clergy, Spouse and Professionals Conference at Shrine Mont later in the week.