Many thanks to the Ann Mason Guild for sponsoring the Chili Cook-Off. The turnout was great. Kudos to the winners: 1st place went to D’Andrea Wooten, 2nd place went to both Alan Mayberry and Charlotte Lafean, and the People’s Choice Award went to Anita McHargue.
            Just a reminder, Shrine Mont is a little over a month away - June 20 through 22, 2008. The annual parish retreat is a super event for the entire family. As usual, it will be held at the Diocese’s retreat center in Orkney Springs, Virginia. Please look for the registration in this edition of the Pohick Post. 
            Reverend Binder expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers who participated in Holy Week, and to Vestry members who participated in the Maundy Thursday service. Easter services were well attended with 374 people at the 9:15 am Easter Service.
            Reverend Binder reported that the new carpet is fully installed. The leak in the education office was repaired. Wayne Biggs has signed a contract for repairing the steam pipe leading to the Church with work beginning soon. The Church is investigating a county-wide requirement to recycle cardboard and the ability to comply. A recycle bin many need to be positioned near the dumpster.
            Susanne Leon, Service and Fellowship, thanked the Vestry for their support with Easter Coffee Hour.  Starting in June, the Vestry will work a number of events to include Youth Sunday (6/1); Volunteer Breakfast (6/8), and the Bishop’s visit (6/15).
            John Pasour, Treasurer, reported that plate and pledge income for March was very good. Thanks to Easter and five Sundays in the month, the plate and pledge income for the month was the highest as a percentage of the annual budget of any March in the last 11 years. The budget is almost exactly at the historical average for the end of the first quarter. Expenditures were higher than usual because the entire budgeted contribution to LCAC ($5,690) was prepaid to allow them to take advantage of a matching gift program.  Repair and maintenance expenses were also above the normal rate of expenditure - 35% of budget already spent. Other expenses were as anticipated, except for Personnel, where the continued delay in hiring a Priest Associate reduced expenses below budget. The Building Fund continued to be drawn down by payment for the Capital Campaign feasibility study. Capital Repairs expenses included parish hall floor concrete repair and carpeting. An anticipated expense of $5000 - $7,500 for the steam pipe is expected.

• Don Brownlee, Planning and Policy, reported that the Planning and Policy Commission met on March 29 to discuss youth representation on the Vestry. The group will meet on April 19 to continue discussions.
  
• Femi Ayorinde, Mission and Outreach, indicated that a committee will be formed to grow the mission and outreach commission. 
  
• Robin Teale, Pastoral Care, indicated that a Community of Hope (COH) meeting was held on April 9. At the May meeting, Carol Heddleston will discuss the possibility of establishing a Health Ministry that would fall under the Pastoral Care commission.
  
• Dana Hutson, Christian Education, conveyed that Francis Sessums is recruiting teachers for next year.  Planning has started for Vacation Bible School.
  
• Steve Harding and Joe Moran, Communication, indicated that the Communication Commission met on March 30. They plan to meet with Lori Buckius to be updated about the Pohick Post, and the Webmaster to better understand the process.