The Vestry met on May 9, 2006 , to do the annual walk of the perimeter of the church property, and then convened at the Vestry house. Seat and voice were granted to Jud Sage, Cemetery Warden, and Roberta Fede, Chair of the Building Committee.

Jud presented his initial assessment and insights on cemetery operations, and his recommendation on the request for exception to policy for issuance of policy on purchase of cemetery plots reserved for Rectors of Pohick Church. After much discussion and exploration of alternative means to meet the need, the Vestry voted to sustain existing policy established by the Vestry on June 8, 1999.

Roberta described the progress of the Building Committee, plans, and alternative designs for new and refurbished facilities. Her report detailed requirements, options, and continued development. Cost is a principal concern.

Following approval of the minutes, Father Binder reviewed briefly his trip to Taize , France , and the clergy conference at Shrine Mont. He noted senior seminarian Helen McKee’s graduation from Virginia Theological Seminary, a reception in her honor held at Pohick, and her ordination in Seattle on June 24. Seminarian Arienne Davison has departed for the summer. There may be only one seminarian next year. Father Binder also reviewed the plans and dates for the selection of the Bishop Coadjutor in Virginia Diocese. More information is available at www.thediocese.net in the Bishop Coadjutor section.

Reverend Piver reported that the End of Life Issues seminar was well attended, the adult mission trip to New Orleans is coming along well (more people and support invited), and 27 pints of blood were donated during the Bloodmobile visit.

Pete Kind, Senior Warden, summarized his attendance at the Virginia Diocese Education for Vestries workshop held at Emmanuel Church in Middleburg on April 29. In his opening remarks, Bishop Lee noted that a colonial leader’s first experience in local government was Vestry service: providing for social welfare, education for children, and establishing and collecting taxes were among their many duties. Service to all is a colonial legacy that carries through to Vestries of today with community service through many outreach programs.

Father Binder reported that Phil Gastrell’s Eagle Scout project, a path from the cemetery to the Rectory, was completed.

Reed Heddleston, Treasurer, was happy to report that plate and pledge offerings are on track. Reed is scheduling the midterm budget review with the Finance Committee. Any requests for changes should be forwarded to him.

Father Binder, Worship Commission Co-Chair, reported that the visit of Archbishop Nkoyoyo went well.

Pete Kind, Planning and Policy Commission Co-Chair, reported on progress of the Vestrygrams referred to the Commission at the last meeting. Committee members include Wayne Biggs, Co-Chair, Tom Mayberry, Randy Brooks, Dave Lehner, Father Binder, and George Crump. The Vestrygrams requested that contingency plans be developed in the event that actions at the upcoming General Convention jeopardize the Episcopal Church’s status within the worldwide Anglican Communion. This is a serious and sensitive request. The Commission in its first meeting discussed alternative ways to proceed and preparation for its next meeting. The Commission recommended to the Vestry that a letter be sent to Bishop Lee advising him that concern has been expressed by longstanding members of Pohick Church, and the concerns are being addressed in a caring, loving, and prayerful manner. The draft letter was discussed at length and modified to achieve general consensus.

Neil Hogg, Christian Education Commission, reported that the EYC yard sale went well although attendance and receipts were lower than last year. Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 10-14.

Reverend Piver led the closing prayer.