Yes, it’s that time of year to get everyone thinking “Pohick Church Christmas Mart!” This spectacular event will take place on Thursday, November 17, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For those new to the Parish, this event is sponsored by the Women of Pohick Church, the Ann Mason Guild, and the Martha Guild. The Parish House and the Vestry House are turned into a lovely Christmas atmosphere with all the rooms filled with many beautiful arts and crafts, attic treasures, consignments and, of course, delicious items to tempt the tastebuds from the baked goods and pantry shelf, as well as frozen casseroles. A delicious luncheon is served from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. As usual, there are MANY opportunities for the congregation - women and men - to participate in making this another successful Mart. Here are ways to volunteer time and talents.

Attic Treasures - Clean out those closets and attics, including books and videos.
Baked Goods – Donate homemade cakes, pies, cookies, candy, fudge, breads, etc.
Christmas Shoppe – Donate handmade craft items.
Consignment & Art Show – Fine china, glass, silver, and crafts are sold on consignment.
Decorations – Help with transforming the buildings into a beautiful Christmasy atmosphere.
Frozen Casseroles – Donate homemade frozen main dishes, soups, sauces, casseroles, etc.
Jewelry – Contribute old jewelry, both fine and costume.
Luncheon – Volunteer to help in the kitchen preparing the delicious lunch that is served on Mart day, or volunteer to be one of the lovely waitresses that dress in Colonial costume to serve lunch to the guests.
Pantry Shelf & Pohickery – Help this popular attraction by donating homemade jams, jellies, preserves, relishes and vinegars, or donate handmade items depicting the beautiful Church.
Outside Crafters – There are also a few tables that are rented to outside crafters, who add to the affair and help draw the crowds.

The Church will be open for tours for the guests during the Christmas Mart, so Docents will also be needed.

There are many hours of “behind the scenes” work required to make this event successful. Two very important requirements are Set-Up and Clean-Up! This is where the MEN of the Church are encouraged to get involved - “muscle-power” is definitely needed. The main set-up, which is the moving of the heavy furniture, takes place on Tuesday evening – November 15, and clean-up (putting things back to normal!) begins immediately following the 2:00 pm closing time on Mart Day.

There are MANY ways everyone can get involved with the Christmas Mart. It is a great way to meet new friends and share in hours of fun. Please come and help! The money raised from the Christmas Mart is divided among the Ann Mason Guild, the Martha Guild and the Women of the Church, and will be used by them in various outreach programs. There will be many announcements and requests for help from now through November 17 - hopefully, there will be someway to help! Please contact the names that will be listed in further announcements, or call Connie Myers, 703-455-4652.