August ushered in Rev. Donna Foughty, and she is wished a hearty Pohick welcome. She has had her hands full with the Rector being on vacation. As most probably know, there have been two unusual events affecting Church property during the month. Someone dumped a load of dirt on the gravel road leading to Old Colchester Road from the parking lot. Many thanks to Bill Bland for organizing a Brotherhood of St. Andrew “chain gang” to remove it early on Saturday morning; a sense of urgency was further promulgated by a wedding planned for the same day. An automobile accident also took out a significant section of the brick wall that faces Richmond Highway. Again, thanks to Bill Bland for organizing a crew to salvage usable bricks (they were made around 70 years ago and the dimensions have changed since then), and cleanup the site. Repair estimates are on the way, and it is anticipated that insurance will cover all costs.
          
Notes from the August Vestry meeting:

• With Jane Albertson leaving the Vestry to study at VCU, a number of possible replacements were discussed. These youth candidates will be approached to serve out the remainder of Jane’s term. Many thanks to Jane for her service to Pohick. Always fully engaged with the issues, she was a major driver in the youth programs, and her candid, thoughtful and often witty contributions at the meetings will be missed.
  
• Wayne Biggs, Junior Warden, has received a number of estimates to refurbish the men’s restroom in the Parish Annex; bids are coming in for replacing the carpet; and repair work on the damage to the wall is moving forward.
  
• John Pasour reported that the plate and pledge income for July was well above the historic average for the month. The current year-to-date shortfall is $11,600. The Pinkard-Davis golf tournament brought in $1,746 for the Infrastructure Fund.
  
• An update on work underway by the Planning and Policy Commission was provided. There was a meeting on July 21 that explored options to incorporate the Church; the group is still working on a statement of belief and reviewing ongoing developments in The Episcopal Church.
  
• Doug Smith, Mission and Outreach, provided an update on the September adult mission trip to New Orleans with ten adults now enrolled, and reminded all of the upcoming weekend’s Homeless Picnic.
  
• Robin Teale, Pastoral Care, indicated that the Pastoral Care Commission will have their next meeting September 12 in the Vestry House. She’s looking for volunteers for this most important ministry. Please give Robin a call!
  
• Dana Hutson and Jane Albertson, Christian Education, briefed that Vacation Bible School enrolled 95 children. One of the parents liked the program so much that they are now attending as parishioners.
  
• Susanne Leon and Susan Pehrsson, Service and Fellowship, indicated that there will be 20 new families to welcome at the newcomers’ reception. Please note, with a new Interim Assistant Rector, and so many new people, please make a point of wearing name tags at the services and at coffee hours.     

Just a reminder, on September 23, there will be a forum to present the work of the Building Committee on a phased approach to expand parking, refurbish and eventually expand or Parish Hall.