Many thanks to everyone who made the 62nd Annual Country Fair on October 6 such a resounding success! Many thanks in particular to the Fair Chair, Peter Kind, for his superb planning effort and exemplary leadership over the past ten months. Steve Harding, Fair Chair 2008, has a great starting point for next year’s fair.

Notes from the October Vestry meeting:

• Rev. Binder relayed that last month’s capital campaign presentation went well. The number of returned response sheets has been relatively light, but with lots of good comments. Future ideas include looking at a capital campaign, setting up a renovation committee, and conducting a feasibility study on sources of funds.
• Rev. Binder briefly discussed the recent House of Bishops meeting (see link at the Parish web site) and their response to the Dar es Salaam Communiqué (19 Feb 07). He expressed the belief of our three bishops that The Episcopal Church’s (TEC) response was acceptable and represents compromise on both the left and right sides of the ongoing issues within TEC. Ultimately, he added, it will be up to the Primates to decide upon the statement’s adequacy.
• Wayne Biggs, Junior Warden, indicated that two bids have been received for carpet replacement, and that a final decision is close. He has also received a bid of $111,300 to replace the Church walkways. The men’s restroom will be renovated the first two weeks in November. He is also looking at some improvements for the women’s restroom.
• John Pasour, Treasurer, indicated that plate and pledge income for September was very good - the highest percentage of budget in the last ten years. For the year, the total intake is only 1.5% behind the historic average, which represents a year-to-date shortfall of $8,700.
• Edwardene Pitcock, Stewardship, provided an update on the preliminary Fair cash count. Bottom line: this year $20,868.97 was raised, which exceeds last year’s intake of $16,006.24. Again, job well done for the many parishioners who helped with this year’s Fair!
• Tom Mayberry, Senior Warden, provided an update on work underway by the Planning and Policy Commission. Ken Evans will be arranging a special presentation at a future Vestry meeting to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation.
• Doug Smith, Mission and Outreach, briefed that the idea of an adult mission trip is being explored for January/February. He also indicated that the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) has lost Giant as a major food contributor. He indicated that Gunston tutoring would begin on October 23.
• Robin Teale, Pastoral Care, indicated that the blood mobile at the Fair brought in 32 pints of blood. Flu shots will be offered after Church service on November 11.
• Dana Hutson, Christian Education, briefed that Chris Binder will be leading the parish’s women’s ministry Bible study. Twenty-three have signed up so far, including two who are new to Pohick.
• Susanne Leon and Susan Pehrsson, Service and Fellowship, reminded all that the Christmas Mart is coming up.
• Neil Hogg, Communications, indicated that he had recently updated the Vestry picture board.