*You can donate in cash, by check, or electronically. In all cases, please be sure to designate your gift to: Capital Campaign.
Many, if not most of us, have made Pohick our church family because of the welcome we received when we first visited as strangers.
Today, we continue to be thankful for Pohick’s expansive spirit of Christian Hospitality, through which we welcome all as Christ.
Over the last several years, we have been extending our hospitality through expanding our variety of evangelical and outreach activities: community-wide children’s choir programs and camps; links to military personnel and families; connections with Mount Vernon and Gunston Hall; outdoor events like concerts, fairs, and Live Nativity; and celebrations and concerts in the sanctuary. And with that expansion comes the realization that we must improve access to our campus – for all ages and all levels of physical ability. Toward that end, we propose two projects this year:
Project Proposal 1: Improved Access to Sanctuary Via Accessibility Ramp
Your rector and building and grounds committee have proposed, and your elected vestry members have approved, the construction of an historically and architecturally approved design for an Accessibility Ramp on the south side of the church (on the courtyard side).
In keeping with the historic architecture and brick, the symmetrical, two-sided ramp is depicted in the architectural drawing here.
These ramps, which will not be attached to the building but only to the existing stairs, will be a vast improvement over the stability and aesthetic appearance of the current, rickety temporary ramp.
The new permanent ramp design, which meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards, has been approved by the requisite Fairfax County Architectural Review Board.
The estimate for the construction of the Ramp is approximately $250,000. Great news: Charlotte and Gary Knipling have graciously donated $125,000 as a “challenge seed gift” for the congregation to match!
Project Proposal 2: Modernized, Safer Playground
Most of us would agree that the future of the Church resides in bringing new families and children to Christ. Might you be willing to provide prayers, energy, and financial help to bring our current, ageing playground up to a standard we could be proud of – something warm, welcoming and safer for young families?
Again, your Vestry has approved a solution: A Modernized and Safer Playground, a complete re-design of the playground in its current location. We will replace aging and rotting wooden structures with more durable steel and plastic play structures. Accessibility and structural improvements also will be made to the playground, via grading and fencing. The number of play structures will depend upon funds collected. Play structures may look like the photograph below. They could be constructed in part by parishioners who essentially trade time and talent for money.
At a minimum, we estimate costs for grading, accessibility, fencing and equipment to be approximately $50,000. Again, great news: the Kniplings have donated $25,000 as a challenge seed gift for the congregation to match!
We hope to raise these funds by Christmas. We intend to make these Accessibility improvements in the name of Hospitality, in preparation for our 250th Jubilee Celebration. Throughout 2024, several 250th Jubilee Celebration public events are planned at Pohick.
As we launch this Capital Campaign, we ask you to prayerfully consider helping to match the Kniplings’ generous gifts by donating funds in one or more of these ways:
1) Your Financial Gift toward the Accessibility Ramp;
2) Your Financial Gift toward the Playground;
3) Your Undesignated Financial Gift toward either project; and/or
4) Your Commitment of Time and Talent toward the work on the Playground.
Future Project: Parish House Elevator
The Stewardship Commission and Vestry have decided to expand our quest to make our Historic property more accessible and hospitable, in 2024-25. Next year, Pohick will launch “Part 2,” a second Capital Campaign to fund a much-needed elevator in the Parish House.
Just What Is a Capital Campaign?
Our Capital Campaign is a request for donations, and sometimes time and talent, that will support the improvement of our historic property, and enhance it for future generations.
Capital Campaign contributions are different and separate from an Annual Pledge. A Capital Campaign pledge is of short duration and is used to fund a specific project or related series of projects. In contrast, an Annual Pledge is made to fund day-to-day running of the parish and its mission.
Many of you will recall that a few years ago, we conducted a Capital Campaign for a series of renovations to the Parish House. These included a complete overhaul of the kitchen area and downstairs bathrooms, the retiling of floors, the installation of sound attenuation tiles on the walls and ceilings of the Common Room, and replacement of the Common Room tables and chairs. No funds for these projects came from Annual Pledges or from the Historic Foundation, or other funds.The funds for these projects were special Capital Campaign gifts from you.
How can we help now?
We recognize that not everyone is currently in a financial position to donate to the Capital Campaign. We certainly are not asking parishioners to donate in lieu of our upcoming Annual Pledge Campaign. However, as is true with annual pledging, every dollar or hour of your time is welcome. We also recognize that one project may have more meaning to you than another. Therefore, yes, you can designate which project you wish your donation to support. Or you may indicate how you wish to designate portions of a large donation to certain projects.
When will the collection of donations begin?
Beginning in September 2023, through Christmas. We plan to hold a fundraiser in December as well.
Can I donate electronically?
You can donate in cash, by check, or electronically. In all cases, please be sure to designate your gift to: Capital Campaign.
Thank you for helping Pohick be better stewards of God’s abundant mercy and gifts! Thank you for improving our Christian Hospitality through Accessibility!
PLEDGE YOUR DONATION NOW