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| 160 + conference attendees join Metropolitan Jonah for a group photo on a beautiful summer day |
Over 160 clergy and laity attended the recent, highly successful Parish Ministries Conference held at Baldwin-Wallace College near Cleveland OH. Jointly sponsored by OCA Departments and Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Department of Christian Education and Department of Liturgical Music and the Diocese of the Midwest Parish Life and Development Ministry, the conference combined education worship and fellowship into a truly memorable, purposeful and enjoyable event.
More information is available here.
Photos courtesy of Father Gregory Safchuk.
Presentation and Handout Materials Available
The conference was delivered in three tracks each with nine sessions. All tracks shared common keynote sessions, meals, social periods and worship.
Materials from the Building Vibrant Parishes Track, presented by the Parish Development Ministry, are available below:
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| Introduced by OCA Chancellor Fr. Alexander Garklavs, Fr John Matusiak set the conference tone in his opening keynote address |
Overview
Session One
Good Practices of Vibrant Orthodox Parishes:
A Framework for Parish Renewal
Joseph Kormos, Parish Development Ministry
- Slides (pdf)
- All Growing Parishes Are Not the Same
- Areas of Commonality
- Parish Health Model (summary)
- Facing Facts
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| An enthusiastic audience settles in for Joe Kormos talk on Good practices of Good parishes |
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| Alexa Geeza uses her high energy style honed as a professional trainer to shares lessons for teens… |
Session Two
Taking Back Our Teens
Fresh Ideas for Lessons and Assemblies
Alexa Geeza, St Joseph Orthodox Church Wheaton IL
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| … as audience actively responds |
| Charles Robbins engages participants to examine local community needs |
Session Three
A Model for Charitable Outreach:
Lazarus on Our Doorstep
Charles Robbins, St Gregory of Nyssa Church, Columbus OH
| Anna Strelka shares experiences as a lay catechist |
Session Four
Lay Catechists in the Parish:
Who; What; Where; When; Why; How
Anna Strelka, Holy Resurrection Church, Palatine IL
| Edith Marshall Roberts’ talk was so engaging – the cameraman forgot to snap an action photo |
Session Five
Getting Ready for Inquirers:
Who They Are, What They Ask,and What They Need.
Edith Marshall Roberts, St Mark Church, Rochester MI
| Archpriest and Arch teacher Father John makes a key point |
Session Six
Assimilation & Integration:
Bringing New Members into Your Parish
Archpriest John Matusiak
- No handouts available
| Audiences were consistently attentive and responsive throughout the conference |
Session Seven
Proper Parish Governance
Shared Leadership — not Congregationalism
Joseph Kormos, Parish Development Ministry
| Anne Marie Mecera leads the her group in a discussion of effective parish councils |
Session Eight
Establishing a Spirit of Mission through a Healthy Parish Council
Anna Marie Mecera, St. Gregory of Nyssa Church, Columbus OH
Session Nine
Improving Stewardship in Your Parish:
Principles and Practices to Assure Necessary Resources for God’s Work.
- Slides Improving Stewardship in Your parish
- Stewardship letter
- Pledge Form (pdf)
- Pledge form (word doc)
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OCA Parish Ministry Conference 2010Photos courtesy Fr. Gregory Safchuk
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