Current Resource Handbook installment now available in print, on-line

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] — A new installment of the Orthodox Church in America’s popular “Resource Handbook for Lay Ministries” is now available in print and on the OCA’s web site at http://www.oca.org.

Published by the OCA Department of Christian Witness and Service for two decades, the “Handbook” offers a wealth of resources on a variety of parish ministries.

According to Mrs. Arlene Kallaur, who coordinates publication of the “Handbook,” articles in the current issue focus on parish development, service to others, and Orthodox witness.

In “Highlights of the OCA Parish Ministries Conference, ‘Faith in Action,’” Elizabeth Lien shares her impressions of event, sponsored by the department at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary in July 2004.

Two additional articles underscore the importance of fellowship in the parish community through a variety of fellowship events. In “Pan Orthodox Christian Singles,” Diana Haverlack and Chris German describe the very successful singles’ gatherings held in the Washington, DC area, while Lori Kochan shares ideas for a variety of fellowship activities in “Twenty ‘Somethings’ to Do with the Parish Family.”

In “A Children’s Choir? Certainly!” John Sutko, choir director at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Burbank, IL, describes his parish’s children’s choir and emphasizes the importance of such groups as a means of teaching children about the Church.

Two articles—“The Loaves and Fishes Program: A Pan-Orthodox Outreach to the Poor of Atlanta” by Father Jacob Myers and “The Poor—Our Masters” by Father Roberto Umbertino of Toronto, ON, Canada—describe pan-Orthodox ministries that are playing a significant role in feeding the hungry and homeless in two major metropolitan areas.

Finally, two articles address sanctity of life issues and offer suggestions for sharing and affirming the Orthodox Christian viewpoint. In “OCLife-DC:
Getting Started with Orthodox Christian Pro-Life Action,” Lisa Jones describes the formation and ministry of the Washington, DC area chapter of Orthodox Christians for Life. The establishment and work of an Orthodox Christian maternity home for pregnant women in Escondido, CA, is described by Sarah Elisabet Oftedal in “Martha and Mary House.”

Past installments of the “Handbook” are also available on the OCA web site.

Resource Handbook for Lay Ministries - Volume III, 2004

Highlights of the OCA Parish Ministries Conference, “Faith in Action”
Parish Development

Pan-Orthodox Christian Singles
Parish Development

“Twenty ‘Somethings’ to Do with the Parish Family
Parish Development

“A Children’s Choir - Certainly!”
Youth / College Ministries

“The Loaves and Fishes Program”
Community Service

“The Poor - Our Masters”
Community Service

“Martha and Mary House”
Community Service

“OCLife-DC: Getting Started with Orthodox Christian Pro-Life Action”
Witness and Mission