Giving Time and Talents theme of new Resource Handbook installment

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] — A new installment of The Orthodox Church in America’s popular “Resource Handbook for Lay Ministries” is now available on line.

“Giving” of one’s time and talents to help others is the theme of the installment’s five articles.

  • In the section “Witness and Mission” two articles appear.
  • “A Bridge That Goes Both Ways” by Elizabeth Perdomo and Michael Price describes the ambitious outreach program undertaken by members of Saint George Church, Pharr, TX, on the US-Mexican border.

    “FOCA Mission Hotline” by Betty Yanowsky Slanta outlines a program conducted by the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America that collects unused liturgical items from established parishes and channels them to newly established communities. Originally established in 1948, the hotline was reactivated some two decades ago and continues to provide a valuable service to mission parishes.

     

  • In the “Family Life” section, Wendy Cwiklinski introduces the term “invisible disabilities” in an article titled “The Church and the Child with Invisible Disabilities.” She describes the struggles that families with such children face, offers suggestions on how parishes and individuals can be of help to these families, and provides a list of internet resources.
    Additional information on this subject is provided by Michele Karabin, a former state rehabilitation counselor, who discusses various state resources.

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  • In the “Youth/College” section, an article titled “The St. Mary’s ‘Rent-A-Saint’ Project,” by Debbie Manzoni describes a successful youth fundraiser conducted at Saint Mary Cathedral, Minneapolis, MN, by which parish teens offered themselves in service to others to earn money for a worthy cause.
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  • In the “Seniors” section, retirement years and how they are spent is the subject of an article by Kitty Vitko titled “Giving Back to the Community.” She relates the story of a retired engineer who thoughtfully seeks ways to help others. She also invites individuals and parishes to share their stories of this phase of their lives as well.
  • Resource Handbook installments now appear only on the OCA website. Hard copies of back installments are still available from the Orthodox Christian Publication Center.