May 20 stewardship-generosity webinar to preview Small Parish Forum themes
On Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. EDT, the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania of the Orthodox Church in America will offer a free webinar devoted to reviewing good stewardship practices for parishes.
Titled “Fostering Generosity and Practical Financial Stewardship,” the webinar is part of the ongoing “Building Vibrant Parishes Webinar Series.” The speaker will be Joseph Kormos, Parish Development Ministry leader for the Archdiocese.
There is no charge to participate in the webinar, but participants must register in advance on-line.
The webinar is open to clergy and laity from all Orthodox jurisdictions and should be of interest to priests, parish treasurers, financial secretaries, parish council members, and all lay leaders.
“One important aspect of being good stewards of our parishes is building a sense of financial generosity among parishioners,” said Mr. Kormos. “Too many parishes still live with a mentality of parish dues, small weekly donations, crisis appeals and an endless array of fund raisers – which sap the time and patience of the faithful. In the webinar we will talk about the meaning of stewardship, consider the essential qualities of an effective parish stewardship ministry, and discuss good stewardship practices that can begin to break the vicious cycle of low parish commitment and expectations.”
The webinar also is designed to preview some of the important topics that will be covered at the 2015 Small Parish Forum, which has as its theme “Becoming Stewards of Our Parish Future.” The Forum will be held at Saint Nicholas Church, Weirton WV, OH, from June 18 through 20. See related story. To register for the Forum and/or to obtain additional information, including a list of workshops themes, speakers, lodging, fees, etc., visit www.ocadwpa.org/smallparishforum.html.