OCMC Directors meet at St. Vladimir’s Seminary

The meeting of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center [OCMC] Board of Directors was held at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary here November 16-18, 2009.

The OCMC is official international mission and evangelization agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America [SCOBA].

OCMC Directors meet at St. Vladimir's SeminaryRepresenting the Orthodox Church in America at the meeting were the Very Revs. Chat Hatfield, Matthew Tate, Ted Pisarchuk and Raymond Velencia, and Mr. William Birchfield, Mr. Bruce Humphrey, Esq., and Mrs. Betty Slanta. Father Hatfield serves as Board Vice President, while Mr. Birchfield serves as Board Treasurer, Father Pisarchuk serves as the Mission Building Chairman, and Mrs. Slanta chairs the Governance Committee.

The OCMC, sanctioned by SCOBA, sends Orthodox Christians to answer the call to make disciples of all nations through one of OCMC’s initiatives: Mission Service, Orthodox Mission Teams (2-4 week short term mission teams for ages 18 to 100+), Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) Program ($600/year will sponsor an indigenous priest worldwide), the Agape Canister Program (donation canisters at restaurants, candle counters) and the OCMC Ambassador Program (representatives from Orthodox Churches throughout the United States assist in promoting OCMC programs).

OCMC Board Treasurer Bill Birchfield reported that the OCMC is feeling the effects of the downturn and economic situation. In reviewing the 2010 Budget, the OCMC Board established a floor of $100,000 in the reserve fund for operating the OCMC with the feeling it would not be prudent fiscal management if the OCMC goes below this threshold. A “Friends of Missions” program was developed to generate additional funds. All audited OCMC financial statements are found on the OCMC website at www.ocmc.org.

It was reported that Ms. Amy Barrett Pierce was recently selected as OCMC Major Gifts Officer. Amy is not a stranger to the Center, having served the OCMC as both Agape Canister and SAMP coordinator.

To better communicate as board members and embrace technology, the OCMC board established a “Google Groups” e-mail list to share ideas; on the same token, the OCMC is utilizing the OCA’s address list to facilitate communications among the Orthodox faithful.

The Rev. Martin Ritsi, OCMC Executive Director, provided a “State of the OCMC”, reporting on his travels around the world. In Pakistan, he found religious discrimination and persecution rampant; Christians live day-to-day in fear of their lives and the clergy require liturgics study. In Kenya, 75% of the population is non-Christian; the church building in Lodwar, Kenya, which short-term mission team member started to build, will finally be completed. Father Martin discussed the need for more clergy and preachers in the mission field. The OCMC Board members endorsed the continuation of medical missions.

A Teams Task Force was formed, of which Father Pisarchuk and Mrs. Slanta are members. It will evaluate the short-term mission team field plan of the OCMC. Due to task force efforts, a reduction in short term mission team costs was realized.

The two or four-week OCMC Mission Teams were announced for next year. Further information may be found on the OCMC web site.

The OCMC Development Committee will be surveying members on their board service, interest in serving on the board, and fundraising efforts. All board terms of service are due for reappointment in the coming year. The Governance Committee will seek board member interest in being considered for reappointment.