Four OCA departments to host parish ministries conference July 10-13

“Faith in Action: Equipping the Saints for Worship, Learning and Serving,” will be the theme of a parish ministries conference to be hosted by four Orthodox Church in America departments on the campus of Marymount University, Arlington, VA, July 10-13, 2013.

“The theme is based on Ephesians 4:11-13, in which Saint Paul challenges every member of the Body of Christ to use his or her unique gifts and talents to minister for the ‘building up the Body of Christ,’” said Matushka Alexandra Safchuk of the Department of Christian Education [DCE].  “The conference will offer a continuing education experience for lay leaders and clergy alike in a spirit of learning, common worship and prayer, ministry, and Christian fellowship.”

Joining the DCE in hosting the event are the OCA’s Departments of Liturgical Music and Translations [DLMT], Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid [DCSHA], and Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry [DYACM]. Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary will offer the keynote address.  His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and His Grace, Bishop Mark of Baltimore plan to attend.

A multi-track format will offer a variety of workshops in several areas.  The DLMT is planning two levels of study for those pursuing the liturgical music track.  Christian education topics presented by the DCE will include ways to teach about the North American saints, learning styles in the parish and classroom, and studying Scripture in the parish.  The DYACM will offer a presentation on campus ministry skills, while DCSHA topics will include Matthew 25 ministries, family ministries, and ministries related to addictions and recovery.

Additional information and registration forms will be sent to all parishes well in advance of the conference and will be available in PDF format on the OCA web site.

For additional information on Marymount University, please visit their web site.