New ministry article highlights “parish to parish” ministry
In an article titled “Parish to Parish: Mission and Ministry in the Diocese of the South,” Archpriest William Mills, Rector of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church, Charlotte, NC, describes how his community’s “construction ministry” uses parishioner’s skills and interests to help others.
Father William’s article is the latest offering in the Orthodox Church in America’s ever-expanding Parish Ministry Resources—a project of the Department of Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid [CSHA].
“In July of this year, seven parishioners gave a week of their time, talents and tools to help Holy Apostles Church in Columbia, SC undertake a major upgrade to their parish hall,” said Donna Karabin, CSHA Chair. “Little did either parish realize at the time how critically important the new facility would become when torrential rains hit Columbia—and most of South Carolina—in October 2015.”
Holy Apostles’ Archpriest Thomas Moore was among those on the front lines of International Orthodox Christian Charities’ emergency response during the devastating floods. [See related article.]
“The newly refurbished parish hall in Columbia served as a shelter for faith-based humanitarian groups who came to assist in the clean-up and rebuilding,” said Father William. “It continues to house overnight workers and is expected to do so well into 2016. This ecumenical outreach was made a reality by the wise planning and humble sacrifices of the workers from Holy Nativity Church.”
“We hope that other parishes will be inspired by the article and that it will spark interest in initiating similar ministries elsewhere,” added Mrs. Karabin.