The Apostolic Example: Coming and Going, Gathering and Sending
Words are wonderful. One June 29 we celebrated the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles. But what does that celebration mean? What is a Synaxis? Interestingly, synaxis is a Greek word directly related to synagogue, which both mean “gathering. On June 28, we celebrate the memory of the Chief Apostles, Peter and Paul, martyred at Rome,...
What it Means to be a Christian?
http://radio.myocn.net/podcast/CRTL/On_Air/crtl031817.mp3 In our final conversation of the mini series on what it means to be a Christian, Fr. Chris Metropulos talks with His Excellency Kallistos Ware, an English bishop within the Eastern Orthodox Church under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and a renowned theologian of the Eastern Orthodox Church. His...
The Parish Stewardship Program – Council of Ministries Part II
Council of Ministries and its Role in Stewardship Development Fr. Steve Dalber, Saint Nektarios Church, Charlotte, NC The Role of the Priest The priest in this model is free to be priest; to oversee the work of the parish council and all of the ministries without having to try to micromanage...
The Parish Stewardship Program – Council of Ministries Part I
Council of Ministries and its Role in Stewardship Development Fr. Steve Dalber, Saint Nektarios Church, Charlotte, NC Introduction The concept of a “Council of Ministries” is not only a structuring of ministries but also a leadership structure for the entire community. This not something that was invented, but rather something that evolved...
The Parish Stewardship Program – Forms
Note to Parish Stewardship Team: If an individual indicates an interest, it must be acknowledged. To solicit volunteers and ignore their offer of assistance will likely have a negative effect on their parish participation in general and on stewardship specifically. See pp. 27 and 28 of The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese...
The Parish Stewardship Program – End of Year Procedure
End-of-Year Procedure The Importance of an End-of-Year Procedure Ideally, every Steward is an active supporter of the ministries of the parish by offering their time, talents and treasure. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. People move in and out of the church’s area of service, change residence, or may...
Stewardship Sunday
Stewardship Sunday Program The priest coordinates and leads the Stewardship Sunday Program, assisted by the Stewardship Committee and the Parish Council. The program would do well to include a personal testimony by a steward of the parish who speaks on the spiritual rewards of Stewardship giving. This type of message...
Plan of Action, Part II
Implementing the Plan Teach that Stewardship is a spiritual expression of faith. Develop a culture of a Parish that emulates the kingdom of God overflowing with joy, peace and love and a welcoming environment. Complete strategic planning and clarify your Parish’s mission & vision Form a common vision for Stewardship...
Plan of Action, Part I
Preparation for the Stewardship Year Prior to launching the parish stewardship year, a number of initial steps may be taken to inform and inspire parish members regarding the vision and mission of the parish. These activities may include some or all of the following: Stewardship sermon or series of sermons...
Ideas and Resources to Support Parish Ministry, Part IV
Weekly Offering Envelopes A weekly envelope system works well as a collection vehicle for some parishioners, a reminder for others, and a way to send offerings when attending Church is not possible. A significant percentage of the offerings may be received through the mail. Consider offering envelopes for Sunday School...
