Parish Ministries Conference 2013 

“Faith in Action: Equipping the Saints for Worship, Learning and Service,” 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. 

Department of Christian Education: 

Department of Liturgical Music and Translations:

 The Liturgical Music Department will use the multi-track format to offer workshops for beginning singers as well as more advanced directors and church musicians.   The workshops will cover such topics as beginning and advanced conducting, with emphasis in conducting liturgical chant, tutorial in the 8 tones, liturgical composition, vocal technique, intonation and choral blend, choir rehearsal skills, and reading and chanting technique.

Department of Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid 

The Department of Christian Service & Humanitarian Aid will offer a track for clergy and laity on “Matthew 25 Ministries” to the hungry, the homeless, the sick, those in prison and those suffering addictions. One session will feature Compassion in Action: Parish Ministries Training. There will be dialogue on the challenges sometimes faced in implementation of parish outreach ministries. A panel of representatives from Pan-Orthodox organizations will provide information on their humanitarian programs.

Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministries

The Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry will offer a track in Campus and Young Adult Ministry Training. This training will feature experienced youth workers and college chaplains sharing techniques both for ministering in the campus setting, starting and maintaining OCF chapters, and reaching out to young adults in your parish. Sessions will feature a mix of lecture, role play, and interactive exercises, along with sharing successes and failures from "the field." Particpants of this track are eligible for the Peter the Aleut Grant  to offset the cost of attending. 

Lodging Information: 

Lodging will be provided by Marymount University. There are single and double rooms available. Bathrooms are dormitory-style.  Linens, bath towel, hand towel, and wash cloth are provided. There is central air conditioning. Commuting options are also availble for those local to the event. 

Participants will have access to University fitness and swimming facilities. Golf carts and transportation aids will be available to help navigate the campus landscape. Marymount University also offers a shuttle service from the nearby Ballston-MU stop on the Washington Metro.

Meals will be available at the university’s dining hall, which offers a wide-range of options to accommodate all dietary needs. A special section of the dining hall will be set-aside for conference participants. Those staying on campus will be given a university meal card, while commuting participants will be able to purchase meals individually

A full list of workshops and presenters is available here!