In Christ,
Joseph Kormos
Parish Development Ministry Leader Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania 513-518-5878 joekormos1@gmail.com |
 |
Communicating Your Parish" Webinar 8:00 PM EDT September 16
|
 | |
Webinars allow you to participate in a live presentation from your location and ask questions of the presenter.
|
Perhaps more than any other North American religious body, Orthodox Christian parishes need to be effective in communicating their mission and their ministries to the world, to their local community and to their members. One common quality for most vibrant parishes is an attractive, up to date website. Parish Development Ministry Leader Joseph Kormos will offer thoughts on websites and other technology approaches to parish communication in an upcoming webinar -- 8PM Tuesday September 16.
Click here for more information.
As always webinars are free but you must register to attend. Click here to register.
|
|
Leaders Day to Focus on Ministry of Parish Council
Saturday October 18 10AM - 3PM
Canonsburg PA
|
 Collaborative leadership from clergy and laity is critical to creating a bright future for the parishes of our Archdiocese. Yet most observers would agree the typical Orthodox parish council has room for improvement.
Imagine if: - Parish Councils could be seen as an energizing force helping to transform the parish to live a Life in Christ.
- An atmosphere of trust and collaboration existed between priest and council. Clergy learn to empower and delegate. Laity see the church not as a business but the Body of Christ.
- Council service helps members to grow and deepen in their faith.
- Parish council members are recognized by all as exemplary parish stewards.
- Energized with a new vitality, meetings seem shorter than they actually are!
- The parish's best people see value and honor in serving on council
Join us for Leaders Day to examine how to transition parish councils from the parish fire department to a collaborative leadership body that discovers possibilities, discerns priorities, drives change and prepares the parish for vital ministry?
The Archdiocese' 2014 Leaders Day will be held from 10AM to 3PM on Sat October 18 at St John the Baptist Church in Canonsburg PA.
To download an informational flyer for emailing to parishioners and to register....
|
| |
A Healthy Hopeful Parish Future
|
In a recent issue of Parish Pulse we noted the importance of parishes --particularly small parishes -- having a clear identity a sense of self image and self worth. That reminded us a number of past articles on this and related topics.
What Kind of Parish
To begin a conversation on what you want want to your parish to look like in the future consider this article:
Core Values
 An important aspect of discussing a healthier parish future is to agree and to live certain parish core values. The key qualities that make "us" us. Or better put...
"consistent, passionate, scriptural, distinctive convictions that determine our priorities,influence our decisions, drive our ministry and are demonstrated by our behavior."
To read more about understanding and living your core values click here
Parish Vision Toolbox  A healthy parish clearly understands that its reason for existence is to serve the Living God and to share its love of God with others. Based on a realistic context that integrates its past, its assets, strengths, limitations and environment, this vision provides a foundation for how it behaves, how it presents itself to its neighbors and what it truly values.
If you are considering a parish effort to move toward a solid parish future the article Parish Vision Toolbox may provide useful methods to structure the conversation.
Need Help?
If you need help please contact Joseph Kormos. (513-683-1911) We can assist Western Pennsylvania parishes in any way you would like including on site workshops --and at no additional cost to your parish.
Parishes can schedule workshops and discussion forums to be held on weeknights, or weekends. A variety of topics are offered including: parish health and renewal; discovering shared values; parish leadership; revamping parish councils; stewardship, evangelization.
|
A Newsletter for Parish Leaders
we created (with the help of some people who actually knew what they are doing!) a basic template for conducting a basic annual financial audit. We've heard from many parishes in various Orthodox jurisdictions who have found it helpful.See