The Forum will offer lecture, case studies, discussion, structured workshops and small group conversations -- all structured around helping small parishes to be authentic icons of Christian community.
Order and Timing of sessions is approximate and may change.
Thursday July14, 2016 3:00 PM
- Welcome
Joseph Kormos. Parish Development Ministry Archdiocese of Pittsburgh and Western PA
- Keynote address – Expanding the Mission: The Critical Role of the Small Parish
Fr Eric Tosi, Secretary Orthodox church in America
- Opening workshop
Daily Vespers
Dinner
- Inside Out Outside In- Seven Keys to Understanding Your Parish Neighborhood.
Fr Daniel Mathewson, Rector of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Edinboro PA
- Neighborhood Ministry at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Detroit;
Fr Paul Albert (remote)
Adjourn
++++++++++++++++
Friday July 15, 2016 8:45 AM
- Workshop –What is a Small parish; Living the Gospel despite Limited Resources
- With One Heart and One Mouth: Building Beautiful Church Music in a Small Parish;
Benedict Sheehan, Music Director at Saint Tikhon’s Seminary
Help your small parish value and support beautiful Orthodox worship, and understand that any parish can offer its first fruits, regardless of size.
- The Eight Person Sunday School & Four Person Youth Group: Making Things Work When You're Small;
Fr Justin Patterson, Rector of Saint Athanasius Church, Nicholasville, KY
Lunch
- The “Tentmaker”
Panel Discussion led by Fr. Peter Baktis,Rector of the Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Mission, Princeton, NJ
Over one third of pastors nationally are bi-vocational. What does/should a parish with a Bi-Vocational Pastor look like? Setting expectations. Pros and cons. Bi-Vocational opportunities challenges and change
- What’s New in Willimantic – The Miracle of 100 Years - Parishes that refuse to Die
Fr. Marc Vranes Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Willimantic, CT
- Open Discussion various topics: multigenerational ministry; size transitions and plateaus; sojourning in the world; questions from registrants etc.
- Singing in Small Ensembles: Tips from the Field –
Benedict Sheehan
“Voices On” session to equip attendees with practical musical strategies that work well in small parish choirs.
Daily Vespers
Dinner
Reception @ Hotel
+++++++++++++++
Saturday July 16, 2016 9:00 AM
- The Evangelizing Small Parish
Fr. Eric Tosi
- OK! "Have We Become Lukewarm?"
Fr Jonathan Bannon, (remote/live) Rector of Christ the Saviour Church [ACROD], Rockford, IL
New growth has renewed the vision of older members & brought life back to a parish that some thought was slowly eroding due to lack of stability in fulltime priests, membership and other factors.
- Closing workshop
12:15 PM Adjourn