Registration is now open for the Fifth Small Parish Forum sponsored by the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania, the Diocese of the Midwest and the Bulgarian Diocese of the OCA. Host parish will be Saint George Orthodox Cathedral in Rossford OH near Toledo. The Forum will be held, Thursday, July 12 at3:00 PM through Saturday, July 14 2018 at noon.
On-line registration is now available. Clicking here allows registration for the conference and separately (left column) for the hotel. The $100.00 per person Forum registration fee includes meals, breaks, a hospitality reception and materials. The Forum is open to both clergy and laity. Participation will be limited to 60 individuals.
Attendees from sponsoring Dioceses, including the Archdiocese of Western PA, are eligible fortuition rebates and travel stipends. Contact Joe Kormos, Forum Co-chairperson for details.
Theme
The theme for the 2018 Forum is "Equipping Small Parish Leaders for Discipleship and Change". Keynote speaker will be Archpriest Thomas Soroka, rector of St. Nicholas Church McKees Rocks PA. His topic- "Discipleship: A Perspective for Orthodox Christian Leaders" will set the tone for the conference.
Content for the 2018 Forum is not a repeat of past Forums. The emphasis will be on the importance of collaboration between clergy and lay leaders in any parish. This is especially critical in small parishes, where resources are modest and everyone needs to be "pulling in the same direction."
Specific themes to be explored include building skills to:
Reshape Parish Councils
Move beyond “firefighting” and “money” to fulfilling the overall parish mission.
Generate Dialogue
"Find the center” in parish discussions; minimize polarization and bruised egos
Envision a Bright Future
Express purpose and direction; Act on priorities.
Communicate Identity
Put the parish's best foot forward to the community; share distinctive strengths through words and photos.
Inspire Stewardship
Replace begging and continual pleas with generosity and gratitude.
Stimulate Ministry
Build a thirst for outreach. Overcome insularity. BE the Church of Christ.”