"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit" John 15:15
New York - The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Departments of Outreach & Evangelism, Stewardship Ministries and Youth and Young Adult Ministries have coordinated their programs for the 2005-2006 Ecclesiastical Year around the common theme of "Bearing Fruit: Witness & Service." This coordination is part of an ongoing effort to better support the ministries carried out at the parish level.
The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries has published the 2005-2006 Ecclesiastical Planner with daily scripture readings, prayers, and inspiration from the Fathers and noted theologians on the theme of "Bearing Fruit: Witness & Service". The Challenge, a one-page resource in every edition of the Orthodox Observer will contain articles and materials on the theme. The weekly youth worker email liststerv, which contains pertinent information for those working with our youth, will also focus on the theme. Visit www.youth.goarch.org.
The Department of Stewardship Ministries will base the materials for the 2006 stewardship year on the theme of Bearing Fruit. The parishes will be provided with posters, the Stewardship Ministry Guidebook, sermons and reflections, a CD-Rom filled with resources, bulletin inserts and general stewardship materials. The Department's trifold pocket calendar will also reflect the theme. Visit www.stewardship.goarch.org.
The Department of Outreach & Evangelism will focus the monthly packet of materials for outreach and evangelism on the theme of Bearing Fruit. This packet is mailed to all clergy assigned to parishes throughout the Archdiocese and contains posters, sermons, youth sermons/lessons, ministry profiles, special parish outreach projects, stewardship materials and more. Archived materials are posted to the Department's web site. Visit www.outreach.goarch.org
Archbishop Demetrios recently stated that our focus "should be on the main issues of ministering to the family and youth, and on Orthodox witness in the United States." This coordination of efforts under the common theme of "Bearing Fruit: Witness & Service" will provide a unified message to the parishes as well as the tools for carrying out vital ministries. As Saint Gregory the Great has written, "Let us work for the fruit that endures."
Contact:
- Department of Youth & Young Adult Ministries
- Department of Outreach & Evangelism
- Department of Stewardship Ministries