What are three important components of mission? According to the website of the OCA (Orthodox Church in America), they are: Witness, Baptize, Worship. And, of course that makes sense. People are drawn to Christ when they both hear and see a living faith — Witness. As they come in, they need to have their questions answered. This is a time of inquiry leading to a time of catechism. And then it is time for them to make their commitment, to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit — Baptize. Having come in, even on the very day they become part of the Church, they receive the Body and Blood of Christ. In the first couple of centuries of the Church, they would only have been allowed to attend the first part of the worship, variously called the Liturgy of the Word or the Liturgy of the Catechumens. They would only have heard about the rest of the worship, about the throne of God, about the bread and wine becoming Body and Blood — Worship.
This is the time of the OCA’s annual mission appeal. This is the time when you can consider becoming part of the Church’s missionary activity. Frankly, only a few can go on mission to start new things, but all can participate in the support of mission. In passing, all of us can participate in inviting people to our local church. That is part of what evangelism is, but it is a part that all can do. So, consider donating to the mission work of the Church. If you are Antiochian, give there. If you are Greek, give there. If you are OCA, you can even give through Paypal. But, the important thing is to do something rather than nothing.
Here is a small quote from the church-planting department of the OCA:
According to Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary, the number of missions receiving grants for 2012 will be determined by the amount of funding received through the current OCA Mission Appeal, launched on September 22, 2011.
“Grants of up to $25,000.00 are awarded to first year recipients,” said Father Eric. “The grant may only be used to help provide a salary for a full-time resident priest and must be matched by the qualifying mission, deanery, or diocese. Grants may be renewed for a maximum of three years.”
Nearly 30 missions have received Church Planting Grants since the program was initiated over 15 years ago.
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