January 2009

The Lord commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’   Acts 13:47


Dear brothers in Christ,

The Sunday preceding Great and Holy Lent, March 1, 2009 has been designated as Mission Sunday by the hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA).  This Sunday provides a wonderful opportunity to engage your parish in the life-giving ministries of international Orthodox missions supported through the Orthodox Christian Mission Center.  I pray that you will use this opportunity to guide the faithful of your parish as they consider their personal response to Christ’s Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) remains a resource as you grow the missions program at your parish.  Available again this year for Mission Sunday are Mission Coin Boxes and Sunday School Lesson Plans.  These activities raise awareness and support for OCMC ministries. Please utilize the enclosed form, or contact us directly at coinbox@ocmc.org, to order your Mission Sunday Coin Boxes and Lesson Plans.  Ordering them by Wednesday, February 4th will ensure delivery before March 1st!

Likewise, in the weeks just prior to Mission Sunday you will receive an encyclical from the hierarchs of SCOBA to be shared with your community regarding Orthodox missions and the ministries of OCMC.

As Great and Holy Lent approaches let us re-commit to pray for those who have yet to hear the Gospel.  Let us, as God’s children, shine brightly with the light of Christ before others.  I look forward to hearing from you when you order coin boxes and lesson plans, and to working with the faithful of your parish for many years to come!

In Christ’s service,



Kenneth D. Kidd
Annual Gifts Officer