Orthodox Homecoming Sunday
Homecoming is a familiar term for many events that bring old friends and family together who share a common bond. Protestants have successfully applied this to a Sunday that is closely associated with the founding of their local churches. Homecoming is similar to a family reunion: it is a 'church family' reunion. Orthodox Serbs have long practiced a yearly celebration of the patron saint called a (slava).
While a Discovery Sunday is aimed at friends and the community, a homecoming is designed to reconnect with present and past member families of the parish. The special event serves as an opportunity to remind them of their spiritual heritage, renew friendships and to reintegrate them into the life of the parish if they are still living in the community. Homecoming should not just be viewed as a recreational event, although there is nothing wrong with fellowship, but rather in-house evangelism particularly for former 'youth' that have lost their spiritual roots.
Two important elements should be emphsized. First of all, the relevance and spiritual importance of the Orthodox Faith should be reinforced in the homily. Those who have fallen away from the Church have also fallen away from God and His Body that is our source of spiritual life. Secondly, clearly show what the parish is doing and how it can help individuals and families be successful in the world. If the parish views itself and as a 'closed club' rather than the evangelistic body of Christ, then a homecoming looses its purpose.
Homecoming is a familiar term for many events that bring old friends and family together who share a common bond. Protestants have successfully applied this to a Sunday that is closely associated with the founding of their local churches. Homecoming is similar to a family reunion: it is a 'church family' reunion. Orthodox Serbs have long practiced a yearly celebration of the patron saint called a (slava).
While a Discovery Sunday is aimed at friends and the community, a homecoming is designed to reconnect with present and past member families of the parish. The special event serves as an opportunity to remind them of their spiritual heritage, renew friendships and to reintegrate them into the life of the parish if they are still living in the community. Homecoming should not just be viewed as a recreational event, although there is nothing wrong with fellowship, but rather in-house evangelism particularly for former 'youth' that have lost their spiritual roots.
Two important elements should be emphsized. First of all, the relevance and spiritual importance of the Orthodox Faith should be reinforced in the homily. Those who have fallen away from the Church have also fallen away from God and His Body that is our source of spiritual life. Secondly, clearly show what the parish is doing and how it can help individuals and families be successful in the world. If the parish views itself and as a 'closed club' rather than the evangelistic body of Christ, then a homecoming looses its purpose.
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Outline and Checklist |
