NRA DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS KICKED OFF
The evening of Tuesday, April 20, as part of the NRA 2021 Department series presented by the Prelacy, we had the opportunity to hear from the Youth Ministry Director, Mrs. Annie Ovanessian, on the activities related to the Prelacy-branded Salt and Light program. Indeed, this was a timely discussion filled with wonderful examples of how our parishes are engaging our youth ages 12-18 and working to transform them into young adult parishioners. The facilitators use Prelacy-provided videos, Teen Talk Sheets, and guided discussions to connect the young people to their faith. The “Commit” section of each lesson, where young people are able to choose tangible actions to exercise the truths studied, is especially powerful.
As part of the presentation, we saw testimonials from three enthusiastic participants: Nayiri Ourlian (Dearborn, MI), Ani Ourfalian (Watertown, MA), and Stepahn Khatchadourian (Dearborn, MI). They each expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation for the program. Stepahn cited specific examples of how he is putting what he has learned into action. He talked about forgiveness and learning how to pray.
One of the facilitators, Nyrie Bedrossian (Douglaston, NY) commented that, “as someone involved in S&L at our church I have seen the positive effects the program has had on our youth and our facilitators, it gets them more comfortable in our church, demystifies the Sanctuary for the kids. The goal for NRA delegates is to build thriving, vibrant parishes and what better way to do that than to engage our youth as active members.”
Delegates had the opportunity to ask questions and provide their own insights.
Tonight, on April 22, Dn. Shant Kazanjian will be discussing the work of AREC (Armenian Religious Education Council), including Sunday school, Datev Institute and Adult Bible Study programs.
Next week delegates and BOT chairs will be invited to hear about the works of the ANEC (Armenian National Education Committee) and the Prelacy’s communications programs. These sessions are being held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30pm.