BOSTON- Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco wrote a letter inviting all the parishes of the San Francisco Metropolis to the annual local clergy and laity assembly, urging them to “Please plan your schedules accordingly.”
He wrote that, “This year the clergy and lay leaders of the Metropolis of San Francisco will have the opportunity to come together at the 2019 Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly to be held March 4-5 at the Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, California.
This annual gathering provides a forum for the leadership of all our communities to deliberate on important matters for our Metropolis and engage in dialogue and fellowship to enrich our common ministry. The Assembly will begin promptly at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 4, and will conclude at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2019.”
He also wrote that, “This year’s Assembly will focus on Missions and Evangelism with the theme, The Great Commission in the Parish. The guest speaker will be Rev. Father Evan Armatas from Saint Spyridon Church in Loveland, CO.”
Metropolitan Gerasimos told TNH that “Fr. Evan is a dynamic clergyman and speaker who will share with us his insights into parish growth, outreach, and ministry development.”
He added that, “the Clergy-Laity Congress is a very serious and essential part of the life of the Metropolis and our communities…we will have the opportunity to participate in various workshops and in many other informative presentations. We are going to review the annual Metropolis finances, and the presentation and approval of the 2019 Metropolis Budget.”
He told TNH “we have an obligation to provide every year a detailed financial report of income and expenses and all activities.” Gerasimos emphasized that, “all the members of our parishes should know how and where the funds that the parishes contribute are spent.”
Metropolitan Gerasimos told TNH that “there is nothing more clear and honest than transparency and accountability, because the trust of our people is thus strengthened.”
Metropolitan Gerasimos informed the parishes that “Online registration is now open and we are requesting full representation from each of our parishes which includes:
The Parish Priest, The President of the Parish Council, and in his or her absence the Vice President, or in his or her absence any member of the Parish Council designated by it; and two members of the Parish elected by the Parish Assembly.”
He urges the parish priest and officials “to please review the agenda and register online.” He says “Your timely response is requested by Friday, February 8, 2019. Please plan your schedules accordingly and come with an open mind and an open heart, ready and willing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be a beacon of God’s love in your parishes.”
It should be emphasized here that all the Metropolises are obligated to hold annual clergy and laity assemblies according to the Uniform Parish Regulations (UPR) and to provide parishes with a detailed financial report.
The post The Annual Clergy Laity Congress of the San Francisco Metropolis appeared first on The National Herald.