First, yes.
I know.
It’s been a long time since I’ve written anything for this site…
But I can explain!
You see, we’ve spent the past few months developing two new FOCUS Centers: a pregnancy and family resource center in Houston, and a feeding ministry in Cincinnati.
So, while I have a few ideas for upcoming posts, I haven’t managed to organize my thoughts into publishable form.
In the meantime, I’d like to share news about two upcoming conferences for young adults which will likely be of interest to readers of this Substack.
(Even if you’re not a young adult yourself, I’m sure you can pass on the news to a friend or family member.)
They are:
While I’ve critiqued the weird way Orthodox Christians often approach young adult ministry, these conferences share a beautiful, Christ-centered ethos that helps lead participants into a profound encounter with Christ and each other.
I’ve spoken at both and have experienced them firsthand.
And I recommend them without reservation.
And I hope you can attend—or at least spread the word.
Motor City Orthodox Conference
I was blessed to speak at the first ever Motor City Orthodox Conference last November. In fact, it was my first speaking engagement after spending a month at a monastery last October (something I wrote about here).
I had a marvelous time.
The conference was a beautiful mix of challenging conversations, uplifting worship, relaxing social time, and impactful service. It felt full, in the deepest sense of the word.
This year Mother Gabriella, the abbess of Dormition Monastery in Rives Junctions, MI will offer the keynote. And, since this year’s keynote speaker is way better than last year’s (cough, cough), you’re in for an even better conference than the one we enjoyed last year.
So you should make your way to Detroit for the Motor City Orthodox Conference on November 3-5.
And if you can’t, at least share with a young adult (ages 21-40) in your life!
College Conference
I’ve been to College Conference several times. And, when I do, it’s always the highlight of my year.
I love everything about OCF—and I’m not just saying that because I serve on the Board. OCF really gets ministry right and has shaped generations of faithful college students who have grown into faithful young adults.
This year’s College Conference theme is “Walk in the Light.” I’ll be offering a workshop at CC MidWest along with a great lineup of speakers.
But what really sets College Conference apart is the community: the beautiful way that college students come together to pray, learn, and grow closer to each other in the Light of the Risen Lord.
Whether you join us at CC Midwest (at Saint Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville, WI) or CC East (at Antiochian Village in Bolivia, PA), you should join us December 27-30.
And if you can’t, at least share with a college student in your life!
***
Thanks for reading and sharing the news!
I hope to be back with a more substance piece in the next few weeks. I’ve been drafting something on Palm Sunday, Holy Saturday, and the real Jesus revolution.
(Just a few months behind schedule.)