AN UPDATE FROM THE ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE |
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MEET THE EPISCOPAL OVERSEER |
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More years ago than I care to count, when I was a young man in my 20s, Fr. John Namie, the first Antiochian Village Camp Director, asked me to come to the Village to serve as a camp counselor. I served as a counselor during the first few summers of AV Camp, 1979-1982. In the years since then I have worked with youth throughout my ministry in the Church, before I was ordained, while I was a Deacon in Texas, and while I was a Priest in Florida. I served as overseer and advisor to various youth organizations and Christian education efforts. Now, as Bishop, I am the episcopal overseer of the Village, assisting Metropolitan JOSEPH.
My love of Antiochian Village, begun in 1979, has grown as the camp has grown. It is a great pleasure for me to see hundreds of young people happily attend church twice every day in this unique context of joy and fellowship. The 24/7 immersion in the teachings of the Church, learning love of God and love of neighbor through words, in the Christian ed sessions, and through actions, in the example of camp staff and others, has borne much fruit over the past 40 years. Many campers have followed vocations in the church as clergy, liturgical assistants, chanters and choir members, and church school teachers, not to mention the many Orthodox Christian families that have grown from relationships begun at camp! It is such a joy for me to see in the churches the enthusiasm that campers have brought home to their families and their parish.
May God continue to bless the Antiochian Village Camp, its staff, and its campers, and may He grant them all many years of service in His Church!
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Bishop THOMAS serves as our Episcopal Overseer at the Village. He served on the first staff in 1979, and he has been involved ever since. He spends much of the summer with us and he attends most of our programs throughout the year, spending lots of time with campers and families, laughing, playing basketball, and teaching. He is very supportive and loves the youth more than anything. God grant Sayidna many years! |
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Dear Village Family,
As I sit down to write this letter to you, I am so humbled by the outpouring of love, prayers and support by the Antiochian Village community, especially over the past several weeks during our Annual Appeal. I cannot put into words my immense gratitude to each and every one of you. As you know, a very generous donor offered to match all donations up to $100,000, which was an exciting challenge for us. You, our Village family, responded to this challenge with enthusiasm, extreme generosity, and excitement for this ministry.
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It is our prayer that we will be able to hold summer camp at the Village this summer! While we await more updates and continue to consult our medical professionals, we will be waiting to release registration dates and information. Once a plan is finalized, we will be sure to let you all know in advance so that you can have time to prepare and register. As a reminder, if you chose to roll your camper's registration from 2020 to 2021, then your camper is still registered, which should be reflected in your online account. If you have any questions, please e-mail office@avcamp.org.
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SUMMER STAFF AND CIT APPLICATIONS |
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Summer staff and CIT (Counselor In Training) applications are now live on our website! The deadline for summer staff applications is February 1st, and the deadline for CIT applications is March 1st. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the camp office at (724) 238-9565.
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ALUMNI VIRTUAL HANGOUT
Join us on Sunday, January 17 at 6 PM EST via Zoom for our monthly Alumni Virtual Hangout! Next month’s hangout will be led by Fr. Don & Kh. Janet Shadid! They both served on staff in the early 80's (where they met), and have been involved with AV ever since. And yes, they are Fr. Chris's parents!
Fr. Don is the priest of St. Mary Orthodox Church in Johnstown, PA, and Kh. Janet is a Licensed Social Worker, working with people of all ages and backgrounds, individuals, couples, and families.
Fr. Don served many years as a session priest and comes several times during the summer to help with confessions. Kh. Janet has served on staff the past 20+ years as the Staff counselor, helping campers, staff, and volunteers when they need to talk, as well as helping Aunt Sadie run the kitchen. She is famous for her amazing cookies, delicious Arabic food, and banana bread!
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WINTER FAMILY CAMP
On Saturday, January 16th at 2 PM EST, we will be holding virtual Winter Family Camp via Zoom! This year, our Winter Family Camp speakers will be Fr. Don, Kh. Janet, and Dr. Steve Shadid. They will be talking about how to be an Orthodox family in today's world.
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Winter Family Camp is open to our entire Village family! More details will be coming soon! |
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WINTER CAMP
Virtual Winter Camp will take place on Saturday, February 13th at 2 PM EST via Zoom! Fr. Nick Belcher, Episcopal Assistant at the Antiochian Orthodox Archdioscese and pastor at St. George Parish in Little Falls, NJ, will be our keynote speaker. One of the qualities that Fr. Nick is best known for is his ability to lead engaging discussions that leave us thinking and wanting more, and we are sure that this year's Winter Camp will be no different!
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Winter Camp is open to our entire Village family! More details will be coming soon! |
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Check the last few gifts off of your Christmas list at the bookstore! We have so many amazing gifts to choose from that your family is sure to love! All items will be shipped within two business days so that you can receive your orders as quickly as possible!
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Support the Village while shopping on Amazon! Choose "The Antiochian Village" on Amazon Smile. This will donate a portion of each purchase to camp! We appreciate your continued support! |
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In lieu of Humans of AV this month, we would like to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the humans that make up our AV family. This year has had its challenges, and we are so thankful for all of you carrying us through with your prayers and support. Throughout each hurdle that this year has presented, we have been blown away by the love and generosity that you have all shown. Please keep us in your prayers, and be assured that you are in ours each and every day! |
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