New URL: www.ArmenianChurch.net

At the end of May, the Diocesan website will be moving to www.armenianchurch.net.  Our new web address will have all the resources you've come to rely on -- daily scripture readings, prayers, and educational tips. 

As always, you can access the archive of Armenian Church Educator e-newsletters.

Please let your students and their parents know that our website is moving to www.armenianchurch.net.  Once we make the change, our old website address will be the home of the new website for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Survey for the Armenian Church Educator

This school year the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) launched the Armenian Church Educator e-newsletter with the goal of providing timely, effective, efficient resources and ideas to local parish teachers, youth workers, and others who teach our Armenian Christian heritage to our youth.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts with us about the Armenian Church Educator e-newsletter to help us make future issues even more helpful to you. TAKE THE SURVEY.

Your answers to the short survey will remain anonymous. Once you've submitted your comments, you can enter to win a $30 gift certificate to the St. Vartan Bookstore website, www.stvartanbookstore.com.

Thank you for your input.

12 Ways Parishes Can Stay Connected to Students on Campus

There are many activities which create a bond between the Armenian Church and its youngest members. This bond begins in baptism and may continue through Sunday School, Armenian School, ACYOA, St. Vartan or Hye Camp, and many other activities.  But when college students leave home, parishes often lose the close connection which once existed between the student and the church.

All of the comfortable and familiar support is gone. This is further compounded by the loss of a supportive family atmosphere and the realization that one now needs to begin making certain decisions for the very first time.

While each church may choose to meet this challenge in its own way, there have been a number of successful models which can help your church meet the needs of your students. We offer these suggestions as a guide, and offer our assistance in helping you maintain a strong connection with students in your community.

We are willing to help

Send us your list of college students to put on our mailing list. Give us the names of active students from your parish so we can attempt to involve them in programs on campuses. And feel free to contact us if we can help!

Contact college ministry

1. RITE OF PASSAGE

When one leaves home for college, it is a significant occasion. Churches should seek an opportunity, before young people go away to school, to invite them (and perhaps their family) to participate in a meaningful way in the Badarak with a special prayer or recognition.  A gift (khackkar, calendar, prayer book, etc.) may also be appropriate.

2. COLLEGE 301 (www.college301.org)

College 301, the Armenian Church College Ministry website, can be accessed 24 hours a day, by students from the University of Maine to Texas A&M (and beyond).  It includes news and events, a discussion forum, job/internship opportunities, faith in college, Armenian history and heritage, and more resources for students.  Connect students to this critical resource by putting the website address in your bulletin, advertising it in an email or putting a link on your parish website.

3. HOMECOMING

During Thanksgiving vacation or winter break, many college students return home. This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect students to the church along with their new friends.  Special services, lunches, social evenings and Sunday brunches are among possible activities.

4. CHURCH BULLETINS

You can provide an easy link with your college students by simply sending them your monthly bulletin. Including a section on "campus news" would also be a nice touch.

5. "WE'RE THINKING OF YOU" MAILINGS

A couple of our churches have received positive responses from students who receive regular mailings from the church. You could send out special holiday packages on Christmas or other holidays. Packages might contain holiday foods, the Diocesan calendar, booklets, recipes, and information on the holidays.  Exam time often provides us with a perfect opportunity to send a small gift with which to say "we're thinking of you!"

6. VISITATIONS

Many priests, parish council members and youth directors have joined the college ministry facilitator to visit their college students on campus. We can help gather students for an introductory visit at the campus, which has often led to other events (be sure to provide the food!). The expense is minimal and the response, enthusiasm and impact can be great!

7. SUBSIDIES FOR ARMENIAN PROGRAMS

Encourage your college students to participate in programs which strengthen their Armenian heritage by providing subsidies to attend St. Nersess conferences, travel to Armenia, or other important, life-changing programs.

8. PHONE CALLS

By dividing the college student list amongst various parishioners, it is possible to touch each college student during the course of the year (at least once) by telephone. This is a simple and effective way to say "I care" and "I want to hear what you have to say."

9. SUMMER PROGRAMMING

Summer is an ideal time for college students to re-identify with the church community. Churches can use this time to create social links and communal bonds. Informal cultural and social programs can bring college students closer to the Armenian community. Perhaps your church has summer jobs available for students.

10. HOSTING STUDENTS FROM OTHER COMMUNITIES

There may be a number of students from other parishes who are attending colleges and universities in your area. It is important to reach out to these students, to offer hospitality and to give them a sense of having a "home away from home." The College Ministry program can help you identify such students. 

11. JOBS

College students in your community can enhance your church program. When looking for Sunday school teachers, youth advisors and Bible readers consider a college student. While they can add to your church’s activities, you can enrich their own Church involvement, as well.

12. MENTORS

High School juniors and seniors can be put in touch with local Armenian college students to discuss Armenian life on campus and/or answer questions about specific colleges. Parishioners can also serve as mentors to graduating college students interested in specific career paths. Students could be invited to spend part of a day with individuals in specific businesses or professionals.