On July 26th to July 29th 2017, the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement (MGOCSM) held it’s 17th leadership camp. This year, the MGOCSM of the Northeast American Diocese hosted the annual camp which was held at Georgian Court University in New Jersey. Chosen delegates (16 years old and above) from each of the parishes in North America attending the New Jersey Leadership Camp to be molded into leaders for service in the Church.
The focus for this year’s leadership camp was “Anchored in Christ” taken from Hebrews 6:19, “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain.” The keynote speakers were: Rev. Fr. Sujit Thomas, Rev. Fr. Jake Kurian, and Rev. Fr. Abey George. Each speaker focused on being anchored in Christ in different spheres of life (vocational, liturgical, and relational).
Additionally, this camp implemented a new track system, where each priest delved into specifically training and imparting skills in the following areas: Public Speaking, Mentoring, Logistics, and Spiritual Resources. The hope is that these young leaders will go back to their respective areas to support local parish or area Bible Studies that help to nourish the peers.
In addition to this invaluable classes and training, the delegates partook in workshops, recreational activities, and were exposed to the full cycle of daily liturgical prayers. The theme “Anchored in Christ” served as a reminder to future leaders as well as the attendees that Christ should and needs to be the foundation of our lives. This camp along with the past and future leadership camp serves as a platform to enable our youth to be molded as true Christian leaders within our church and communities.
His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese reminded the youth they are not merely the the future of the Church, but also the present. Leaders of the MGOCSM of North America took this call seriously as they participated in various discussions on how to strengthen this dynamic youth ministry of our Church. Our Metropolitan, along with the MGOCSM leaders of our Diocese, such as MGOCSM Vice President, Reverend Father Thomas (Anoop) Thomas, MGOCSM General Secretary, Reverend Alexander (Pradeep) Hatcher, and MGOCSM Council members helped steer invigorating conversations in area meetings, and the MGOCSM Diocesan assembly.
The New Jersey Leadership Camp (NJLC) committee was comprised 12 committee members from respective New Jersey and Staten Island parishes: Shelvin Varghese, Sharon Thomas, Sini Varghese, Eric Ninan, Tim Mathew, Bipin Mathew, Roshan Jacob, Rinsu George, Jenny George, Stephanie John, Jasmine Philip, Austin Philip, and Rev. Dn. Kuriakose Abraham under the guidance of their Spiritual Advisor, Rev. Fr. Vijay Thomas.