What is the Connect Conference?
The Connect Conference is for Orthodox young adults in their 20s and 30s. Through learning, fellowship, and worship, the goal of the conference is to better connect us to our faith, the Church, and each other. The format of the conference includes keynote addresses to the group, breakout sessions in smaller groups with time for Q&A, worship times including the Divine Liturgy, and plenty of opportunities for fellowship.
Who's It For?
The Connect Conference is for young adults, from ages 21 to 39. This age range is often under-served in terms of ministries and events in our churches. While the youth, college students, and senior adults in our churches are ministered to, we Orthodox young adults sometimes go without needed support at a critical time in our lives when careers are being forged, new families are being formed, and the danger of stagnant or declining faith continues to persist. Whether you're in grad school, working, married, or single: if you're a young adult seeking to increase your faith and devotion to Christ, this conference is for you.
What is the Theme This Year?
Connect 2022 will delve into the theme of "Renewal: “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21.5). We made this our theme because we are constantly reminded of the renewing grace of God; he is the source of our renewal. As we reflect on the past two years filled with uncertainty, sickness, death, and more recently, war in the Ukraine, we can think of few blessings that can compare with His renewal. Stay tuned for more details on speakers, venue and agenda... coming soon! Sign up for our mailing list for more information.
How can You Help?
In addition to your help with general publicity of the conference, we’d like your assistance in inviting Orthodox Christians in the local parish communities of AIOPA to submit proposals for providing the following services, for which we’ll have need:
Videographer (filming speaker sessions, possible occasional filming activities through weekend)
A/V (dance set up - speakers, possible up lights)
Catering (meal for 120-130)
Bartending / Bar Service (could be included in catering)
Security (1-2 guards to provide service from dusk to close of conference activities on Friday, 9/30, and Saturday, 10/1)
Proposals can be sent to Maria Linebaugh at maria.linebaugh@connectorthodox.org. While we may be looking at other, non-Orthodox vendors to provide these needs, I’d much rather pay one of our Orthodox brothers or sisters for these services than an outsider. As the Greek proverb goes, “One hand washes the other, and both wash the face.” Even if we find better fits for our needs outside of the Church, we at least want to include our Orthodox community in this RFP process.
Finally, we would like to include local parishioners—especially young adults—who are willing to help with conference operations. There are many opportunities for volunteering, from swag bag assembly and registration check-in to picking up and dropping off speakers at the airport.