Order Ambassadors
The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Order Ambassador Program
Growing the Order through Action!
St. Ignatius tells us, “As the tree is known by its fruits, so they who claim to belong to Christ are known by their actions for this work of ours does not consist in just making professions but in a faith that is both practical and lasting.”
One-to-one communication is the most effective way for the Order to grow. We cannot continue to expand without local advocates, members who will promote the good works of the Order, to encourage new members. That is why we have gone to the membership to help us increase our numbers and “feed the multitudes.” The Order Ambassador program was designed to serve as the “link” between the Governing Council, Membership and the Diocesan leadership. It is our hope that through you we can enhance communication, and identify and educate those who may wish to increase their involvement to the faith.
Together we can build up the church, put our faith into action, and change peoples' lives!
HELP…I’M AN ORDER AMBASSADOR
The Purpose…
An Ambassador of the Order plays a vital role in spreading our good works within each parish. Each parish has a rich potential of faithful who, given the facts, will answer the call towards “spiritual giving.” Identifying these individuals is the key towards the continued success of the Order.
Getting Involved…
Throughout the year there will be opportunities to focus on the projects of the Order and the Order ambassadors with their personal relationship to the members of the parish community, have a unique perspective in identifying those people who are spiritually moved towards giving. It is essential to keep the projects of the Order in the forefront of parish life.
Each Ambassador will be given the information needed to be successful in this ministry. The Archdiocesan Order Administrator will provide the Order brochures. These brochures should be displayed in a prominent location within the parish. Monthly bulletin inserts will be e-mailed to the Ambassador for publication in the parish newsletter or bulletin. Sample homilies and information can be found on this website to assist in the education of future members.
Education is the Key…
Through understanding the many good works of the Order, the faithful of this Archdiocese will embrace the “miracle” of giving without hesitation. The Archdiocese continues to grow and thrive. To those who have been richly blessed, much is required.
There are four simple steps in this education process:
· Four weeks prior to a hierarchical visit, with the assistance of the parish priest, identify potential members.
· Two weeks prior, schedule a visitation by the membership committee of the Order.
· Host or arrange for an informational coffee hour in conjunction with this visit.
· Send an informational letter along with a membership packet to all prospective parishioners. The membership packets are sent to the parish priest prior to any hierarchical visit.
St. Ignatius Sunday
What is St. Ignatius Sunday…?
His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP has designated the third Sunday of December as St. Ignatius Sunday. On this day, a special homily should be given by the Ambassador, and Order member of the parish priest, followed by an “informative” coffee-hour to educate the laity on the value of spiritual giving and the projects of the Order.
Homilies
Homilies for the use of Order Ambassadors in making presentations:
Bulletin Inserts
Download, print, and copy these bulletin inserts for use in your parish.
Adobe Reader is required to view these PDFs. Download Adobe Reader here.
Bulletin insert #5 (December 2006)
Answers To Tough Questions
Responses To Those Seeking Answers About The Order
1. They say: “The Order is 'too showy'." We reply:
a. We are witnesses to our faith and examples to others
b. We wear secular insignia without feeling “showy”
2. They say: "The Order is just about money.” We reply:
a. The Order is first a spiritual movement manifested through financial giving
b. Jesus sanctioned financial giving when he honored the poor widow who gave her last two coins. She gave from her need. The Order only asks that we give from our surplus
c. When we give to The Order we participate in the “Miracle of Giving”: it is only through God that our combined gifts add up to a greater sum than each person individually.
3. They say: “I give to many worthy organizations and want to spread my giving.” We reply:
a. Do the secular charities open and close with prayer?
b. Do they ask God for guidance?
c. Will other charities remember and help the Orthodox if we don’t? Thus, if we don’t put our faith as our top priority, who will?
4. They say: “I want to give anonymously.” We reply:
a. Giving anonymously is acceptable.
b. Standing before God and pledging our commitment to Him is an honor.
5. They say: “I can’t afford it; it is only for the rich.” We reply:
a. We can’t afford not to
b. $1.35 / day = 1 cup of coffee
c. Members currently are from all walks of life.
6. They say, “I’m too young or too old.” We reply:
a. Everyone of age can join
b. Young people are clamoring to be members when they understand they can join. They want to give back for the next generation what they were able to enjoy and take advantage.
c. A “young” woman of 80 years joined two years ago and recruited 7 new members this spring at her PLC.
7. They say, “ I support my church. I don’t have any connection with the Archdiocese.” We reply:
a. Every Parish and every Antiochian Orthodox is impacted. 33% of the Archdiocese budget is from The Order for our Christian books, music, evangelism, and ministry.
b. The Order contributes 100% of the funds annually to the Priest’s retirement / housing allowance. Every priest in our Archdiocese benefits.
c. Young people enjoy a camping experience and annual College Conference both of which are sponsored by The Order.
America needs Orthodoxy now more than ever before, especially since September 11, 2001. Americans seek security for themselves and their families. The Orthodox Faith is the candle that Christ lit 2,000 years ago. It is a beacon of stability, steadfastness, and strength. The winds of adversity blow strong but we must not let this light extinguish. I ask that you pray and make the commitment to serve our Church, our country, and our Faith.
A challenge to the current members of The Order: Take a chance if you haven’t already and approach someone about The Order. Feel something good happen inside you. Christ approached 12 ordinary people and asked them to “follow me”. They trusted him and did extraordinary things. He called on them individually by name and not in large groups. We therefore must reach out to every individual as Christ did. We too can do extraordinary things if we trust in the Lord.
Giving to someone we know is our responsibility.
Giving to someone we don’t know is our choice.
Make The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch your choice.
The only way to God is through helping other people and denying “I”.
Upgrade Form
Download the Upgrade Form for you to use to upgrade your membership in The Order.
Solicitation Letter
Date
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Dear:
Christ asks us to deny ourselves, take up the Cross and follow Him. The cross reminds me that we are asked to choose either the way of Christ through our faith and works, or the way of the world. Money by itself is considered the source of evil; however, money invested takes on new life through its works. The Order celebrates over 30 years of “touching people’s lives.” Since its inception, The Order has distributed over $16 million and now distributes $1.4 million annually. We have been blessed with good health and good fortune the Order offers an opportunity to thank God for His these bountiful blessings. Imagine the endless possibilities that can be accomplished when we as ordinary people combine our resources and change our gifts into something that is both meaningful and extraordinary to our ministry here on earth.
Bishop (Name) will be making his first Arch-pastoral visit to St. (Name) the weekend of (Date). I present this letter and accompanying materials with hope that one or both of you will consider membership in The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch. There are many challenges facing our new self-ruled Archdiocese and we need the commitment and support of everyone in order to insure a strong faith for our future. If you are currently a member, won’t you please consider increasing your current gift level?
Levels of giving include:
$ 500.00 Knight/Dame (Annually for Life)
$ 1,000.00 Knight/Dame Commander (Annually for Life)
$15,000.00 Life Member Endowment payable in 3 installments
Life Membership has its “rewards”. Life Membership is $15,000 in either one payment or $5,000 over three years. The most important aspect of this level of giving is that the corpus will remain in tact forever; only the interest will be distributed on an annual basis. Your gift will continue forever. There are additional tax benefits by contributing marketable securities.
The primary goal of The Order is to provide a financial foundation for our future. We are men and women from all walks of life: secretaries, factory workers, business entrepreneurs, executives, young adults, and grandparents. Members of The Order commit to a lifetime of annual giving. Members are people like you and me who believe that when we combine our gifts miracles happen because we can do more collectively than any one individual alone.
Please pray and make the decision to join the 3,500 other Antiochian faithful with your commitment to become a member of The Order. Your gift is important. God takes your gift in combination with the other members and creates miracles. God and only God can add 1+1 and make it 3.
There are many good reasons for you to join. The following are just a few:
- If we don’t, who will? If Antiochian Orthodox do not put first their faith, who will? Will the various secular charities we all support share with our Orthodox community as we share with them? I suggest not. If we do not accept the call to action can we be certain our Orthodox youth will maintain the course or will they fall prey to the many outside influences drawing our children away from the Church?
- America needs Orthodoxy now more than ever before. The Orthodox Faith is the candle that Christ lit 2,000 years ago. It is a beacon of stability, steadfastness, and strength. The winds of adversity blow strong but we must not let this light extinguish.
- 70% of annual distributions are returned to the parishes via contributions to the various departments serving our Archdiocese such as Youth and Campus Ministry, Christian Education, Missions and Evangelism, and our Antiochian Village Camp.
- $250,000 annually to support our retired clergy and their wives
- Annual distributions to major projects outside our Archdiocese such as Hurricane Katrina Relief, Project Mexico, Prison Ministry, IOCC, and Teen Special Olympics.
- Support of the annual College Conference where our young adults gather for a week of prayer, learning, fellowship, and witness to Christ as Orthodox Christians.
The Order of St. Ignatius is first and foremost a SPIRITUAL movement of action by doing good works in the name of the Lord as we embrace a lifetime commitment to God. The Lord Himself challenges us to give not from our surplus but from our need. Jesus honored the poor widow who gave her last two pennies because she gave from her poverty. She gave what she could not afford. We in America can afford much and have much to be thankful for. All we ask is for you to give from your surplus.
What’s in it for you? An opportunity to give the “GIFT OF LIFE.” We change as human beings because of our commitment to Christ. It is without question a change for the better.
Yours in Christ,