Rami Abdelshaheed
BIOGRAPHY
I have been serving with SMSV for over ten years in various capacities. The majority of my service has really focused on the high school age group and ensuring that we reflect a faith to them that is relevant, attainable, and practical. We have also done our best to act as a support system to high school students as they walk through a society that is constantly evolving and changing; we have tried to show them that their faith is the constant in a world of change. More recently, my wife and I have served young couples who are dating in the service known as ‘#RelationshipGoals’ and have now launched a new service for Youth Group Servants specifically called ‘The Fountain’. The goal behind this service is spiritual enrichment and to fill the cup of the servants. The discussions are around topics that offer spiritual enrichment in general, but with an application that is directly related to service. Service is a large part of my life as well as the life of my family and serving through the board is an extension of an ideology that is well established in our household.
As a father of 3 children aged 5 and under, I am also very invested in the growth of our church as it relates to serving the younger generations. I can appreciate that our kids are the future of the church and that the future of the church depends on our kids, and my goal is to ensure that every initiative taken by the board keeps that in mind, alongside the mission and vision of SMSV.
VISION
As a husband, father, and servant, I believe in the mission and vision of SMSV. I believe in the Coptic Orthodox Church, the faithful community of believers, and the necessity to ensure that our faith is delivered to all in a relevant and attainable way and that this should not be limited by age or background. My service at SMSV thus far has always been, and will continue to be, for the glory of God and to ensure that we are appropriate vessels and messengers, making sure that our primary goal is to ensure that we reflect Christ into the lives of everyone we serve, meet, or speak too.
IDEAS / SUGGESTIONS
I would like to ensure that our board stays focused on the service the overarching goal of making sure that we bring Christ to the lives of as many as possible. I would want to discuss ideas around making SMSV a notable community institution that serves our congregation and the community around us. I think we should be investing in hosting community events to bring awareness and to establish SMSV as a welcome contributor to the city around us. That may take the form of services or charitable events or opening up many of our current events to the public. We can also speak with City administration to identify social gaps and devise services to bridge those gaps. I would also like to see us solidify roles in our services for anyone who may be looking.