Parish Ministries

In-Reach

This ministry is available for our youngest members. Infants to three years of age may be brought to the nursery before the 8 am or 10:30 am Sunday service. Childcare is also provided for children from 3 years old to kindergarten. The nursery is often open for other special services and events.

Youth Ministries

Mud… Mission Trips … .Jesus…. Our youth encounter all of these and much more. Over 100 youth participate in the middle school to high school Youth Groups. Fun and fellowship as well as service to our community and the world guide this energetic group of young people.

Mothers Morning Out

This playgroup meets every Friday morning from 9:30 to 12:30. It works as a co-op with two mothers assigned each Friday. Children should be at least 18 months old.

Young Adults & Families

"Pre-K/O.S." is the program designed around the needs and interests of young adults and families. The group gathers on the 'First Friday" of the month in the Family Life Center for food, fellowship, and adult conversation. Kiddos have a great time too in the parish nursery.

Jolly Rovers

This is a ministry for our seniors in the parish. A book club meets once a month followed by lunch at a local restaurant. The Rovers also enjoy monthly outings to local attractions and events. Transportation is provided and reservations are necessary for proper planning.

Bazaar

Blessing of the Animals

This annual event reminds us of the blessing of all of God’s wondrous creation. Dogs, cats, birds and other treasured pets are blessed.

Parish Camping Trip

This annual parish event is for families and individuals alike. A favorite part is sitting around the camp fire and toasting marshmallows.

Pentecost Picnic

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.” (Acts 2:1) This parish picnic gathers our church family together on the Day of Pentecost for a picnic. The Holy Spirit is always the honored guest.

Rally Day - Homecoming Sunday

This event kicks off the Sunday School year and provides an opportunity for the parish to gather for food, fellowship, and fun. A ministry fair as well as games and activities for the children and youth make this a “must do” event.

Cursillo

Cursillo is a diocesan-based ministry held at Camp Weed. It is a weekend retreat designed to renew one’s spirit. Separate weekends are held for men and women.

St. Anne's Guild

This group meets each month during September through April for a Bible study . They have a year-end picnic in May. The group is responsible for the noonday prayers during Lent and Advent. They also make the palm crosses for Palm Sunday, monitor the Prayer Request box, and sponsor the Country Store at the Church Bazaar.

United Thank Offering (UTO)

A special offering is collected in the spring and the fall. The money is dispersed by the National Foundation to projects which benefit those in need.

Wednesday Night Dinners

Mmm, mmm, good!! Volunteers prepare meals in the Great Hall for all the parish to enjoy.

Boy Scouts

Boy Scout Troop 110 is open to all boys in grades 6 to 12. The troop enjoys weekly meetings, outings and camping trips and a week of summer camp.

Communications

The monthly church publication Word on the Riverbank is produced and prepared for mailing by many volunteers. The newsletter is printed by a professional company.

Website

The COOS website is maintained and updated to keep our parish, visitors, and inquirers informed about the activities and ministries of the church. The website is www.coos.org.

Advertising and Communications

This committee is responsible for parish advertising and communications. Keeping our parish family informed as well as spreading the Good News to others is our goal.

Worship

Worship Committee

The Worship Committee plans and organizes all worship services including special holidays and Holy days. In addition to the regular Sunday services, the committee plans and organizes special events centered on worship related activities. These events have included: The Epiphany Festival of Lights, the Lenten Program, Palm Sunday, Holy Week activities, riverbank services, the Pentecost Picnic, the Blessing of the Animals, and All Saints Day.

The committee's mission is to provide meaningful worship opportunities for the entire parish. The committee of hard working, dedicated people represent all services within the COOS family.

Contact: Doris Latour, Chair (264-1248) DorisLatour@aol.com

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild is a service ministry that prepares the church for all services and cares for the linens, vestments, and other altar appointments.

The Altar Guild is always excited to have new members and would readily welcome additional men and women who choose the Altar Guild as their ministry. The guild is appreciative of gifts that are given as a Memorial for a loved one, or in Thanksgiving for a joyful event. There is always a need for linen, Communion Vessels, candles, etc. If you would like to give a gift, please

Contact: Carol Henry, Chair (262-2067) chenry2@bellsouth.net

Lay Readers

Lay Readers are assigned to read the Old Testament, Psalms, and New Testament lessons during the liturgy of the word. Lay Readers are approved by the Rector and licensed by the Bishop.

Contact: George Robbins (260-6319) george3@att.net

Eucharistic Ministers

This special ministry serves at the altar during Holy Eucharist. Persons are approved by the Rector and licensed by the Bishop to distribute the wine to those who wish to receive communion.

Contact: George Robbins (260-6319) george3@att.net

Eucharistic Visitors

Chalice bearers may also be trained and certified by the Bishop to take prepared Holy Eucharist to those who cannot attend regular services. Eucharistic ministers are commissioned by the Priest during Sunday services.

Contact: John & Diane Gates (262-3016) gatesd@coos.org or jgates@hpepper.com

Acolytes

The Acolyte Ministry at The Church of Our Saviour is made up of individuals ranging in age from youth entering the sixth grade to adult. Acolytes are scheduled to serve as either Thurifers, Crucifers, Torch Bearers, Banner Bearers, or several other positions according to their experience. At the Church of Our Saviour, the Acolytes are not only scheduled according to the level of experience, but also coordinated with the other ministries so family members are not serving at different services the same day. For detailed information about this ministry, see the Acolyte Manual.

Contact: Joe Nuetzi (268-8078) nuetzij@comcast.net

Sub Deacons

This group of lay people are appointed and trained by the rector. The ministry assists the clergy during worship services.

Contact: Parish Office (268-9457) blalockj@coos.org

Sound Ministry

Do you hear the sermon each week loud and clear? That’s because a sound person turns on the sound system and monitors the microphones during the service. Additional sound people are needed for the 8:00 & 10:30 services. This is not difficult. Any one can do it!

Contact: Dave Langlois (739-1679) DGL332@bellsouth.net

or Bob WIlson (880-5648) donbobw@clearwire.net

Ushers

The ushers Greet and seat worshippers at all services and special occasions. Currently there are about 75 people who serve as Ushers. These servants greet you, seat you, pass the collection plate, assist you when you get up to take Communion, and for some services turn the pews in the COOS Chapel. They are also responsible for counting the collection plate and delivering the offering to the bank night deposit box.

Contact: Mark Geiger (262-8889) BigDaddy10350@comcast.net

or Don Stanley (268-6083)

Christian Formation

Sunday School

Sunday School classes are available for persons of all ages. Age appropriate classes are held for children and youth from ages 3 to 18. Adult Sunday school covers a variety of topics.

Contact: Pam Gillis (268-9457) pgillis@mediaone.net

Adult Education

Adults join in fellowship and study to learn and grow in their faith journeys. Various topics and areas are explored which are relevant to our lives today.

"Coffee Pot Theology" is a group of adults who meet in the River Room to discuss current issues in theology and the church. To check our their latest study series Living the Questions, click here ...

Contact: Mary Bratos [ mbratos @ comcast.net ]

Confirmation & J2A

Adults 19 years and older are instructed about various parts of The Episcopal Church. Participants are prepared for the Rite of Confirmation or Reception into The Episcopal Church.

Contact: Parish Office (268-9457) blalockj@coos.org

Youth in grades 8 to 12 participate in a two-year program preparing them for confirmation in the Episcopal Church. Participants learn about the Church and explore their own faith journeys.

Contact: Frances Shults (268-9457) Fbshults@aol.com

Kid's Word

Kid's Word is a special Liturgy of the Word for our younger folks ages 3 through 3rd grade. Kids hear a Bible lesson, a sermon, sing songs, and do their own creed, confession, and prayers. An offering is collected for the Food for the Poor Program. Kid's Word participants return to the church during announcement time to celebrate Holy Eucharist with their families.

Contact: Jakki Penn (268-1021) jakki.penn1@firstunion.com

Vacation Bible School

Are you making summer plans? Don’t forget to mark your calendars for COOS’ Vacation Bible School. Don’t miss being a part of this awesome experience!

It generally runs from 9 to noon with the family night party on Friday night. Children age Pre-K through 6th grade participate. Older kids help out on the crew. Each year's program features Bible study, music, crafts, games. There is afternoon care for working parents (call for details) and a nursery for children under 3 while their parents are helping with VBS.

This years theme is Rainforest Adventure. Click on the link for more information.

Watch for more info as the time draws closer.

Contact: Pam Gillis (268-9457) pgillis@mediaone.net

Education for Ministry (EfM)

EfM participants learn to think theologically, deepen their own faith and understanding of Christianity, and discover their own ministries. Taken in one-year segments, the study includes the Bible, church history, and a variety of theologies.

For more information click here: Sewanee's EFM Home Page

Contact: Linda McClelland (287-2432) macs04@comcast.net

Inquirer's Class

This class is available to those who are new to the Episcopal Church or anyone who wants to know more about the Church.

Contact: Parish Office (268-9457) blalockj@coos.org

Alpha

Bible Studies

Opportunities are available for those ready to delve deeper into the Word of God. Various Bible study classes are offered throughout the week to best fit various needs and schedules.

Wednesday Morning Ladies Bible Study:

Contact: Pam Gillis (272-3126) pgillis@mediaone.net

Thursday Morning Ladies Bible Study:

Contact: Shirley Kingsnorth (287-0651) kkingsnorth@attbi.com

Tuesday Morning Men's Group:

Contact: Tuck Eudy (268-5616)

Wednesday Evening Co-ed Bible Study:

Contact: Marc Geiger (262-8889) BigDaddy10350@comcast.net

Music

Parish Choir

The Parish Choir is open to all interested adults. The choir sings at Sunday services and when requested by the Rector and Choirmaster.