Have you ever heard so many ways to address or call God?

Shepherd

Sun of righteousness
Heavenly King
Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Holy FatherGiver of Life
Everliving God
Alpha and Omega
Father
Son
Holy Spirit
Redeemer and Friend
Almighty
Saviour
Messiah
Gracious God
Merciful Father
Kyrie Eleison
Light
The Way
Blessed Body and Blood
Prince of Peace
Lamb
Yo
Lord of Lords
Abba
Yahweh
Beginning and End
Christ

On Saturday, November 3, the Church of Our Saviour held a silent prayer vigil from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members of the parish came as individuals, and in small groups to pray for the needs of our community, keeping vigil, keeping watch in the church building. At 12 noon on Saturday, there were several adventurous folk from the youth and Canterbury groups who gathered for a “loud” hour – providing a space for those who might not be able to pray silently for an hour, but wanted to participate in the vigil.

Our first action as a group gathered was to pray aloud all the names and addresses we could think of to give to God. When you pray you begin by greeting God. The names and titles listed above show the variety of names with which we address God in our personal and community prayer life (thanks to the BCP for some of the more formal titles!) With what name do you address God when you pray?

We also prayed over the names of Happening candidates, participating in the weekend retreat at that very moment, the prayer concerns that had been given to us for prayer during the vigil, our loved ones, our enemies and ourselves. One other way of praying that we tried on as a gathered community involved writing our own hymn! It was easier than you might think! All we had to do was come up with 14 2-syllable words (or a few 3 syllable phrases) and we sand these words to the tune of Amazing Grace. Would you like to see our hymn? Check it out:

Lovely, father, playful, caring, a joyful melody…
Peaceful, prayerful, enduring, strong, a bonding family.

Thanks to those who came out for the vigil and stayed for a little home-made chili lunch! We hope you can join us next time we gather for a prayer vigil – either silently, or aloud!

Pictures!

Visit the COS website to view pictures from our recent get togethers!
A new album called "Our Saviour's Youth" has pictures from our recent lock-in. You can also see new pictures in the album "Special Parish Activities" from the Halloween party. Thanks for participating in these fun events, and for your helping hands in providing fun for our parish family!

Our Saviour's Youth Rock!

SKI TRIP INFO & REGISTRATION!!!

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR'S
ANNUAL YOUTH SKI TRIP

What you need to know!

WHO:

Our Saviour’s Youth and their friends – This trip is open to youth grades 6-12.

DATES/ITINERARY:

Saturday, Jan. 19, 2007: Travel to Watoga State Park, Marlinton, WV. Check it out at: (http://www.watoga.com) (Located approximately 5 hours driving distance from Rock Hill, SC.) Group games, activities, meals and worship will take place on Saturday afternoon and evening.

Sunday, Jan. 20, 2007: Ski all day at Snowshoe Ski Resort (www.snowshoemtn.com/) (Located approximately 1 hour driving distance from Watoga). Participants will bring their own lunch for the day (fixin’s provided) and have dinner and evening ski options on Sunday night.

Monday, Jan. 21, 2007: Return to Rock Hill (No School) – After a hearty breakfast we’ll hit the road in the morning and have lunch on the way home. As needed, calls will be made when passing through Charlotte – ETA: 3:30 pm.

EXPENSES:

Youth Cost: $130.00 for youth 12 and under, $150 for youth 13 and older

Includes: lift ticket, ski equipment rental, lodging for 2 nights, transportation, and all meals. Youth who do not need to rent will have a reduced cost.

Add On Costs:

* Lessons required for first time skiers: $39 (reduced to $27 if group is 10+)

* If you wish to snowboard rental is $11 additional to the cost.

* Rental of warm weather gear if a possibility. Participants should be prepared with waterproof gloves, jackets, snowpants (or ski pants) warm socks and appropriate warm layers (scarves, hats, etc.) Jeans are NOT recommended for skiing – warm sweats or thermal pants are encouraged for under layers.

DEADLINES:

Monday, November 19: All participants must submit a $50.00 deposit with their reservation form.

Guest applications will be considered based on date turned in, and space available, with preference for Our Saviour’s Youth who register on-time.

Monday, December 17: All participants must turn in your Individual Registration Form with FINAL PAYMENT IN FULL.

There will be a Non-Refundable $25.00 for cancellations made after December 17!

Afterthoughts on 24

The following message is from Amy Welsh, a senior and an active participant in Our Saviour's Youth Ministry. Amy will be attending Happening #58 this weekend, please keep her in your prayers! -MC

hey everyone!
this is amy welsh! i went on the camp gravatt retreat oct.20th-oct.21. it was amazing! we got to meet new church groups and bond with them over a period of 24 hours! we got to play games and do fun group building activities! the topic of the weekend was questioning our faith in GOD. it was a tough one for some of us there, but we all got through it as a group. with the support of marycat, megan, and will we all got through it together as a family! i just wanted to thank you marycat for taking us last weekend!

it was a BLAST!

<3 amy

November Events!

Youth Lock-In and overnight at Our Saviour

WHEN? Saturday, November 10, 5 p.m. to Sunday, November 11, 12 p.m.

WHAT? Youth Lock-in: Join us Saturday night for goofy games, memorable moments, stupendous snacking and artistic expression (paint brushes may be involved!) and the chance to connect with your faithful friends here at Our Saviour.

The plan: Saturday night: Gather for dinner, youth room art project(s), games and recreation, movie (optional), lights out!!!

Sunday: Our Saviour’s youth will provide Coffee Hour treats for the 8 am service, enjoy breakfast together (during the usual Sunday School hour) and attend the 10:30 am service with their families. Youth who are unable to join us for the overnight may sign up to join us for breakfast—please RSVP with Mary Cat.

WHO? Youth Grades 6-12 and their friendly (and brave) youth ministers!

RSVP with Mary Cat for this event by Wednesday, November 7.

Youth Group Movie Night, Sunday, November 25

Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends, get your homework done early, and join us Sunday evening for a movie night and discussion. Popcorn and Theology provided!

Mary Cat, Meghan, Will and Amy, pictured above, had a great time at "24" the Sr. High Diocesan Youth Event held at Camp Gravatt, October 20-21.

24 was "24 hours of youth and youth ministers talking about their faith, their doubt, their issues, and their lives. Watch here for an article from one of our participants about their experience at "24."

Youth Updates!!!

Well folks, we're halfway through October and there are lots of events and gatherings on the horizon!

1) Saturday, October 20-21, I'll be traveling to Camp Gravatt once again for a Senior High Youth event with several members of the parish. Check back here next week for pics and more on how the event was!

2) Sunday, October 21, CropWalk - walkers gather at Winthrop at 2:30 pm and will enjoy refreshments at a tail-gating party at the COS parking lot after the walk. Good luck to our walkers and thanks for your commitment to fighting hunger by getting involved and getting your community involved! Keep up the good work/walk! Support the Middle School and Sr. High Youth who've signed up with donations and/or by signing up to walk yourself!

3) Sunday, October 28, Halloween helpers and Game Night! Our Saviour Youth have been asked to help put on the EKG (Episcopal Kids Group) Halloween Party/carnival this Sunday (5-6:30 pm.) Contact Mary Cat and/or Judy Rauppius or Rachel Hubbard to sign up to help out at this event.
Stick around for our very own youth group Halloween Game Night (6:30-8 pm)- where we get to play together for prizes, candy and don't forget to come dressed for the costume contest!

I look forward to seeing y'all at these upcoming events! More next week on upcoming events including: participation in a prayer vigil, Saturday, November 3, the youth lock-in November 10-11, and the Ski trip (January 19-22)!

Peace, MCE

Jr. High Fall Retreat: Fight the Good Fight of Faith

Gathering in the parking lot of the Church of Our Saviour on Friday afternoon, there were 9 youth and 2 adults pumped for the drive to the Bishop Gravatt Camp and Conference Center for the Jr. High Diocesan Fall Retreat. We joined over 150 youth from around the Diocese of Upper South Carolina for a weekend of singing, laughing, getting to know each other and building our faith in community.

The theme of the weekend, "Faith Builders: Fight the Good Fight of Faith" was inspired from the lectionary reading for the weekend, 1 Timothy 6:11-19. On Friday night we watched Facing the Giants, a movie about a high school football coach whose faith life was challenged in many ways. Finding inspiration form scripture, to honor God in all that he did, this coach inspired the faith lives of his team members. They would offer all that they had to God, and praise God in their triumph and in their defeats.

Reminding us of the story of David and Goliath, as the Eagles football team faced off with a strong and seemingly undefeatable opponent, the Giants, this team offered their best to the glory of God and allowed great things to be shown through them, a most unexpected vessel.

Our youth participants spent time in small groups discussing the film, participated in an obstacle course that challenged them to work in community to overcome obstacles such as those we face in our faith lives, and created sculpters made of wood blocks representing the faith builders that support and encourage us in our journey of faith together.

We also enjoyed activities including swimming, playing football, ping pong, 4 square, basketball, making music, dancing ("ice cream and cake and cake") and enjoying the beauty of God's creation at beautiful Camp Gravatt.

Some comments from our participants are included below. Be sure and check back for more pictures from the event and put the New Beginnings dates on your calendar today: April 25-27!

"I met a lot of new people. I made new friends and people I already knew became closer."

"I made new friends, learned a lot of new things and played a lot of four square. I liked cruising too - that was another opportunity to meet new people. Other than the cold weather at night, I had a lot of fun!"

"I liked the dog who popped footballs. I also liked tearing up the dancefloor with my awesome moves!"
"I danced with a girl at the dance!"

"I liked playing ping pong"

"I liked walking around to do different things outside the scheduled activities"

"I had a blast!!! The dance was sooo fun! I made good friends!"

"I liked all of the activities and liked making new friends!"

Gracious God,
we give thanks and praise to you for the time to grow together in community! You've inspired us to allow your presence in all aspects of our lives, remembering to give you glory when we win and when we lose. Your presence and your care for us is immeasurable, and as we live and share your love we are given the knowledge that with God, nothing is impossible! Amen.

Jr. High Fall Retreat pics!

Visit the church website for pictures from our weekend at Gravatt! Check back here later this week for comments, quotes and stories from participants in the Jr. High Diocesan Fall Retreat!

http://www.mychurchphotos.com/AlbumPhotos.aspx?id=217&album=2030441

Sr. High Seekers to host IHN dinner!

On Sunday, September 23, Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), our ministry with homeless families here in Rock Hill, will come to Our Saviour. Help plan and prepare a meal for these families by connecting with fellow youth and your youth volunteers. Be here on Sunday at 5:30 pm to help set up, & serve dinner at 6:30 pm. We’ll eat too and have a short gathering afterwards to discuss the experience and other ways that we’d like to serve our community through mission and service opportunities. Please plan to be here from 5:30 – 8 pm if you are assisting with supper. Latecomers are welcome, but we do have a commitment to provide the meal. Contact Will and April Roberts with questions about how you can help: wroberts@chmuseums.org

Prepare yourself - the fall is going to be very busy. Many demands will be placed on you and your time. Just when it all gets to be too much, maybe you ought to think aout getting away. Maybe you need to prepare for this now, and sign up for the Sr. High Fall gathering - "24" - October 20-21.

This 24 Hour get-together will take place at Gravatt our diocesanCamp & Conference center near Aiken, SC. Sign up using a diocesan registration form, and get your forms and $50 registration fee in to Mary Cat by Wed., October 3.
Read more about the event from a youth perspective at: http://www.edusc.org/Youth/Diocesan%20Youth%20Events/SrHighEvents.shtml

Just click it! And sign up to join in the fun!

JR. HIGH FALL RETREAT, September 28-30 at Camp Gravatt
Sign up for this event with Mary Cat by Wednesday, September 12

Read about this event below from the perspective of a youth on the design team!

By: Brandon Kerr, JHFR Design Team and

If you’re looking for a good time and you are in grades 6-8 grade, than the Jr. High Fall Retreat is just the place for you. The event will take place from Friday, September 28 through Sunday, September 30 and it is a great way to meet cool people, strengthen your faith, and just have fun. This year’s theme is “The Good Fight of Faith” will be explored using the scriptures from our Sunday lectionary through games, talks, small groups, and craft projects. There will be lots of time for just having fun at Gravatt. Youth and their adult leaders will be lead by members of the Diocesan Youth Leadership Committee.

The event will begin on Friday evening with registration beginning at 6:00 pm with dinner at 7:00pm. We will conclude with lunch on Sunday which will begin at 12:00 noon. Things to bring include: Sleeping Bag and Pillow, towel, casual clothes, swim suit, sunscreen and bug spray, and toiletries. PLEASE remember that nights at Gravatt in the fall can be very cold – so be sure to have a warm sleeping bag and/or bring an extra blanket. Also be prepared to be outside no matter what the weather – so bring appropriate clothes and shoes.

Hey gang! Sunday, August 19th we had our kick-off youth group gathering. There were 23 Middle School & Sr. High youth who came out for a chance to meet each other, play games, plan some good stuff for the coming year, and have some pizza and laughs to top off the evening.

Thanks to your new teachers for showing up: M3: Andy Castillo, and Sr. High Seekers: Will & April Roberts and Ann Walton & Bryan Townsend.

Can't wait to see you in Sunday school and for our next gatherings!

Stay connected right here on the Our Saviour Youth Blogspot!

Peace, MC+

DYLC? What's that?

The Rev. Mary Cat Enockson has been invited to participate in the Diocesan Youth Leadership Committee - a group of teens and youth ministers who plan events for Episcopal youth in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina.

This fall we will host two Diocesan Youth Events!

For Middle Schoolers, The Jr. High Fall Retreat will take place September 28 - 30 at beloved Gravatt Camp & Conference Center! Middle school youth will need to register for this event with Mary Cat by Wednesday September 12, or with the diocesan offices by Friday, September 14th in order to attend!

Sr. High Youth are invited to attend a "24" hour event at Gravatt Camp & Conference Center October 20-21. Based on the popular show 24, the theme for this event will challenge youth to consider the question, "Where is God in my everyday life?"
Registration deadlines for this event: Wednesday October 3 with Mary Cat, Friday, October 5 with the diocese.

Check out Diocesan Youth Ministry - "Youth led, and Youth fed!"

Peace, MC+

See more photos of our trip at this photo album

On Friday, June 1, 7 members of the Church of Our Saviour community joined up with 83 other volunteer youth and adult participants in the 2007 Homeworks Jr. High Mission session.

Youth Groups from seven Episcopal parishes gathered at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Augusta, Georgia with ready hands and hearts to be put to work, saying, "Here I am Lord, send me."

All of the youth were split into work groups that were assigned different tasks. Most of our group worked at the Heritage School, a Christian school that was founded in 2000 to give a helping hand to youth in lower income areas, to provide educational support through grade 5. The school recently acquired an old school building and is completely renovating it from the inside out with the help of volunteer teams and benefactors.

Our youth were put to work scraping paint from window sills and cleaning 188 windows, inside and out! Some youth did yard work, pulling weeds, trimming hedges, mowing grass and generally improving the outside appearance of the facility. Other youth worked hard sanding down door frames and molding so that years and years of paint layers could receive a fresh coat of paint for the new school year.

Still other youth were put to work moving desks and furniture, getting things organized for the soon to be finished classrooms.

Each task and project was diligently attacked by the work groups. Stories, songs, games and conversation were used to pass the time. We worked hard our fist day! A few of the youth even wrote a song to the tune of The Lion Sleeps Tonight to capture the experience!

Going on a Mission Trip!

Today is June 1st, and 7 members of the Church of Our Saviour are heading to Augusta, Georgia on a Jr. High Mission Trip! We will join up wiht 90 other youth and adults at the Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. There we will work at several work sites in the Augusta area with a group called Homeworks - a Christian mission organization that puts youth groups to work in communities around the Southeast.

Please pray for David, Joseph, Jessica, Ellen, Murphy, Andy and Mary Cat, and look for updates, reports and pictures about our mission experiences right here on our blogspot!

We'll be back June 5th, and look forward to telling the story of our adventure, and our hands and hearts being put to work in the name of Christ!

Peace, MCE

New Acolyte Training

On Saturday, June 16 from 10 am -12 pm

· New acolytes arrive at 10 am

· Returning acolytes arrive at 11:15 am

· Those that can, stay for lunch at 12 pm

Additional training opportunities will be available as needed for those who cannot attend.

Please RSVP if you will be able to attend this training. Contact Mary Cat by Thurs. June 14.

School is out for summer and many of your calendars are filled with exciting trips, and adventures. Getaways to the beach or the mountains, visits with family and friends around the country, participation in various camps as campers, athletes, musicians and volunteers… Summer jobs will also quickly take up their stake in your time and day to day lives over the next few months. Soon, the three months of freedom from school and books will be so booked up that you might not even think to take the time to breathe, relax, enjoy the sun, enjoy the beauty of all that surrounds you, enjoy the opportunity and the freedom to be out in the world every day.

As the summer and the plans for it begin to take hold of your life and time,

I encourage you to encounter each day with an awareness that God is present in the midst of all that you are doing. Ask yourself—where do I see God at work in my life? What am I doing to reflect the love of Christ each day this summer? No matter where you are, or what you are up to, you can be a bright and shining reflection of the SON in the world! Have a great summer! And share your stories and adventures along the way!