Where will you be on Sunday, August 24th at 5:30 p.m.?

Hopefully meeting up with fellow youth (and their parents) after a long and busy summer! We've been spread out around Rock Hill, South Carolina and beyond! Now gather youth to learn about our upcoming gatherings for 2008-2009, meet your youth leaders and Our Saviour's youth!

See you here at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, August 24th -- snacks and treats provided!!!

Peace, MCE

S.O.S. - Feed the Hungry

On Wednesday, July 30, youth met at the Church of Our Saviour for our final Summer of Service gathering. The Rev. Ronal King, founder of (Christians) Feed the Hungry - a local outreach and food ministry to people in Rock Hill met with us there. 100+ meal bags were prepared and distributed by youth and adults who came to pitch in.

Below you will find a youth perspective on the experience. For many of us it was a good day and a difficult day at the same time. It was difficult to see people right here in our community who struggle with poverty on a daily basis - and yet in the work that we did and in the people we met there were glimpses of hope for a better tomorrow, and our hearts were filled with compassion.

Love for all of God's people, and hope that we will continue to work toward a world where such polar opposite realities do not exist next door to one another -- these were both important lessons and a fitting end to our Summer of Service 2008. Look for more stories and reflections from youth participants in the September Acorn and here on this blog. Peace, MCE+

A reflection from Chris Costley, 7th grade.

Having The Rev. Ron King come to The Church Of Our Saviour was a great experience for me personally. He showed me something that I will never forget. I was very moved by the courage and hope of some of these people who don't have what we take for granted. One person especially, Mama, would take in anybody that came to her door. At night, she has to pin her money to her shirt so the people staying at her house wouldn't steal it. These people might not have A/C or electric stoves, but they do have courage. Amen.

Homeworks 2008 Mission Trip

Mary Cat, Nick and Chris Costley and Andy Castillo gave a presentation on their experiences on the Homeworks 2008 Mission Trip.

Here's a slideshow from the trip and slides from the the powerpoint presentation that was given.

IHN Center visit, dinner and games!

Our Saviour's youth outside of Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Check out pictures from our evening and return to read reflections from youth about our experiences visiting the IHN center and providing dinner and hospitality to the families staying at Our Saviour this week.








Angie Zoubian and Alison Taylor organized our taco/enchilada bar and ice cream sundae bar!

Pat Murray, our IHN parish leader, Andy Castillo and Kathryn Coady helped keep our youth on task as we chopped, cooked, and set the table for our meal together!

Thanks adult volunteers and parents and youth for your food and time donations!

Lot's to do!

















MMM MMM Taco meat!



















Beached whale?











I get it - we're playing Ships and Sailors -- Captain (Andy)'s coming!

Summer of Service - a youth perspective on our visit to Pilgrim's Inn

Hope and Healing found at Pilgrim's Inn
by Meg McGill

Many people know of Rock Hill's Pilgrim's Inn. Many people know of the food bank located at Pilgrim's Inn. Many people know how much support Pilgrim's Inn gives to the community. But not many people understand the amount of support Pilgrim's Inn gives to Rock Hill. The staff gives their hearts and souls to helping the people who come to them for help. Pilgrim's Inn is not simply a food bank. It is a day care for working families, there is a shelter for women and children. Pilgrim's Inn also works closely with the Department of Mental Health.
I went there for the first time with some of the members of the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour's youth group. It was a slightly overcast day and our group was small. But we had a mission. Our mission was pretty simple, learn about Pilgrim's Inn and do a small service project. Learning about the organization was the best part of the trip. Cleaning up the children's playground for them was the most satisfying part. It amazes me each time it happens but the best type of work, the most satisfying work, the work that makes a worker happy is the work that helps others. I enjoyed the few hours I spent at Pilgrim's Inn. It showed me that people will perpetually look after one another. It is a good cause, a worthy organization. I say to you that you should stop by one day for a chat and a tour. I can say from experience that it's an eye opener.
So in the small building in the middle of Rock Hill right off of Main Street, you can find Pilgrim's Inn, a place of hope, healing, and happiness that relies on the support of the community.

Meg McGill is a Junior at South Pointe High School. She is active in the choir and several other ministries at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour and was Confirmed in April 2008.

Visit York Place with us!

Last week we had an incredible tour of Pilgrim's Inn and the many ministries that they participate in.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 18, we'll visit York Place - Episcopal Home for Children.

York Place is supported by both the Diocese of South Carolina, the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, our parish, and many, many other individuals.

Meet at Our Saviour at 3:30 p.m. and plan to be picked up at 6:30 p.m.

We will spend part of our time touring and learning about the ministry at York Place and talking with volunteers and staff. We will also spend time helping them prepare a special project for some of the residents there.

I hope you can join us!

S.O.S. starts this week!

Join Our Saviour's Youth grades 6-12 in June and July for S.O.S.

This Wednesday we make our first service-learning site visit to Pilgrim's Inn, an outreach ministry to those in our community in need of emergency assistance. Our Saviour provides financial donations and canned goods to this organization year-round. What else is Pilgrim's Inn up to? How might we continue to help or expand our ministry partnership with Pilgrim's Inn?

Meet at our Saviour on Wednesday, June 11 at 3:45 p.m. to find out more about Pilgrim's Inn. Bring a rake and work gloves for a hands on help that we will provide during our site visit.

Parent's please pick up your youth at Pilgrim's Inn: 236 W. Main Street at 6 p.m.

Youth who do not have a 2008-2009 permission slip turned in to Mary Cat, please bring one along with you. See you Wednesday!

-MC

Our Saviour goes to the movies!

Join the parish family for an afternoon at the movies -
Sunday, May 18 @3:45 p.m., Manchester Theater.

Prince Caspian is the second film in the Chronicles of Narnia series based on the novels by C. S. Lewis. RSVP with Mary Cat to pre-purchase tickets, or pick them up yourself at the movie theater. Stick around afterwards for a slice of Fuel Pizza or a burrito at Moe's and join in conversation about faith and film! See you at the movies!

Communion, canoeing, community!

New Beginnings was a great opportunity for several youth from our parish to join over 120 youth and adults from around the diocese for a weekend of fellowship, fun, talks, outdoor games, praying together, playing together, singing and awesome family group time!

Thanks to the Diocesan Youth Leadership Team and other youth leaders from around Upper South Carolina for providing this renewal weekend for our young people! Check back here for comments and quotes from Our Saviour's Youth Participants: Brett, Jessica, Chris, Andy and MC! And mark your calendars NOW for the fall Jr. High Youth Retreat - September 26-28! See you at Gravatt!

Half way through spring break!

Hey y'all,

I hope you're enjoying your spring break - whether relaxing at home, or on adventures with Mom, Dad, friends, other...

Unfortunately for me, I'm home sick! (Not homesick - I've been home twice in the past month)
BUT, that doesn't mean we won't be getting together for Middle School Youth group on Sunday!

So, M3 -- gather at Our Saviour on Sunday, April 13, 6:30-8 pm -- we've got "Our Saviour's Mission and Ministry Game" to finish up!

Sr. High youth -- we're on for a movie night - Sunday, April 20th 6-8:30 pm. Andy Castillo is hosting our movie night for Juno, with popcorn & theology provided -- bring your own favorite movie beverage.

For more information on these and other upcoming events, contact Mary Cat by email (keeping a safe distance from the germs I'm hosting at the moment!)

Peace, MCE

A note from Mary Cat:

A note from Mary Cat:

During the month of March I will be out of town visiting family and friends on two separate occasions.

Friday March 14-Tuesday, March 18th I will be with family in South Dakota for a family funeral.

Wednesday, March 26-Tuesday, April 1 I will be on a previously planned vacation.

Please note—I will not be attending the Youth Service Day or the Youth Laser Quest trip. Please contact the Adult volunteers who are coordinating these events, and have fun working and playing together! Holy Lent & Happy Easter!

National Youth Service Day!

National Youth Service Day is Saturday, March 29th

Youth who would like to give their time and talent (and receive a free t-shirt and pizza lunch) should contact Sheree Welsh ASAP!

Sheree will be organizing work projects around the parish that require your hands on assistance!

If you plan to participate in this gathering on the afternoon of Saturday, March 29th —sign up in the parish hall or call Sheree by Sunday, March 16th.

Participants gather at the pavilion in Cherry Park at 12 pm for lunch and t-shirt pick-up before returning to Our Saviour at 1 p.m. Parent volunteers and leaders are also invited to contribute to this Saturday of service.

Okay y’all, JUST FOR FUN!!!

Okay y’all, JUST FOR FUN!!!

On Sunday, March 30th youth grades 6-12 are invited to join Andy Castillo, and your other youth leaders for an afternoon adventure of Laser Quest in Charlotte, NC.

Youth will gather at Our Saviour at 2:30 p.m.and return at approximately 5:30 p.m. for dinner in the fellowship hall. RSVP for this event with Andy Castillo by SUNDAY, MARCH 23 to participate in this event.

Cost: $15 per person—this includes 2 games of tag and dinner.

Permission Slips are required to attend this event.

Parent volunteers who can host the dinner, or want to help as drivers—please contact Andy by Sunday, March 16th.

DYLTC: Registration Deadline, Friday, January 25!

Hot on the heels of our return from West Virginia – Senior High Youth, Confirmation Class participants and those starting the class next fall – Please let me know ASAP if you would like to register for this Diocesan Youth Event! Read about the excellent program and reply to this message if you would like to attend! Remember – scholarship money is always available to defray the cost of youth events. Do not let the cost be a factor in your decision here! Looking forward to hearing from you – MCE

Please be advised that the deadline for DYLTC 2008 is this Friday, January 25th. See below for more information. Also, please remember to eat before you arrive on Friday night, dress appropriate for weather at Kanuga, and you might want to bring a large towel and/or an extra blanket.

DYLTC 2008

Senior High Youth Event, grades 9-12
February 8-10, 2008
Camp Bob, Kanuga – Hendersonville, NC

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go” Ps. 32:9

The Diocesan Youth Leadership Training Conference will feature our diocesan missionaries in Ecuador, Cameron Graham Vivanco and Roberto Vivanco and focus on the intersection of Leadership and Mission. Roberto will be leading and sharing his amazing musical gifts and Cameron will lead our program sessions. These four programs times will guide us through four areas – call, learning, leadership and vision – and will give young people “the basics” of creating mission and outreach experiences that have the hope of sustaining relationships and growth for all. This event will be particularly helpful for youth who are expecting to be involved in mission experiences this summer.

The event begins on Friday evening with registration at 7:00 pm and program at 8:00 pm. All participants should eat dinner before arriving. We will conclude our event on Sunday following lunch which is scheduled for 12:30 pm. Camp Bob provides towels and bed linens, however, some young people find it helpful to bring larger towels and an extra blanket or sleeping bag. We will be spending some time outside, so please plan on appropriate clothing for February in NC.

The cost for the event is $75.00, 1/3 of which is due at the time of the registration deadline of January 25th. This is when the Congregational Registration Form** is also due. The remainder of the registration fee and Individual Registration Forms, for all participants – youth and adult, are due at the event registration.

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."