The Church of Our Saviour

a spiritual adventure

Church of Our Saviour affirms the particular gifts that young people offer to the church as full ministers in Christ. From Samuel to Mary to Jesus himself, the Bible tells us the unique role young people have in our redemption. youths 190x160 Today, God continues to call young people to an adventure of the spirit. Our mission at Our Saviour parish is to accompany our youth on this spiritual adventure, helping them to encounter Christ and to discover their gifts as God's people. The church in turn is ready to receive the inspiration and leadership young people can provide.

We welcome all young people in grades 6 - 12 to join us.

youth web pages

Senior Highers: Enter The Quest
Junior Highers: Enter The Ride

jr & sr high youth groups

2007-2008 Ministry Theme: Quest
In the Quest our goal is to explore the basic teachings of Christianity, its place among youths 130x120 world religions, and God's call to service. The classes use age-appropriate curricular resources and incorporate Bible study, discussions, and games/activities. Our program is divided into three courses:

> seeking Christ in myself,
> seeking Christ in light of other faiths,
> seeking Christ in my neighbor.

Our young people engage in a spiritual quest for Jesus and his relevance to their lives and to the world.

seeking Christ in myself

September - December
The first course explores basic questions about Christian faith such as:

Who is Jesus?
What is the Bible about and how do I read it?
Why pray?
Why should I go to church?
How do I live as a Christian?

Together, we explore who Jesus is and seek him in our lives and in the church.

seeking Christ in light of
other faiths

January - March
The second course looks at Christianity in the context of other major religious traditions. Examining youth choir 130x120 Christianity in relation to other religions helps young people to clarify the unique history, values, and practices that make up our identity as Christians.

Studying other religions also helps us all to dispel stereotypes and to approach religious differences with competence and respect. As we explore the historical background and beliefs and practices of Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Native American religions, we reflect on their differences and similarities to Christianity.

seeking Christ in my neighbor

March - June
woman at altar 170x130 In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus calls his followers to serve the "least of these" in the world. He teaches us that in serving others in need, we are serving Jesus himself. The third part of our program aims at following this call by organizing service projects that meet the needs of the wider community. The youth have the opportunity to identify an area of need in the local community, organize and implement a service project, and reflect on what they learned about Christ's call to serve.

Sunday mornings

Sr. High (9th -12th grade)
We meet from 9-10am in the Youth House. Please come join us!

Jr. High (6th-8th grade)
We meet from 9-10am in Room 201, Brown Hall. You can just drop in or email us and let us know you are coming. Please join us!
contact our Youth Minister.
see a campus map

monthly events
Fun and service in a friendly atmosphere.
see our monthly schedule

confirmation
We offer confirmation classes every two years for youth who are interested in making a public commitment to their faith in the community of the Episcopal Church.
contact our youth minister for more information

retreats
Every year, the Junior High and Senior High youth groups go on a weekend retreat to Camp Stevens in Julian, California, where they have the opportunity to build community with each other, deepen their encounter with Christ, and to seek God in the beauty of nature.

pilgrimage & mission trips
Youth at Church of Our Saviour are given the opportunity to participate in short-term mission trips or pilgrimages during the summer. On these trips youth have the time to forge a deeper and more personal faith, as well as lifelong friendships with other youth who are also seeking a relationship with God. In recent years, our Sr. High prayed and sang with the community of Taizé, France, walked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and experienced the Celtic roots of early Christianity in Ireland.

acolytes
Young people from 6th grade on serve as acolytes in our worship services. The word acolyte comes from the Greek word akolouthos, meaning companion, attendant, or helper. Today acolytes assist the priest in celebrating holy communion.

Acolytes are assigned to one of 5 teams under the leadership of an experienced team leader who has demonstrated a commitment to the program. Training occurs every summer. To join the program contact its director.
contact the acolyte program director

lay eucharistic ministers
LEMs serve the sanctified wine during Holy Eucharist (communion). Youth wishing to engage in this ministry go through a training and certification process.

lectors
Lectors read to the congregation from the Old Testament, the psalms, or the Epistles of the New Testament on Sunday mornings.

Bel Canto youth ensemble
Sundays from 11:45am - 12:45pm
Bel Canto is a choir just for youth singers in grades 6 to 12. Led by a professional musician and performer, rehearsals develop musicianship and vocal skills. The choir sings regularly in our 10:15am service, as well as in the Christmas Eve Pageant and the spring musical program.