Sunday Morning Services
The Church of Our Saviour has three services of worship with Holy Communion on Sunday mornings. Our 8:00 AM service is the Book of Common Prayer, Rite I; it uses more traditional language and includes little music. Our 10:00 AM service is the Book of Common Prayer, Rite II, with music. Our 12:15 PM Misa en Español service is entirely in Spanish. All are welcome to receive Communion in our church, regardless of denominational background

Mid-Week Healing Eucharist
We hold a mid-week service of worship every Wednesday at 12:15 PM. This service is typically with Holy Communion, and all are welcome.

Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir of COS sings every Sunday and for other special services during the program year. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM and againSunday mornings at 9:15 AM. This is an all volunteer choir and we welcome new members.

Children's Hand Chime Group
The Children's Hand Chime Group meets every Sunday for thirty minutes following the 10:00 AM service to learn and practice playing hand chimes. They offeroccasional performances for the COS community. Children ages 8 through 12 are welcome.

Acolytes
The ministry of the acolytes is to assist at the altar on Sunday mornings and other special services. Acolytes are trained to carry torches and processional crosses, light and extinguish candles, and assist the priest at the altar and during the service. Adults and children ten and older are welcome to join.

Lectors & Intercessors
Lectors are scheduled to read the appointed scripture passages in the Sunday worship, while Intercessors are scheduled to lead the Prayers of the People. We welcome those with clear, strong voices to these ministries.

Prayers in Languages other than English
To celebrate the cultural diversity of our congregation, each week at the 10:00 AM service we pray the Collect of the Day in both English and another language. If you speak a language other than English and would like to translate and read the prayer in that language one Sunday, please sign up on the schedule located in the Narthex (entry) of the church, or call the Church Office.

Chalicists
Several Chalicists assist at the altar each Sunday, serving the wine to those who come up for Communion. Any adult who would like to serve in this capacity, please

Prayer Ministry / Ministers of Healing
Each Sunday during Communion at the 10:00 AM service members of the healing prayers ministry are available in the Chapel to pray with individuals who wish special prayers for healing or other life events.

Ushers
Ushers serve in the important ministry of greeting people as they come to services of worship at the church. They also distribute the bulletins for the service, collect the offering, assist people as they come forward for Communion, and notify the priest if someone needs to receive Communion at his or her seat.

Altar Guild / Sacristans
The Altar Guild members prepare the altar for Sunday and weekly services, baptism, weddings, funerals, and special services; arrange for altar flowers; and maintain the linens, vestments, and vessels used for services. Members are assigned to one of four teams, and each team assumes the responsibilities for a week at a time on a rotating basis. Teams typically meet on Saturday mornings. The entire guild meets several times per year for cleaning sessions and otherwise as needed by the Rector or the Altar Guild Director. All men and women of the parish are welcome to join.

Special Services:
Baptisms, Weddings, Reaffirmation of Marriage Vows, Funerals, and Thanks-Giving "Walk-ups"
Special services for individual members of COS are arranged in consultation with the clergy of the parish and follow particular guidelines. If you desire to plan such a service at COS, please contact the Church Office for the customary (guidelines) for the particular service. Please be aware that such services are not offered for non-members. Also be aware that the date and time of such services should be arranged with the clergy before confirming with reception halls or area funeral homes.

Pastoral Care Commission
The Pastoral Care Commission supports and extends the pastoral care COS offers its members and friends. This confidential ministry provides spiritual and emotional sustenance through cards and letters, phone calls, personal visits, and other appropriate support.

Ministry to the Homebound & to Those in Long-Term Care Facilities
All members of COS are part of our community, even when they are no longer able to join us for worship. COS makes an effort to keep in touch with our parishioners who are homebound and in long-term care, not only through our printed Communication but also through visits from clergy and laity. The clergy bring communion at Christmas and Easter.

Ministry to Those Hospitalized
The clergy visit COS members who are hospitalized. However, due to laws protecting individual rights of confidentiality, hospitals are no longer allowed to inform churches when parishioners have been admitted. Please remember it is the responsibility of the individual or family to make the parish aware of those who have been hospitalized and desire to be visited, and let us know. We wish to respect the privacy of all our members and we will not intrude with a visit if a member does not desire it.

Emergencies
If a member of the Church of Our Saviour has died or has been admitted to the hospital for a life-threatening condition please contact the Parish Office at 301-439-5900. If such an emergency arises during non-office hours, please contact a member of the clergy.

Church School
At COS we have Church School for all ages—children, youth and adults. Children's Church School meets during the 10:00 AM service each Sunday. We use the Living the Good News curriculum which focuses on the scripture readings read in church that Sunday. We encourage all children in the parish to participate. Adult volunteers are welcome and needed to teach and assist with classes.

Children's sermon Sunday
The last Sunday of every month we have a children's sermon. On those Sundays all children and their families are invited to gather around the altar for the celebration of Communion.

Nursery & Toddlers
A nicely equipped nursery is located on the lower level of the Church and is available on Sundays from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The nursery is for infants and toddlers (age 2). Pre-schoolers (age 3) and older children should join the appropriate Church School class. Parents register their child and sign in when the child is dropped off at the nursery. Parents are given vibrating pagers so they may be contacted if the need arises. Parents may pick their children up from the nursery before Communion if they wish to have their children join them for that portion of the service. Otherwise children may be picked up after church.

Youth Ministry
The Church of Our Saviour Youth Group hosts formational, educational and recreational events for junior high and senior high youth as publicized. Starting in September, the COS Youth will meet weekly, during the education hour following the 10am service, to discuss and deepen our understanding of the Christian faith and our own experience. Junior High youth will meet downstairs in the Junior High Classroom; while Senior High youth will meet upstairs in the Senior High classroom. If you're interested in joining the youth group, or if you are an adult interested in volunteering with the youth group,

Confirmation Preparation
At COS Confirmation is for those sixteen years of age or older. Confirmation preparation is held twice a year in an all-day retreat format (9 AM to 5 PM). The dates of preparation for this program year are Saturday, November 5, 2011 and Saturday, March 3, 2012. Confirmation for COS is part of a diocesan service that has not yet been scheduled, which is normally held on a Saturday in the spring at the National Cathedral. If you would like to participate in one of the preparation retreats, please

Christmas Pageant
All the children of the parish are invited to participate in the Christmas Pageant which will be on Sunday, December 12, 2010 during the 10:00 AM service. Pageant rehearsals start in November.

Rector's Adult Sunday Class
The Sunday morning adult class this year will be studying "What it Means to be a Disciple of Jesus." Using the six aspects of discipleship highlighted in our Baptismal Covenant (Book of Common Prayer, p. 304-305) as our model, and reading various passages from scripture, we will consider how we can become better disciples of our Lord.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study
A Bible study is offered on Wednesday mornings at 10 AM during the program year. It is usually clergy led.

Our Saviour Seniors
Our Saviour Seniors group meets on the third Monday of the month at 11:30 am for fellowship, learning, social activities and the discussion of spiritual and other issues of special interest.

Spiritual Direction
Several individuals in our parish are trained in the ministry of spiritual direction and offer this ministry within the parish.

Confirmation Preparation
At COS Confirmation is for those sixteen years of age or older. Confirmation preparation is held twice a year in an all-day retreat format (9 AM to 5 PM). The dates of preparation for this program year are Saturday, November 5, 2011 and Saturday, March 3, 2012. Confirmation for COS is part of a diocesan service that has not yet been scheduled, which is normally held on a Saturday in the spring at the National Cathedral. If you would like to participate in one of the preparation retreats, please

Parish Life Committee
The newly formed Parish Life Committee is responsible for planning fellowship and other events for the COS community and for coordinating the fellowship time ("coffee hour") following the Sunday services.

Women of Our Saviour
The Women of Our Saviour (WOS) is the name of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) group at the Church of Our Saviour. Membership is open to all women of the Congregation. The WOS Friendship Chapter is the lead organization for ECW activities with the Diocese and the National Church. One fund raising activity held during the year is the "Gifts of Love" in February to collect funds for the diocesan ECW program and funds for the National ECW Church Periodical Club (CPC) which provides printed materials for church groups throughout the world and the United Thank Offering (UTO) which supports a variety of church programs worldwide. Friendship Chapter also supports church and community programs.

Mother's Union
COS hosts a chapter of the international organization known as the Mother's Union. The Mother's Union is dedicated to ministry by mothers to other mothers and to children. Meetings are on the second Saturday of the month from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and are open to both men and women who believe in the five objectives of the Mother's Union. For more information

Our Saviour Seniors
Our Saviour Seniors group meets on the third Monday of the month at 11:30 am for fellowship, learning, social activities and the discussion of spiritual and other issues of special interest.

Newcomers Committee
The Newcomers Committee is a ministry that looks at ways to welcome our guests and incorporate newcomers to COS. One ministry of the Newcomers Committee is the Welcome Bags which are given out to guests on Sunday mornings. A number of items are given in this bag. We also invite anyone interested in the ministry to guests and newcomers to join the Newcomers Committee.

Fellowship of the Trees
Through the sale of Christmas trees and wreaths, the Fellowship of the Trees raises thousands of dollars every Advent to support the ministries of COS. Opportunities for service include unloading the trees the Sunday following Thanksgiving Day and sale of trees daily until Christmas. Those who participate enjoy the fellowship and hard work that are involved.

Ministry of Art
The Ministry of Art encourages spiritual awareness through creative expression. This group's projects include various activities for children with the Church School program, an annual fall Art and Craft Show, maintaining current art exhibits around the church building, designing posters for church bulletin boards, selling ornaments of the church, and other art events.

Outreach Commission
The Outreach Commission at COS focuses on helping our members serve others by giving our time, talent, and treasure beyond our walls. This group evaluates programs and opportunities for mission and service that are of interest to our members and publicizes these opportunities. It also decides where funds from the outreach budget are best utilized to be in keeping with our vision. Currently we support the following organizations:

Food Collection
Every week, we collect food for the COS food pantry. Items for donation may be deposited in the food collection basket as you enter church on Sunday morning. This basket is brought forward with other offerings at the 10:00 AM service. When there is an overflow of food, or when there is a particular need, our pantry donates to the area pantry. Dry goods, canned food, and baby formula are welcome.
COS also sponsors a Lenten food drive for Manna Food Center in the spring. These items are distributed to families in need as well as other food centers throughout the area. Items may be in bulk or large quantity for families.


Casserole Ministry
Parishioners provide meals to Shepherd's Table in Silver Spring. The procedure is to pick up aluminum pans and recipes at COS, prepare the casserole and freeze it. Bring it back to the Church freezer the next Sunday. Parishioners are also needed to deliver casseroles.

Community-Based Shelter Meals
COS provides all meals to residents of the Rockville shelter for one week in October. Meals are prepared in parishioners' homes, delivered to the shelter, and served there.

Governance / Vestry
Church of Our Saviour is governed by the Rector, Wardens, and a board known as the Vestry. As required by the canons of the church, the Vestry—consisting of twelve members, the Rector and the two Wardens—is the elected governing body of our congregation. Four members are elected each year at the annual parish meeting for three-year terms.
The Vestry has four standing committees: Finance, Stewardship, Endowment Board, and Buildings and Grounds. The Rector's Warden has financial responsibility for the parish and works with the Rector in administrative matters; the People's Warden has responsibility, with the Rector, for the program ministries of the parish and sometimes acts as a liaison between the people and the Vestry and clergy

Finance Committee
The Finance Committee takes seriously the trust placed in it by the congregation resulting in sound conservative fiscal management of the parish's assets. The primary source of income at COS is membership pledges. The work of the Finance Committee is to assist in the development of the annual budget and to maintain and track, throughout the fiscal year, all income and expenses and their relation to the operating budget. The Finance Committee meets the second Monday evening of each month.

Endowment Board
The Endowment Board's ministry is one of education and investment of planned giving and other large gifts to the church. As such, it oversees the church's endowments so that they are wisely and soundly invested for the future ministry at COS. In addition, the Endowment Board will be involved in future projects of planned giving such as the establishment of a Legacy Society.

Counters or "Administrators"
The Counters or "Administrators" as they are called in the Sunday bulletin are individuals who count the money received at all services including special services. They see that the funds are deposited in the bank each week. Then the Givings Recorder takes the information they collect, logs it into the pledge tracking system, and passes the summary to our treasurer each week.

Buildings and Grounds Committee
The Buildings & Grounds Committee oversees the stewardship of the physical plant of the church, including all of its properties. The committee overseas the maintenance, repairs, and renovations of the church properties, and sponsors semi-annual work days for members to help clean and maintain the physical plant.
 This committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

Building Use Committee
This committee, formed in 2010, oversees the increasing use of our facilities for events by outside groups. They set fee structures, collect fees, and set and enforce policies for building use, which is becoming an important income stream for COS. For more information on the Building Use Committee and its activities and policies

Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee at COS is an educational committee whose purpose is to teach our parish about the role of stewardship in our lives in all its facets—time, talent, and treasure. The committee works to help our members understand the various ways we can serve in the ministries of Church of Our Saviour. The Stewardship Committee meets the second Tuesday of the month. We welcome all interested in the service of God at COS.

Diocesan Involvement
The Church of Our Saviour is committed to participation in our diocese, the Diocese of Washington, and its various events. As events and activities arise they will be publicized through regular parish communication channels.

Sunday Bulletin & Weekly eNews
Our Sunday bulletin and Weekly eNews both contain announcements for the parish community. If you would like to place an announcement in these publications, please have it to the Church Office no later than noon the preceding Wednesday. You may send an announcement by email or call the church office. If you would like to receive the eNews, please send your email address to the Church Office.

Publicity and Notices
If you wish to publicize an event or place notices on the premises, please contact the parish office. Various bulletin boards and marquees around the church building are reserved for specific items, subjects or materials. Certain restrictions apply to publicity for non-parish events or advertisements. If you need a flyer designed for a parish event or would like to volunteer to design publicity, please call the Church office.

Website
COS has a website which includes a calendar of events, eNews, and pertinent information about the parish. The address is www.episcopalcos.org.

Library
Church of Our Saviour has a small library collection in the bookcase located in the hallway off the Narthex, near the Bridal Room. Books are available for loan on the honor system. If you would like to borrow a book, please inform the Church Office.

Office Volunteers
The Church Office is periodically in need of volunteers for such tasks as folding, stapling, photocopying, answering the office telephone, word-processing, desktop publishing, and preparing mailings. Many of these tasks can be done by volunteers at home. Please contact the Church Office if you have extra time and organizational skills and would like to be called on to volunteer in the office. Let the office know if you have word-processing or desktop publishing skills to offer.