SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Our various adult Spiritual Formation programs offer multiple ways to connect with the COS community while growing in the love and knowledge of God and reconnecting with the Peace That Passes All Understanding.
CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE
Church of Our Saviour offers a variety of contemplative programs, all falling under the direction and support of the rector, wardens, and vestry of Church of Our Saviour. These programs are open to all interested in expanding their contemplative life, and are regularly offered by clergy and lay leaders, as well as outside groups and speakers.
Below are links to some of our contemplative offerings.
EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY
Education for Ministry (EfM) invites participants into small, mentored groups that provide the framework for understanding life and shaping actions as Christian faith is deepened. EfM seminar groups meet on our COS campus and online, and provide a four-year curriculum.
SUNDAY ADULT FORMATION
Every Sunday, Adult Formation offers us a place to engage in book and Bible studies as well as engaging presentations by clergy, staff, and guest speakers.
SUNDAYS on ZOOM – 10:30 am
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
This in-depth study of the Bible works to draw us into a loving relationship with God and to learn the content of our faith in the context of an open and lively discussion with others. Women may begin at any point during the year.
Fridays on ZOOM - 9:30 -11:00 am
C.S. LEWIS BOOK GROUP
C.S. Lewis was one of the foremost Christian writers of the 20th century. Our group slowly reads and discusses his books, deepening our knowledge of Christianity and of God. Anyone is welcome to join at any time.
CHILDREN + YOUTH
Youth & Family Ministry at the Church of Our Saviour welcomes all youth to be an integrated part of our worshipping community and to grow in faith.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
The best way to reach a child is to tell a story. Each Sunday during Children’s Chapel, kids experience the life-changing power of worship and story. We’ve designed our kid environments to be safe, fun, and filled with age-appropriate learning tools. Childcare is offered during services as well.
YOUTH GROUP
(6th - 12th grade)
COS Youth Group is a place where students of all different backgrounds come together to hang out, have fun, and grow closer to one another, the community, and God. We are committed to walking alongside our youth as they experience the fullness of God’s love, transformation, goodness, mercy, and hope.
A CHILD'S GARDEN SCHOOL
Developmentally oriented, nestled among beautiful gardens, and staffed with talented and imaginative teachers, A Child’s Garden School (ACGS) is a place of wonder and exploration for every child. This five-day, accredited preschool offers a rich environment where each child can grow and develop at their own pace. At the same time, ACGS exposes the children to God’s word through chapel time and continually setting the example that God s Love. The school is certified by the National Association of Episcopal Schools.
DORRIS DANN KIDS
FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, OUR SAVIOUR CENTER HAS OFFERED PROGRAMS TO CHILDREN,YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
The Dorris Dann Kids Campus was built in 2006 to provide additional educational and enrichment services in the city of El Monte. Our goal is to encourage and prepare youth to succeed! We achieve this by reinforcing their development in: academics, learning, health and wellness issues, well-being, enrichment through arts, athletics, social interaction, and community responsibility.
WORSHIP MINISTRIES + MUSIC
Explore the many opportunities to share your unique gifts with us during worship.
ACOLYTES
Acolyting is a great way to get a close-up and behind-the-scenes view of our Sunday services. Duties include torchbearers, crucifers, thurifers, and banner-bearers. You can join this ministry beginning in 5th grade. Teams are trained to assist with a service once a month.
ADULT CHOIR
The Our Saviour Choir is a mixed intergenerational choir of professionals and volunteers who work hard and love to sing. The choir sings Sundays and holidays plus concerts, Evensong, and special programs. As Episcopalians, we have a rich musical heritage. Join us and help us “praise God with all our breath.”
ALTAR GUILD
We are a volunteer group of the parish whose ministry is to care for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the parish. Our members prepare the sanctuary for services (including our beautiful flower arrangements) and clean up afterwards.
AUDIO TEAM
COS sound technicians manage the operation of audio equipment at a church. Our duties include setting up and breaking down microphones, speakers, mixing boards, and other sound devices throughout the COS campus.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTRIES + LECTORS
Our lectors volunteer to read lessons from the scriptures and lead the prayers of the people during our Sunday morning Eucharists and at special services. Our Eucharistic Ministers are trained and licensed to administer the chalice during the service of Holy Communion.
GREETERS
Greeters are first to welcome new and returning people to Church of Our Saviour. We are committed to providing the best initial dynamic worship experience by greeting, receiving, directing people to enter the Sanctuary to experience The Word of God.
HANDBELLS
Supporting the liturgy is a wonderful and important part of playing handbells. We do free ringing (peals), processions, solo pieces, set psalm tones, and frequently play special parts along with the choir singing.
USHERS
Our Saviour Ushers play a vital role in worship by seating guests, distributing bulletins and service programs, collecting offerings, and maintaining the order and security of services.
FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
We believe that community enhances life and strengthens faith. By building relationships in community with one another, we grow spiritually and live our mission together.
SAGES
SAGES offers social and educational opportunities for the young at heart. We are a family of friends who seek to expand and deepen our relationship with God and one another by continuing to be engaged in our spiritual home. We meet for a luncheon once a month with a speaker and/or entertainment. *This group is currently on hold due to the pandemic.
CIRCLES OF 8
We are a fellowship group that meets on ZOOM once or twice a month. A facilitator for each group of eight people sends out a Zoom link with some questions for conversation. This is a wonderful and fun way for us to reconnect, create new relationships, and share our stories and experiences.
KNITTERS
We are a small, dedicated group of knitters who get together for fellowship and to knit prayer shawls and prayer squares. These beautiful hand-knit pieces are blessed and then given to parishioners, community members, and anyone in need of comfort. We invite all skill levels to join this ministry! *This group is currently on hold due to the pandemic.
CHURCH PATIO
Since we cannot be physically present with each other after church, we have made a virtual “church patio” to chit-chat and see one another. Please Zoom with us and drop by (digitally). There are two links, one for after each church service.
