SOCIAL SERVICES at COS

Free GED Coaching: Mon,Tue, Wed. 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. GED NEWS! GED coaching will be offered starting Monday, September 11, 2006.

Our coaches will work with you to get to know you, identify your needs, work with you individually, and walk with you on the journey to getting your GED.  Research shows that people with a high school diploma or equivalent earn $5300 per year more than those without one.  If you could use an extra $5300, consider studying with us to take the GED test. 

Coaching is offered Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5:15 to 6:30 PM, with a free community supper on Wednesday. Call 513-241-1870 for more information.

After School Primary Grades Tutoring  program of the Literacy Network.  Beginning this fall, Monday -Thursday afternoons!

The Benefits Bank  Volunteers will help you to apply ONLINE for all the benefits for which you are eligible.  They can also file income tax and Earned Income Tax Credit FOR FREE. Don't let agencies take money from your refund for this service!

Black Women’s Support Group: 2nd Mondays 6:00 pm contact: 542-5498

Crossport: TG support 1st& 3rd Wed. 7:00 p.m.

Food Pantry Emergency assistance. NEW FOOD PANTRY HOURS: Wednesdays 5:30--7 p.m. and Saturdays 9-11 a.m.

Integrity Ministry of GLBT& friends Contact Church for information

La Leche League 3rd Thursdays 10 a.m.

Lifting the Mask of Racism: Facilitated workshops for congregations, professional and community groups

Three Square Music Foundation  A ministry of young people grades K-12, including award-winning Drill Team, Praise Dancers, and "The BucketBoyz" Drum Corps.  COS supports this partner program and hosts the annual summer daycamp.  (See Youth Ministry News page!)

Transformations   Members facilitate open mtg. with supper for re-entry, recovery, anyone in transition to a better life.  At God'sProperty/Transformations House, 1956 Kinney, Sundays 7 p.m.  (See Transformations Page for more information) 

Urban Youth Ministry multi-congregational (See Urban Youth Ministry page for more information!)

Who Killed Our Kids?  (WKOK)  Families of young murder victims, support and advocacy.  2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m.

Asset Based Community Development ABCD  Deb Rose-Milavec and Rebecca Borah are coordinating our efforts to "map" the assets of our parish and neighborhood, as resources for effective, positive change.

Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly with God

Ongoing Ministry and Pastoral Support

Bible and Life Today -- an informal preview of Sunday's scripture lessons, Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Breakfast -- beginning after the 7:30 a.m. Eucharist until the 10:30 Eucharist.  Often lunch is served after the 10:30 service.

Community Bible Study -- Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in the kitchen, reading from the Epistles for the coming Sunday.  We practice Respectful Communication and a Mutual Invitation process by which each person has equal importance and opportunity to participate.  Many life-changing insights emerge for us as we open the word of God in a spirit of prayer and mutual learning.

Community Supper -- every Wednesday at 6 p.m.  Free, good hot meal, informal, self-serve set-up.  Get to know neighbors and guests, enjoy conversation over your meal, wash your own plate.  Some come just for supper on their way home or to night shift; others stay for community mass and/or Bible study, or other groups that may meet on a Wednesday night.

Health And Recovery Covenant NetWork  -- we are beginning a voluntary network of persons who are willing to sign a three month covenant 1) to practice the prescribed treatment or program that will keep them on the path to recovery and wellness; 2) to make one phone call each day to a person in the NetWork for checking in and encouragement; 3) to maintain confidentiality within the NetWork.

Health Ministry -- we are finding ways to combine resources with other parishes so as to offer a variety of opportunities to members and friends to exercise better stewardship of our bodies and minds.  See the "News" page for information on the portion control project for healthier eating; register for the "Healing Touch Workshop" on the registration page at this website.

Pastoral Care  --Members of the parish prepare and are licensed to take Communion to the sick and homebound.   Others of all ages and backgrounds may prepare for a ministry of intercession and anointing for healing.  The rector may make appointments to help seek God's guidance in a confidential discussion of a crisis or dilemma; and is glad to make referrals for longer-term counseling or spiritual direction.

Sacramental Preparation -- We take the sacraments very seriously and support persons who are preparing for these major steps in faith.  We expect all to make every effort to participate weekly in the celebration and sharing of the Body of Christ in the Holy Eucharist.  Anointing for Healing is offered at every Eucharist, with responsibility shared by members who have prayerfully offered themselves for training and practice in the exercise of this gift.  Reconciliation (also known as Penitential rite or Confession) is arranged by appointment with the priest, but is still viewed as an offering on behalf of the world's redemption, through the grace entrusted to the Church.  Baptism, Confirmation, and offerings of vows for life in community require sponsorship and thoughtful preparation.    A Discernment Committee will work with anyone who is considering a call to holy orders (diaconate or priesthood). 

Vestry -- Elected leadership of the parish, serving repeatable two -year terms.  You do not have to be a canonical member of our church to be on the vestry, but must demonstrate a commitment to the common good of this parish, to the mission of the Church, and to working for the Reign of God on earth.

Building & Grounds  -- many parishioners share the responsibilities of weekly cleaning inside and gardening outside, keeping our home open, safe, and welcoming to the whole neighborhood.  The Junior Warden (vice president of Vestry) will be glad to introduce you to other persons with this interest, who will show you the ropes and help you get into the schedule!

Capital Campaign Committees -- Our next Capital Campaign for preservation and accessibility is now entering a noticeable phase of conversation.  Three Committees have been formed:  the Bishop William Black Historic Organ Restoration Committee, Building Fabric Committee, and Campaign Coordinating Committee.   We are just beginning; now is a good time to get involved.