One Church, One School (OCOS) is a partnership between Saint Ambrose Church and Fuller Elementary School to support efforts in achieving excellence in education.

The goal of One Church, One School (OCOS) is to build bridges between various members of the community and Saint Ambrose. This initiative is simply about “Being” the Church to our neighbors.

According to Public Schools and Religious Communities, a First Amendment Guide published by the First Amendment Center, schools and religious institutions may have different missions, but they share many of the same civic and moral values. Both are located in most neighborhoods. Each is committed within its own role to the wellbeing of children.

One Church, One School (OCOS) began in 2013 as an outreach ministry to our neighborhood school. That year, Saint Ambrose parishioners logged nearly 300 volunteer hours. 

The partnership continues with parishioners serving as readers, mentors, and helping students with reading comprehension. The congregation participates in Backpacks to School, sponsoring Thanksgiving meals, and the Angel Tree Project each December. 

The North Carolina Parents and Teacher Association (PTA) awarded its 2023 Community Partner of the Year Award to St. Ambrose. Read about the award here.

We Safeguard Our Children

In order to ensure the protection the children in our care, all church employees and St Ambrose volunteers are required to complete the Safeguarding God’s Children Training, also known as Safe Church Training, offered online by the Diocese before participating in the OCOS program. For more information, visit the Episcopal Diocese of NC’s Safe Church Training. Also, contact the church office to register for online Safe Church Training.