Encounter Church Helena

Bringing Encounter Church To A Close

2011-08-02T19:19:00.030-06:00

Some of you have partnered with Encounter Church from the very beginning. Others have come along later, and still some have just begun to pray or support this new church plant in Helena, Montana.

Please take the time to read through our journey and find out why we're bringing the Encounter ministry to a close.

HAVING IMPACTED HELENA

As you know, we have been following God, and praying impossible prayers from the very beginning almost three years ago. God gave us this vision for Encounter Church when we had no funding and no assembled team. We sought this support from a variety of sources and began building a new church plant from scratch.

With the help of ARC, SBC, and NAMB, we received assessment, confirmation, and encouragement to reach people in Helena that no one else is reaching.

We're talking about those, who like us, are a bit outside-the-box, and do not fit into the traditional approach of churches in Helena. We sought to change this community, working alongside other churches, to reach people for the Kingdom helping them truly Encounter God and Jesus in their everyday life.

From the early days dreaming in our living room about a this church, to Discussions at the Staggering Ox, Friday Night FWDs, the Encounter Grand Opening, and finally meeting on Sunday mornings at the Pattern House — we have shared a long and challenging journey.

From that very first April in 2009, we have focused all of our intent and effort to selflessly serve our community showing them the unconditional love of Jesus in a real and tangible way. Encounter has become known in Helena as a church that serves its community. It is known as a church for people who don't like church. We have truly become a church that is FOR Helena, rather than just a church IN Helena.

I am so proud and thankful of all the hard work, time, effort, and more — that individuals have put into God's vision for Encounter. These people have been, by far, the most important and significant part of our journey.

MAKING DIFFICULT DECISIONS

We want to share that at this time, that Andrea and I are currently praying through the process of seeking God's leading in a new season of ministry. From the beginning of the new year, we've been seriously evaluating and assessing the survivability and sustainability of Encounter Church.

While we've seen many victories and successes through the ministry of Encounter, while we've seen lives changed and the community touched, we have NOT seen a few crucial elements come to pass that will see Encounter survive in the long haul.

A decision such as this is never easy. As we have continually assessed the Encounter ministry, it was an especially difficult and painful decision knowing that Encounter has made a difference in Helena.

At the same time, we've communicated our needs and prayers all along. It has become clear in recent months, that God is giving us new direction. Still, the loss of Encounter Church will leave a void within the Helena community.

Andrea and I have been blessed by the experiences and lessons God has granted us through this journey. And most importantly, we've been blessed by every relationship we've formed. This journey has been richly rewarding and also spiritually draining. We've learned that joy and heartbreak can occur together.

And so we are deeply saddened to announce that we are gracefully bringing the Encounter Church ministry to a close.

In the next month or two, we will continue to serve Encounter Church just as hard as we have. There are many loose ends that need to be tied up, both ministry-related, financial, and administrative. If you have been touched by the Encounter ministry, we invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to get together with us and debrief, if needed.

Please know that we are in the process of meeting with a numerous people in the coming weeks. One of our main concerns now, is to help each of person make a smooth transition toward continued spiritual growth, beyond their time with Encounter.

While this last Sunday, July 24, was our final worship gathering, we will continue our one-on-one discipleship and we will continue to meet together at our home for LifeGroups until Andrea and I transition to a new phase of ministry.

SEEKING IMPOSSIBLE ADVENTURES

While Andrea and I continue to minister here in Helena over the next month or two — discipling those who have connected with Encounter — we are looking for open doors into our next phase of ministry. If you know of any ministry opportunities or positions, please let me know. The key for us is to find the next spiritual adventure that God has planned for us.

Church planting is now engrained upon our hearts. At this time, Andrea and I are not emotionally prepared to launch and lead another church plant effort immediately, but we are not ruling it out for the future. Risking it all for Jesus and embracing uncertainty for Him is in our DNA now.

We are longing to fit with some other church planting effort where we can be the part of the team that Encounter so desperately needed. I most likely will continue to pursue ministry in worship arts, still knowing that my skills and experience now cover a broader spectrum that include preaching, graphic design, leading small groups, discipling individuals, coordinating successful outreach efforts.

Please know that we are in the process of meeting with a numerous people in the coming weeks. One of our main concerns now, is to help each of person make a smooth transition toward continued spiritual growth, beyond their time with Encounter.

Above all, we are seeking God's leading in this. As with the personality and vision of Encounter, we are called to a ministry with a vibrant and audacious vision. A vision, that if God isn't in it, it will utterly and completely fail. We are called to reach those who otherwise would never know Christ and never set foot in a church — to minister to out-of-the-box people in unconventional ways. As Pastor Craig Groeschel says, "To reach people that have never been reached, you have to do things that no one has ever done."

We are praying for some audacious, lion-chasing opportunities and ask you to pray with us as we embrace the uncertainty that lies ahead.

In His Hands,
Eric & Andrea

2011 Summer Fun & Concert at the Park - July 12 @ 5pm

2011-06-24T11:29:00.040-06:00

The Summer Fun and Concert event on Tuesday, July 12 was canceled due to rain and thunderstorms. We are currently working on rescheduling the event soon.

You and all your friends are invited to a community Summer Fun Day & Concert at Memorial Park on Tuesday, July 12 @ 5pm.

There will be a Rock Climbing Wall for all ages, Kids Inflatable Jumpers, as well as free Cotton Candy, Popcorn, and Snow Cones.

Plus, you'll enjoy some rockin' live music from two great Helena bands Insufficient Funds Band and Stonehouse, plus solo artist Sarah Frazier!

You don’t want to miss this free event for the Helena community, for families, youth, and individuals.

This non-alcohol event is hosted by Encounter Church and rated "E" for everyone. You can help us get the word out by downloading a flyer or passing on this link to a friend.

WHAT: Summer Fun & Concert in the Park
WHEN: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 @ 5:00pm
WHERE: Memorial Park in Helena
WHO: All Ages | Families, Youth, Individuals
PRICE: FREE Entry, Activities, & Food Items

View or download an Invite Flyer here:

http://is.gd/2011HelenaSummerFunFlyer

View or download a Color Poster here:

http://is.gd/2011HelenaSummerFunPoster

Send this link to your friends:

http://is.gd/2011HelenaSummerFunConcert

Rock Wall at Alive@Five in 2011

2011-06-20T09:25:00.000-06:00

As we move into Summer 2011 in Helena, Encounter will be hosting the Rock Climbing Wall for free at Alive@Five. We invite you to come climb the Encounter Rock Climbing Wall and come say "Hello!" For us, it’s just an opportunity to serve our awesome community and let you know who Encounter is and what we are all about. As you may know, we believe that we are most like Jesus when we serve others by giving ourselves away and by "being the change" we want to see in our community.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 @ 5PM

Join us at Womens Park on Fuller & Lawrence.
Postponed from June 8 due to rain & flooding.
Canceled on June 15 due to weather.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 @ 5PM

Join us at Womens Park on Fuller & Lawrence.
Canceled on July 20 due to logistic issues.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17 @ 5PM

Join us at Womens Park on Fuller & Lawrence.
Canceled on August 17 due to logistic issues.

If you can help as the volunteer SERVE team to help setup or operate the rock wall, help out with waiver table, or hand out flyers & Tootsie Pops at Alive@Five, please contact us here.

UPDATE: Church Without A Building

2011-06-17T10:37:00.023-06:00

Encounter is still a church without a building, and we are still reliant on God for our every step. However...

We are pleased to announce that Encounter will continue to meet at the Pattern House for now.

We ask that you check back often to confirm the location of our next worship gathering.

No matter where we gather, we invite you to bring a friend and join us.

Our Next Gatherings

For our next worship gathering on Sunday, June 26 @ 11am. We are continuing our series "Chase The Lion" and exploring how to "Overcome Adversities" that are holding us back from God's very best. What if the awesome future God wants for you is hidden in your biggest problem right now? It's time to "Chase The Lion!"

This is the perfect time to check out Encounter. You'll find a welcoming casual atmosphere designed for you to Encounter God in a real and tangible way. Invite a friend and join us to experience the authentic and creative vibe of Encounter.

Sunday, May 22 @ 11am | Embracing Uncertainty - Music by "Stonehouse" | Listen to Podcast
Sunday, Jun 12 @ 11am | Facing Our Fears | Listen to Podcast
Sunday, Jun 26 @ 11am | Overcoming Adversity | Listen to Podcast
Sunday, Jul 10 @ 11am | Taking Faith Risks | Listen to Podcast

Being A Church Without A Building

2011-06-13T22:15:00.007-06:00

As a new community of faith, Encounter does not possess a building of it's own to gather for worship. This presents both opportunities and challenges.

It reminds us that church is not a building or an event, but a people and a lifestyle of faith. It reminds us that following Jesus takes place in every aspect of our lives.

We have been fortunate to meet at several unique and outstanding locations in Helena such as the Dunphy Building, Exploration Works, and the historic Pattern House.

At each location we've gathered, we've been intentional to create an atmosphere that is authentic, welcoming, and unique — so that people can encounter God in a real and tangible way.

Seeking A New Gathering Location

After five years of being vacant, Encounter's most recent gathering location, the Pattern House, may soon have a new owner.

We are currently looking to open a conversation with this potential new owner, but must relocate our morning gatherings for now.

We are exploring potential new gathering locations and will be relocating our next morning gathering which takes place Sunday, June 26. Appropriately, we will be continuing our Chase The Lion series and exploring what it means to "Overcome Adversity."

What's Next?

We are making strategic plans to soon begin gathering for worship every Sunday, but will continue with our current schedule until further notice.

You can join us for our unique, edgy, and authentic worship environment every 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings. We also meet for LifeGroup every 1st and 3rd Sunday.

WEEKLY EVENTS BY SUNDAY:
1st Sunday: LifeGroup @ 5:30pm
2nd Sunday: Worship Gathering @ tba
3rd Sunday: LifeGroup @ 5:30pm
4th Sunday: Worship Gathering @ tba
5th Sunday: Engage Your Community

Please check back soon for more on our June 26 and upcoming morning worship gathering times and location. To be notified when we announce our new gathering location for June 26, or if you have a lead or idea to suggest for our next gathering location in Helena, contact us today!.

Tootsie Pops at Alive@Five - June 22 @ 5:30pm

2011-05-15T21:32:00.000-06:00

Come down to Alive@Five in the Great Northern Town Center and connect with the Helena community by giving away Tootsie Pops.

It will be a great way to meet people and to make conversation. Plus we ave friends from First Baptist Church of Clinton coming to help.

It's just a simple way to let people know that we care about Helena! Join us by the fountain near ExplorationWorks.

WHAT: Tootsie Pops at Alive@Five
WHEN: Friday, June 22 @ 5:30pm-6:30pm
WHERE: Great Northern Town Center (by ExplorationWorks)

Serving Helena at the Spring Art Walk - May 20 @ 5:30pm

2011-05-09T21:24:00.000-06:00

Join us as we connect with and serve those coming out for the Spring Art Walk in Downtown Helena.

As warmer temperatures approach, we plan on giving away FREE water bottles and conversation along the route of the Fall Art Walk.

We'll meet and setup just outside the capitalFRET music store at 335 Last Chance Gulch. It's just another way to be a burning bush in our community.

WHAT: Serving Helena at the Spring Art Walk
WHEN: Friday, May 20 @ 5:30pm-9pm
WHERE: 335 Last Chance Gulch (capitalFRET on Last Chance Gulch)

Worship on Mother's Day! - May 8 @ 11am

2011-05-03T12:56:00.019-06:00

We invite you to bring a mom to church on Mother’s Day!

It could be YOUR mom, grandmother, spouse, or even someone ELSE'S mom — but every mom will receive a FREE GIFT.

Our featured speaker and mom of 16 years, Andrea Powell will share "What I learned from Mom ... about following Jesus."

So come to the Pattern House and experience a unique, welcoming, and authentic atmosphere. You'll hear some great music, an encouraging message, and there's fun at EncounterKids.

Be sure to invite your family and friends!

WHAT: Worship on Mother's Day
WHEN: Sunday, May 8 @ 11am
WHERE: The Pattern House [map/directions]

Listen to the podcast here!

Easter Sunday Egg Hunt @ The Pattern House - Afterburn

2011-05-03T12:30:00.008-06:00

Easter Sunday, April 24, was Encounter's very first Easter Sunday Worship Gathering. Despite snow and rain throughout the week, Easter was a beautiful, sunny day — and it was the picture perfect day for a Super Fun Egg Hunt outside!

We had over 24 first-timers on Easter with lots of kids. We explored what it means to "Come Awake!" and how we are called to "rise up from the grave" of the broken things in life through Jesus. Listen to the podcast here.

After the great music and discussion during the worship gathering, we held a drawing for the "Biggest Easter Basket Ever!" It was certainly the biggest Easter basket in Helena with items donated from individuals and businesses throughout Helena.

Special thanks to Van's Thriftway, Lasso The Moon Toys, Montana Book & Toy Company, Panhandler Plus, GamePods Jr. Downtown, Capital Fret, and Great Harvest Bread Company.

When we're all done, we went outside for a Super Fun Egg Hunt boasting over 600 eggs filled with chocolate goodies. It truly was an Awesome Easter, by all accounts, and an awesome way to connect with the community — to be a church that's not just IN Helena, but FOR Helena!

You can find all the great photos on Facebook here.
Check out a Picasa slideshow here.

Temple Veil Concert & Encounter Meet & Greet - Afterburn

2011-04-25T12:50:00.002-06:00

As part of an Awesome April on Good Friday of Easter weekend, Encounter was pleased to host the amazing musical duo, recording artist Temple Veil.

The Evening Concert also billed as an Encounter Meet & Greet at our new Pattern House location, was a complete success.

Subway sandwiches, chips, and drinks were on the menu as well as some great conversation before the free concert. It was also a blessing to see 11 new guests come check out the concert and Encounter.

This was the second time Temple Veil played for Encounter, and we were again blown away by the raw acoustic talents of Brysson on the acoutsic guitar and DeRock on the violin, keys and vocals. Seriously awesome stuff!

You can find all the great photos on Facebook here.
Check out a Picasa slideshow here.

Temple Veil Live in Concert - Apr 22 @ 6:30pm

2011-04-19T20:18:00.003-06:00

There is an incredible opportunity this week to experience an amazing concert by musical recording artist Temple Veil.

Temple Veil is touring the U.S. right now promoting their new album unEarth, Encounter is pleased to host them at the Pattern House this Friday, April 22 starting at 6:30pm.

We were blown away by the duo last July when Temple Veil played as part of the 2010 Encounter Summer Concert Series.

It was then that Helena got their first glimpse of the duo's stripped down and acoustic edge — an experience that MUST be appreciated in a live concert environment. Check out the song samples below.

As part of the Encounter Meet & Greet that evening, we're inviting the community to come meet some new friends and share in some great conversation. At the same time, you can come meet and greet Temple Veil's Brysson and DeRock as well.

DATE: Friday, April 22, 2011
TIME: Doors open 6:30pm. Concert starts after 7pm
FOOD: Free sandwiches/beverages while supplies last
KIDS: Kids welcome, but no childcare
PLACE: The Pattern House [map/directions]

Kid's Spring Fest 2011 at Pioneer Park - Afterburn

2011-04-18T18:00:00.004-06:00

This last Saturday, Encounter helped Downtown Helena usher in Spring at the first ever Kids Spring Fest at Pioneer Park.

A group of volunteers primarily from Encounter hosted a free kids bounce house. and gave away over 250 bags of popcorn, nearly 400 servings of cotton candy, and around 350 Tootsie Pops.

An estimated 600 kids and their parents came out for the event!

What an awesome way to serve our community. As part of our effort to a "burning bush" in Helena, this is just another way to be a church that is not just IN Helena, but FOR Helena!

You can find all the great photos on Facebook here.
Check out a Picasa slideshow here.

Prayer Walk & Meet Neighbors - Apr 10 @ 11am

2011-04-06T15:18:00.021-06:00

At Encounter, we've cancelled this week's Worship Gathering specifically to pray for and walk the neighborhoods near the Pattern House, downtown, and anywhere else.

Whoever comes out can pray for our neighbors as we place small flyers and Tootsie Pops on doorknobs and pass them out to individuals.

We have over 500 invite cards and Tootsie Pops and are coordinating a time after 11 on Sunday afternoon. But we could add more times on your schedule over the next 10 days — from today until April 16. The Powell family and others would love to join with you as we are able.

WHAT: Prayer Walk & Meet Neighbors
WHEN: Sunday, April 10 @ 11am + other times
WHERE: Meet outside the Pattern House
MAP/DIRECTIONS: Click here

Volunteer for Awesome April here
Read more about Awesome April here

AFTERBURN

At Encounter, we are an outward-focused church. As we grow together inwardly, we must never forget that we are here to help others know Jesus. On April 10, we cancelled our Worship Gathering specifically to pray for and walk the neighborhoods near our new gathering location, the Pattern House. On Saturday, April 9, we prayed over nearly 70 households giving away small flyers and free Tootsie to individuals. On Sunday, April 10, we covered even more of the neighborhood with over 200 more households.

You can find all the great photos on Facebook here.
Check out a Picasa slideshow here.

Serving At The Kids Spring Fest - April 16 @ 10am

2011-03-31T08:00:00.006-06:00

As part of our AWESOME APRIL, come join us as we usher in Spring at Pioneer Park with the Downtown Helena Kids Spring Fest.

Encounter Church will be hosting a FREE kids bounce house, popcorn, and cotton candy and we need to build a volunteer team now.

Working alongside other fun interactive kids activities sponsored by Downtown Helena organizations and businesses, this is an awesome opportunity to connect with the community and get the word out about the new Pattern House location and 11am gathering time. We'll also be collecting food for Helena Food Share so, if you can, please bring a donation of canned or other nonperishable food!

Please RSVP on Facebook or contact us if you can help setup and operate the booths as we connect with and serve our community. And even if you can't help, be sure to drop by with your kids and say hi!

VOLUNTEER SHIFTS:
9am-12pm Setup & First Shift
12pm-3pm Second Shift & Teardown

WHAT: Serving at the Kids Spring Fest
WHEN: Saturday, April 16 @ 10am-2pm
WHERE: Pioneer Park next to the Lewis & Clark Library [map/directions]

View photos of last time we served on Facebook here.
View a full screen Picasa slideshow here.

Encounter Meet & Greet Evening Concert - Apr 22 @ 6:30pm

2011-03-31T07:30:00.006-06:00

If you haven't had the opportunity to meet our group at Encounter? This is your chance!

As part of our AWESOME APRIL, we invite you to come out to the Pattern House for free yummy food, cool refreshments, and some great conversation.

Then later, we have some great music lined up at with recording artist duo, Temple Veil.

It's gonna be a great evening that you won't want to miss! Be sure to mark you calendar and invite some friends!

WHAT: Meet & Greet Evening Concert
WHEN: Friday, April 22. Doors open @ 6:30pm. Concert @ 7pm
WHERE: The Pattern House [map/directions]

COST: Snacks, Refreshments, & Concert are all FREE
KIDS: There is no EncounterKids for this event

Easter Worship at Encounter - April 24 @ 11am

2011-03-31T07:00:00.008-06:00

We invite you to join us for our first ever Easter Morning Worship Gathering on Sunday, April 24 @ 11am!

At the Pattern House, you'll find a welcoming casual atmosphere designed for you to Encounter God in a real and tangible way.

Of course, there will be great live worship music, an encouraging message, and fun for the kids. But we're also having a Super Fun Egg Hunt and giving away the Biggest Easter Basket ever!

Be sure to invite your family and friends!

WHAT: Easter Worship at Encounter
WHEN: Sunday, April 24 @ 11am
WHERE: The Pattern House [map/directions]

Listen to the podcast here!

An Awesome April is Here!

2011-03-30T20:30:00.003-06:00

If you've been following Facebook or Twitter, you know we've been talking about an Awesome April.

A number of upcoming changes are generating a new momentum for Encounter as we communicate the excitement of what God is doing in people's lives and in our community. You've got to be asking, what is happening this April? Well, check it out!

Our Worship Gatherings Have Moved!

We've already posted about this, but Encounter Worship Gatherings have moved to the Pattern House on Sunday Mornings at 11am. This is gonna be huge! The Pattern House is an awesome place to meet (you know it is) AND meeting in the mornings is opening the door wide open for many of our friends and neighbors to check out Encounter. This is your opportunity to check us out and invite a friend!

Serving at the Kids Spring Fest

We're ushering in Spring at Pioneer Park with the Kids Spring Fest on Saturday, April 16 @ 10am-2pm. Encounter Church will be hosting a FREE kids bounce house, popcorn, and cotton candy alongside other fun interactive kids activities sponsored by Downtown Helena organizations and businesses. This is another great opportunity to serve our community while also getting the word out about our new 11am meeting time at the Pattern House.

Meet & Greet Concert Evening

Haven't had the opportunity to meet us? This is your chance. We invite you to come out to the Pattern House on Friday, April 22 @ 6:30pm for some free yummy food, tasty refreshments, and some great conversation. Then later, we have some great music lined up at 7pm with recording artist duo, Temple Veil. You don't want to miss this!

Easter Worship at Encounter

Finally, we'd love to have you join us for our first ever Easter Worship Gathering on Sunday, April 24 @ 11am at the Pattern House ! Of course, there will be great live worship music, an encouraging message, and fun for the kids. But we're also having a Super Fun Egg Hunt and giving away the Biggest Easter Basket Ever! Be sure to invite your family and friends!

An Opportunity to Get Involved!

What is really Awesome about this April is the opportunity to get involved with what God is doing in Helena. Yes, we would love for you to attend some events and get to know us, but there is a huge opportunity to make a difference - to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Right now, we are building a community of people who are willing to selflessly serve others with the unconditional love of Jesus. Not only are we regularly impacting the Helena community (you've heard the buzz), there are opportunities for musicians, computer geeks, people who like talking with others, people with a passion to teach kids, and more. Come explore this movement of God called Encounter.

Opportunities for an AWESOME APRIL: Click Here!

Encounter Now Gathering at the Pattern House

2011-03-30T10:20:00.019-06:00

We are pleased to announce that our worship gatherings have moved to 11am Sunday mornings at the historic Pattern House.

A PART OF HELENA

Built in 1897, the Pattern House served as pay master in the early days for the Northern Pacific Railroad, to a pattern building workshop for the foundry that ran next door.

In the 90's, the Pattern House became a popular coffee house in Helena, but has been vacant since 2005. Encounter is now excited to use the space to connect with the Helena community and provide a unique environment in which to Encounter God, Experience Community, and Engage Culture.

OUR FIRST SUNDAY WAS PERFECT

We held our first un-announced gathering this last Sunday on March 27 as a "trial run" to determine the logistics of how to setup for worship, areas for kids, and refreshments. It was a success. The Pattern House is a perfect intimate environment that is warm and welcoming. View photos of the setup below.

AN AWESOME APRIL IS COMING

April is gonna be AWESOME! We'll be taking every opportunity to get the word out about our new gathering location and time. On Saturday, April 16 @ 10am-2pm, we'll be serving the community and getting the word out at the Downtown Helena Kids Spring Fest as we host free kids bounce houses, cotton candy, and popcorn. We've had teams of missionaries come pray over and help clean up the grounds at the Pattern House. We'll also be walking the area, letting our neighbors know.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Our first event at the Pattern House will be a Meet & Greet Concert Evening on Friday, April 22 @ 6:30pm. There will be yummy food, tasty refreshments, and plenty of conversation. We're hoping to get to know you, and hoping you can get to know us better. There will also be a great musical guest, Temple Veil.

Then, Sunday, April 24 @ 11am will be our very first Easter Morning gathering. Enjoy great live worship music, an engaging message, and a fun time for kids. Plus, we're having an awesome Egg Hunt for the kids and giving away the biggest Easter Basket ever!

WHERE TO FIND US

Centrally located in Helena, just go east from Malfunction Junction (where Montana Avenue, Helena Avenue, and Lyndale meet) on Lyndale, the Pattern House is the first building on the right at 1229 E. Lyndale Ave.

Click here for more details, map, and directions.

View the Picasa slideshow here
View the photos on Facebook here

Serving the Helena Food Share on March 23 - Afterburn

2011-03-30T10:09:00.006-06:00

This last Wednesday, March 23, a group of us from Encounter Church gathered to serve the Helena Food Share and support the awesome difference they make in our community.

The Helena Food Share does an outstanding job providing emergency food assistance to families experiencing economic difficulties.

There was something for everyone to do. We took on whatever projects they assigned our group. We were able to bag over 1,000 pounds of potatoes, assemble 4 crates of eggs, 36 bags of rice, and stack almost 100 cans of potato chips.

We are always eager to serve and share God's love in tangible way. It's why Encounter is known as a church not just IN Helena, but a church FOR Helena.

View the Picasa slideshow here
View the photos on Facebook here

Come Serve At The Helena Food Share – March 23 @ 6pm

2011-03-01T18:55:00.009-07:00

Coming up on Wednesday, March 23, Encounter Church is organizing a group to serve the Helena Food Share and support the awesome difference they make in our community.

Last time, we took on whatever projects they assigned our group including washing carts and baskets, filling and labeling 150 bags of oats, and organizing potatoes, eggs, and plastic bags.

Come be a "burning bush" as we engage our community in a tangible way — just 2 hours of your time can make an incredible impact. We've seen the Food Share in action and they are a blessing to the many neighbors here in Helena who need a helping hand when it comes to being able to put food on the table.

Please RSVP on Facebook or contact us to let us know you can serve.

WHAT: Serving @ Helena Food Share
WHEN: Wednesday, March 23 @ 6-8pm
WHERE: Meet at the Food Share [map/directions]

View photos of last time we served on Facebook here.
View a full screen Picasa slideshow here.

Storytelling: A Fresh New Approach To LifeGroups

2011-03-01T18:26:00.030-07:00

An Encounter LifeGroup is a small group of six to eight people who gather regularly for spiritual growth and life encouragement. It's a safe place to ask tough questions and build lasting friendships in an environment with others just like you.

We are launching a fresh new approach to small groups starting on Sunday, March 20 and you are invited!

The Story: Discovering Life
Through The Scriptures

"The Story" format will help you build deep authentic relationships while discovering yourself through the process of storytelling the scriptures. Get truly connected with Christ and others as you grow in an Encounter LifeGroup.

LifeGroup Details

LifeGroups meet every 1st and 3rd Sunday @ 5:30pm, with some exceptions. We'd love to have you come out, even if you are just checking it out. For the kids, there is a Wii console and board games available, and child care can be arranged upon request.

WHAT: Encounter LifeGroups
WHEN: 1st and 3rd Sundays @ 5:30pm
WHERE: Click Here Upcoming Locations & Dates

To join or host a LifeGroup, click here and let us know. Check for the latest LifeGroup articles or the calendar for the next LifeGroup gathering.

March Series "Dangerous Church"

2011-03-01T18:05:00.015-07:00

The early disciples were serious about God and dangerous to the world.

What is the difference between a "safe church" and a "dangerous church"? As individual believers and as a faith community, how do we become what we are called to be?

With a two-part series, we will take on these questions and more encouraging you to move beyond a safe and cautious faith, and to boldly follow Jesus with an unshakable devotion able to change the world.

Invite a friend for some great live music, a welcoming atmosphere, engaging and relevant teaching, and a fun time for kids at EncounterKids. You can RSVP for our next gathering on Facebook below.

Sunday, March 13 @ 5:30pm - Worship Gathering | Dangerous Church I | Podcast Here
Sunday, March 27 @ 11am - Worship Gathering | Dangerous Church II | Podcast Here

To find out more about what to expect at an Encounter Worship Gathering or to get directions to our meeting place, choose a selection from the "Get Times & Location" menu above.

The Art of Marriage - February 11 & 12

2011-01-31T10:51:00.003-07:00

The weekend before Valentines Day on February 11-12, Encounter Church, Big Sky Fellowship, and Rocky Mountain Church of Christ have has partnered together to bring "The Art of Marriage" to Helena.

"The Art of Marriage" is a unique seminar with 6 video sessions and live-presenters designed to equip those with a passion to build a godly and successful relationship and marriage. Designed by Family Life,  an organization known for strengthening  literally hundreds of thousands of marriages around the world, "The Art of Marriage" debuts on February 11, 2011.

Don't miss this opportunity to bless your marriage and build your relationship in a way that only God can!

View the video above or on YouTube here.

ART OF MARRIAGE DETAILS

It all begins on Friday evening from 6:30-9:00pm at the Dunphy Building downtown. We start again on Saturday morning at 9:00am and end at 4:00pm. We will provide snacks and beverages and break for lunch on Saturday.

The online cost is $40 and this includes all your materials. After January 31, the cost goes up to the door price of $50 per couple. Limited scholarships available, so if you need help contact us soon. We don't want a lack of finances to keep you from saving your marriage. We will not provide child care, so please make the necessary accommodations for your children before the event.

Check out the "Art of Marriage" website
Download the flyer and registration/payment information
Register online here (payment required via mail)

Big Game Party This Sunday!

2011-01-30T08:54:00.002-07:00

Oh yeah, Super Bowl baby! Doesn't matter if you love football, or love the commercials, or not at all. Either way, it's gonna be a blast this Sunday!

We‘ll all bring snacks like chips, mini-dogs, or whatever you can dream up ... like 5 different kinds of nachos. Plus we'll have BBQ hot dogs and pop!

There will be board games and Wii for the kids (and adults), too. It’ll be awesome!

Sunday, Feb 6 @ 4pm | Powell Home

Dude. Bro. This Party is Sick!

Oh yeah, don't miss the theme song we've adopted for this Sunday's Big Game Party. It's Parry Gripp's Last Train to Awesome Town. "This party has like 5 different kinds of nachos...Whoa, that's off-the-hook crazy!" Yea, it is.

View the video above or on YouTube here.

MLK Youth Music Splash 2011 - Afterburn

2011-01-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Jan 15 from 4-8pm, Encounter Church partnered with other community organizations to foster young musicians in Helena.

It was about diversity and community service, and featured 2 solo artists and 4 bands of local youth musicians: The 33 Cent Bet, High Lonesome, Summer Downpour, Last Minute Men, Sarah Frazier, and Stephanie Zarling.

Encounter was privileged to be involved in the early planning stages with representatives from AmeriCoreVISTA, Lewis & Clark Public Library, Youth Connections, Rocky Mountain Development Council, and others. Later, we were able to also partner with the Staggering Ox, GamePods, and Capital FRET to make the evening a huge success!

The event was held at the Staggering Ox and we had about 11 volunteers from Encounter come out to help setup, run, manage, and tear-down the stage and sound equipment. The performances were pretty awesome. Plus, the Staggering Ox was more packed than I've ever seen it! It was an honor to serve the community in this way and to be a part of the Youth Music Splash this year.

View the Picasa slideshow here

Encounter Church Helena

Bringing Encounter Church To A Close

HAVING IMPACTED HELENA

MAKING DIFFICULT DECISIONS

And so we are deeply saddened to announce that we are gracefully bringing the Encounter Church ministry to a close.

SEEKING IMPOSSIBLE ADVENTURES

2011 Summer Fun & Concert at the Park - July 12 @ 5pm

Rock Wall at Alive@Five in 2011

UPDATE: Church Without A Building

We are pleased to announce that Encounter will continue to meet at the Pattern House for now.

Our Next Gatherings

Being A Church Without A Building

Seeking A New Gathering Location

What's Next?

Tootsie Pops at Alive@Five - June 22 @ 5:30pm

Serving Helena at the Spring Art Walk - May 20 @ 5:30pm

Worship on Mother's Day! - May 8 @ 11am

Easter Sunday Egg Hunt @ The Pattern House - Afterburn

Temple Veil Concert & Encounter Meet & Greet - Afterburn

Temple Veil Live in Concert - Apr 22 @ 6:30pm

Kid's Spring Fest 2011 at Pioneer Park - Afterburn

Prayer Walk & Meet Neighbors - Apr 10 @ 11am

AFTERBURN

Serving At The Kids Spring Fest - April 16 @ 10am

Encounter Meet & Greet Evening Concert - Apr 22 @ 6:30pm

Easter Worship at Encounter - April 24 @ 11am

An Awesome April is Here!

Our Worship Gatherings Have Moved!

Serving at the Kids Spring Fest

Meet & Greet Concert Evening

Easter Worship at Encounter

An Opportunity to Get Involved!

Encounter Now Gathering at the Pattern House

Serving the Helena Food Share on March 23 - Afterburn

Come Serve At The Helena Food Share – March 23 @ 6pm

Storytelling: A Fresh New Approach To LifeGroups

The Story: Discovering LifeThrough The Scriptures

LifeGroup Details

March Series "Dangerous Church"

The Art of Marriage - February 11 & 12

ART OF MARRIAGE DETAILS

Big Game Party This Sunday!

Dude. Bro. This Party is Sick!

MLK Youth Music Splash 2011 - Afterburn

The Story: Discovering Life
Through The Scriptures