Monday, January 18, 2010 Announcing our First Encounter LifeGroup

Join us at the Powell home for our new Encounter LifeGroup. Our first meeting will be this Friday, January 22 @ 7pm.

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

This week we'll be discussing some of the ongoing progress of Encounter as well as kicking off a study of the basics of what it means to follow Jesus.

WHAT: Encounter LifeGroup @ The Powells
WHEN: Friday, January 22, 2010 @ 7pm
WHERE: Powell Home [map/directions]

Snacks will be provided. There will be video and board games for the kids. So kids are welcome, but there will be no child care.

Please RSVP on Facebook here

Friday Night FWD: 01-15 Afterburn

Last Friday's Friday Night FWD was another great opportunity to connect with new friends in a casual atmosphere with great worship and real discussion about life and faith.

This week we had another great crowd — even more for our second gathering - almost 30! We'd love to see you here next time if you didn't make it.

We had some great worship again — a little edgy and a little loud. My personal favorite was Hillsong United's From The Inside Out. We are looking for a variety of different musicians and leaders from time to time, so let us know if you want to get involved.

As we're going through what it means to follow Jesus, we've realized that we must better know who He is. So this week we talked about what Jesus announced His purpose would be from Luke 4:16-21. We also talked about what it means to us. Are we tied into His vision and purpose? And why?

We didn't get a lot of good photos this time, but you can check out the photos from last time here.

Our next gathering will be Friday, January 29 @ 7pm, but we have a number of other events going on between now and then. Check out the calendar for more.

Friday, January 15, 2010 Help for Haiti Earthquake Victims

You can't have missed that a massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, January 12th. While we have been watcing this story unfold, I cannot fathom the destruction and chaos that has ensued.

The damage to buildings is extensive and the number of injured or dead is estimated to be in the hundreds, even thousands - over two million people live in and have been affected in Pot-au-Prince alone.

Check out some of these photos coming out of Haiti. WARNING: they are heartbreaking and graphic.

Nearly three days later some organizations are still assessing the situation and some are implying how God's wrath brought this on. We at Encounter believe that action is required because — simply, love is a verb.

This is why I have been impressed with organizations like Samaritan's Purse and World Vision. It is also why Encounter will be partnering with Samaritan's Purse taking our part in helping the quake victims. Samaritan's Purse workers and volunteers are already on the ground and making a difference in Haiti. And that makes all the difference.



Watch the video above or on YouTube here.

Right now, the best we can do is to pray and help financially. I personally encourage you to make a difference and to remember that sometimes, love is measured in dollars. Click the button below to go to the Samaritan's Purse donation page.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 EncounterCast 1.12.10: Friday Night FWD

This EncounterCast, Eric invites you to Friday Night FWD on January 15 @ 7pm. Go North on Montana Ave and turn left on Avian (1.5 miles North of Bob's Market). Look for the banner. You don't want to miss it!

View the video above or on YouTube here.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 Friday Night FWD - Friday, January 15 @ 7pm

You may have missed our last Friday Night FWD, but here is your opportunity to check it out! Come join us Friday, January 15 at 7pm.

You've seen the posters around town. Maybe even a friend told you or gave you a flyer. Or maybe you came last time and want more awesome music and spiritual growth.

What Is It About?

It's an opportunity to connect with friends in a casual atmosphere where you can be yourself. There's some great music and real, authentic group discussion about life and faith.

What's Gonna Happen?

We start by getting acquainted over coffee and snacks. Then we continue with a great band; a little edgy and a little loud. Finally, we get into a great spiritual discussion. Now at Encounter, we're just a group of people who are struggling and learning together what it means to follow Jesus, so that's what our first series of topics revolve around: "Walking in the Rhythm."

This time we'll focus on "The Opening Promise & Purpose of Jesus?" We'll look at what Jesus said His purpose was - how it translates into both a promise for us and a challenge for all seeking to follow Him.

You Can Help

We need your helping in getting the word out about Friday Night FWD. You can also help us keep on the lookout for different musicians who might want to get involved one or more weeks. We want to keep it fresh with some variety. And of course, it would be sweet if you would invite some friends, let people know about it, and personally you don't wanna miss it yourself! You can click on the image for a JPG or download a PDF flyer here.

This Time's Location

We will meet again at at the Big Sky facilities at 8181 Avocet Drive. Don't know where that is? Go North on Montana Avenue PAST Bob's Valley Market at Lincoln. Then go about two more miles North and TURN LEFT on Avian Road. Make one more quick left and you are there. Look for the signs at Bob's and Avian.

More about Friday Night FWD here
RSVP on Facebook here