Wednesday, November 17, 2010 "Grow Your Faith" Through A Home LifeGroup

To truly connect and grow at Encounter, you must be a part of a home LifeGroup.

An Encounter LifeGroup is a small group of six to eight people who gather regularly for spiritual growth and study, life encouragement, and support through the challenging times.

It's a safe place to ask tough questions and build lasting friendships in an environment with others just like you.

Join Us For the Next LifeGroup

Home 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. There will be video and board games for the kids — so kids are welcome, but child care only available if arranged beforehand.

WHAT: Encounter LifeGroups
WHEN: 1st and 3rd Sundays @ 5:30pm
WHERE: See Upcoming Dates Below

— Sunday, Feb 20 @ 5:30pm | Location TBA | RSVP on Facebook
— Sunday, Mar 6 @ 5:30pm | Location TBA | RSVP on Facebook

Five Things God Uses To Grow Your Faith

We are currently going through the video and discussion series from Andy Stanley called "Five Things God Uses To Grow Your Faith." Better understand how to effectively Encounter God, Experience Community, and Engage Culture.

"Imagine how different your outlook on life would be if you had absolute confidence that God was with you. Imagine how differently you would respond to difficulties, temptations, and even good things if you knew with certainty that God was in all of it and was planning to leverage it for good. In other words, imagine what it would be like to have a faith that trusts in God."

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.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 Encounter Happenings in December

The holiday season is already upon us. With Thanksgiving less about a week away, Encounter will usher in the Christmas season with several relationship-building activities and events.

Christmas Decorating Downtown

Sunday, November 7 @ 11am

We received a call a few weeks ago from Downtown Helena asking us to help Decorate Downtown streets. Perhaps you were are part of the 22 Encounter folks who came out to hang wreaths on Last Chance Gulch.

Beyond Thankful Worship Gathering

Sunday, November 28 @ 5:30pm

On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we'll meet for our next Worship Gathering as we explore what it means to go "Beyond Thankful" in Luke 17. There will be live acoustic worship with communion. Meeting at the Dunphy Building.

Listen to the podcast here!

December Home LifeGroup

Sunday, December 5 @ 5:30pm

As we go into December, we'll gather at Home LifeGroups to explore the "Five Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith" on Sunday, December 5. This meeting at the Stokes Home.

Encounter Christmas Party

Sunday, December 12 @ 5:30pm

The Encounter Christmas Party is a fun opportunity to enjoy the season with new and old friends including a white elephant gift exchange, Christmas music, hot chocolate, and holiday board & card games. Bring a friend, a wrapped $2 white elephant gift. And if you want, bring your favorite board or card game and Christmas CD. Age-appropriate games will be available for kids, but there will be no childcare. We're meeting at the Powell Home.

Christmas Eve Service @ Encounter

Friday, December 24 @ 5:30pm

Finally, you are invited to join us for a reflective Christmas Eve service with Christmas carols and a reading of the traditional Christmas story in a candlelight atmosphere. Come celebrate the birth of Christ at our Christmas Eve Encounter on December 24. Meeting at the Dunphy Building.

Serving Helena at the Fall Art Walk - Afterburn

What an amazing way to serve the Helena community last Friday!

The Encounter crew set up just outside of the Capital FRET music store on Last Chance Gulch in the heart of downtown.

Serving FREE gourmet hot chocolate as people walked the downtown area for the 2010 Fall Art Walk, we saw and talked to so many people.

It was packed downtown this year and we served nearly 250 cups of hot chocolate using 12 pounds of chocolate mix!

This is just another way to demonstrate that Encounter is not just a church IN Helena, but we are a church FOR Helena. Here are some photos and a small video clip from the evening.



View the Picasa slideshow here
View the photos on Facebook here

View the video above or on YouTube here.

Monday, November 8, 2010 Serving Helena at the Fall Art Walk - Nov 12 @ 5:30pm

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

This year we plan on serving FREE hot chocolate (and maybe cider) 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 Fall Art Walk
WHEN: Friday, November 12 @ 5:30pm-7pm
WHERE: 335 Last Chance Gulch (capitalFRET on Last Chance Gulch)

Christmas Decorating in Downtown Helena - Afterburn

This last Sunday, we partnered with local businesses and Downtown Helena to usher in the Christmas season a little early.

We called it Christmas Decorating & Coffee Downtown.

Encounter's group of nearly 22 people came out to help put up Christmas wreaths and decorate street lamps in Downtown Helena. What an awesome turn out!

We had about three groups climbing ladders, fluffing the wreathes (there were some expert "fluffers" there), and snipping cable ties along Last Chance Gulch! After it was all done, we took a little time to share some coffee and fun conversation at Starbucks.

Why do we do it? For us, it's just another way to be a burning bush for our community — to be a church not just IN Helena, but FOR Helena. It's our way to make an impact in our community by giving ourselves away.


View the Picasa slideshow here
View the photos on Facebook here

Monday, October 18, 2010 Christmas Decorating & Coffee Downtown - Nov 7 @ 11am

While the Christmas season is not quite upon us, Downtown Helena will be decorating streets downtown on November 7.

We invite you to come impact our community by helping to usher in the season.

Afterward, we'll gather at the downtown Starbucks for coffee and conversation.

Meet at the Dunphy Building at 11am and plan for coffee about 2pm.

WHAT: Christmas Decorating & Coffee Downtown
WHEN: Sunday, November 7 @ 11am-2pm
WHERE: Meet at the Dunphy Building. Coffee at Starbucks.

Sunday, October 17, 2010 IGNITE Worship Series Continues - Sundays Oct 24 & Nov 14

We kicked off the IGNITE series last Sunday at our Grand Opening on 10-10-10. It was awesome!

IGNITE: A BURNING BUSH
Sunday, October 10 @ 5:30pm

Last Sunday, we talked about "Igniting" a passion to see the spiritual landscape of Helena changed in a positive way. By looking at the passion of God in Exodus 3, we were challenged to become a "Burning Bush" to our friends and neighbors around us helping them to encounter God.

IGNITE: A SINGLE SPARK
Sunday, October 24 @ 5:30pm

We'll continue on October 24 with "Ignite: A Single Spark" where where will will explore 1 Samuel 14 and how a single spark can ignite a great fire. We will look at how we are not called down the wide path of least resistance, but to do hard things.

IGNITE: DUEL OF FIRE
Sunday, November 14 @ 5:30pm

The IGNITE series will conclude on November 14 with "Ignite: Duel of Fire." We'll explore 1 Kings 18 and look at the battle between our own works and the true supernatural power of God. Rumor has it that light sabers may be involved! Listen to the podcast here!


Click here to find out about Encounter Worship Gatherings and EncounterKids.

Thursday, October 14, 2010 Awesome Encounter Grand Opening! - Afterburn

What an amazingly successful launch of the Encounter Church worship gatherings at our Grand Opening this last Sunday on 10-10-10!

We saw twice as many people as the three Sneak Peek Worship Gatherings we've been having since July. It was our largest attendance ever and I am super excited to follow up with those who indicated they want to know more about trusting in Jesus.

The musicians were some of the best in Helena and really did a great job bringing an edgy and slightly loud feel to the worship. The message was called "Ignite: A Burning Bush" and we talked about being a "Burning Bush" to those friends and neighbors around us helping them to encounter God.

What's Next

We'll be continuing the series as we meet regularly on the 2nd and 4th Sunday for worship, and the 1st and 3rd Sunday for LifeGroups — all evenings at 5:30pm.

October 10 - Ignite: A Burning Bush
October 24 - Ignite: A Single Spark
November 14 - Ignite: Duel of Fire

We're very excited about what's God is doing through Encounter, and are looking forward to being a church that "ignites" Helena for years to come!

Thank You

The Grand Opening was really awesome thanks to the many people behind the scenes who helped make it a reality. If you missed it, we invite you to check out our next Worship Gathering on October 24 @ 5:30pm. We'll continue our current series with "Ignite: A Single Spark."




View the Picasa slideshow here
View the photos on Facebook here

Saturday, October 9, 2010 Kid's Fall Fest 2010 at Pioneer Park - Afterburn

Encounter partnered with Downtown Helena again this year to help bring some Fall fun to the Helena community at Pioneer Park.

There was a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, needle in the haystack game, and more — all organized by DHI and various Helena businesses.

In the four hours of the Kid's Fall Fest, we went through over 300 popcorn bags, 700 cotton candy cones, and 350 Tootsie Pops. We estimate nearly 1,000 kids and their parents had a great time throughout the event!

As part of our effort to a "burning bush" in Helena, we at Encounter came alongside Downtown Helena to provide for FREE two kid's inflatable bouncers, cotton candy, and popcorn for the event. What a awesome time and great opportunity to let people know about our Grand Opening the next day!

The Encounter team of volunteers did an awesome job serving our community and sharing God's love in tangible way. We invite you to engage our Helena culture and join us in our next project at the Fall Art Walk on November 12.





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

Friday, October 8, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 1 Day to Launch

It is only ONE DAY now.

Tomorrow is the Encounter Grand Opening at 5:30pm.

It is the culmination of all that we have been working on, praying for, and dreaming about for the last 20 months. Tomorrow is the end of the countdown, but it is just the beginning of what God is going to do in Helena through Encounter Church.

Truth be told, I have been slammed from all sides in the last few days with emergencies, last minute preparations, connecting with the community, and telling people about our Grand Opening. I have even missed some of our 40 Day of Prayer & Impact.

Making a Difference

At the same time, God has been working overtime to help get the news out there. In the last three week as I have been talking to people, I am no longer hearing "So where is your church? What is your church called." Instead, I've been hearing responses like "Aren't you that church for people who don't like church?" and "Are you guys going to be at the Kids Fall Fest?"

Even today at the Kids Fall Fest, we had numerous people thank us for our commitment to the Helena community. They've seen how we've been making a difference over the last 20 months. I heard responses like, "Oh I know who Encounter is. You guys have been doing a lot of things for the community."

We are approaching tommorrow with great expectation of what God is going to do

TODAY'S PRAYER

On this last day of the countdown, our prayer is for the Grand Opening tomorrow. Pray that people are drawn to what God is doing. Pray that the volunteers, greeters, kids team, setup crew, and musicians are all prepared physically and spiritually for the birth, of you will, of a new and different community of faith that is focused more on following Jesus than on empty man-made traditions.

TODAY'S IMPACT

Your impact is actually for Sunday. What is it? Simply come and support Encounter Church as we launch here in Helena. Or if you want to go deeper in your faith, if you are searching, if you want to explore what it means to follow Jesus with others that are doing the same – come and bring some friends to the Encounter Grand Opening tomorrow at 5:30pm. Come as you are, baggage and all. After all, we are too!

Thursday, October 7, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 3 Days to Launch

What??!! Only THREE DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening. 10-10-10 is so close now, I can almost taste it.

As we have been counting down 40 Days of Prayer & Impact, we have been hoping to prepare you to impact our community in a tangible way.

There are only a few days for you to join in with what God is doing through an amazing group of people. First, pray with us. Then, let's intentionally take an active part in seeing the spiritual landscape of our community changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

Becoming Right With God

Today, we are looking at 2 Corinthians 5:21...

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

About this passage, Oswald Chambers wrote, "Sin is a fundamental relationship; it is not wrong doing, it is wrong being, deliberate and emphatic independence of God." And therein lies our problem. It is not so much about the behavior, but deeper to our very being. We are broken. We are not right with God.

Too many churches seem to be in the business of "sin management." Trying to help people stop a particular behavior. There are religious rules and checklists to follow. But such an attempt is futile unless we address our very being. Instead, Encounter Church is founded on one central focus. Not an idea, but the person of Jesus. Because it is the person of Jesus that "became the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God."

We believe that when people encounter God, they being a journey of discovering who Jesus is. And as we draw closer to Jesus, He draws closer to us — transforming our very being into something completely new. He makes us right with God.

We are focused on being a Jesus-centered community of faith.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Are you right with God? Despite your sin and brokenness, have you allowed, accepted, trusted that Jesus was a sin offering for you? If not, your prayer today is to ask God to help you understand and trust in this simple truth. If you are having trouble understanding, pray for the opportunity to talk to someone who can help you come to terms with what Jesus has done for you.

If you have already trusted in this truth, you are made right with God. However, you would be lying if you are experiencing complete victory over the sin and brokenness in your life. It is a process and although you are no longer in bondage to sin, it can still be a struggle. Your prayer today is for victory over these sin issues, addictions, and struggles that you are experiencing. Ask God to help you break the strongholds in your life.

TODAY'S IMPACT

The same truths apply to those around us in our workplaces, schools, stores, and community. Your impact today is to open your eyes to the ones struggling around you. A broken marriage, an addiction, even bondage to stress are evidence of the sometimes unseen struggle that wages in our hearts. First, pray for those you encounter today as the need becomes evident. Second, you may even be able to speak into their life. You may be able to help them understand, that focusing on behavior is futile until Jesus makes them new. It is only then that they can be made right with God.

Join this Saturday as we serve our community for the Downtown Helena Kids Fall Fest this Saturday from 10am-2pm. Then, you are invited to step beyond yourself into something greater through Encounter Church. Come and bring some friends to the Encounter Grand Opening this Sunday at 5:30pm.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 4 Days to Launch

I am so excited that there are only FOUR DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. As we have been counting down 40 Days of Prayer & Impact, we have been hoping to prepare you to impact our community in a tangible way.

There are only a few days for you to join in with what God is doing through an amazing group of people. First, pray with us. Then, let's intentionally take an active part in seeing the spiritual landscape of our community changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

Looking Beyond Ourselves

Today, we are looking at 2 Corinthians 3:16-18...

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Jesus' message has never been safe. It requires a bold-risk. It requires standing out among the crowd. It is not a message of convenience. It requires us to do hard things — to put others above ourselves. The message of Jesus challenges us to look beyond, and to become part of something greater.

I've heard it said that "we need not think less of ourselves, we only need to think of ourselves less often." Isn't it interesting that as we look away from ourselves, and focus on the needs of others — in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and community — that is when we personally come to know the healing and forgiveness of Jesus? When we surrender completely to God, that is when we experience the greatest freedom.

So let us look beyond ourselves and toward Jesus.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Today's prayer is to look beyond. Imagine what greater things Jesus can accomplish through us, than just ourselves. surrender to Jesus. Ask God to make you less safe, and more dangerous to the enemy, to apathy, and the status quo. Ask to do hard things, not thinking of ourselves but for others. And finally, ask for the freedom that can be yours through a heart broken for the things that break His heart.

TODAY'S IMPACT

As you turn toward the Lord today, the veil will be removed. You will see Him more clearly and in turn, others will see Him more clearly reflected in you. Where in your life, where in your relationships, are you being called to look beyond yourself? As you gaze upon Jesus, who do you need to see more clearly? What bold risk do you need to take to help them turn toward Jesus as well? It is time for true freedom!

Reflect God's glory this Saturday as we serve our community for the Downtown Helena Kids Fall Fest this Saturday from 10am-2pm. Then, you are invited to step beyond yourself into something greater through Encounter Church. Come and bring some friends to the Encounter Grand Opening this Sunday at 5:30pm.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 5 Days to Launch

It's getting so close! I can't believe there are only FIVE DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. As we have been counting down 40 Days of Prayer & Impact, we have been hoping to prepare you to impact our community in a tangible way.

There are only a few days for you to join in with what God is doing through an amazing group of people. First, pray with us. Then, let's intentionally take an active part in seeing the spiritual landscape of our community changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

Jesus Building His Church

Today, we are looking at Matthew 16:18 ...

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

While there is much to unpack in this one verse, let's focus on Jesus' statement, "I will build my church." Too often when taking on an endeavor like starting a new church from scratch like we have done with Encounter, we place all the work on ourselves. If you are like me, I tend to think "I must do more to see this successful."

We learn two important truths from Jesus' words here. First, it is not us but Jesus that builds His church. Second, it is His church not ours.

Our tendency to succumb to the world's notions of work-ethic, sabotage us from what truly matters. It's not so much what we do, but who we are that matters. We are human be-ings, not human do-ings. When we are surrendered to Jesus, He is transforming us into the person He created us to be — and the natural outgrowth, the natural "fruit" of our being becomes focused on pleasing God.

Jesus said "I will build my church."

TODAY'S PRAYER

Today's prayer is to surrender to Jesus. It is not a once-in-a-lifetime event but rather a daily, if not moment-by-moment requirement. We still have a tendency to do things our own way. We stop listening to what God is saying inside us through His Spirit. We take things into our own hands, and what we attempt becomes ours instead of His. We hold so tightly that we begin building our kingdom instead of His Kingdom. Ask God to help you surrender moment-by-moment so that He will build His church through you.

TODAY'S IMPACT

As you interact with those in your sphere of influence today — fellow students, coworkers, friends, and family — allow them to see that your efforts are not for you. And as you show them that "the Kingdom has come near," allow them to see that you are building His Kingdom in your life, not your own.

Your impact today is to serve another. Not as you would serve, but as Jesus would have you serve. Ask Jesus what needs to be addressed in their life, and then address those needs. As you do this, you and others will witness Jesus building His church.

You are invited to confirm what you have been hearing about Encounter Church. Come and bring some friends to the Encounter Grand Opening this Sunday at 5:30pm. Bring your kids to the Downtown Helena Kids Fall Fest this Saturday from 10am-2pm. We invite to explore this new Encounter Church, a church that Jesus is building.

Monday, October 4, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 6 Days to Launch

Word is getting out! I can't believe there is only SIX DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. As we have been counting down 40 Days of Prayer & Impact, we hope to prepare you to impact our community in a tangible way.

There is still time for you to join in with what God is doing through an amazing group of people. First, pray with us. Then, let's intentionally take an active part in seeing the spiritual landscape of our community changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

A Risk-Taking Faith?

Today, we are looking at Hebrews 11:6a ...

And it is impossible to please God without faith.

There is a difference between being "safe" and being "dangerous." When we are safe we strive to make everone happy, we avoid the uncomfortable and controversial issues, and we remain paralyzed by caution. The kind of dangerous that I am talking about, means that we are not afraid to challenge the status quo if it will bring about positive change. But the problem with being dangerous in this way, is that it requires a risk-taking faith.

Without faith, we are trapped in a world without hope. But Jesus was all about taking faith risks so that people could come to know God better. In Matthew 16:25, Jesus put forth the boldest invitation I can think of. He said, "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it."

We are called to embrace a risk-taking faith!

TODAY'S PRAYER

When was the last time you had an uncivilized experience with God? When was the last time you took a bold stand for Christ? When was the last time you took a faith-risk? Our prayer today is for God to release us from a "safe" religion. Instead, ask Him to develop within us a "dangerous" risk-taking faith.

TODAY'S IMPACT

Your impact today is make a personal connection. Take a risk and step out of your comfort zone. If you earnestly pray for it, God will grant you a "dangerous" faith that is uncivilized, bold, selfless, and all consuming. Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." These are the characteristics that promote life and stave off decay.

So as you capture this risk-taking faith, there are three ways to connect and invite someone to embrace the same. Invite them and their kids to the Downtown Helena Kids Fall Fest this Saturday from 10am-2pm. Invite them and their friends to encounter God at the Encounter Grand Opening this Sunday at 5:30pm. Let them know about the LifeGroup Connect coming up next week at the Red Atlas. These are just the first baby steps with may lead them into a life-giving risk-taking faith as well.

Sunday, October 3, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 7 Days to Launch

The excitement is definitely building! I can't believe there is only ONE WEEK before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. As we have been counting down 40 Days of Prayer & Impact, we hope to prepare you to impact our community in a tangible way.

There is still time for you to join in with what God is doing through an amazing group of people. First, pray with us. Then, let's intentionally take an active part in seeing the spiritual landscape of our community changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

Do You Really Want It?

Today, we are looking at John 5:5-9a ...

One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?" "I can't, sir," the sick man said, "for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me." Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!" Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!

Despite the excuses of the sick man, Jesus has one penetrating question: "Would you like to get well?" Yes, we often recognize the hurt and pain that we go through. We are aware of our addictions and vices. We know that we need healing, forgiveness, and redemption. But the question remains, "Do we really want it?"

Even as we start new Encounter Church in Helena, we must still ask the question. Yes, there are people who are struggling. There are families and marriages that are broken. There are still people in need in our city. We recognize it, but do we really want it to change? Or are we making excuses? Are we waiting for someone else to do it? Are we afraid to try it alone?

Jesus says if you really want it then "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!"

TODAY'S PRAYER

Let us pray first for us to respond to Jesus' words. We've felt the fire inside, the need for healing and forgiveness, and the desire to see Helena changed — now it is time to embrace all that God has for us. He is inviting us to take an active part in the redemption of our city, community, neighbors, friends, and ourselves. It is time to surrender to that call. Our prayer today is to simply say an honest "yes" to what God is offering. It's time to pick up your mat and take action.

TODAY'S IMPACT

Your impact today is a call to action. We've mentioned two great opportunities to make a difference now — the Kids Fall Fest and the Encounter Grand Opening. To change the world, you have to first "show up." So depending on your journey, you have to consider your next step.

Perhaps you need to check out the new community of faith called Encounter. Bring your kids to the Kids Fall Fest. Check out the Grand Opening. Maybe bring some friends. Or perhaps you're ready to volunteer. If so, you can contact us right now — give us a call or send an email.

Your thirty-eight years are up! It's time to stop making excuses and consider if you really want to be healed. Do you really want to see a difference in our community? Do you want build friendships with people who are on your same faith journey? If so, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!"

Saturday, October 2, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 8 Days to Launch

Crazy! I can't believe there are only 8 DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. As we have been counting down 40 Days of Prayer & Impact, we hope to prepare you to impact our community in a tangible way.

There is still time for you to join in with what God is doing through an amazing group of people. First, pray with us. Then, let's intentionally take an active part in seeing the spiritual landscape of our community changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

Are You Ready?

Today, we are looking at Romans 12:1-2 (msg) ...

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.

With just over a week before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10, there is just a little time left to focus our minds on what God is going to do. What is He going to do? God nature is to create new things. God's nature is to do the impossible. To transforms lives, to heal broken marriages, to restore hopeless situations. And He invites us to be part of the process.

God is already doing something awesome. He is inviting you to be a part of something greater than yourself. He is encouraging you to "Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life" and place it before Him so that He can work in you and through you.

Are you ready to embrace God?

TODAY'S PRAYER

For you, embracing God may mean stepping back into a community of faith. Embracing God may be exploring what it means to follow Jesus for the first time. It may mean moving beyond simply attending a once-a-week church service and pursuing God all week long. It may mean sacrificing some "game time" to serve others in our community. No matter where you are along the spectrum — skeptic, seeker, new believer, or mature in the faith — now is the time to step forward beyond religion, beyond church politics, beyond judging others, and into a significant life-changing encounter. That's what we are praying for today!

TODAY'S IMPACT

Your impact today is a continuation of yesterday. God wants to transform your life into a "burning bush" through which other can encounter God through you. "Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life" and place it before Him. Get past the excuses. Get past the distractions. Get past fear. God is waiting for you to give it all to Him. Here are some tangible ways to make a difference right now.

1. FARMER'S MARKET — Come give away free Tootsie Pops today at the Farmer's Market. Brighten someone's day with a simple gift and a smile. We'll have invite cards attached to the pops, so you may be the "burning bush" that attracts them to encounter God.
2. KIDS FALL FEST — The following Saturday on October 9, you have the opportunity to do something significant for young families in Helena. The Kids Fall Fest is an opportunity to serve with no strings attached. Those helping with Encounter will be a "burning bush" to our community through free cotton candy, popcorn, and inflatable jumpers for the kids.
3. ENCOUNTER GRAND OPENING — This will be the first of worship gatherings designed to help people encounter God in a real way. Through the casual vibe, musical style, interactive discussion, and EncounterKids environment, volunteers are intentionally serving others to help them hear from God. You can be a "burning bush" in this way as well.
   

Contact us to get involved in any of these opportunities.

Friday, October 1, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 9 Days to Launch

Crazy! I can't believe there are only 9 DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. As we have been counting down 40 Days of Prayer & Impact, we hope to prepare you to impact our community in a tangible way.

There is still time for you to join in with what God is doing through an amazing group of people. First, pray with us. Then, let's intentionally take an active part in seeing the spiritual landscape of our community changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

I Must Go See It!

Today, we are looking at Exodus 3:2b-3 ...

Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn't burn up. "This is amazing," Moses said to himself. "Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go see it."

So here's the deal. Moses was not especially thinking about God or spiritual things when he was tending sheep for his Father-in-law. In fact, he had probably tended the sheep here before. I mean, this was his ordinary everyday life.

This time something out-of-the-ordinary happened – something extraordinary! Scripture says that he "stared in amazement!" For many of us, we get caught up in our ordinary life. The truth is that we don't have time for God and spiritual things until God catches our attention.

God infuses our everyday life with the extraordinary to get our attention.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Our prayer is that God would attract our attention today. We need to make time in our schedule to hear from Him, and then live in the expectation that He is doing amazing things around us. Too often when we speak of luck and circumstance, God is presenting us with our very own "burning bush" and asking us to "come see it." It is then that He will speak to us.

TODAY'S IMPACT

Your impact today is to help someone else see their "burning bush" — that out-of-the-ordinary thing through which God is waiting to speak into their life. To be very practical, let me share three specific opportunities.

1. FARMER'S MARKET — Come give away free Tootsie Pops tomorrow at the Farmer's Market. Brighten someone's day with a simple gift and a smile. We'll have invite cards attached to the pops, so you may be the "burning bush" that attracts them to encounter God.
2. KIDS FALL FEST — The following Saturday on October 9, you have the opportunity to do something significant for young families in Helena. The Kids Fall Fest is an opportunity to serve with no strings attached. Those helping with Encounter will be a "burning bush" to our community through free cotton candy, popcorn, and inflatable jumpers for the kids.
3. ENCOUNTER GRAND OPENING — This will be the first of worship gatherings designed to help people encounter God in a real way. Through the casual vibe, musical style, interactive discussion, and EncounterKids environment, volunteers are intentionally serving others to help them hear from God. You can be a "burning bush" in this way as well.
   

Contact us to get involved in any of these opportunities.

Thursday, September 30, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 10 Days to Launch

Today, there are only 10 DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. We are asking you to join us in what God is doing in these last 40 days.

Pray with us. Act with us. Imagine the impact we could have in Helena if each one of us is individually involved in making Helena a better place. Imagine the lives that could be touched. Imagine how the spiritual landscape of our community could be changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

An Unknown God?

Today, we are looking at Acts 17:22-23 ...

So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: "Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an Unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.

When Paul was in Athens, he saw how they worshiped many idols. Just in case, the Athenians even had an alter to "an Unknown God" in case they left one out. While we hate to admit it, many of us do the same. We try to cover our bases by going to church and saying the right things on Sunday. People all around us believe that they worship God. In reality, we sometimes only worship our their idea of God. But we really don't know the One whom we "worship."

When we don't actually know the One we worship, then it isn't true worship.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Worship is a response. When God reveals himself to us in some way, when we are in awe of Him, we respond in true worship. We must know God, even in the smallest way, to truly worship Him. Anything else is acting. Anything else is pretend. Our prayer today? Ask God to reveal Himself to you today. Ask Him to open your eyes and allow you to see His "awesomeness" (I don't use that word lightly here).

TODAY'S IMPACT

Your impact today is to help someone know God better. Certainly sharing scripture reveals the character of God. But your encounters with God can resonate deeper. When we extend grace and mercy where none is due, that can resonate deeper. Today, make difference. Help someone know God more than they did before they met you.

We invite you to be a part of something greater than yourself. Connect with a people discovering what it means to follow Jesus in the context of real life. Our Grand Opening is just 10 days away on 10-10-10 and we would be honored if you could come celebrate with us.

Got questions? What to find out more? Contact us for some conversation over coffee.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Kids Fall Fest at Pioneer Park - Saturday, October 9

Come join us for the Downtown Helena Kids Fall Fest at Pioneer Park on Saturday, October 17 @ 10am to 2pm.

WHAT IS IT?

This is a Downtown Helena event with all sorts of booths and activities such as a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, needle in the haystack games, and pumpkin art.

As part of our effort to Be The Change in Helena, Encounter is coming alongside Downtown Helena and providing two kid's inflatable bouncers for free — Also free cotton candy, and popcorn for the event.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We are still calling for volunteers to help with activities between 9am and 3pm. If you can help, contact us and we'll let you know what opportunities are available. Serving people in a city-wide event like this is a blast. Especially on the day before the Encounter Church Grand Opening the next day on 10-10-10. Don't miss out!

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY!

There will be something for just about everyone, so bring the whole family from 10am-2pm for a day of fun!

WHAT: Downtown Helena Kid's Fall Fest
WHEN: Saturday, October 10 @ 10am-2pm
WHERE: Pioneer Park (behind the Lewis & Clark Library)

Contact us now to get involved. Engage your culture and personally Be The Change in Helena.
Check out the Facebook event here.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 12 Days to Launch

Today, there are 12 DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. We are asking you to join us in what God is doing in these last 40 days.

Pray with us. Act with us. Imagine the impact we could have in Helena if each one of us is individually involved in making Helena a better place. Imagine the lives that could be touched. Imagine how the spiritual landscape of our community could be changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

Does Your Heart Burn Within?

Today, we are looking at Luke 24:32 ...

They said to each other, "Didn’t our hearts burn within us as [Jesus] talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?"

I've been working on a press release for local Helena media to announce the upcoming Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. The headline reads, "New Encounter Church promises to 'ignite' Helena" and I can't help but think of the disciples who were traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus after Jesus was crucified.

Jesus appeared and began to walk with them, but they were unaware that it was Jesus. And during that walk, Jesus "took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." Not until Jesus vanished, were their eyes opened and they realized He was Jesus.

Our hearts burn when we walk in His presence.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Our desire at Encounter is for people to encounter God — to experience Jesus firsthand. Does your heart burn within you as you experience His presence? Our prayer today is for God to grant us a burning heart which desires to see Him and know Him in each and every situation in your life — at home, at work, at the office, at the marketplace, at school, in your neighborhood, and in your church.

TODAY'S IMPACT

We firmly believe that God is not boring. In fact, it may be a sin to make God seem boring. If we are truly experiencing God's presence in worship, the scriptures will come alive to us and our hearts will burn within.

When is the last time you had a conversation like that with a friend? Instead of simply engaging academics and sharing information, speak of the way your life has changed — and is being changed — through Jesus. Nothing is more exciting than that fire that has been "ignited" within you.

We invite you to be a part of something greater than yourself. Connect with a people discovering what it means to follow Jesus in the context of real life. Our Grand Opening is just 12 days away on 10-10-10 and we would be honored if you could come celebrate with us.

Got questions? What to find out more? Contact us for some conversation over coffee.

Monday, September 27, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 13 Days to Launch

Today, there are 13 DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. We are asking you to join us in what God is doing in these last 40 days.

Pray with us. Act with us. Imagine the impact we could have in Helena if each one of us is individually involved in making Helena a better place. Imagine the lives that could be touched. Imagine how the spiritual landscape of our community could be changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

A Tiny Spark

Today, we are looking at James 3:5b ...

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.

In the book of James, he writes of controlling the tongue. Certainly, our words cause a world of hurt. But amidst this discussion of watching what we say, I was struck by a small, simple truth — that a "tiny spark can set a great forest on fire." While this is true in the worst of circumstances, it is also true in the best. And that is what I am seeing today, with only 13 days left before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10.

Too often, we think that we are too small to make a difference. We think we are too small to begin a movement of change that will change the face of our world. The truth is that while you are only one person, you ARE one person that can make a difference. You may only be able to provide a spark of hope for just one other person.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.

TODAY'S PRAYER

If every "fire" requires a spark, the beginning may start with you. Are you "on fire" for what God is doing in Helena? Are you excited to see what He will do next? Perhaps our prayer today is to ask God to light that fire within us. Perhaps we still need His "spark" inside to begin a great fire. Regardless, ask God today to renew that fire to see lives restored through Jesus.

TODAY'S IMPACT

The desire of those at Encounter, is to see people's lives changed for the better. We want to ignite a passion for Jesus that leads to an amazing, abundant life. And all it takes is a spark. So today, light some sparks for the people in your sphere of influence.

Start a conversation with a cashier. Tell a fellow customer about the Encounter Grand Opening and how you are connected. Some sparks may light and some may not. But one thing is for sure, every great fire starts from a single spark..

We invite you to be a part of something greater than yourself. It may only be a spark now, but it will soon be a great fire. Connect with a people discovering what it means to follow Jesus in the context of real life. Our Grand Opening is less than two weeks away on 10-10-10 and we would be honored if you could come celebrate with us.

Got questions? What to find out more? Contact us for some conversation over coffee.

Saturday, September 25, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: Two Weeks to Launch

Today, there are 15 DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. We are asking you to join us in what God is doing in these last 40 days.

Pray with us. Act with us. Imagine the impact we could have in Helena if each one of us is individually involved in making Helena a better place. Imagine the lives that could be touched. Imagine how the spiritual landscape of our community could be changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

Don't Give Up

Today, we are looking at Galatians 6:9 ...

So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

If I can be honest, starting a church is hard work. It wears on the heart, soul, and body. Sometimes when we fail to see the results, we begin to grow weary. Doing the good and right thing almost never means taking the path of least resistance — and the same is true in life and faith.

So the temptation is always there to give up and give in. And without God's Spirit and His promises we would never persevere. So let me encourage you this weekend that God knows what He is doing. He is encouraging you from His Word to stay strong. Draw on His strength, to do the hard and difficult thing that is righteous and good — for He is preparing a "harvest of blessing."

Don't give up, don't get discouraged, but find refuge in Jesus.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Both days this weekend, pray for renewed inspiration to persevere in the good that God is doing through you. Ask God to reveal to you a glimpse of blessings to come, but nonetheless pray that you would not grow weary. Find strength and encouragement in your community of faith as you seek Jesus together. And if you do not belong to a local community of faith, ask God to help you find one.

TODAY'S IMPACT

Your impact for the weekend is to be an encouragement to another. There is someone in your life who is struggling to continue. God has placed you in their life to help them persevere in doing the right thing. Perhaps write them a note of encouragement, introduce an encouraging scripture verse relevant to their situation, or be available for a hug or conversation.

Strong genuine relationships within a local community of faith are crucial to making it through the hard times. If you or someone you know does not belong to a local group of people who are pursuing Jesus, we would like to invite you to check out Encounter. Our Grand Opening is just two weeks away on 10-10-10 and we would be honored if you could come celebrate with us

Got questions? What to find out more? Contact us for some conversation over coffee.

Friday, September 24, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 16 Days to Launch

Today, there are 16 DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. We are asking you to join us in what God is doing in these last 40 days.

Pray with us. Act with us. Imagine the impact we could have in Helena if each one of us is individually involved in making Helena a better place. Imagine the lives that could be touched. Imagine how the spiritual landscape of our community could be changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

May His Will Be Done

Today, we are looking at Matthew 6:8-13 ...

"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Today is all about of prayer. I wasn't prepared for it, I didn't see it coming, but it is a day of prayer. This morning, I met with four ladies from Tennessee who have come to Helena specifically to pray for Encounter and our Grand Opening on 10-10-10. More accurately, they are praying for spiritual strongholds to be destroyed. They are praying for broken families and broken lives to be restored through Jesus.

So naturally, my mind is focused today on how to pray. When Jesus demonstrated for the disciples how to pray in this passage, He started with the most difficult part of prayer, "YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done." Too often, we have difficulty praying for His will to be done. Too often, we are praying for OUR will, OUR requests, and OUR needs. Our prayer times become a hurried wish list sent up to God, when instead they should be times to listen.

Prayer is a two-way conversation focused on God's will.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Today, let us go into prayer with an open agenda. Let us enter into this conversation with God, first listening to what He would say to us, rather than making our requests reflecting our kingdom. It sounds simple, but spend your first few minutes of prayer with God in silence. And then He will set the agenda based on His kingdom.

TODAY'S IMPACT

Your impact today is an outgrowth of Jesus' prayer. If we pray like Jesus, then we are asking for His Kingdom to come. We are asking for His will right now, right here on earth. And the best place for His Kingdom to come is through us. It is through us that our hurting, lonely, and broken neighbors will see the ways of God's Kingdom. So share the Kingdom today. Do something for someone that doesn't make sense to the ways of this world, something for someone that least deserves it, something that shows another a "glimpse" of the Kingdom of God. As Jesus said in Matthew 10:8, "Give freely as you have received."

This is the core, the raw essence of who we are at Encounter. We invite you to be a part of something greater than yourself. We invite you to step out of the boat. Come belong with a group of people discovering with what it means to follow Jesus in the context of real life. No more secondhand faith.

Got questions? What to find out more? You're invited to some personal conversation over coffee. Click here to find out more.