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.