What is Encounter?
Step into "Encounter" at St Andrew’s – it's not your average Sunday service. Picture this: a laid-back, Spirit-led vibe where there's no script, just a bunch of folks going with the flow. The focus? The gifts of the Spirit. It's like a no-judgment zone where you can bring your own flavour to the encounter. Feel like dropping some spontaneous prayers or giving a shout-out of gratitude? Go for it. This is your time to shine. We're talking about a spiritual potluck, where everyone's bringing their unique moves – from prophecy to healing vibes and speaking in tongues. "Encounter" is all about celebrating the diverse ways the Spirit works, creating a close-knit crew that's on a journey with the divine, shaped by each unique encounter. We follow a usual pattern of Worship, Prayer then discussion but we are always happy to let The Spirit interrupt us and see where he wants to take the service.
When is Encounter?
Encounter takes place on the first and third Sunday of the month. Starting at 6pm and lasting just over an hour!
Where is Encounter?
Encounter takes place at St Andrew’s Church, Churchdown.
Worship
Spirit-led worship is about embracing a spontaneous connection with God. It ditches rigid structures for an open dialogue guided by the Holy Spirit. This approach encourages diverse and authentic expressions of faith, creating a dynamic tapestry of shared experiences. It's not a routine; it's a transformative journey, fostering unity within the community as everyone responds to the leading of the Spirit in their worship.
Prayer
Prayer is a dynamic and personal encounter with the divine. It's not just a ritual; it's a modern and meaningful conversation where individuals connect with a higher power. Whether it's expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, or navigating life's challenges, prayer is a versatile and accessible practice. In this setting, it goes beyond tradition, taking on various forms from spoken words to silent reflections. It's a vital part of the service, providing a space for authenticity, reflection, and connection in the midst of our fast-paced, contemporary lives.
Discussion
Carving out time for discussion adds an enriching layer to our community experience. It's an opportunity to unpack the themes, messages, and overall vibe of the service. In these discussions, we share perspectives, ask questions, and explore the relevance of the sermon or worship elements in our daily lives. It's a moment of connection, fostering a deeper understanding of the spiritual journey we're collectively undertaking. This post-service dialogue not only strengthens our communal bonds but also encourages personal reflection and application of the teachings within the context of our diverse and contemporary lives.
What will Encounter look like in 2024?
We are excited that in 2024 we are going to be spending some time during the Encounter evenings exploring spiritual gifts alongside continuing to spend time in prayer and worship together. We will be exploring what spiritual gifts are and practically how we can apply them in our everyday lives. Keep an eye open for more information, but the current plan for 2024 is as follows:
January 2024
· 7th January 6pm – 8.30pm: A Place to Live In meets Encounter meets 24/7 Prayer. Join us for an evening of prayer and worship as we kick off the 24/7 week of prayer and spend time focusing on the gift of prayer and intercession
· 21st January 6pm: Prayer and Intercession
February 2024
· 4th February 6pm: Prophecy and Words of Knowledge
· 18th February 6pm: Prophecy and Words of Knowledge
March 2024
· 3rd March 6pm: Gift of Faith
· 17th March 6pm: No Encounter Evening due to Envisioning Evening
April 2024
· 7th April 6pm: Healing
· 21st April 6pm: Healing
May 2024
· 5th May 6pm: No Encounter Evening
· 19th May 6pm: Wisdom
June 2024
· 2nd June 6pm: Gift of Tongues
· 16th June 6pm: Gift of Tongues
July 2024:
· 7th July: No Encounter Evening due to Baptisms
· 21st July 6pm: Teaching
August 2024:
· No Encounter Evenings in August
September 2024:
· 1st September 7-9pm: Space to Live In
· 15th September 6pm: Encounter Evening
October 2024:
· 6th October 6pm: Encounter Evening
· 20th October 6pm: Encounter Evening
November 2024:
· 3rd November 6pm: Encounter Evening
· 17th November 6pm: Encounter Evening
December 2024:
· 1st December 6pm: Encounter Evening
· 15th December: No Encounter Evening