Encounter - where God's at work

By Gail Truchard

"I was told by those I respected spiritually that questions and doubts were not to be entertained, that they would only 'give room for the devil'. Faith was an easily defined set of beliefs to be accepted, not examined or scrutinized. And so . . . I began to experience feelings of guilt about having . . . questions at all.

"In the midst of this struggle . . . I was introduced to a concept that was radical and new to me: the idea that faith is a journey, not a set of beliefs, and that doubts and questions could be allies in this journey . . . [This] helped me realise that, by asking questions, by seeking to find my own 'owned faith', I was not being a bad person or a bad Christian." Darrell Grizzle

Our first Encounter service in January 2003 began with these words by Darrell Grizzle. The first service really defined what Encounter was to be - what is really so special about it: an informal service suitable for the whole family with praise and prayer and thought-provoking, informative, encouraging readings and discussions.

Initial responses to the first service were very encouraging - 'interesting', 'informative', 'accessible to new people', 'impressive', 'moving', 'welcoming', 'brave' and 'encouraging' - clearly, this service was fulfilling the needs of many who attended.

Subsequent services did well to maintain the balance of pace, keeping interest and direction, but also allowed time for thought and contemplation. Nick's commentaries on the readings enhanced the service and allowed many to feel that their understanding of the Gospel was broadened.

Far from being a distraction, dramatised Bible readings have been both humorous and enlightening.

The subtle use of music has proved exquisite at times, lending particular resonance to prayers.

For those new to the church, for those wanting to explore their faith, for those grappling with the never-ending questions of what faith is and what belief in God actually means, this has to be the most welcome of services. One member of the Encounter congregation reported that she felt that "God is at work in the Encounter service, which is really exciting."

I must say I know this to be true as well. At every Encounter I have attended I have felt that I was in exactly the right place at the right time to hear a very important message.

So moved were my husband and I by the service in October that I sent this message to Anne Morse and Alan Crawley: "I really wanted to say thank you for Sunday. I thought it was an excellent service beautifully presented. Paulot told me that in the last 20 years he has not felt so connected to and moved by a service."

I would encourage everyone to attend a least one Encounter service, to 'praise', to 'seek', to 'learn' and to 'share'. I have never been disappointed and I actively look forward to the second Sunday of the month.

More information about Encounter services can be found here...