Encounter

Verb: to meet, converge, sometimes unexpectedly

A group of people gathered for dinner one night in January, with the desire of discussing a similar vision: the creation of an evening service to connect with the young adults at Holy Covenant Jamison. As discussions continued over the following weeks, the vision grew. The group knew they didn’t want to compete with existing ministries and services at the church or within the wider diocese, but rather complement them. The group also knew that they wanted a place where creative forms of worship could be expressed, discussed, explored and taught. It seemed like a natural flow on from the 24-hour prayer ministry that was growing in the church. And so Encounter was born.

Encounter strives to provide a place to encounter God through creative forms of worship, inspirational teaching, and communion over food. It is aimed at connecting with 17–30 year olds but all are welcome. Gifted theologians, poets, and authors, are amongst some of the guest speakers this year.

Encounter is held on the last Sunday of the month at 6.00 pm at Holy Covenant Church, Jamison.

About our next speaker …

Dr Ben Witherington is a gifted author, teacher, theologian, and a lover of music. He has written a commentary on every book of the New Testament, as well as some noted publications such as The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest. Ben and his wife Ann have also written three thrillers: The Lazarus Effect, Roman Numerals, and most recently Papias and the Mysterious Menorah. Based in Lexington Kentucky USA, Ben is a Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. He is also on the doctoral faculty at St. Andrews University in Scotland.

Dates, topics and speakers for this year

30 May    Encounter God through the Trinity  —  Revd Dr Graeme Garrett
27 June    Encounter God through poetry  —  John Foulcher
25 July    Encounter God through story  —  Dr Ben Witherington
29 August    Encounter God through wonder  —  Revd Richard Browning
26 September    Encounter God through song  —  Katie de Veau
31 October    Encounter God through the lens  —  Revd Nicolai Blaskow
28 November    Encounter God through the Incarnation  —  Bishop Stuart Robinson