WE ARE A CHURCH
DEFINED BY GRACE
DEFINED BY GRACE
At ENCOUNTER, we keep things simple. People matter to us, no matter what age or background. We love learning more about God and His purposes for our lives. And everything we do is a warm reminder of God’s unconditional love and acceptance.
ENCOUNTER
6950 RALSTON STREET
VENTURA, CA 93003
VENTURA, CA 93003
SATURDAYS AT 6PM
SUNDAYS AT 9AM & 10:45AM
SUNDAYS AT 9AM & 10:45AM
We want to make your visit as simple and enjoyable as possible. Our weekend service is designed to help you draw closer to Jesus. We hope you will walk away feeling encouraged, challenged, and knowing God’s love for you.
ENCOUNTER STORIES
What is Traction?
One of the ways ENCOUNTER is serving globally is through the ministry of Catalyst Intl, which is an extension of our church. Catalyst is focused on supporting Christian workers who serve in challenging global contexts. Through conferences like Breathe (for singles, couples and families) and Traction (for men), global Christian workers come together for encouragement, […]
FEATURED EVENTS
If you’re a mom in need of encouragement and want to meet other moms, Mothers of Preschoolers is for you! It is for moms with infants – kindergarten, including expectant mommies, foster moms, and adoptive moms!
Our season starts on Wednesday, Sept 21, 9:15 am in The PLEX. Registration is open and spots in Moppets childcare are filling fast!
A place to take a deep breath, grow as a mother, enjoy simple crafts, intentional speakers, and caring conversation. MOMSnext is for moms with kids from kindergarten through grade 12. We meet once a month, 6:30 pm, in The PLEX. Our season kicks off on Monday, October 7.
Registration is now open for our Christmas production and Performing Arts program for kids age 4 (as of Oct 6) through grade 8. Register by following the link below, on the Patio during weekend services, or in the Children’s Office during the week through Oct 6.
Join us as our Men’s Group walks through Holy Ambition by Chip Ingram. The God of the universe is looking for regular people to accomplish things beyond our wildest dreams. In this study, from Nehemiah 1 – 6, learn how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things and the process by which He molds men and women for His purposes.
Our Men’s Group meets Tuesday evenings starting September 17.
Moose Mountain is the coolest Fall retreat in the 805! This camp is designed for Middle and High School students. This year we will head to Forest Home in Ojai for a crazy weekend of TED style talks and amazing worship with a very special band. This is where core groups go deep and friendships are built!
The camp dates are Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20. The cost is $99. Registration is open!
Child Dedications will be held at ENCOUNTER the weekend of October 12/13, 2019. If you are interested in dedication your child, please attend the class on Sunday, September 29 in the nursery at 10:45 a.m.
For further information, please contact Kellianne Hern, or call 805-302-4110.
Our annual Parking Lot Sale is Saturday, September 28 from 7 am – 2 pm. Stock up on treasures while supporting a noble cause. This year, proceeds will go towards childcare for groups and events!
We need your gently used items to make it happen! Donation drop-offs will be Sunday, September 22, 1 – 3 pm and Monday – Friday, September 23 – 27, 5 – 9 pm in the Plex.
MESSAGES
Brian Rayburn - September 14, 2019
THE PROBLEM WITH HOPE
Scripture References: John 4:1-26
From Current Series: "THE PROBLEM WITH HOPE"
In the 18th century rabbits were introduced to Australia for hunting purposes. The Europeans that did so had no idea the trouble those initial twenty-four rabbits would cause. After years of reproduction, the rabbit numbers became so problematic that the colonies were destroying entire crop fields, and were blamed for significant erosion of land due to their vegetation destruction. The Australian government would place a significant bounty on hunting the rabbits, and eventually construct the longest unbroken fence of its day to keep rabbits out of Western Australia. Finally, the country was forced to introduce a virus to the rabbit population to control its defiant population. Too much of a good thing is still dangerous. We talk about hope often in the church, but there is a problem with too much of it. Make plans to be at Encounter this weekend to hear about the problem with hope, and bring a friend!
