Community

When I began writing for the ENCOUNTER blog, I did not know where God would lead me. When Clare asked me to be a contributor, I said “yes!” and wrote my first blog about the City Center [...]

The room was buzzing with excitement as parents, friends, and neighbors packed the auditorium last Thursday evening for the VBS performance. During the week, almost 300 children and teens worked [...]

This Spring ENCOUNTER launched Rooted, a 10-week experiential group experience that serves as a catalyst for growing deeper in relationship with Christ and others. Through study, sharing of [...]

We had a great day at Urban Excursion! 28 people came from ENCOUNTER, a few from the Perspectives class at Reality, plus a 10 more from Nathan and Naomi Gapper’s church. We went to a Hindu temple [...]

Tender Life Maternity Home provides safe housing and support services for pregnant women who are on the streets and dealing with addiction. For you to fully understand the ministry of Tender [...]

After months of searching and praying, we’ve invited Bill Heydorn to join our team as Pastor of Community Life. Bill is married to Michelle and they have three kids; Mackenzie, Cooper, and [...]

When you hear the name “Lighthouse” you think of a tall light guiding ships to safely to shore. At Lighthouse for Women and Children, run by Ventura County Rescue Mission, that’s what this [...]

You never know where God is going to lead you. That is certainly true for former missionary Patti Downs. Patti and her husband Dale work at The City Center on Thompson Blvd in mid-town Ventura. [...]

Up until last December, as a wife of a fire fighter, fire events were tragedies that happened somewhere else. They were disasters that called my husband away for days or weeks, leaving me to [...]

“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. “What Child is This” by Future of Forestry. Everyone has a favorite Christmas song, or more likely a favorite [...]