HARVEST IS HERE!
FALL 2025
SMALL GROUPS
Starts August 24th . . . Register Today!
Don't do life alone! We were created to live in community and not in isolation. We may physically live in a community, but spiritually, socially, and relationally we often live our lives in isolation. We find ourselves with no one to turn to when a major issue surfaces in our lives.
Being part of a Small Group helps us to more wholly experience God through close relationships as we play and pray together, as we encourage and help one another, and as we study and live out God’s Word together.
With 3 Small Group semesters, you can jump in any time of the year: 12-week semesters in SPRING and FALL and a 6-week semester in the SUMMER.
Our FALL Semester kicks off August 24, so check out the many groups available this semester! There's one that's perfect for YOU!
For more details or information on hosting a Small Group, contact Cathy Clifford, our Small Groups Leader.
FALL 2025 SMALL GROUPS LIST
Harvest is here--Don't miss it! GET IN A GROUP TODAY!
"You have heard others say, 'Be patient; we have four more months
to wait until the crops are ready for harvest.'
I say, take a closer look and you will see that the fields are ripe and ready for the harvest. "
John 4:35 THE VOICE
With the Fall season coming soon, cooler weather (hopefully) means
cozy togethers with others to talk, laugh and grow spiritually!
Small Groups are the perfect way to spend time with old and new friends and with God!
Joining a Small Group is easy. Just read through the list below,
click the "+" next to the title that interests you, and click on the REGISTER link.
The Small Group host will contact you with meeting details ... it's that easy!
Sign up today ... because LIFE IS BETTER TOGETHER!
LADIES GROUPS
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HOST: Nancy Byrd
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 11 AM - 12:30 PM
LOCATION: EC Classroom
Join us as we continue the study on the names and titles of God! This Small Group has helped us experience Him in a fresh and deeper way, revealing many surprising connections between the Old and New Testaments.
As you explore His names, you will come face-to-face with the God of Scripture -- a God who is both the greatest of all Kings, and the most loving of all Fathers. A God enthroned on high who bends low so that we can come to know Him.
Hope you'll join us!
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HOST: Cathy Clifford
DATE: Wednesdays (9/3; 9/17; 10/1; 10/15; 10/29; 11/12)
TIME: 11 AM - 12:30 PM
LOCATION: Various restaurants in area
CALLING ALL SISTERS! Are you thirsty and hungry for fellowship and fun with your sisters in Christ? This is the group for you!
Join us every other week at various restaurants, Dutch treat (i.e., pay your own way). Make sure to sign up so you will be notified where we will meet!
Can’t wait to share a great time of sister-love!
MEN'S GROUPS
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HOST: Billy Mercer & Arnold Howard
DATE: Saturdays (Bi-Weekly)
TIME: 8 AM
LOCATION: Golden Corral
E3 Men -- Come join us for breakfast every other Saturday morning at Golden Corral. We begin August 30th and every other Saturday from then. Meet us there at 8:00 am for fun, fellowship, and some good food.
We hope to see you there!
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HOST: Ps. Philip Pimlott
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 12 PM - 1 PM
LOCATION: Various Restaurants in BR
Looking for a great way to connect, grow in your faith, and eat some good food? Join us for our Men’s Lunch Group every Tuesday from 12–1. pm. We meet at different restaurants around town, enjoy some great conversation, and dive into a short devotional based on “Talk Sunday” -- the message from the previous Sunday Experience at Encounter.
It’s relaxed, real, and always encouraging. You’ll leave filled—both spiritually and physically—and sharpened by the friendships around the table. Whether you're on lunch break or making time in your day, we’d love to have you with us. (i.e. Dutch Treat)
No pressure—just good food, good guys, and a good Word. Be sure to register so you are notified where we will meet.
Hope to see you there!
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HOST: Wayne Ferguson
DATE: Thursday (In-person & Virtual)
TIME: 6 PM
LOCATION: Various locations in BR
Join me each week, one in person and the next virtual, for a time of fellowship. Our group will be a place for veterans only to meet, talk about Pastor’s message, share testimonies, stories, and lean on each other for strength, comfort and freedom. I am an Army Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and look forward to sharing God’s Word with other veterans.
I hope to see you here!
MEN & LADIES GROUPS
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HOST: Roxanne Langston
DATE: Sundays
TIME: 12 pm - 1 pm
LOCATION: EC Family Room by eKids
Encounter Church's Grief Support Group is for our church family and the local community. Grief Share is established for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. You don't need to go through the process of grieving alone. Join our caring group of people and let us help you walk through one of life's most difficult experiences.
Each of the 13 weekly meetings will include a video message and support group discussion. A Grief Share workbook will further a personal study of the grieving process.
You are NOT alone! We will walk this journey with you!
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HOST: Cathy Clifford
DATE: Mondays
TIME: 6:30 PM - 8 PM
LOCATION: Clifford Home & Zoom
What does it take to have a heart after GOD? Join me as we dive into the Bible on a journey in David’s life. Let’s explore why GOD would call him "a man after God’s own heart"!
This is sure to be an amazing adventure in the life of David! I cannot wait to begin this study with you.
We will be meeting in-person or on Zoom!
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HOSTS: Dee & Arnold Howard
DATE: Wednesdays (Bi-weekly)
TIME: 10:30 AM - 12 PM
LOCATION: EC Classroom
The word Exodus means leave. The Book of Exodus tells how the nation of Israel left Egypt. It chronicles the story of their deliverance from 400 years of bondage and how God sent Moses as an instrument of deliverance. We also get to see how the Lord made Pharoah release His people.
God is still in the delivering business. Join us as we stroll down God’s Yellow Brick Road to deliverance. Can’t wait to see you here!
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HOST: Tomara Evans
DATE: Thursdays (Bi-weekly)
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Various area restaurants
Join us for good food, good fellowship and faith-focused discussions! We’ll meet at different restaurants bi-weekly around our area to enjoy a nice meal with good friends. Then we’ll dive a little deeper into Sunday’s message for morsels of wisdom and life applications.
We cannot wait to see you there!
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HOSTS: Pastor Alan & Ann Pimlott
DATE: Saturdays (Bi-weekly beginning 9/27)
TIME: 8 AM - 9 AM
LOCATION: Various area restaurants
We are so excited to have you join us as we gather and enjoy a wonderful breakfast with family and friends. There is nothing like getting together with the Body of Christ and sharing a meal. We will talk and share about the previous Sunday's message to hear your insights and thoughts.
This is the best way to begin your Saturday mornings. Hope to see you there. Be sure to register to know which restaurant we will meet at. Hope to see you soon!
MARRIAGE & FAMILY
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HOSTS: Pastor Philip & Kelly Pimlott
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 6 PM - 8 PM
LOCATION: Pimlott Home
Come join us for a real, honest, and fun small group experience focused on strengthening your marriage. We’ll be going through the Love & Respect curriculum — by far, the most impactful marriage course we’ve ever done. It helps couples understand why they respond the way they do, and how to break the crazy cycle that so many of us get stuck in.
Whether your marriage is thriving or just needs a fresh spark, this group is for you. You’ll laugh, grow, and connect with others who are building strong, God-centered relationships too.
Spots are limited – reserve yours today!
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HOSTS: Arnold & Dee Howard
DATE: Wednesdays (9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/8, 10/15)
TIME: 6 PM - 8 PM
LOCATION: Encounter Church
COST: Assessment $35 a couple (must be completed by 9/10/25 to participate)
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (S.Y.M.B.I.S. for short) has become the gold standard for helping today's engaged and newlywed couples enjoy life-long love.
If you’re engaged, this is where you start. (SYMBIS is the prerequisite for those planning to marry at Encounter Church.) Preparing for a strong and passionate marriage is one of the most important things you’ll ever do. If you’ve already started your marriage, give it a boost by renewing the joys that brought you together. You will: 1)Uncover the misbeliefs of marriage; 2) Learn to communicate with instant understanding; and 3) Discover the secret to resolving conflict.
Registrations must be submitted by 9/1/25 to participate this semester.
PRAYER
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HOSTS: Sherry Hale
DATE: Mondays
TIME: 6:30 PM - 8 PM
LOCATION: Encounter Church
Why not join with us each week for a power-packed time as we take a break from our busy lives to pray. This is a great opportunity to quiet your life and hear from God. Each week, we will have a short study from Fervent, a book by Priscilla Shirer.
Make plans to join us weekly! Hope to see you there!
YOUTH
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HOSTS: Luke Gautreaux
DATE: Sundays
TIME: 9:30 AM - 10 AM
LOCATION: VERTICAL YOUTH ROOM
CALLING ALL YOUTH! Do you want a place to just be yourself, parents-free and hangout, well this is the spot.
We will learn about Jesus, discuss current topics, and how that ties with our lives today. IT'S LOTS OF FUN!
So, YOUTH, join us for a great time before service begins. Make sure to invite a friend or two—or three*!
Can’t wait to see you there!
* Restricted to students in grades 6th - 12th or ages 11 years - 18 years.
RECOVERY
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HOSTS: Laura Simon & ER Team
DATES: Friday nights
TIME: 6:30 PM - 8 PM
LOCATION: Encounter Church
Join us Friday nights at 6:30 pm for the support and encouragement needed to see people’s lives healed and restored. No matter what you are struggling with, we believe all are set free at the Cross where God’s heart can heal yours. “Create in me a clean heart O God. Renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
Life-altering decisions can be made, hearts changed, and lives transformed through the love of Christ. We are not a ‘program’ -- we promote a personal relationship with Jesus.
Doors open at 6PM with break-out groups after the service.
ER—Where freedom is one heartbeat away!
OUTREACH
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HOST: Terry Potts
DATES: Thursday
TIME: 11 am - 12:30 pm
LOCATION: Belaire High School
Do you have a heart for OUTREACH? Would you like to shine the love of JESUS to the lost? The younger generation needs to know JESUS and you could be just the one God wants to use!
Join Terry and the team as they serve pizzas and just plain love on the kids at Belaire School! We Meet at Encounter Church before heading out into the world to share the good news!
Hope to see you there!
GROWTH TRACK
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HOSTS: Dee Howard & Growth Track Team
DATES: Saturday, October 4, 2025
TIME: 9 AM - 2 PM
LOCATION: EC Classroom
We realize things come up that prevent you from attending Growth Track for 4 consecutive Sundays. That's why we offer Growth Track Intensive, which allows you to complete the entire course in one day! If you’ve begun the course and have not been able to complete it, you can just attend the session(s) missed.
Step One: Connecting (9:00 - 10:00 am)
Step Two: Relationships (10:15 - 11:15 am)
Step Three: Identifying your Design (11:30 - 12:30 pm)
Step Four: Joining the Team (12:45 - 1:45 pm)
There will be a 15-minute break between classes and we'll have coffee, water and snacks for you.
If you’d like to get it all completed in one day, register so you can begin your next step of serving on a Dream Team!
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
ECCLESIASTES 4:9