SUMMER 2026
SMALL GROUPS
REGISTRATION BEGINS SUNDAY, MAY 15
SEMESTER KICKS OFF MAY 31st
We are so excited about the many opportunities there are this semester for making great connections, growing spiritually, and finding community through our Small Groups. Small groups are a great way to be individually seen and heard and make new and lasting friendships.
There are groups specifically for men, for women, and co-ed, too. Check out the list below and join a group (or two).
Enlarge your circle of friends by joining a group today!
MEN'S GROUPS
-
HOSTS: Mark Gros & Joey Merritt
DAY: Wednesdays
TIME: 12pm - 1 pm
LOCATION: Various local food spots in BR
Life gets busy, but connection still matters. This Summer, we’re inviting the men of Encounter Church to gather once a week for a relaxed Men’s Lunch Meetup — a simple space to connect, be encouraged, and grow together.
We’ll meet at various lunch spots close to the church, making it easy to step away from work for a meaningful hour. Each gathering will include a short, practical devotion; time for prayer; real conversation; and encouragement with other men. Nothing formal. No pressure. Just men doing life together and strengthening their walk with Jesus.
Dutch treat (pay your own way), so just bring yourself—and maybe a friend. If you’re looking for community, encouragement, and a mid-week spiritual boost, this group is for you.
-
HOST: Billy Mercer & Arnold Howard
DAY: Saturdays
TIME: 8 AM
LOCATION: Golden Corral
E3 Men - Come join us for breakfast every other Saturday morning at Golden Corral. Meet us there at 8:00 AM for fun, fellowship, and some good food. We begin June 6th and every other Saturday.
Hope to see you there!
-
HOST: Billy Mercer & Arnold Howard
DAY: 3rd Wednesday of every month
TIME: 6 PM - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: EC Lobby
E3 Men's monthly gatherings are a night of fun, games, friendship, and a challenging word calling men to lead with godly wisdom.
Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of every month for a great time of MAN STUFF: friendly competitions, male-centered conversations, fun, pizza & a short, encouraging lesson.
Can’t wait to see you here!
WOMEN'S GROUPS
-
HOSTS: Judy Zito & Nancy Byrd
DAY: Tuesdays
TIME: 11 AM - 12:30 PM
LOCATION: EC Classroom
This 52 Weeks Through The Bible can serve as your guide. Each week, you will be given selected passages to read to help you develop a routine of getting into Scripture every day.
You will be given context and background information for what you are reading so you can know, at a deeper level, what the text is actually saying.
You will also be provided with reflections that uncover how what you are reading applies to your life and study questions that will help you to test your knowledge and allow God's wisdom to sink into your heart.
Hope to see you soon!
-
HOST: Dianne Jackson
DAY: Thursday
TIME: 11 AM - 12:30 PM
LOCATION: EC Classroom
Calling all women of GOD! We live in a day where prayer must become the air we breathe. Our families, country, and churches need folks willing to join in prayer and intercession. I hope you join me as we seek God, trusting HIM for miracles, signs and wonders in the name of JESUS.
This is going to be fantastic!
-
HOSTS: Kelly Pimlott & Cathy Clifford
DAY: 4th Wednesday of every month
TIME: 6 PM - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: EC Lobby
CALLING ALL WOMEN! Whether you're a teen, a young adult, or someone with years of wisdom, come join us as we dive into the inspiring portrait of a Woman of God as described in Proverbs 31!
She is virtuous, capable, precious, trustworthy, a businesswoman, and full of strength. From the wisdom of youth to the experience of age, she leads her home well and offers a helping hand to those in need. She worships God, extends compassion to the broken, and is a beacon of grace and strength.
We are all daughters of God, no matter our age or stage in life, and He is calling us to rise up and embrace the incredible women He has designed us to become. Let's come together, encourage each other, and challenge ourselves to live out the calling God has placed on each of our lives.
MEN & WOMEN GROUPS
-
HOST: Cathy Clifford
DAY: Mondays
TIME: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Clifford Home
Have you ever considered growing a garden? It’s not as hard as it seems. I’d love to share methods I’ve learned to grow healthy, and greatly producing gardens you’re proud of.
We are blessed here in Louisiana with the ability to grow 52 weeks out of the year. Imagine all the veggies and flowers you could grow right in your own backyard!
So, join me as we dive into soil, planting, and harvesting. Be sure to sign up so I know you’re coming!
Can’t wait to dig in together!
-
HOSTS: Arnold & Dee Howard
DAY: Wednesdays (every other week)
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 four hundred years of bondage and how God sent Moses as an instrument of deliverance. We also get to see how the Lord made Pharaoh 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!
-
HOST: Danita Chesne
DAY: Thursdays (every other week)
TIME: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
LOCATION: EC DREAM TEAM LOUNGE
I hope you join our faith-inspired scrapbooking group as we stir our creativity to create memories for generations.
Through crafting, we will reflect on moments of gratitude, hope, intercession for loved ones, and connection with GOD and each other. Each page tells a story through art, words, meaningful design and photos.
The cost is $40.00 and includes everything but the photos. Come stir up your creativity and let’s create a masterpiece.
-
HOST: Tomara Evans
DAY: Thursdays (every other week)
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 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!
-
HOSTS: Laura Simon & Staci Self
DAY: Tuesdays
TIME: 6 PM Food | 6:30 PM Group
LOCATION: EC Small Group Room
Encounter Church Grief Share is a group for our church family and 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!
-
HOSTS: Dee & Arnold Howard
DAY: July 15-17
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: EC Classroom
Drop your little ones off at Vacation Bible School (VBS) and stay for a study of the Word. While the little ones are having a good time in VBS, let's enjoy God's Word.
You don't have to have kids to participate. Come and enjoy sharing time together, fellowship and discussion.
Can't wait to see you here!
PRAYER
-
HOST: Sherry Hale
DAY: Mondays
TIME: 6:30 PM - 7:30 AM
LOCATION: EC Sanctuary & Zoom
Why not join us each week for an hour of power as we take time out from our busy lives to pray. This will be Zoom and In-person! It’s a great opportunity to quiet your life and to hear from God. Each week, we will have a short devotion on Prayer to help encourage you in your Prayer Life.
Make plans to be with us weekly from 6:30-7:30 pm! When we pray, GREAT THINGS WILL HAPPEN!
STUDENT LIFE
-
HOST: Luke Gautreaux
DAY: Sundays
TIME: 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
LOCATION: Vertical Youth Room
CALLING ALL YOUTH! If you are from 6th to 12th grade, join us each Sunday morning for a time of fellowship, just plain fun and games with Bible study mixed in.
This is a fantastic way to begin your Sunday morning! Be sure to invite all your friends to join us in the Vertical Youth Room! Hope to see you soon!
-
HOST: Nina Goodrich & VBS Team
DAYS: July 15 – 17, 2026
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Encounter Church
HEY PARENTS AND EKIDS ... It’s VBS TIME!
Culture claims to know about Jesus, but many people are in the dark about who He really is. Some might see Jesus as just a person from history or a good man or a good teacher, but He is more than that! This summer, VBS will shine a light on the truth of who Jesus really is.
Meet us at VBS Illumination Station for the brightest week of the year!
PARENTS, REGISTER YOUR KIDS TODAY! Hope to see your kids here!
RECOVERY
-
HOST: Laura Simon & the ER Team
DAY: Fridays
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 relationship with Jesus.
Doors open at 6:00 pm, break-out groups after service. ER . . . where freedom is one heartbeat away!
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