ALTON - The Encounter Youth Choir begins its 47th season with two worship performances on Easter Sunday. A ministry of the Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton, Illinois, Encounter will perform “The Great I Amin appearances in the Riverbend area this spring and summer. The first two events are on Sunday April 21 at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Main Street UMC at 1400 Main Street in Alton.

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Choir Music DIrector Eddie Hitchcock says: "The musical is a compilation of different pieces that I feel reflect both the glory and power of God alongside of the brokenness of humanity," My main idea was to capture this dichotomy of how could the one who created the heavens and the earth care about us and all of the things we struggle with.

Encounter Head Sponsor Devon Neal added: "It is such a blessing to be a part of this ministry that works to build up our students on the foundation of God's unconditional love and to learn to turn away from the negative messages the world often tries to send. We invite you to be a part of this blessing this season."

Encounter is made up of 88 high school students from eight area schools and home schools representing nearly 30 Riverbend area churches. It also has 15 volunteer adult Sponsors who do much of the behind the scenes work from fundraising, leading small group scripture study, running sound, driving students, and more. Its mission is to spread the word of Jesus through music, service, fellowship and participation in the life of the church.

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The 2019 season actually started in January with a mixer for returning and potential members, and the group practices each Sunday evening through Palm Sunday, then holds an all-day rehearsal on Good Friday. In addition to rehearsals each week, there is group worship time or small group Scripture study, and a dinner provided by parents.

The choir began at Main Street UMC in 1972, and was called Love Eleven.The following year, the number grew to 36 and the group prepared a musical entitled “The Encounter,which ultimately became the official name for the group. The choir is dedicating this season to the memory of Royce and Lucille Savage, who helped form the choir in 1972 and worked with it during the first decade. Royce Savage passed away earlier this year, and his wife passed in 2018.

All Encounter events at area churches are open to the public with a free will offering taken to help with expenses and a summer tour, otherwise there is no charge to attend. This summer there is a special extra collection being accepted to help pay for a new trailer to haul the gear of the group. This summer the group will once again carry a large American Flag in the Memorial Day Parade in Upper Alton, sing a few songs at the Relay for Life Riverbend and perform the full musical at Chautauqua as part of the Summer Concert Series.

For more information ,visit www.encounteryouth.org or follow the group on Facebook or Instagram. You can also call the Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton at 618-462-2495.

Encounter 2019 Performance Schedule

Easter Sunday April 21 4:30 and 7:00pm - Main Street UMC - Alton
Sun. April 28Abundant Life Church Alton 6:30pm (NOTE LATER TIME)
Sun. May 19Faith Fellowship Church - Godfrey 6pm
Mon. May 27 Walk in Memorial Day Parade Alton
Sun. June 2 St. Ambrose Catholic Church - Godfrey 6pm
Sun. June 9Emmanuel Free Methodist Church Alton - 7pm (NOTE LATER TIME) Fri. June 14 Relay for Life Riverbend Alton Amphitheater - evening
Sun. June 23Collinsville First United Methodist 6pm
Sun. June 30Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church - Alton - 6pm
Thur. July 11Chautauqua Pavilion (for residents) 7:30pm
Sun. July 14St. Paul United Methodist Church East Alton 6pm
Sun. July 21The Bridge Church Alton 6pm
TOUR July 26- Aug 3 Panama City Beach, Florida
Sun. Aug 4 Final Performances 4:30 and 7:00pm Main Street UMC

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