Encounter is a ministry of Main Street United Methodist Church.
You can visit the church website by clicking here.
FOR STUDENTS
JOIN
1
What are the costs involved?
REGISTRATION
Registration is now open! If you wish to be a part of the virtual choir, please sign up by Feb. 3, 2021. Go to 2021 Season at the top of the page for details!
UPCOMING EVENTS
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**DUE TO COVID-19, the season will be different. Go to 2021 Season at the top of the page for details.**
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For 2020, each student is required to pay a $100 registration fee ($5 fee added to online payments for processing). This fee includes their informal wear t-shirt, retreat, and some meals. Each student is also required to purchase their formal performance wear (approx. $70).
The $100 is non-refundable after the drop-add date. (Jan. 26, 2020)
Optional costs includes the cost of our annual tour. The cost of tour is $750 (the first $150 must be paid by the student). Fundraising opportunities are available to the students to help with this expense, other than the deposit which must come from the student/family.
Initial TOUR deposit is due ($150) on February 16.
Other $150 payment dates for 2020 are:
March 1, March 29, May 3, June 7.
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Tour is July 24 - Aug 1, 2020 to St. Simons Island, GA.
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Tour costs are non-refundable if group deposits have been made by Encounter to our host site.
Scholarships to cover the cost of registration may be available on a need basis. This scholarship would not cover the cost of tour.
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Click 2021 Season at the top for details
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
2
When does Encounter meet?
GO TO 2021 SEASON AT THE TOP FOR UPDATES
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Encounter meets at Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton for rehearsals every Sunday, 6:00-8:30 pm with an optional light meal served at 5:30 pm beginning the 1st or 2nd Sunday in January through Palm Sunday. We also have a weekend retreat in Feb/March which is mandatory, and a required all-day rehearsal on Good Friday.
The first performance services of the season are always on Easter Sunday at 4:30 pm and again at 7:00 pm at Main Street. Performance services are then each Sunday (except Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day and 4th of July weekend) through the 2nd Sunday of August.
Attendance at rehearsal and performances is vital with no more than 5 absences for the season (January-August).
What is the Mixer?
It’s a social event designed to help you get to know a little more about the Encounter youth choir. It’s a simple way to get to know other choir members, both new and returning, and the Sponsor team. (The Sponsors are the adults in charge of all the things that go on behind the scenes so the choir season runs smoothly).
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What if I’m a little shy?
That’s OK. We expect anywhere from 50-70 people, so you can just hang out and take it all in if you want, or you can jump in and be as social as you are comfortable.
What will we do?
Eat, play games, learn names, hear the upcoming musical, worship, laugh, snack, move around, pray, dance...but not necessarily in that order.
What is “worship?”
For Encounter, this is the time we spend in the church sanctuary offering our voices in prayer and song to God. Everyone is welcome and if you don’t know the words to some songs, we’ll have them on the big screen for you. It’s very upbeat and might be different for some, but is very welcoming!
What if I’m not Methodist?
Encounter is based at Main Street UMC, but welcomes students of all Christian traditions or if you don’t have a home church, you are welcome too. Maybe this will be a starting point for a relationship with God? (we had students from 30 different churches last year)
What if I don’t go to church?
That’s OK too. We’re here for you to learn about Encounter no matter where you are in your faith life. You never know what God has in store for you!
What if I don’t think I have time for Encounter?
Encounter meets every Sunday evening but you do get a few passes in case you have other responsibilities. Obviously, we’d love for you to attend each week, but life happens and we can work around a few misses.
What if I want to join?
If you like the mixer, then come back the next day, for the parent meeting. Then we’ll dive into the group a little more so your parents know what’s in store. Make sure you bring a health insurance card to that meeting. The fee to join is only $100 which covers music, worship materials, transportation, food and snacks for our rehearsals, and the retreat.
What should I bring to the Mixer?
Just bring yourself, and a friend or two if you want. Dress is casual and comfortable. We’ll provide a meal and then a snack later in the evening. We’ll be done by 10:30pm and we ask parents to be on time to pick up!
What happens at the parent meeting?
This is where students and parents meeting the Sponsors who are leading the group. We’ll explain what we do, talk about the musical, Tour, and all the details of the season. It usually takes about an hour.
What do parents need to bring?
You can save LOTS of time by registering now on this site. Go to REGISTRATION at the top of the page and get started. You will need to print out some forms from that page (it tells you) and also bring your health insurance card.
Do I need to pay for anything on January 6?
If you can, it would be great to pay that day. It is $100 per student. You can pay cash or check to Encounter. If you can’t pay that day, you still have a few weeks (Jan. 20) to get that in so you child can participate.
What is TOUR?
Tour is an optional service/worship/retreat/vacation that the choir takes near the end of each season. We’ll talk about it more at the meeting and will reveal the destination. The cost is $750 per student but fundraising opportunities are available throughout the year.
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