Parents/families/students:

Welcome to the Encounter Youth Choir 2022: A Season of Hope.  “Hope” will be the key word moving forward as we will operate on the “hope” that we will be able to sing together at some point in the upcoming year.  In the meantime, we have a plan for an online concert to debut at Easter and if you’d like to take part, those details are below.  We also welcome students who’d like to take part in small groups…on line at first, then in person.

 

THE 2022 SEASON

As of now, we have students health guidelines of the regional Illinois United Methodist Church limit any activity involving live indoor singing as a choir.  Because Encounter is overseen by the Main Street United Methodist Church, these are the guidelines we must follow no matter where we meet.  We are trying to do what is best for the kids and what is allowed by the church so please be patient as we navigate this season.  There may be an opportunity to sing together, outdoors, with masks, so stay tuned as health details are changing weekly.  Register at the end of the page.

 

VIRTUAL START

Encounter will begin “online” as a virtual group.  Our interim music director Alison Neace has put together a very nice program that she will share with you via email once you sign up.  Basically, students will learn a few pieces of music, and send back a recording of just them singing (while listening to the track).  Each student recording will be mixed with the others and will be shared with the community, hopefully, by Easter Sunday.  We may also need solos, dancers and those using sign language.  For those students, and for those not wishing to sing, we also hope to start up small groups for scripture and other discussion in mid to late February. This will be done virtually at first, then hopefully in person if allowed at Main Street or other area churches.

 

HEALTH GUIDELINES 

Encounter will look and feel much different in 2021 (than it did in 2019 and previous years) and you need to know that up front.  IF/WHEN we are together, we will need to follow certain health guidelines.  That will likely include physical distancing and wearing of masks, even while outdoors if there are still health restrictions in place.  All students and sponsors will be asked for a temperature check and health screening for any in-person gatherings indoors at Main Street or other partner churches.  Once health rules are lifted/changed, then our rules will change, but until then, that is how Encounter will be allowed to safely operate for 2021.

 

*SEASON PAYMENTS*

Any costs involved this season can be covered thanks to the generosity of Encounter patrons in 2020.  We will order t-shirts for students and the registration fee of $25 has been waived for the 2022 season.

 

RETREAT AND TOUR

Due to ongoing health limitations of COVID-19 and the time needed to plan and raise money, we will not have a 2022 TOUR, however we will be having our winter retreat.  Winter retreat will be held this year The hope is to have a “regular” schedule again in 2023.

 

REFUNDS

Since there will not be a tour this year, after our initial sign up is complete, we will issue refunds to any student who has paid into their Encounter account with their own money.  Per the Encounter By-Laws, money raised through candy or pizza sales cannot be refunded but can be held over for future use.  Once sign up is complete, we can begin the refund process for those requesting it.

 

FUNDRAISING

Due to the lack of a tour, and the unknown as to when we can meet in large groups again, we are not planning any public fundraising at this time.

 

ENCOWEAR

We are calling this our 50th season, and, our t-shirt color this year will be black.   Encowear will be for sale once we can begin. 

 

PERFORMANCE WEAR

When we perform this year in person, we will use our 2022 season T-shirts and nice jeans (no holes, rips, tears, etc).  No black formal wear this season. 

 

SPONSORS

We need several adult sponsors who would like to help lead the group now and into the future.  If you would be able to give of your time, contact Pastor Kyle at 618-960-3086

 

FINALLY

For juniors and seniors who know what a “normal” season looks like, we understand your disappointment.  It will not be the same.  It can be different and fun if we make it so!  We have mapped out what we HOPE can happen, but please understand this pandemic is impacting all that we do.  We try to look for the positive and realize God’s plan may include things we do not anticipate or necessarily understand.  However, we are ready to go if it is God’s plan, and if not, we will be ready for 2022 and year #50 of Encounter! 

 

QUESTIONS

Please feel free to contact the Encounter sponsor team with any questions at encounteryouthchoir@gmail.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

 

REGISTER HERE - Click HERE to sign up today!