St. Matthew’s UMC of Valley Forge hosted an encore of “The Encounter” on Saturday, April 2, a creative faith-sharing and fellowship event designed for youth and young adults. The last Encounter, held in October 2015, drew 44 people. This one welcomed 65 people from various churches and denominations, who came to minister to one another through song, dance, conversation and spoken word.

And there was visual art, too, as attendees made T-shirts to give away and a banner to hang in the hallway. “People came together to worship, fellowship, network and witness to the presence of the Holy Spirit,” said Brittany Abdullah, lead organizer of the event. “The Encounter will continue to be a blessing to people not just here but in different churches and locations to bless people everywhere.”

On evaluation forms, some wrote that the Encounter “help them spiritually and they wanted to hear more spoken word,” reported Abdullah.

“I also received Facebook and text messages that we helped people who were having a rough day… to take their eyes off their problems, give them to God and praise him through their pain… I am excited to see how (this ministry) will flourish and become something even greater.”

To learn more, contact Brittany at brittanyabdullah@outlook.com.