I Heart Edmonton

Local church group Encounter continues to reshape my theories on the pastimes of young Christians... BY EMIL TIEDEMANN C OLIN Mochrie and Wayne Brady they were not, but the DairyFree Drama troupe--named so because they refrain from "cheesy" skits--set aside their inhibitions for two short hours last Saturday night (March 27) to put on a show that could easily stand up to anything the pros could muster...minus all the sexual innuendos of course. You see, the troupe are also part of Encounter , a Christian group made up of young adults oriented at meeting new people, building kinships, and having a good time to boot. They meet up on a regular basis for various all-permitting events and activities that range from talent shows & sports to their upcoming games night. Most occasions are held at the group's accompanying 9910 Centre , which lies just west of the actual sanctuary itself. It'd been about two months since I first encountered (sorry, I enjoy puns!) this ...

Stereotypes were squashed by blaring electric guitars & Shakespearean farce during church talent show BY EMIL TIEDEMANN W ITH the exception of weddings and funerals I haven't sat at a pew in something like twenty years. I've never read the Bible and I don't know the Commandments by heart. Hell (I mean heck ), I couldn't even tell you the difference between a Christian and a Catholic, that's how far my spiritual ignorance stretches. Religion's just never been a part of my life. Which is why I had no idea as to what to expect when my buddy Andrew Gelasco invited me to check out " Encounter's Got Talent ," a one-night-only talent show for the young adult patronage of the Church on 99 (9908-67 Ave.), unofficially known as the "Church of Rock." Unfamiliar with any sorta Christian-themed scene, I reluctantly said yes, knowing that an otherworldly faith separates me from the rest of the group. "It's a great opportunity to meet peo...