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We Can’t Wait to Meet You

Fresh Encounter Church is a relaxed, authentic place to encounter God and grow in biblical truth. You're welcome here.

Let Us Know You’re Coming What to Expect Kids & Family

Welcome to Fresh Encounter Church!

We’re an independent, non-denominational church in Harlan creating a relaxed, authentic space to encounter God and grow in biblical truth. Our doors are open to everyone — whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or looking for a new church home.

Let Us Know You’re Coming

Welcome to Fresh Encounter Church!

We’re an independent, non-denominational church in Harlan creating a relaxed, authentic space to encounter God and grow in biblical truth. Our doors are open to everyone — whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or looking for a new church home.

Let Us Know You’re Coming
Fresh Encounter Church

What to Expect

A casual, cafe-style setup with tables instead of pews. Wear whatever makes you comfortable — jeans, t-shirts, dresses, or suits — there’s no dress code. Our worship features live, upbeat music with lyrics displayed on screens, blending contemporary songs with traditional hymns and praise choruses. The goal is always to focus our music in authentic worship of our Lord and Savior. Services include a biblically-based sermon from Pastor Chris, and communion is available weekly for all believers.

When & Where to Join Us

Sunday Experience:

  • 9:00 am: Coffee, juice, and donuts
  • 9:45 am: Family worship begins (with upbeat, contemporary music)
  • 10:15 am (approx.): Kids are dismissed to Kids Encounter Church
  • Service typically ends around 11:00 am

Location: 1003 Tarkington St, Harlan, Iowa

  • Easy access parking off Tarkington Street or 12th Street
Location and parking
Tap to enlarge

What to Expect

A casual, cafe-style setup with tables instead of pews. Wear whatever makes you comfortable — jeans, t-shirts, dresses, or suits — there’s no dress code. Our worship features live, upbeat music with lyrics displayed on screens, blending contemporary songs with traditional hymns and praise choruses. The goal is always to focus our music in authentic worship of our Lord and Savior. Services include a biblically-based sermon from Pastor Chris, and communion is available weekly for all believers.

Worship

When & Where to Join Us

Sunday Experience:

  • 9:00 am: Coffee, juice, and donuts
  • 9:45 am: Family worship begins (with upbeat, contemporary music)
  • 10:15 am (approx.): Kids are dismissed to Kids Encounter Church
  • Service typically ends around 11:00 am

Location: 1003 Tarkington St, Harlan, Iowa

  • Easy access parking off Tarkington Street or 12th Street
Location and parking
Tap to enlarge
Details & Logistics

Commonly Asked Questions

Come as you are—that’s our motto! You’ll see folks in jeans, t-shirts, dresses, or even suits. There’s no dress code, no judgment—just a place where you can be yourself.

Absolutely! We have a safe, fun Kids Encounter Church with age-appropriate Bible teaching and activities. Kids begin in worship and are dismissed around 10:15 am.

We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early to grab coffee, find a seat, and meet a few friendly faces.

Yes. Communion is available weekly for all believers during the service.

You’ll find easy access parking off Tarkington Street or 12th Street, right near the entrance.

No. Guests are never expected to give. We’re just glad you’re here.

Our service typically ends around 11:00 am.

Our worship blends contemporary songs with traditional hymns and praise choruses.

No. Wear whatever makes you comfortable—casual is normal here.

We’d love to help. You can request prayer or ask any question and we’ll follow up.

Yes. Our building is accessible and we’re happy to assist if you have special needs.

Absolutely. Everyone is welcome—single adults, couples, families, and guests of all ages.

No. We’ll greet you and be available, but you won’t be put on the spot.

Yes. We’d love to introduce you to Pastor Chris after service.
Details & Logistics

Commonly Asked Questions

Come as you are—that’s our motto! You’ll see folks in jeans, t-shirts, dresses, or even suits. There’s no dress code, no judgment—just a place where you can be yourself.

Absolutely! We have a safe, fun Kids Encounter Church with age-appropriate Bible teaching and activities. Kids begin in worship and are dismissed around 10:15 am.

We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early to grab coffee, find a seat, and meet a few friendly faces.

Yes. Communion is available weekly for all believers during the service.

You’ll find easy access parking off Tarkington Street or 12th Street, right near the entrance.

No. Guests are never expected to give. We’re just glad you’re here.

Our service typically ends around 11:00 am.

Our worship blends contemporary songs with traditional hymns and praise choruses.

No. Wear whatever makes you comfortable—casual is normal here.

We’d love to help. You can request prayer or ask any question and we’ll follow up.

Yes. Our building is accessible and we’re happy to assist if you have special needs.

Absolutely. Everyone is welcome—single adults, couples, families, and guests of all ages.

No. We’ll greet you and be available, but you won’t be put on the spot.

Yes. We’d love to introduce you to Pastor Chris after service.
Kids Encounter Church
For Families

Kids & Family at FEC

Your children matter to us! We create a fun, safe environment where kids can learn about God while parents fully engage in worship.

Sunday Morning Flow

  • Nursery (newborn to age 3) available throughout the service
  • Kids 4+ begin in worship with family, then head to Kids Encounter Church around 10:15 am

Family-Friendly Options

  • Parents may stay in the nursery with live stream available
  • Children can remain in the main service if preferred
  • Parents can accompany kids to help them settle in
  • Casual table setup makes it comfortable for families
  • Step out anytime when needed
Let Us Know You’re Coming
Kids Encounter Church
Kids Encounter Church
For Families

Kids & Family at FEC

Your children matter to us! We create a fun, safe environment where kids can learn about God while parents fully engage in worship.

Sunday Morning Flow

  • Nursery (newborn to age 3) available throughout the service
  • Kids 4+ begin in worship with family, then head to Kids Encounter Church around 10:15 am

Family-Friendly Options

  • Parents may stay in the nursery with live stream available
  • Children can remain in the main service if preferred
  • Parents can accompany kids to help them settle in
  • Casual table setup makes it comfortable for families
  • Step out anytime when needed
Let Us Know You’re Coming

Let Us Know You’re Coming

We can’t wait to meet you! Let us know you’re coming and we’ll have a special gift ready for you when you arrive.

When you let us know you’re coming, we’ll:

  • Meet you at the door
  • Show you around our facility
  • Make sure you can meet Pastor Chris
  • Save seats for you and your family
  • Have a free welcome gift just for you!
Greeting

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Let Us Know You’re Coming

We can’t wait to meet you! Let us know you’re coming and we’ll have a special gift ready for you when you arrive.

When you let us know you’re coming, we’ll:

  • Meet you at the door
  • Show you around our facility
  • Make sure you can meet Pastor Chris
  • Save seats for you and your family
  • Have a free welcome gift just for you!
Greeting

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