You Are Essential for MN Marriage Encounter’s Marketing Program!

You Are Essential for MN Marriage Encounter’s Marketing Program!

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Volunteer Opportunities

You Are Essential for MN Marriage Encounter’s Marketing Program!

Word of mouth has always been the most powerful way to market Marriage Encounter. We depend on YOU to share the marvelous gift Marriage Encounter brings to marriages.

Why Share Your Experience?

Please share with family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances what your Marriage Encounter experience did for YOU. Keep in mind that while Marriage Encounter celebrates good marriages, many couples have come to the program during challenging times.

Who Can Benefit from Marriage Encounter?

Marriage Encounter is designed for couples who want to deepen their relationship, including:

  • Couples experiencing stress who need the communication skills to navigate challenges together.
  • Couples who feel distant and want to revitalize their connection, especially if they find themselves arguing more than talking.
  • Couples facing busy lives that make it hard to spend quality time together.

Upcoming Weekends

We hold no programs during the summer, making it challenging to resurrect the movement in the fall. Please promote our upcoming weekends on:

  • October 19-20
  • December 14-15

Encourage couples to visit www.marriages.org for more information and dates through December 2015. Your help is deeply appreciated!

For couples dealing with issues like infidelity, addictions, or other major challenges, we encourage them to attend Retrouvaille. Learn more here.

Volunteer Opportunities

MN Marriage Encounter has operated with 99.9% volunteer power for over 52 years! Here’s how you can help:

Board Member

We are looking to add two or three more members to our board, which meets via Zoom every four months. Your voice is needed!

Church Contact

Become the contact person at your church for MN Marriage Encounter. Provide brochures, posters, and be the go-to person for married couples’ enrichment.

Fundraising/Marketing

Assist in improving our grant-writing program and head a committee to organize community events.

Publicity/Social Media

Use your social media skills to promote Marriage Encounter through Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms. It’s a fun way to share your love for social media while helping the organization!

Weekend Support

Join our incredible Team Couples, who are the heart of our organization. Many couples serve on one weekend a year, and writing prayer notes for attendees is a touching way to contribute.

Succession Plan in Place

What a blessing it was to become Director of MN Marriage Encounter in July of 1998! My goal was to be the longest running Executive Director, and I achieved that goal about fifteen years ago. Now, after 26 years and at the age of 81, I am preparing to step down, as the director that is. Rog and I plan to stay involved as a Team Couple as long as the Lord keeps us healthy. 

The marvelous news is, Greg and Heather Mitchell will be stepping into my position. Greg works for Excel Energy and Heather is a teacher. Greg and Heather attended a Marriage Encounter in April of 2013 and became a Team Couple in May of 2014. They have been an incredible gift to the organization, and I am certain their gift will continue to give for years to come. 

Embracing Change in Marriage: Lessons from Fall

Embracing Change in Marriage: Lessons from Fall

by | Sep 10, 2024 | Embracing Change, Marriage Growth, Personal Development, Seasonal Reflections

Embracing Change in Marriage: Lessons from Fall

The arrival of fall vividly reminds us of nature’s cycles of change. Leaves shift from green to vibrant reds and golds, plants begin to wither, and cooler breezes fill the air. Fall mirrors the seasons of marriage, showing us that, like nature, our relationships also undergo transformations.

This season often makes us think of “falling”—whether it’s falling in love or falling out of love. Yet, marriage isn’t meant to remain static. We must recognize changes in ourselves and our partners, understanding that growth is essential for both individuals and relationships to thrive. We must strive for the marriage of our dreams.

If you find yourself reverting to old habits that no longer nurture your marriage, it might be time to change. Just as trees shed their leaves to prepare for new growth, we can let go of habits that hinder our connection. Marriages aren’t meant to be stagnant. Growth comes from deepening and evolving your bond, not just from longevity.

As fall transitions to winter, embrace change with open arms. Don’t resist or ignore it. Welcome it, knowing that each season brings opportunities for renewal, both in yourself and in your relationship. Remember, marriage, like nature, is dynamic and ever-evolving.

 

Thank you for reading! If you’re interested in experiencing the transformative journey of a Minnesota Marriage Encounter, we invite you to click here to view our upcoming dates. Reserve your spot today and invest in the future of your relationship with MN Marriage Encounter.

Navigating Dry Times in Marriage: A Commitment to Love and Perseverance

Navigating Dry Times in Marriage: A Commitment to Love and Perseverance

by | Jun 27, 2024 | Family, Love and Relationships, Marriages, Relationships

Weathering the Storms of Marriage

Many marriages have dry times, but please don’t let that take you down the road to divorce. Ten years down the road you want to look in your children’s eyes and say, in all honesty; “We tried everything to save this marriage!”

Commitment Amidst Challenges

Absolutely, many marriages go through challenging phases where the spark seems to have dimmed and life becomes routine. It’s during these times that the strength and commitment of both partners are truly tested. But it’s important to remember these dry spells may be temporary and can be navigated with effort, understanding, and communication. Even if they are long term, the courage, faith, and strength involved in the resolution is an example to ALL who know you.

Proactive Steps to Revive Your Relationship

One key to overcoming these tough times is to actively work on the relationship. This could mean setting aside time to connect with each other, whether through date nights, open conversations, or even counseling if needed. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive. Small gestures of love and appreciation can reignite the flame and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.

The Impact on Children

Moreover, considering the impact on your children can be a powerful motivator. Children benefit immensely from a stable, loving environment, and seeing their parents work through difficulties can teach them valuable lessons about perseverance and commitment. Being able to tell your children, “We tried everything to save this marriage,” not only sets an example of dedication but also provides them with a sense of security and incredible love!

The Reward of Resilience

In the end, every effort made to strengthen and revive a marriage is worthwhile. While the journey may be difficult, the rewards of overcoming challenges together can lead to a deeper, more resilient bond. So, hang in there and fight for your marriage; in the future you and your children will go beyond thanking you for it.

Thank you for reading! If you’re interested in experiencing the transformative journey of a Minnesota Marriage Encounter, we invite you to click here to view our upcoming dates. Reserve your spot today and invest in the future of your relationship with MN Marriage Encounter.

Honoring Sacrifice: Lessons from Memorial Day for a Stronger Marriage

Honoring Sacrifice: Lessons from Memorial Day for a Stronger Marriage

by | Jun 13, 2024 | Marriage Tips, Personal Growth, Relationships, Seasonal Reflections

Memorial Day: A Time for Gratitude

Memorial Day 2024 has come and gone, but the spirit of gratitude it embodies should remain with us throughout the year. It’s a time to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, ensuring the rights we frequently take for granted. This sense of profound gratitude and remembrance can be extended into our daily lives, particularly in our closest relationships.

Parallels Between Military Sacrifice and Marriage

Drawing a parallel to marriage, the idea of selflessness and sacrifice does not come naturally. Just as soldiers demonstrate their love and commitment to their country through their ultimate sacrifice, in a successful marriage, spouses show their love by prioritizing each other’s needs and well-being. This involves a daily commitment to “othering” ourselves—putting our partner’s happiness and security above our own desires. Such selflessness can be seen in the small, everyday acts of kindness, as well as in the significant sacrifices we make for those we love.

Marriage Reflecting Memorial Day Virtues

Marriage, at its best, reflects the same virtues we honor on Memorial Day: courage, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to something greater than oneself. By being mindful of these values, couples can strengthen their bond, ensuring their relationship is rooted in mutual respect and love. The willingness to give our lives, metaphorically, for our spouse—by consistently placing their needs above our own—mirrors the profound sacrifices made by those we honor on Memorial Day.

Carrying the Lessons Forward

So, as we move forward through the year, let’s carry with us the lessons from Memorial Day. Let’s remember to practice gratitude not just for those who have given their lives for our country, but also for the opportunity to enrich our marriages through acts of selfless love, forgiveness, compassion, and support. In doing so, we honor both the fallen and our closest companions, building a stronger, more resilient relationship that will stand the test of time.

Thank you for reading! If you’re interested in experiencing the transformative journey of a Minnesota Marriage Encounter, we invite you to click here to view our upcoming dates. Reserve your spot today and invest in the future of your relationship with MN Marriage Encounter.

Seasons of Marriage: Navigating the Ebb and Flow of Love

Seasons of Marriage: Navigating the Ebb and Flow of Love

by | Apr 17, 2024 | Love and Relationships, Marriage Tips, Relationship Advice

Embracing Spring: Discovering New Beginnings in Marriage

Summer represents the peak of marriage, where love flourishes, and the bond between partners deepens. This season is characterized by warmth, connection, and moments of pure bliss. Couples create lasting memories through shared adventures, laughter, and the simple joys of companionship. Like the long, sun-filled days of summer, this period can feel endless and full of light.

Embracing Spring: Discovering New Beginnings in Marriage

However, just as autumn brings change and transition, every marriage experiences seasons of challenge and adjustment. It’s during these times couples may face adversity, requiring patience, resilience, hope, and a willingness to weather the storms together. Yet, like the changing colors of autumn leaves, these challenges can also bring growth, introspection, empathy, and the strength of a life-long commitment.

Navigating the Winds of Change: Challenges and Growth in Autumn

Finally, winter arrives, bringing moments of coldness and solitude. It’s a season where the challenges of marriage may feel most acute, and couples may find themselves grappling with feelings of disconnect or disillusionment. Some may battle issues of addiction, whether with alcohol, drugs, sex, or on-line gaming. These can cause major conflicts to arise, causing a total breakdown in communication and thoughts of ending the marriage. Yet, even in the depths of winter, there is potential for renewal, change, and transformation. Through reflection, communication, and the warmth of mutual support, couples can navigate these darker moments and emerge stronger on the other side.

Finding Light in the Darkness: Renewal and Transformation in Winter

In essence, the journey of marriage mirrors the changing seasons of nature, with each phase offering its own lessons and opportunities for growth. While challenges are inevitable, the enduring love, companionship, and shared memories forged throughout the seasons far outweigh the hardships, making the journey of marriage a beautiful and rewarding adventure.

Thank you for reading! If you’re interested in experiencing the transformative journey of a Minnesota Marriage Encounter, we invite you to click here to view our upcoming dates. Reserve your spot today and invest in the future of your relationship with MN Marriage Encounter.

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