Celebrating the Season of Giving: Supporting MN Marriage Encounter’s Scholarship Fund in February

Celebrating the Season of Giving: Supporting MN Marriage Encounter’s Scholarship Fund in February

by | Nov 21, 2024 | Community Engagement, Fundraising, Holiday Giving, Marriage Enrichment, Nonprofit Updates

 
 

A Season of Connection, Faith, and Giving

With the holidays approaching, we’re gearing up for a season filled with connection, devotion, and moments of joy. It’s a wonderful time to focus on fun, faith, and fellowship—whether it’s cozy gatherings, faith-based events, or festive harvest celebrations that bring everyone together. This season of togetherness also brings a meaningful twist to our work at MN Marriage Encounter by adding an “F” word into the mix—fundraising. While fundraising can sometimes feel uncomfortable or make people a bit uneasy, it’s a vital part of making our impactful projects possible.

When done thoughtfully, fundraising can be a powerful way to unite people. As we rally around a cause that excites us, we’re hopeful that this will be a time to strengthen our Marriage Encounter community and inspire fresh involvement. This season is a great opportunity to get creative—think about ways you can get involved and support us with simple, meaningful actions that align with our theme of fellowship.

For the past twelve years, MN Marriage Encounter has hosted our annual fundraiser during Give to the Max Day. However, this year, the board has decided to move our fundraising efforts to February, the month of love. Here’s why we’re making this change:

Why We’re Moving Our Fundraiser to February

At GiveMN, we appreciate the transparency they provide regarding the cost of fundraising. They charge a 6.9% processing fee plus a $0.30 per transaction fee for every donation made on their platform. While they provide an excellent platform, we believe that using these funds for fees isn’t the best use of our resources. Instead, we’ll be processing donations through PayPal, which charges a much lower 1.99% processing fee plus $0.49 per transaction, ensuring that more of your generous donations go directly to the Marriage Encounter Scholarship Fund.

You will receive several emails prior to Valentine’s Day, encouraging you to support our Scholarship Fund, which covers the total or partial cost of a Marriage Encounter for financially needy couples. The marriage enrichment achieved is exactly what they need at a difficult time in their marriage! 

Donations will be accepted through our secure donation page: https://marriages.org/donate/.

Please pray for the success of this initiative, and when February rolls around, encourage your family, friends, and co-workers to support couples in need, helping them enrich their marriages through MN Marriage Encounter.

Enjoy every moment with family and friends during this wonderful holiday season!

We thank you for your support and generosity. Together, we can make a lasting impact and strengthen marriages throughout Minnesota.

Falling in Love Again: A Season of Reflection and Growth

Falling in Love Again: A Season of Reflection and Growth

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Fall Reflections, Love and Commitment, Marriage Enrichment, Relationship Advice, Uncategorized

In the fall of the year, there’s a certain magic in the air, isn’t there? The temperatures start to drop, the trees turn brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red, and everything feels a bit cozier. Fall has a way of slowing things down just enough to really appreciate the beauty around us. Whether it’s taking a peaceful walk through a park filled with fallen leaves or enjoying a warm drink on a crisp evening, it’s a season that invites us to reflect and recharge.

For many people, fall also brings a sense of preparation. With the holidays approaching, it can be a time to focus on family, traditions, and the things that matter most. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, but fall reminds us to take a moment, breathe in that cool, fresh air, and enjoy the present.

In this season of fall, let’s work on falling deeper in love! Love really does go beyond feelings, which can be fleeting or change with time and seasons. Choosing to love, especially, until death do we part, means committing to action, even on days when the emotions may not be as strong or present. It’s in the small, daily decisions — showing kindness, offering support, being patient — that love deepens and strengthens over time.

Years of experience in marriage helps us to see how love evolves. The initial spark might look different as the years go by but choosing to invest in each other consistently is what keeps the flame alive. It’s about knowing your partner’s needs, dreams, and well-being matter just as much, or a more intense love means their needs mean more than your own. 

When you commit to falling in love over and over again, it becomes a shared journey, full of rediscovery. Whether it’s trying new things together, reminiscing about old memories, or simply enjoying each other’s presence, you nurture that bond. Every day offers a fresh chance to grow deeper in love, by choice.

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. 

Falling in Love Again: A Season of Reflection and Growth

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.