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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.

Celebrating 50 Years of Love: Marriage Encounter’s Unforgettable Evening with William Kent Krueger

Celebrating 50 Years of Love: Marriage Encounter’s Unforgettable Evening with William Kent Krueger

by | Dec 20, 2023 | Author Events, Community Engagement, Marriage Encounter, Marriage Encounter MN, Marriage Enrichment, Marriage Retreats Near Me, Relationship Revival, Special Events

Dear Marriage Encounter Community,

With immense joy, we revisit the magical moments from the recent event at The Lowell Inn in Stillwater, which not only featured the wisdom of the esteemed New York Times best-selling author William Kent Krueger but also marked a special celebration – 50 incredible years of Marriage Encounter.

An Evening of Inspiration

On November 11th, couples gathered for an extraordinary night that promised not only the wisdom of a celebrated author but also the warmth of camaraderie and the joy of giving back. The event featured leisurely conversations, flavorful appetizers, and drinks, creating an atmosphere that encouraged the exploration of new depths in relationships.

William Kent Krueger: A Source of Wisdom

Attendees were privileged to share moments with William Kent Krueger, a literary maestro known for his New York Times best-selling novels. His insights into the intricacies of human relationships, love, and the journey of marriage added a unique and enriching layer to the event. From tales of adventure to the subtle nuances of love, Krueger’s words resonated with every individual in the room.

Capturing the Moments: Paul Dinndorf Photography

We extend our deepest gratitude to Paul Dinndorf Photography for encapsulating the magic of the evening in stunning visuals. The photographs not only freeze-framed the laughter, shared glances, and the warmth of connections but also became a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Marriage Encounter community.

50 Years of Love and Connection

As we celebrate 50 years of Marriage Encounter, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every person who has contributed to the cause. To the passionate individuals, the dedicated volunteers, and the countless couples who have attended Marriage Encounter over the years – thank you. Your commitment has been the bedrock of our journey, and your love has created a legacy of lasting connections.

Supporting a Cause

The evening was not only about personal growth and connection but also about contributing to a greater cause. A silent auction was held to support Minnesota Marriage Encounter, adding a philanthropic touch to an already delightful experience. The generous contributions from attendees will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the organization’s mission.

Relive the Moments

For those who attended this extraordinary evening, the memories are etched in the heart. For those who couldn’t make it, we invite you to experience the essence through the lens of Paul Dinndorf Photography. Each photograph is a narrative of love, joy, and the enduring spirit of Marriage Encounter.

In conclusion, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to Marriage Encounter over the last 50 years. Your support has been instrumental in creating a community dedicated to strengthening marriages and fostering lasting connections. Here’s to the next 50 years of love, growth, and inspiring moments!

Warm regards,

Mary Jackson
Executive Director
Minnesota Marriage Encounter

 

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Rekindle Your Flame: Celebrating 50 Years Of Minnesota Marriage Encounter

Rekindle Your Flame: Celebrating 50 Years Of Minnesota Marriage Encounter

by | Oct 6, 2023 | Author Events, Community Engagement, Marriage Encounter, Marriage Encounter MN, Marriage Enrichment, Marriage Retreats Near Me, Relationship Revival, Special Events

As we celebrate the golden jubilee of Minnesota Marriage Encounter, we invite you on November 11, 2023 to join us at The Lowell Inn in Stillwater for a memorable evening with Best-Selling New York Times Author William Kent Krueger. An evening to remember, an evening to reignite the spark in your marriage, and an evening filled with delightful experiences.

An evening with William Kent Krueger

William Kent Krueger, the #1 bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the renowned Cork O’Connor series, will be our esteemed guest for the evening. Discover the secrets to reigniting your marriage at this special event. Krueger’s books have not only topped the best-seller charts but also helped numerous couples revive their relationships. This is your chance to interact with him and maybe even get a signed copy of his latest book!

What’s in store for you?

Immerse yourself in an evening of leisurely conversations, flavorful appetizers, and refreshing drinks. Participate in a silent auction to support the noble cause of Minnesota Marriage Encounter. It’s not just an event; it’s an experience that brings together like-minded people under one roof to celebrate love and companionship. But remember, seating is limited, so secure your spot today before it’s too late.

 

Event Details

The VIP Meet & Greet commences from 6:00pm – 6:30pm, providing a unique opportunity to interact with William Kent Krueger personally. Following this, the main event will unfold from 6:30pm – 9:00pm. Everything is set to take place at the beautiful Lowell Inn located at 102 2nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082.

 

Ticket Information

For those who want to make this evening extra special, we have a limited number of VIP tickets available at $35 per ticket. This includes the exclusive meet and greet session with William Kent Krueger. General Admission tickets are available at $25 per ticket. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Secure your spot today and join us in celebrating love and marriage.

You can buy your tickets online here. We can’t wait to celebrate this significant milestone with you and help you rekindle the flame in your marriage.

 

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