A Christmas Gift That Strengthens Marriages for a Lifetime

by Mary Jackson | Dec 17, 2025 | Donate, Holiday Giving, Marriage Encounter, Marriage Strengthening

Marriage and Engaged Encounter continues to thrive, thanks be to God.

We are blessed with strong attendance, generous donors, and a community that believes deeply in the power of marriage. This season invites us to reflect on goodwill, joy, love, and giving with open hearts.

While our ministry is financially stable today, we also recognize how quickly circumstances can change, both for our program and for the couples who need it most. That is why your continued generosity matters.

Most donated funds go directly to our Scholarship Fund, which helps cover the full cost of a Marriage Encounter weekend. In 2026, that cost is $425 per couple. Scholarships may also provide partial assistance for couples who are facing financial hardship. Your gift helps ensure that no couple is turned away because of cost.

We invite you to think back on your own Marriage Encounter experience. Remember the love, hope, healing, and renewal you felt. Your donation makes it possible for another couple to experience that same transformation.

Reflections from a recent weekend clearly show how powerful this ministry continues to be. Couples shared how meaningful it was to step away from daily distractions and find the space to truly talk. Many learned tools to heal conflict, rediscovered emotional connection, and experienced God’s presence in a deeply authentic way. Some arrived feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed, and left with renewed commitment, deeper understanding, and real hope for their future together, living out their promise of “until death do we part.”

If you feel called to help another couple experience this renewal, please consider donating to our Scholarship Fund: Click here to donate

Your generosity is an investment in marriages, families, and lives changed for the better. It is truly a gift that keeps giving for generations to come.

If you are unsure what amount to give, we offer $50 and $100 gift certificates, or you may choose to sponsor the full cost of a weekend.
We thank you for your continued prayers, support, and open hearts.

A blessed and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Invest in Your Marriage: Upcoming Marriage Encounter Weekends

by Mary Jackson | Sep 22, 2025 | Marriage Growth, Marriage Retreats Near Me, Marriages

Most people are quick to invest in their jobs, their health, even their hobbies, but when it comes to marriage, it’s easy to assume it will just take care of itself. The truth is, relationships don’t thrive on autopilot. Just like muscles get stronger with exercise or skills sharpen with practice, a marriage grows deeper and healthier when it’s intentionally nurtured.

Think about it—if someone ignored their career, they’d quickly fall behind. If they stopped exercising or eating well, their health would suffer. Marriage is no different. It needs regular attention, communication, laughter, forgiveness, and time together. Without that, it can easily slip into routine or even distance without anyone realizing it.

The good news is, “working on your marriage” doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It can be as simple as setting aside quality time, going on date nights, sharing daily gratitude, or learning new ways to connect. Sometimes, it also means digging deeper—taking part in retreats, workshops, or just having those honest, sometimes hard, conversations.

In the end, it’s about seeing your marriage as something worth protecting, strengthening, and celebrating. After all, when the relationship is strong, it overflows into every other part of life—family, work, health, spirituality—while creating deep joy.

This is a wonderful opportunity for couples to step away from the busyness of life and focus on each other—whether they’re newly married, celebrating decades together, or anywhere in between.

👉 Please consider encouraging family, friends, and co-workers to join us on October 11–12 or December 6–7. A Marriage Encounter weekend can truly be life-giving and hope filling!

Registration is open now at www.marriages.org.

@ marriageencounter

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Join the MN Marriage Encounter Community: Strengthening Marriages and Sharing the Gift of Love

by Mary Jackson | Nov 21, 2024 | Commitment and Growth, Events and Fundraising, Marriage Growth, Marriage Insights, Marriages, Volunteer Opportunities

Awesome Opportunity: Strengthen Marriages as a Team Couple

At MN Marriage Encounter, we are blessed to have an amazing group of Team Couples. These couples are committed to the philosophy: “Our messy marriages are our message.” By sharing their personal stories, they help others open up and connect on a deeper level. Serving as a Team Couple allows you to grow personally and spiritually, while also making a meaningful impact on others.

Each new team couple is welcomed with open arms, regardless of where they are in their journey. Our program supports them every step of the way, ensuring they feel equipped and confident to present their talks. If you’ve participated in a Marriage Encounter, you’ve seen firsthand the power of openness and vulnerability. Now, we invite you to consider serving on a team and playing an integral role in strengthening marriages.

Many couples serve on at least one Marriage or Engaged Encounter weekend each year. As you serve, you’ll find that the experience is as enriching for you as it is for the couples who attend. The more you give, the more you receive—this is truly a partnership that strengthens everyone involved.

Board Members Needed: Join Us in Leading the Way

We’re excited to announce that after a long break due to the pandemic, MN Marriage Encounter is resurrecting our board! We’ll be meeting via Zoom three times a year, and we’re looking to add two new members to help lead the charge.

If you’re passionate about marriage enrichment and want to serve with like-minded individuals, please consider joining our board. It’s an exciting time for us, and we would love for you to be a part of this wonderful group.

For more information, please reach out to Mary at 651.454.3238 or email mary@marriages.org.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Help Us Spread the Word!

We’ve always believed that word-of-mouth marketing is the most powerful way to spread the message of Marriage Encounter. The couples who attend and experience our programs are our best advocates. Men, we especially encourage you to share your experience with family members, friends, or co-workers—encourage them to attend!

Here are some testimonials from couples who attended the October 19-20 Marriage Encounter:

“We agreed to spend more time communicating and watching for signs that we weren’t talking enough.”
“Very valuable and time well spent. I feel my marriage will be stronger and more fulfilling.”
“Communication, mainly what we were lacking as a couple. Honesty and trust are something we are working on. Thank you so much!”

If you’re willing to help promote our upcoming weekends, we have bulletin board posters available to distribute at your church, community center, or local stores. Please contact us at 651.454.3238 or email mary@marriages.org to request your posters.

Stocking Stuffers: The Gift of a Stronger Marriage

Looking for a thoughtful gift this holiday season? Give the gift of a Marriage Encounter or Engaged Encounter experience with our $50 and $100 Gift Certificates. You can cover the full cost of a Marriage Encounter for $375 or an Engaged Encounter for just $100.

Add Marriage Encounter or Engaged Encounter to your Christmas list today! For more information or to purchase a gift certificate, contact us at 651.454.3238 or mary@marriages.org.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

We are so grateful for your support in helping us strengthen, enrich, and save marriages. Whether you’re serving as a Team Couple, joining our board, helping with marketing, or gifting a Marriage Encounter experience, your involvement has a lasting impact.

We look forward to your continued support and hope you’ll take part in the many opportunities to serve, grow, and make a difference in the lives of couples throughout Minnesota.

Support our Scholarship Fund, Click here to donate.

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

by Mary Jackson | 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

Rekindle Your Flame: Celebrating 50 Years Of Minnesota Marriage Encounter

by Mary Jackson | 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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