Marriage Encounter

Marriage Encounter

What is a Marriage Encounter Weekend?

Marriage Encounter is a weekend getaway that helps married couples rediscover themselves individually and as a couple.

The weekend is God-centered and comes out of the roots of the Christian faith. Minnesota Marriage Encounter is an inter-faith Christian experience and welcomes couples of all faiths or no faith. The organization is not connected to any particular denomination. Individual and couple spirituality are shared versus a denomination. Guided by a team of trained volunteer couples, each participant takes an honest look at self, explores their relationship with each other, their family and society. Learn more.

Marriage Encounter

Marriage Encounter

What is a Marriage Encounter Weekend?

Marriage Encounter is a weekend getaway that helps married couples rediscover themselves individually and as a couple.

The weekend is God-centered and comes out of the roots of the Christian faith. Minnesota Marriage Encounter is an inter-faith Christian experience and welcomes couples of all faiths or no faith. The organization is not connected to any particular denomination. Individual and couple spirituality are shared versus a denomination. Guided by a team of trained volunteer couples, each participant takes an honest look at self, explores their relationship with each other, their family and society. Learn more.

Marriage Encounter

Marriage Encounter

What is a Marriage Encounter Weekend?

Marriage Encounter is a weekend getaway that helps married couples rediscover themselves individually and as a couple.

The weekend is God-centered and comes out of the roots of the Christian faith. Minnesota Marriage Encounter is an inter-faith Christian experience and welcomes couples of all faiths or no faith. The organization is not connected to any particular denomination. Individual and couple spirituality are shared versus a denomination. Guided by a team of trained volunteer couples, each participant takes an honest look at self, explores their relationship with each other, their family and society. Learn more.

Honoring Sacrifice: Lessons from Memorial Day for a Stronger Marriage

Honoring Sacrifice: Lessons from Memorial Day for a Stronger Marriage

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.

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

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