Below are short summaries of many of the marriage ministry opportunities available through First Pres.  If you would like more information on an individual event or program, contact Clarence Shuler at 719.884.6123 or by email at cshuler@first-pres.org.

Marriage Mentoring (Year-round): Provides an opportunity for couples who are newlyweds, those wanting to improve, or those struggling in their marriages to have a more seasoned, experienced couple come along side to share their marriage stories so the younger couple can benefit from these experiences.  The mentors are not counselors, but simply friends. 

Marriage Mentor Training: An opportunity for couples desiring to mentor other couples.  You will experience a day of fun and interactive training tips, gaining skills to help couples work through the challenges most married couples face.

Engaged Couples Weekend (Spring and Fall): This weekend, designed for all couples planning a wedding by April 2009, is preceded by an online relationship inventory. Couples will learn to build on their strengths and supplement growth areas in the areas of communication, conflict, finances, leisure, sex, children, family,  and spiritual relationship. Couples meet marriage mentors who will be helpful before and after the wedding. The cost is $100/couple which includes materials, dinner and lunch. 

Marriage Course (Spring and Fall): Seven date nights with a candlelight meal at a table for two, followed with time to listen and discuss a topic with your spouse.  Topics include: recognizing each other’s needs, effective communication, conflict resolution, healing hurts, loving your spouse, sex, parents and in-laws, scheduling, and fun together.  Cost is $135 per couple.

Home Improvement (Spring and Fall): An evening devoted to helping you invest in your marriage.  Childcare is provided by our church nursery so you and your spouse can dine out, focusing only on each other.  Following dinner, an event back at the church nurtures and develops your relationship.

Marriage Retreat (February 6-8, 2009): Provides a two-day opportunity for married couples to get away from all their distractions in order to focus on each other. Whether you need a marriage maintenance tune-up or your marriage needs serious attention, you’ll find help. It is an excellent time to evaluate your communication, conflict resolution, money management and spiritual growth effectiveness.

Mission & Serving Opportunities: An unexpected boost to your marriage and family may come by serving as a couple or as a family. Working together toward a common goal outside of your family can give you and your spouse a shared experience that is deeply meaningful. Watch for opportunities sponsored through Missions, Family, Outreach or Marriage ministries.

Marriage Conference 2009 (TBA)