The Marriage Course
Did you know that The Alpha Marriage Course has been operating for 17-plus years at CrossRoads Church? The first couple to organize the course at our church was Abe and Gloria Derksen. The last Marriage Course (October/November 2021) was a great success. The course is designed as a “date night” where couples sit at private tables for two where they enjoy a relaxed meal together. The Marriage Course video creates the opportunity for couple-based discussion to discover things about themselves and each other and then apply tools to enjoy and strengthen their relationship. Many couples have benefited from this course over the years, including the people that serve Jesus by facilitating these events. Past participants often voice appreciation for what they have learned and take away from the course, regular weekly date nights together, and the great meals provided. The next Marriage Course will be starting October 12, 2022.
The current Marriage Course Facilitators are - Henk and Tamara Bos, Brian and Janice Rypstra, & Kent and Bonnie Olsen.
Pre-Marriage Mentoring
Pre-marriage mentors continue to meet with couples to prepare soon-to-be-weds for marriage. Some of these meetings have been online but most have been in person when allowed. Our mentor couples have been able to keep up with the demand even though we didn’t run the Engaged Encounter weekend this year. I am very thankful for the couples that are serving Jesus in this way. Supporting these couples has been very rewarding and worthwhile. Our current marriage mentors are Dan and Christa Dyck, Dean and Shauna Willoughby, Dean and Janella Spearing, and Milt and Terry Thulien.
Marriage Enrichment Weekend
This spectacular event was originally planned to happen in May of 2022. It has been postponed until the fall, November 25-27, 2022. This weekend is a special and unique time for married couples to escape to Ghost River, in the Rocky Mountains, and dedicate 48 hours to focus on their relationships. Registration for this weekend will be available soon. Curtis and Stacey Poier & Andrew and Karen Wiebe are two of the couples that make this weekend possible.
Engaged Encounter
The fundamental difference between marriages that are good, average, or poor is the level of communication between husband and wife. In all our marriages, there are times when we take our relationship for granted. The Engaged Encounter weekend gives soon to be married couples the opportunity to get away from the daily grind, pause and take a fresh look at how to communicate with one another. Couples learn a technique of communication that allows them to explore many areas of their relationship in a spirit of love and understanding. Through communication every couple gains insights, tools and confidence for building a future together. This weekend is organized by Sharon Wiebe. Sharon and Rick Wiebe are one couple out of a very committed troop of couples that make this weekend happen. This event happens at a camp on the shores of Gull Lake. The next Engaged Encounter weekend will happen in March, 2023.
Pastor Barry
barryo@crossroadschurch.ca
