Here you will find information about lots of resources in and around the Kentuckiana area for:
- Singles
- Seriously Dating (pre-engagement)
- Engagement (Marriage Prep Programs & resources)
- Marriage Enrichment (events, classes and ongoing activities)
- Troubled Marriages
- Divorce Care/Divorce Support Groups
- Leadership Training
- Other Helps, such as on-line care, resources and programs like "Boot Camp for New Dads," Family Conferences," Celebrate Recovery, free marriage enhancement for those in reentry or recovery through COPES.
If you would like to be on our mailing list, please send an e-mail with your name, mailing address, and e-mail address to pdhud9@aol.com to let us know you are interested in subscribing.
(Note: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various presenters do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and views of The Marriage Education and Resource Center - MERCY)
Singles, Seriously Dating and Engaged Couples:
Engaged Encounter: This is a quality, highly effective marriage preparation weekend retreat. Cost: $195 registration fee. For additional information, call the Archdiocese of Louisville (502) 585-3291 or go to www.engagedencounter.org
FOCCUS Premarital Education- Have more than a beautiful wedding, receive the tools to a beautiful marriage. FOCCUS is an inventory for couples who are considering marriage. It's an instrument to identify a couple's areas of strengths and growth potential in their relationship, as well as an opportunity to explore practical issues such as family heritage, finances, communication, problem-solving techniques and commitment. For additional information, please call 502-939-0121 or e-mail pdhud9@aol.com
Marriage Enrichment (Events, Classes, Weekend Programs, and Ongoing Activities
"Dealing With Conflict Within the Blended Family" - Does your marriage fit these criteria? Husband's first marriage/wife's second? Wife's first marriage/ Husband's second? Husband's second/Wife's second? Wife's third/Husband's third, etc? Are there Children? His'/Her's/Their's/Our's? Do you find yourselves frustrated and angry? Would you like to improve your marital satisfaction? If so, this workshop is for you. James Vester, Marriage and Family Therapy Associate will be our guest speaker on July 26, 2008 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Baptist Hospital Northeast, 1025 New Moody Lane in LaGrange, KY. To register or for more information, please call (502) 939-0121; e-mail: pdhud9@aol.com There is no charge for the workshop, however, an offering will be taken.
The Marriage Education and Resource Center's (MERCY's) scheduled workshops for 2008 and directions to MERCY's workshops in 2008. See information below.
MERCY'S Saturday Workshops for 2008 - 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Baptist Hospital Northeast - See Directions below
- January 26 - "Dealing With Life's Stresses and Anxieties" - Tim Gray, Mental Health Specialist.
- February 16 - "The Balancing Act: Managing the Circus of Work and Family," - Debbie Houston, Bible Study Teacher and Graduate of Southern Seminary.
- March 29 - "Affirming Your Spouse" - Justin Schults, Marriage and Family Therapist.
- April 26 - Change in Schedule - See notice on Couple's Conference - Crestwood
- May 17 - "How Your Family of Origin Impacts Your Marriage," - Heather Brooks, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate.
- June 21 - "Getting on the Same Parenting Page," - Sharon Shapanus, Marriage and Family Therpist Associate and Social Worker.
- July 26 - "Dealing With Conflicts Within the Blended Family, " - James Vester, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate.
- August 30 - "Communication: The Dangers of Assumption," - Heather Brooks, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate.
- September 27 - "Putting Some Fun Back Into Your Marriage," Pauline Phillips, MSSW, Specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy.
- October 25 - Three Back from the Brink Divorce Couples Share Their Testimonies.
- November 15 - "In-Laws or Out-Laws," - Heather Brooks, Marriage and Family Therapy Associate.
Directions to MERCY's Workshops: The Saturday workshops at MERCY for 2008, be held in Conference Room B (second floor) at Baptist Hospital Northeast, 1025 New Moody Lane in LaGrange, KY.
If you are traveling North on I-71, take the LaGrange exit (exit 22), turn right onto Hwy 53. Turn right onto New Moody Lane, which is at the light. There is a Speedway Service Station on your right. You will pass Walmart and Baptist Hospital in on your left after Walmart. Come in the front doors. Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, Confernece Suite B. If you are traveling south on Hwy 1-71, take the LaGrange exit 22, turn left onto Hwy 53 and follow the above directions. Phone number of MERCY is (502) 939-0121.
Marriage Encounter: If you want to show more love to the one you love, you can do that on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. Marriage Encounter is 44 hours where married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones, and focus only on each other. If you'd like greater depth, growth, and enrichment in your relationship, you'll like the difference this weekend can make. Dates for 2008 are: Louisville - February 15 -17, June 27-29 and October 10-12. Louisville Marriage Encounters will be held at Flaget Retreat Center in Louisville. 2008 dates for Indianapolis, IN are April 25-27 and November 7-9. Indianapolis Marriage Encounter weekends will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Retreat Center, in Indianapolis. For additional information for the Louisville, KY, Owensboro, KY, Indianappolis, IN or Evansville, IN areas, please call or e-mail Kathy and Jack Gotting at 502-895-8997 or kgott@iglou.com
For information in the Cincinnati/Dayton/Norhtern and Central Kentucky areas, go to http://www.rc.net/org/me6/ or call 1-800-547-1251 - Code 00.
Festivals of Marriage - Escape, connect and spend time alone your spouse. Christ-centered marriage events in locations all over the country. For more information visit www.lifeway.com/events or contact LifeWay Events Registration at 1-800-254-2022.
Weekend to Remember - For 30 years Weekend to Remember Conferences have been helping couples create healthy marriages. This event teaches God's design for marriage and family and is designed to refresh good marriages and help troubled ones. This is what one participant had to say, "This was the most enriching event I've ever done, period. I'm so fired up about my marriage and family." October 31- November 2, 2008 at the Galt House in Louisville, KY. Cost $129 per person; $89 per person with group of ten or more. Cost does not include meals and hotel. Hotel Discount Room Rate: $104 - Deadline October 17. Hotel Reservations: (502) 589-5200. For additional information, visit their web site at: www.familylife.com/conferences, or call: (1-800-358-6329).
Focus on the Family Simulcast Couple's Conference with Beth Moore, Gary Smalley, Del Tacket, John Trent, Franics Chan and Gary Thomas is coming to Crestwood Bapitst Church, in Crestwood, KY, February 28, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mark your calendars for this awesome event! More details coming soon.
Family Dynamics - Family Dynamics offers a variety of seminars, such as "Dynamic Marriage," "Love, Sex and Marriage," "A New Beginning" and "Dynamic Love". These are powerful seminars built on helping couples sustain and build happy, fulfilling relationships. For additional information, and upcoming seminars, visit their web site at: http://www.familydynamics.net
e-Harmony Marriage - Couples who are happy and seeking marital enrichment may benefit from a personalized program, endorsed by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. At e-Harmony Marriage, a couple can take an on-line marriage assessment and receive feedback based on their results. Cost is approximately $150. For additional information, visit: marriage.eharmony.com
Additional Fun and Romanic Opportunities and Get-aways to Enrich Your Marriage
Marriage Impact - A Marriage Retreat That Won't Leave You Stuck in a Classroom - Enjoy together exciting outdoor adventures such as white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking and more. Return at night to worship and fellowship with other marriaged couples across the nation. Dates normally in May , June, July and August at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. Cost for 2007 were: $279 per couple. This included a $90 program fee, turndown service with amenities each evening, $79 for meals (included dinner Friday night, breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning and a campfire with smores, etc. on Friday night) and on campus recreational activities. Additional cost for some Adventure Options. For additional information or registration: 1-800-588-7222 or visit: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/mainpage/0%2C1701%2CM%25253D200975%2C00.html
Dance 4 Life Ministries - A new concept in marriage education, through partner dancing is now available in Louisville, KY. Dance 4 Life Ministries believes the fundamental confusion of our roles as husband and wives has led to the deterioration of marriage and family. Therefore, their goal is to educate men and women according to their view of Biblical manhood and womanhood through dance. For additional information, call: (502) 895-1581 (ask for Bryant), e-mail: songofchrist@hotmail or visit: www.godsballroom.com
Celebrate Your Marriage - Whether you are looking for ways to strengthen your marriage or just need time for a tune up and a great getaway, to great places, you will want to check out this event. More fun, more romance and more Jesus. Several great locations in 2007,such as : The Grand Hotel in Macinac Island in May and October of 2007, Asheville, N.C. in April, Ft. Wayne, Indiana in April and Lansing, MI in March, Phoenix, AZ and a Caribbean cruise in November. For additional information, go to http://www.celebratenet.com for a complete brochure and registration information, or call 1-800-669-4122.
Love Your Relationship Couples Retreats: Howard Markman/Boulder, Co. Immerse yourself in a weekend devoted to learning how to enhance and protect friendship, fun, love, passion as you enjoy the best of PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program) combined with a luxurious, romantic getaway. For more information call toll free (866)-601-5683 or e-mail: 866-601-5683 or visit www.loveyourrelationship.com
Jeff and Debby McElroy - Cruise with a Cause '08 - Jeff and Debbie McElroy with Forever Families, invite you to join them on October 6-10, 2008, for a cruise that will be like nothing you have experienced. Consider it a Christian Cruise vacation, a mission trip or both. PraiseFest Ministries has chartered an Entire ship for this event so that everyone on the cruise will be there for the same purpose: to worship the Lord and help those who are lost. Jeff and Debby will be leading three sessions on marriage. There will also be many concerts as well as events and activities for children and teens. It will sail out of Miami, Florida and will have stops at Grand Bahama Island and Nassau, Bahamas, where participants can work with the street witnessing ministry, work in the prison ministry or work with the prayer ministry. Prices start at $499 per person and that includes all meals and entertainment. For more information or to book your cruise, call Forever Families at (865) 769-2611 or email info@foreverfamilies.
Playful Relationships Cruise - Join Keith (author of Couples and the Art of Playing) and Joan Hackett, originators of Playful Relationships Playshops, has information on their web site on fun activities for couples. For more information visit: www.playfulrelationships.com .
Fun Date Ideas: For hundreds of fun date ideas visit the Healthy Marriage Institute at http://healthymarriage.org/fundates.htm or, for hundreds of stay-at-home date ideas visit: http://healthymarriage.org/homedates.htm You can also sign up for their free Date Night newsletter. Each week this web site will send you a fun date idea, activity to do on your date to strengthen your relationship and a money-saving coupon if available in your area.
*Please know that some of these events/retreats/get-aways are Christian in nature and others are more secular in nature. Therefore, please review them carefully. We cannot guarantee the content. For additional fun get-aways, visit www.smartmarriages.com/directory_browse.html
Sunday Morning Marriage Classes:
- Covenant United Methodist Church, 909 West Jefferson Street, LaGrange, KY 502-222-992; web site: www.covenantumc.org
Adventure Christian Church - 3321 Ruckriegel Pkwy. in Louisville, KY - is a young, growing fellowship open to all. They offer a number of marriage events throughout the year. Visit their websie at www.adventureky.org for details.
Immanuel Baptist Church - 3100 Tates Creek Road in Lexington, KY- This church has a comprehensive marriage ministry. Relationship classes are offered for high schoolers as well as each stage of marriage. To contact them call 895-685-3200 or visit their web site at: http://www.ibc-lex.org/
Southeast Christian Church - 920 Blakenbaker Parkway in Louisville, KY - Southeast Christian Chruch offers numerous marriage events. Visit their web site at www.southeastchristian.org for a complete listing.
Kentucky Baptist Convention Marriage Ministry - The Kentucky Baptist Convention offers a variety of tools - consultations, training events, leader training and a network of leaders, recommended reading and downloadable resources -- all aimed at helping strengthen marriages. For additional information, go to http://www.kybaptist.org/kbc/welcome.nsf/pages/LeaderOffice then click on the marriage link.
Coupletime Groups - Coupletime Groups are small groups of six to seven couples who meet monthly to address essential issues of marriage that may otherwise get pushed aside during the busy routine of life. Coupletime is a peer ministry. It's a care group, not a cure group. Couples gather to learn about marriage, share experiences, pray for one another and offer support and encouragement. If you, or your church/organization, would be like to know more about how to start Coupletime groups, please e-mail Penny or David Hudson at pdhud9@aol.com or call 502-939-0121.
Marriage Education at a Distance - Did you know that you can strengthen your marriage in the comfort of your own home via online, over-the-phone. and/or DVD based programs? For a list of programs at distance, go to http://www.smartmarriages.com/directory_browse.html#distance
Note: For a wealth of information on marriage topics and other resources we recommend you check out the following websites/organizations:
www.loveyourrelationship@prepinc.com
American Association of Christian Counselors
Covenant Marriage Movement
FamilyLife Radio/Parent Talk
Life Promotions
Nashville Speaker's Bureau
Amy and Michael Smalley
Dr. John Trent's Strong Families
Turning Point Ministries with Dr. David Jeremiah
Winning at Home with Dan Seaborn
Help for Troubled Marriages:
Retrouvaille - Is Your Marriage Tearing You Apart? Retrouvaille is a lifeline for Troubled Marriages. If there is little or no meaningful communication, if you are considering separation or divorce, if you are experiencing disilllusionment, and anger we believe Retrouvaille can help. Retrouvaille consists of a weekend experience and a series of 12 presentations offered within the three months following the weekend phase. For additional information, visit their website at www.retrouvaille.org or call 1-800-470-2230. Please note that Retrouvaille is an international program so there are weekend events in many locations.
Save My Marriage - New Beginnings Are you in a troubled marriage? Do you wonder if your marrige can be saved? Are you currently separated or divorced? Are you trying to recover from an affair or other major hurt? Or are you trying to decide whether to even stay together. For help and restoration for marriages in crisis visit, http://www.savemymarriage.com or call 1-800-650-9995.
Dr. Jim Talley - For help in Reconciling Differences: Dr. Talley offers many free downloads on his web site at www.drtalley.com In addition, he does telephone consulting at the rate of $50 per 30 minute session. You can also take the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Test on his site for a fee of $50. For additional information, e-mail Dr. Talley at drtalley@drtalley.com or visit his web site.
Beyond Affairs: Prevention and Recovery: "Beyond Affairs Network (BAN)" is for betrayed spouses. BAN is a safe place for those who have been betrayed to share painful emotions that inerfere with recovery and a place to gain perspective and understanding. BAN is for the betrayed spouse only; open to people of all faiths or those with no religious affiliation. There is now a local support group in our area. For details please e-mail: crestwoodBAN@yahoo.com There is also useful information available on the web site at: www.beyondaffairs.com
Sexual Addictions: Southeast Christian Church has a support/recovery group called ARC for men who are struggling with sexual addictions. This is a Christ-centered 12-step program. ARC is a safe, anonymous place to journey toward recovery. For times and meetings, e-mail: arcsecc@bellsouth.net or call (502) 253-8411.
Sexual Addictions: There is also an on-line program called Pure On Line. There is on-line help for men and help for wives whose husbands are dealing with this addiction. For additional information, visit their web site at: www.pureonline.com
Additional Help: If you are struggling in your marriage, you can also contact David or Penny Hudson at pdhud9@aol.com or 1-502-939-0121. We may be able to suggest other resources that might help turn your marriage around.
Divorce Care - Divorce Care features videotape seminar sessions with nationally recognized experts on divorce and recovery topics. You will find strength for the journey by becoming part of a small group of people, who are also experiencing separation and divorce. Crestwood Baptist Church; 6400 Sweetbay Drive, Crestwood, KY; (502) 241-8534; January 9-April 2, 2008, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. ; Crestwood United Methodist Church, 7214 Kavanaugh Road, Crestwood, KY (502) 241-8984 will also be offering this program beginning January 9, 2008 from 6:20 - 7:30 p.m. In addition, St. John's United Methodist Church, 12700 W. U.S. 42, Prospect, KY also offers this program. For information on their schedule, call 228-2897 - Ext. 26 or www.st.johnprospect.com
Divorce Recovery Support Group - For men and women. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Sunday. Free, confidential, non-denominational. Free childcare provided by church staff. Crescent Hill Baptist Church, 2800 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville . For more information call 896-4425.
Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K) - This is a 13-week program for children age 5 through 5th grade, who have experienced the divorce of their parents. It is designed to help children heal in a Christ-centered group setting and to give them the tools to develop healthy relationships within their families. Crestwood Baptist Church, 6400 Sweetbay Drive, Crestwood, KY (502) 241-8534, often has this program in conjuction with Divorce Care for adults. Please call the church to confirm: (502) 241-8534. This program is also offered at St. John's United Methodist Church, 12700 W. U.S. Hwy. 42, Prospect, KY. For information, call 228-2897, Ext. 26 or visit www.stjohnprospect.com
Divorce Support Groups - These groups are designed so you can meet with others who understand what you are going through. Most of these Divorce Support Groups are non-denominational even though they are held or sponsored by churches. The Support Groups are open to everyone, and by calling a support group today you may find that it will provide the new beginning you have been searching for. For Divorce Support Groups in Kentucky go to http://www.divorcesource.com/groups/kentucky.shtml
Leadership Training:
FOCCUS Pre-Marital Training for Mentor Couples - David and Penny Hudson offer Pre-Marital FOCCUS training for mentor couples. If you have been married a minimum of ten years and would like to be trained in how to provide individualized help and encouragement to engaged couples, please contact David and Penny Hudson at pdhud9@aol.com or by calling 939-0121.
Facilitator Training from Family Dynamics - Family Dynamics train church leaders, counselors and lay couples to lead marriage-enrichment classes. These are powerful seminars that help you help couples sustain and build happy, fulfilling relationships. For additional information, visit their web site at: http://www.familydyanmics.net
MARRIAGE SAVERS TRAINING Training and Community Marriage Policy signings by Marriage Savers Co‑Chairs Mike & Harriet McManus. Usual format is to train Mentor Couples, clergy and counselors from 6:30 to10pm on Fri and from 8:30 to 5pm on Sat. If there is a signing of a Community Marriage Policy, it typically is at 1 pm on the same Fri as the training. A Marriage Savers training covers proven interventions at five stages of the marital life cycle: Preparation, Enrichment, Restoration, Reconciliation and Stepfamilies. We also meet with pastors who are considering creating a Community Marriage Policy, and we conduct Marriage Enrichment Weekends for couples and Pastor/Spouse Renewal Getaways on a Monday‑Tuesday. Contact us to set up a Community Marriage Policy in your community or for details about the process at http://www.marriagesavers.org
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Other Helps for Couples/Individuals:
Boot Camp for New Dads (BCND) is a unique father-to-father, community-based workshop that inspires and equips men of different economic levels, ages and cultures to become confidently engaged with their infants, support their mates and personally navigate their transformation into dads. Boot camp is validated by research and has been named a best practice by many organizations that consider it an exceptional means of supporting dads-to-be and fostering behaviors that greatly benefit children and help prevent a wide range of social ills. Clark Memorial Hospital, 1220 Missouri Avenue, Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130 now offers this program. This one-day workshop will be offered on the following dates, from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. - February 10, May 12, July 18, September 5, October 27 and December 5. For additional information about "Book Camp for New Dads," visit: http://www.bcnd.org. Cost: $15. This program is open to dads, whether or not they are married. To register for one of the workshops that will be offered at Clark Memorial Hospital, call (812) 283-2405.
Celebrate Recovery If you, or someone you know, is struggling with "hurts, habits or hang-ups," we encourage you to take advantage of "Celebrate Recovery," now being offered at Covenant United Methodist Church, 909 W. Jefferson Street, LaGrange, KY.The purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to fellowship and celebrate God's healing power in our lives through the 12-Steps and 8 Recovery Principles. This experience allows us to be changed. If you have any questions, please call Brian Mattson (502) 548-9093 or Pastor Owen at (502) 222-9925.
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