Here you will find information about lots of resources in and around the Kentuckiana area for:

(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:

How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk or Jerkette:  In this program, singles can learn how to follow one's heart without losing one's mind.  It teaches five basic principles for a successful marriage, based on trust, reliability, commitment, physical involvement and knowing a person's family background.  Dr. Van Epp, author of this program, says, "Much, if not all, of what a person will be like in marriage can be clearly prediced during dating.  MERCY offers this program periodically.  Please check back often for exact times and location.

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  (502) 585-3291 or go to http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://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  502-939-0121 or e-mail pdhud9@aol.com

Marriage Enrichment (Events, Classes, Weekend Programs, and Ongoing Activities

FIREPROOF -  Join The Marriage Education and Resource Center (MERCY) August 20, from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. at Northeast Christian Church, 9900 Old Brownsboro Road, Louisville, KY for a free showing of the movie FIREPROOF.  FIREPROOF is a feature-length, action-packed movie that will have you laughing, crying, and on the edge of your seats as you are drawn into a world of a firefighter, his wife. . .and a marriage worth rescuing.  Registration is required:  To register, visit:  www.necchurch.org/marriage or call (502) 212-5248. Childcare is avaiable (birth-5th grade) for a fee of $10 per child for 1-2 children and $25 for three or more. To register for childcare go to:  www.necchurch.org/promisetowneregistration. 

MERCY'S Saturday Workshops for 2010 - 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Baptist Hospital Northeast - See Directions below

• January 15 - "The Ultimate Date Night" - Crestwood Baptist Church, 6400 Sweetbay Drive, Crestwood, KY - See information above.
• February 27 -  "His Needs/Her Needs,"  Larry Johnson, Facililtator and writer for Coupletime
• March 27 - "Affirming Your Spouse," David and Penny Hudson, Certified Marriage Educators
• April 24 - Stopping the Blame Game," - Dr. Valerie Vincent, Pastoral Counselor - Hardy Associates
• May 22 -  "Love and Respect," Heather Brooks, Marriage and Family Therapy Associate
• June 19- "The Five Love Languages,"  David and Penny Hudson, Certified Marriage Educators
• July 24 -  Resolving Issues. . .Just Between the Two of Us,"  Trish Pelletier, pastoral student at Baptist Seminary of Kentucky
• August 28 - "Forgiveness in Marriage," Michael Taylor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Triune Counseling Services.
• September 25 - "Dealing with Hidden Issues in Marriage,"   Joe Arnold, Counselor - Northeast Christian Church
• October 30- Three Couples Share How Their Marriages Were Saved
• November 20 - "Empathy - A Key Ingredient in a Healthy Marriage"  Dr. Bruce Hardy, Hardy  Associates

Directions to MERCY's Workshops:  The Saturday workshops at MERCY for 2009,will 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  (502)  939-0121 .

Marriage Rocks - Plan a special date night for you and your spouse.  Spend an evening with other couples while experiencing incredible music, lots of laughs, and creative programming - all designed to encourage and empower your marriage.  Friday- September 17 from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.) - Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Parkway, Louisville, KY - Fellowship Hall 2.  Ticket Price $15 per couple.  Tickets available in the Atrium and online at www.southeastchristian.org  (Note:  They accept only cash or checks in Atrium; credit card purchases must be made online.)  For questions, call: (502) 253-8925.

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.   For additional information for the Louisville, KY, Owensboro, KY areas, please call or e-mail Kathy and Jack Gotting at  502-895-8997  502-895-8997 or kgott@iglou.com for Indianappolis, IN or Evansville, IN areas call Mark and Jill Levine  (317) 888-1892  (317) 888-1892 ., or visit: www.wwme.org or call  1-800-795-LOVE  1-800-795-LOVE .

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 http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.lifeway.com/events or contact LifeWay Events Registration at  1-800-254-2022  1-800-254-2022 . 

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://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/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:

2010 Play Dates With Your Mate:  The Life Adventure Center in Versailles, KY in coordination with Bluegrass Healthy Marriage Initiative, invite you to join them for a line-up of Play Dates With Your Mate. "Play Date With Your Mate" is designed to strengthen communication and to help you grow together as a married couple.  Through purposeful interaction and fun activities utilizing a Challenge Course and Environmental Education Programs, participants will have an opportunity to: Improve communication skills, work together as a team; learn how to support one another, meet other married couples in the community, laugh and have fun.  You can come for one, two or all of the dates.  They are:  "No Horsin' Around" - Saturday - April 17 from 9:15 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Cost:  $50/couple with picnic lunch included.  "My Wife. . .A Reel Catch" - Friday, June 11 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Cost:  $35/couple with supper included.  "Hang in There" - Saturday, September 11 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Cost:  $40/couple with lunch provided. "Fall-ing in Love" - Friday, October 29 - Cost:  $35/couple. For additional information or to register go to www.lacbg.com or call Tracey Wright at (859) 873-3271 or email: tracey@lacbg.com

Community Marriage Builder's  Fall Weekend Getaway in Evansville, Indiana - Looking for a weekend to celebrate and enrich your relationship?  If so, plan to attend CMB's marriage weekend on September 17-18, 2010 at the Evansville Marriott. You can deepen your relationship by taking either  the Love for Life (PAIRS) or the Married and Loving It! program.   Register early as space is limited. The cost is only $75 when you register before July 30.  After July 30, the cost is $150.  This includes all your program materials, three meals, Friday night accommodations, a vow renewal and an elegant reception.  Register at:  1-812-477-2260 or www.makeitlast.org

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  1-800-588-7222 or visit:  http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/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  (502) 895-1581 (ask for Bryant), e-mail: songofchrist@hotmail or visit:  http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://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 such as :  The Grand Hotel in Macinac Island in May and October of  Asheville, N.C. , Ft. Wayne, Indiana in and Lansing, MI in March, Phoenix, AZ and  a  Caribbean cruise in November.  For additional information, go to http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.celebratenet.com/  for a complete brochure and registration information, or call  1-800-669-4122  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  (866)-601-5683 or e-mail:   866-601-5683  866-601-5683 or visit http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.loveyourrelationship.com/

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:  http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.playfulrelationships.com/ .

Fun Date Ideas:  For hundreds of fun date ideas visit the Healthy Marriage Institute at http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://healthymarriage.org/fundates.htm or, for hundreds of stay-at-home date ideas visit:  http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/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 http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://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:  http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://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 http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://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://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/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 http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://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://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/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  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://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/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:

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.gosmalley.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.smartmarriage.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.lifebranchgospel.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.loveyourrelationship@prepinc.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.growthtrac.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.reconcilinggodsway.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.utahmarriage.org/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.bettermarriages.org/

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  1-800-470-2230 .  Please note that Retrouvaille is an international program so there are weekend events in many locations.

"Reconciling God's Way," - This 12-week program is based on God's word and derived out of biblical study. It consists of a workbook that you work along side with a support partner.  For more information, contact David or Penny Hudson  (502)  939-0121  (502)  939-0121 , e-mail: pdhud9@aol.com or visit www.reconcilinggodsway.org

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://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.savemymarriage.com/ or call  1-800-650-9995  1-800-650-9995 .

Marriage Restored:  Marriage Restored is a program for couples who have experienced adultery, addiction, pornography, separation or other marriage-threatening circumstances.  This is a work workend; a time for couples to work one-on-one on their issues, in private.  Couples will have complete focus on their marriage relationship and their spouse.  April 30-May 2, 2010, Lexington, KY.  Cost:  $75 (includes lodging and meals)  Check their web site for future dates.  Questions?  Contact Don and Lynn Wynn at kyagme@yahoo.com or(859) 608-0493 or visit:  www.marriagerestored.com

Dr. Jim Talley - For help in Reconciling Differences:  Dr. Talley offers many free downloads on his web site at http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://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.

A Stander's Affirmation -  "Standers" is a ministry for those who are standing alone for the healing of their marriages.  This program is offered through "Rejoice Marriage Ministries -  A Spiritual Trauma Center for Hurting Marriages."  It is for both men and women.  If you, or someone you know, is fighting alone for their marriage, please check out their web site at www.rejoiceministries.org 

Victims of Infidelity (VOI) Therapy Group: Betrayal! Loss! Hopelessness!  Uncertain of whether to stay or go?  Fearful of ever trusting again?  These are only a few of the feelings that affairs create in the spouse who is cheated on.  Join a weekly group where you will find:  - Help dealing with the grief and loss; -Education to support decision-making process; - Professionally licensed therapist leading the group and - Individual therapy available for more private concerns.  Call for more information at: (502) 387-8802. Sponsored by Triune Counseling Services, PLLC, 2303 Hurstbourne Village Drive, Suite 1100, Louisville, KY  40299. Cost is: $25 per session.  Don't let the pain of an affair take over your life.

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 interfere 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. http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.beyondaffairs.com/

Sexual Addications:  Internet pornography is a battle that is growing.  This battle carries over into marriage and puts extreme burdens on the relationship.  Even if you're not currently struggling with sexual lust or addiction, you need to protect yourself from future temptation.  Here are some resources that can help one break free from the bondage of pornography and win the battle.

Covenant Eyes - www.covenanteyes.com

Elucida Learning - www.elucidalearning.com

Every Man's Ministries - www.everymanministries.com

Genesis Counseling - www.genesiscounseling.org

Partners for Purity - www.partnersforpurity.com

Pure Life Ministries - www.purelifeministries.org

Pure Online - www.pureonline.com

Safe Eyes - www.safeeyes.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  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.  Some locations in the Jefferson County, Oldham County areas are:  Crestwood Baptist Church; 6400 Sweetbay Drive, Crestwood, KY;  (502) 241-8534  (502) 241-8534 ;  Crestwood, KY; Crestwood United Methodist Church, 7214 Kavanaugh Road, Crestwood, KY  (502) 241-8984  (502) 241-8984 ;  Covenant United Methodist Church, 909 W. Jefferson Street, LaGrange, KY  40031 (502) 222-9925; 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 http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.st.johnprospect.com/  For additional information and locations, visit: www.divorcecare.org

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  (502) 241-8534 , often has this program in conjuction with Divorce Care for adults.  Please call the church to confirm:   (502)  241-8534  (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 http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://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://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/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://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/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://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/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.   For additional information about "Book Camp for New Dads," visit:  http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/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  (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  (502) 548-9093 or Pastor Owen at  (502)  222-9925  (502)  222-9925 .