Marriage and Family Building Series
Marriage: Disillusionment and Resilience
Wednesday, November 7, 2007, Noon - 1:30pm
Derek McNeil, Ph.D., Assiciate Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Wheaton College
Almost half of first time marriages are likely to end in divorce. Christians and non-Christians are putting less emphasis on the pathology of the couple and more focus on resilience, or those aspects that would strengthen their relationship in the face of difficulties. Dr. Derek McNeil will encourage this resilience perspective and validate the role of religious institutions in strengthening marriage as a core institution.
Celebrate Marriage Month "The Necessary Nine"
(Designed for Church Leaders and Spouses)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Dan Seaborn, M.A. Founder and President, Winning at Home
When it comes to marriage, some things are just necessary! Dan Seaborn will address the "Necessary Nine" elements of a healthy and successful marriage by highlighting personal stories and illustrations sure to make you smile. Dan will share his dynamic presentation that challenges couples to keep the passion and commitment in their relationship, proving that marriage can last a lifetime and grow deeper in love with each passing year. Bring your spouse and be ready for a luncheon date filled with "Nine Elements" for encouraging and uplifting your marriage.
PRE-Premarital Preparation: Reaching Youth Before It's Too Late
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:30am - 1:00pm
Ryan Jaarsma, Psy.D, Executive. Director, Pine Rest Family Institute &
Steve Carter, Director, Mars Hill Bible Church Student Ministries
Pre-marital preparation has been the capstone achievement of the marriage education movement to date. In Kent Count, 98% of all couples getting married received some form of premarital preparation. It is time to take the next logical step and prepare our youth with the secrets for a successful marriage by teaching important markers for evaluating relationship health and developing the skills to engage in healthy relationships long before the engagement process. Dr. Jaarsma, Executive Director, Healthy Marriages Grand Rapids, will highlight strategies for reaching young people through schools and youth groups in our community. Pastor Steve Carter, Director, Mars Hill Bible Church Student Ministries, will describe techniques for equipping youth pastors to engage and motivate adolescents toward wholeness and greater relational health today.
Supporting Intimacy in Marriage: Challenges of the 21st Century
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Remi Rakipi, MSW, CSW Pine Rest Campus Clinic Outpatient Individual, Couples & Family Counseling
Remi Rakipi, MSW, is both a counselor and also facilitates the PREP Couples Communication Workshop to help couples overcome problems in miscommunication. In this presentation, she will discuss why professionals in the position of helping people with marital issues must have some knowledge and training in the area of sexuality. She will also talk about what these professionals can "give" to couples coming to them with sexual dysfunctions, boundary problems, or intimacy issues. References and information for further helpful information will also be given.
Two Churches, One Marriage: Supporting Interchurch Marriages
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 11:30am - 1:00 pm
Lee Williams, Ph.D. Full Professor in the Marital and Family Therapy Program, University of San Diego
Dr. Williams, from the University of San Diego, will present "Two Churches, One Marriage," a free web-based program for interchurch couples. His presentation will explore the potential challenges and rewards that interchurch couples experience. Dr. Williams will offer strategies and advice on ministering to and assisting couples seeking assistance. A Marriage Summit event, featuring Dr. Williams and open to the public, is also scheduled at the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids May 24 at 7:00 pm. For more information contact Mark Mann at (616) 243-0491.
Strengthening Family Resilience
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 Noon - 1:30pm
Froma Walsh, Ph.D.Professor in the School of Social Service Administration and Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago
Dr. Froma Walsh will present an overview of the family resilience framework, identifying key processes that pastors and clinicians can facilitate to help distressed couples and families rebound from crises, heal from trauma or loss, and master the challenges of chronic, multi-stress conditions. She will focus, in particular, on the power of relational "lifelines" and spirituality for meaning; making hope and positive growth possible out of adversity. This collaborative approach strengthens bonds and resourcefulness in meeting future life challenges.
Cost: $10 per person for each session. To register, call 616.455.5279 or e-mail familyinstitute@pinerest.org.