MInistry with Married Couples
Small Group Resources
Information Night for Small Group Fellowship
Date: March 24th, 2012
Time: 7:30p.m. - 9:00p.m.
Place: TBD
This event will introduce you to the materials listed below for use by small groups of couples who want to energize their marriages by meeting with other couples in their own homes to keep their marriages fresh, alive, and growing. Sign up for this event by e-mailing Patrick and Diane Brennan at Marriedministry.stjamesparish@gmail.com, or call Marcy at the parish center 203-375-5887.
Supper Group (click on the title for full details)
Purpose: The Supper Group combines good food and good times with making good progress in enriching your marriage, and encouraging other couples to do the same, by:
-Developing supportive relationships with other like-minded couples.
-Discussing Topics for building a strong marriage
-Learning through exercises, discussions with other couples, and dates with your mate.
Resources Required: “The Marriage Track”, by Dave and Claudia Arp
"52 Fantastic Dates for You and Your Mate", by Claudia Arp
Overview:
Introductory session followed by four monthly dinner/evening sessions, held in the homes of the participants in rotation.
Each session starts with a dinner for the group prepared by the participant hosting the session.
Each participant is asked to agree to:
Read chapters prior to each session, complete the exercises, and fill out Discussion Questions sheet.
Try to have at least one date between each Supper Group session
Host one of the suppers for the group.
Using Your Strengths - Married Couples Edition (click on title for details)
Purpose: This is a discussion group for married couples who want to understand how their individual strengths impact their relationship. Each person starts by taking an online assessment to determine their top five strengths. Important insights and discoveries occur through reading, reflections, discussions with spouse, and small group discussions.
Resources Required: Each individual is required to purchase “Living your Strengths” by Albert L. Winseman, et al, in order to individually take the online assessment.
Overview: Four sessions in small groups in the homes of the participants at times agreed to by the group. Participants agree to complete the online assessment, read assigned chapters, complete exercises provided, and engage in discussions with others in the group.
Using your Strengths for Married Couples - Participant Overview
Using Your Strengths for Married Couples - Facilitators Handbook
Using Your Strengths for Married Couples - Workbook
5 Languages of Love (click on title for details)
What if you could say or do just the right thing guaranteed to make that special someone feel loved? The secret is learning the right love language! Millions of couples have learned the simple way to express their feelings and bring joy back into marriage: The 5 Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman’s New York Times bestseller!
Using the book as a guide, along with the companion study & exercise guide, participants in this small group option will discuss and learn how to apply the key elements of Dr. Chapman's book.