Core Couples
Our desire at Grace is for you to be engaged in worship and the Word, connected with other believers, and serving in some capacity, fully utilizing the unique gifts and talents God has given you. It is with this end in mind that we developed Core Couples. We will meet weekly to invest in you, your marriage and your walk with Christ, with the vision that afterwards you will be sent out to to invest in others.

 

The mission of Core Couples is to help you have a marriage that is healthy enough that you can help others have healthy marriages. For some couples that will mean starting or facilitating a community group or house church with other like-minded families, for some that will be couple-to-couple mentoring, and for others it will mean meeting couples in crisis at their point of need through Marriage 911 or helping couples who are about to get married "Prepare to Last." There is no formula for community and growth, we simply believe that God has uniquely wired you and your spouse with experiences, gifts, talents and passions, and we want to set you up to make a difference in the lives of others by first pouring into you and your marriage.  

 

If you would like to sign up for Core Couples or have questions, email Rachael. There is a $50 fee for Core Couples, which covers the cost of books, couple checkup, binder, handouts, speakers, etc.

 

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Core Parenting - Starts September 12th
Let's face it, parenting is tough, though we all want to be great parents, to be honest most people think they do a lousy job of it. for 10 weeks on Sunday nights a from 5:15-6:30 Randy and Anita Rainwater will lead us down a journey through the Psalms to discover what this amazing book has to teach us. It's part Bible study, part parenting class with a few surprises mixed in. Please rsvp to Randy@gfc.tv so we can know how many cupcakes to bring.

 

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Prepare To Last

Prepare to Last is a fantastic eight week small group program that is designed for engaged, seriously dating, or newlywed couples. During these eight weeks, you will as a couple and as a group go through the eight core subjects. In between your weekly small group meetings, you as a couple will also have the opportunity to go on guided "Date Nights." Explained in each chapter of the workbook, and guided by the Date Night CD's, these dates are designed to let you as couples further process and apply the small group teaching to your relationship. The topics that will be discussed are: Expectations, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Personalities, Finacial Management, Sex & Intimacy, Secret of our Success, Goals & Dreams.

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• Meets Sunday Nights, 5:30pm at the home of Brad and Julie Johns
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• CLICK HERE TO REGISTER The class cost is $35 which will give you a $35 discount off of the price of your marriage licence.
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• Contact Rachael Vigardt for more information.

 

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Adoption Discovery

Need more information about adoption? Register now for an Adoption Discovery Class, starting soon. Contact:Kim Streater

Download the flyer and form.

 

Adoption Discovery Small Group Study

What is Adoption Discovery? Adoption Discovery is a 7-week small group that walks potential adoptive parents through the adoption process, helping them to better understand the process and helping them to make educated decisions. This study gives you the information you need in the context you need it, all within a community of support. We will meet once a week for seven weeks, in which time you learn your options as a prospective adoptive parent. Sign up for class or volunteer to serve in this ministry by emailing Kim Streater. Class fee of $15 per couple for materials.

 

Who is Adoption Discovery for? Any prospective adoptive parents...couples who are either interested in finding out about adoption or those pursuing adoption.

 

Starts Sunday, August 22nd

 

Time: Sundays, 6:45-8 p.m.

 

Location: Encounter Grace Room, #114 downstairs main building

 

Contact: Kim Streater

 

Below you will find a list of books, resources and counselors to help build, heal and enrich your marriage and family relationships.

 

Pre-Marital and Marital Counseling:

Our recommendations:

     Scott Sklenar, Grace-Full Living Ministries, 770.337.4267

     Georgia K. Fite, MAMFC, 404.357.9512

     Michael R. Sytsma, Ph.D. Building Intimate Marriages, 770.822.4505

     Kristen Smith-Vaniz, Pre-marriage, kristen@intimatemarriage.org

    Todd Sandel Life, Gate Counseling, 404.842.3150

 

All married couples:
* Want to start a small group?  Join the Core Couples training.  Email BrianK@gfc.tv for more info.
* Go through a video series together or with other couples:
       10 Great Dates by David and Claudia Arp
       Building Lasting Relationships by Gary Smalley
       Finding the Love of Your Life All Over Again by Gary and Barb Rosberg

* To check out a DVD series from our DVD library email Sarah@gfc.tv

 

For brand new marrieds:  
* “Love and Respect” classes being offered as a Grace class.

* Take a financial preparation class being offered as a Grace class.
* Form a Young Married's community group. Email Rachael@gfc.tv for more info.

 

Other helpful links:
www.SmartMarriages.com 
www.FamilyLifeToday.com 

 

For parents:
*Take advantage of the Parenting classes being offered at the hospital of your choice.
*Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel

*Parent Fuel classes being offered through Grace Institute.

 

Distressed Marriages:
* Marriage 911: Our goal is to provide immediate, affordable, and biblically-based help to people whose marriages are in crisis through the one-on-one support of Marriage 911: First Response.  Whether you are separated or simply struggling, there is hope for you to have a better marriage.  If you are willing to work on your relationship, please contact Brian Krawczyk for more information. 
* Marriage Intensive: A 2-4 day program designed for couples in crisis who need healing and restoration.  Anger, lack of intimacy, loss of love, separation and abuse. Call WinShape Retreat at 877.977.3873 for more information.

For a free, private online survey to help evaluate your marriage go to www.WinShapeRetreat.org and under "Programs" click "Program Survey."

 

Stepfamilies:

*  www.SuccessfulStepfamilies.com
* New Faces in the Frame by Dick Dunn
* The Smart Stepfamily by Ron Deal

 

Research:
* Marriage & Family Wellness: Corporate America’s Business
* The Taxpayer Costs of Divorce and Unwed Childbearing