Illinois
Engaged Encounter
United Methodist
Questions & Answers
Engaged Encounter is a program designed specifically for couples to prepare personally and as a couple for marriage. The focus is upon the marriage, not the wedding. "A wedding is a day...a marriage is a lifetime."The major emphasis is the establishment and practice of communication and decision-making techniques the couple can use throughout their lifetime together.
A presenting team of two married lay couples join a pastor and spouse to present living examples of matrimony on a day-to-day basis. After each presentation, engaged couples have time to personalize, reflect and share their ideas, feelings, attitudes, hopes and dreams - privately - and always from the viewpoint of their own relationship.A wide variety of subjects is surfaced by the presenting team to give the engaged couples great latitude in exploring the areas that are important to them. For each couple, the weekend unfolds differently, as each person brings a different perspective to the relationship. By communicating the fears, values, and expectations of each other, couples are led to a deeper understanding of themselves as they are preparing for one of the most important decisions they ever make . . . the covenantal marriage.
Couples of all ages have made weekends. The divorced or widowed person planning to remarry will find Engaged Encounter to be a rewarding experience.
No. The weekend is United Methodist in orientation and theology. The presenting couples are also United Methodist. However, couples of any faith will discover the weekend to be meaningful, non- threatening and are able to relate that perspective to their own faith. Couples without church affiliation are also welcomed.
Couples discover that they are not alone. There are other couples living through similar stress and apprehension as the marriage is approached.Couples find meaning to the marriage relationship that goes beyond the casual style of marriage seen so often in society and media today.
Couples hear experienced married couples share the joys and disappointments of their day-to-day living, and share how to get over the "rough spots" that are sure to occur in every marriage.
Couples recognize the need to communicate fully and to make mutual decisions as a couple...that are life giving to the relationship.
Couples are given the opportunity to evaluate their future and decide on the course they want for themselves, as a couple.
No. This is a couple-oriented experience. There are no group dynamics. The weekend is quiet and low key, providing each couple with an atmosphere to concentrate on one another. Neither is it a social weekend, a teaching or lecture series, a group enhancing experience, nor a Bible study. The couples attend to work at deepening their own awareness of each other as a couple.
"Engaged Encounter is the best marriage preparation program in communication for engaged couples of any denomination in the U.S." - Michael J. McManus, author of "Marriage savers" and syndicated columnist in 100 newspapers, commentator."In addition to pre-marital counseling, another wonderful way to eliminate the unpleasant surprises of early married life . . . I strongly recommend Engaged Encounter to every couple planning a wedding." Dr. James Dobson, author of "Love for a Lifetime", founder of Focus on the Family.
A $35 nonrefundable reservation fee must accompany the reservaton form. The remainder of the cost, $165 per couple, is due and payable two weeks prior to the weekend.What Is Provided? Saturday meals and two Sunday meals are included. Friday and Sunday evening meals are not. Separate facilities are provided for men and womenWhat should we wear? Pack separately and bring casual clothing that will be comfortable. Jeans, shorts, and tennis shoes are acceptable. Variations of air conditioning make it a good idea to bring sweaters. There are no formal gatherings that require ties, coats or dresses.
is an affiliate of
World Wide Marriage Encounter
and the
General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church.
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