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Marriage and Couples Ministries . . . Mentor Couples . . . Getting Married at St Giles . . . Enrichment . . . Step Families . . . Couples in Crisis . . . Singles . . . Resources/Events
No matter where you are: single looking to get married for the very first time . . . in a marriage that needs the spark rekindled . . . in a marriage facing some difficult choices . . . or thinking about marriage that would blend two family units, St. Giles has a program that will enhance and strengthen your future.
“Let marriage be held in honor by all.” Hebrews 13:4
Becoming One
Establishing and maintaining the lifelong “One Flesh” union is God’s ideal for you, but in our culture, it’s no small task. We want to make every possible resource available to help you enjoy a fulfilling and healthy marriage relationship with all of God’s blessings. Please take advantage of the marriage preparation and enrichment ministry available to you. Feel free to contact our pastors or ministry coordinator, Bob Ruthazer at any time: 282-9763 ext 13.
Jesus words: “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate.”Matthew 19:6
Marriage Mentors ... The Key to preparing for or strengthening marriages!
Our mentors are couples with good marriages and are growing (no one has a perfect marriage). They have been trained in the use of PREPARE/ENRICH Relationship inventories and couple exercises. They are not "marriage experts" but they do have proven experience and relationship skills to share. They care about you and want to give you a good start. You will enjoy informal times with them . . . and don't be surprised if you become great friends!
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”John 13:34
“Bear with one another, and if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.” Colossians 3:13
Marriage Education opportunities
St. Giles periodically offers a variety of classes and seminars like “Romance, Rice and Reality” to help develop your marriage and relationship skills. These classes are based on sound research which validates Biblical Principles. A variety of excellent books and tape resources are available for loan from the Family Resource Center at St. Giles. Also, First Things First of Richmond has many resources for enrichment.
Yours...Mine...Ours: Successful Stepfamilies Group at St Giles
A recent article by Dr. David Swift is entitled Stepfamilies: Tomorrow's Nuclear Family? Over half of the American population is already associated with a stepfamily, and it is predicted to be the predominant family form in America by the 21st century. If you include extended family as being members of a stepfamily, then well over half of the American population is already associated with a stepfamily.
The Step Family or “Blending Family” Group will generally meet on 4th Monday evenings at 7pm at St Giles Robbin's Room (call to verify/RSVP). 5200 Grove Ave just east of Libbie. This will be a time for fellowship and sharing ideas for successful step-family life. The topic this month will be Understanding and Appreciating Personality Differences in your family. If you or someone you know is in a blending family, please invite them to attend. Those considering blending their families are also invited (couples with children from a previous relationship).
Stepfamilies are complex, but there is hope! Your stepfamily can be a source of unending joy and fulfilling experiences. It does not come easily, but then, nothing worthwhile does. We have mentor couples in blended families who can help you through the challenges and set you on the path of a successful blended family. Contact Bob Ruthazer at 282-9763 ext 13, or Tom & Marci Meeks at 358-2998. For more on blending families, click here.
Couples in Crisis
Even the best of marriages sometimes need outside help. Besides Marriage Mentors, pastoral counseling is available by appointment, either by the pastor or by one of many outside counselors who have served St. Giles members well. Also, a variety of excellent book and tape resources are available for loan from the Family Resource Center at St. Giles. Contact Bob Ruthazer at 282-9763 ext 13, or Rev. Keith Hill at 282-9763 ext 12. For more resources, click here. Do not delay getting help when in crisis!
“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Ephesians 4:26
"I will never leave you or forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
"Let marriage be held in honor by all." Hebrews 13:4
"Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed." Hebrews 12:12-13
Getting Married At St Giles
Marriages at St Giles are for members and children or grandchildren of members.
· Begin preparation as soon as your relationship appears to be heading for marriage; do not wait until you are engaged. It is best to get a marriage mentor couple as soon as you begin talking about marriage, as this will help you in the process.
· Take advantage of educational and skill building opportunities at any time. Even in pre-engagement relationships, relationship education and mentors or accountability partners can be very helpful.
· Contact the Church Administrator, Annette Irving, at 282-9763 ext 21 to begin the process, to get an appointment with the pastor, and to reserve a date for the church. You will be assigned a mentor couple by Bob Ruthazer
St Giles Marriage Policy:
· We encourage a courtship of at least one year.
· We require and provide a thorough premarital preparation process of at least four premarital mentoring sessions, a premarital inventory (Prepare) and intensive education.
· We promote chastity outside of marriage, and faithful marital relationships. An optional Premarital Covenant will be presented by mentors for couples to consider during their premarital preparation.
· We encourage post-marital counseling sessions with clergy or a mentor couple within the first year of marriage (initiated by mentor couple).
· We encourage enrichment opportunities for every couple that are designed to strengthen marriages, and intervention services for stressed marriages. A key part of this is the ENRICH relationship inventory, with four or more sessions with a mentor couple. Other opportunities are available within and outside the church.
Singles are also important at St Giles
We are actively involved with Community Fellowship, which is a partnership Presbyterian Churches in the West End. See the bulletin for events and contact information. www.cfellowship.com
Family Resources
Additional resources are available to be checked out in the Family Resource Center located between the kitchen and the small conference room. Contact Bob or Dianne Ruthazer for access if locked: 282-9763 ext 13.
Enrichment and Educational Events Citywide
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