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November, 2024
Newsletter from The Marriage Education and Resource Center (MERCY)
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We're pretty sure there are many people who think Christians are serious, dull and a bunch of stiffs who never have fun. Simply, not true. The best times and fun we have ever had are at Christian events.
Therefore, we hope you will join us for some upcoming fun Date Nights - Comedy Night - December 6 at 7:00 p.m. at City Place, A Slime Party - January 17 at the MERCI Barn along with a Valentine Dinner Date, February 8, 2025.
These are non-threatening ways to invite your friends and let them know how much fun we can have as Christians.
Also, if you could share this information with others, we would appreciate it.
Grace and peace,
Penny and David
| Oh, and by the way MERCY is now on Instagram! We hope you will follow us on Instagram by clicking here and also follow us on MERCY's Facebook by clicking here. | |
No Sex, No Dating, No Marriage, No Children - 4B Movement
More than likely, you've heard about this new movement in the United States. Some American women are participating in a "sex strike" to express their disapproval of Donald Trump's presidential victory. This movement is linked to concerns about women's reproductive rights, particularly regarding abortion.
This 4B movement is a fringe of a South Korean feminist movement that made a name for itself in the mid to late 2010's. It is called the "4B" movement because "B" is a shorthand for the word "no" in Korean - a series of "no's" is what the movement calls for - no sex, no dating, no marriage and no children.
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Resource Helps for Your Marriage
The holidays are coming. Some couples are excited while others simply want to get through them. Their marriage is hanging by a thread. They push through Thanksgiving and Christmas while the whole time contemplating whether or not they should stay together. They feel stuck and uncertain about the future.
Divorce skyrockets in January. But
giving up doesn't have to be the answer. If you, or someone you know is struggling, please consider the following helps:
- First, go to the Lord and pour out your heart and ask Him to minister to you and provide wisdom and guidance. Ask Him what changes you may need to make.
- Seek professional counseling. MERCY has a list of Christian counselors we can recommend.
- Consider marriage mentoring. It has actually saved quite a few relationships.
- Look into an Intensive weekend, such as a "New Beginning" featured this month. We have a section on our website for troubled marriage. To go directly to that section, click here
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Five Love Languages - Premium Assessment
There is a new Five Love Languages Premium Assessment, from Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the Five Love Languages. This premium assessment goes beyond the basics, providing customized insights into your primary, secondary and even your "foreign" love languages.
In just 20 minutes, you’ll be equipped to express love in ways that truly resonate with your partner, family, and friends - and best of all, you’ll know exactly how to help all of them love you better, too.
For more information, just click here
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December 6-8. 2024
Nashville, TN
Registration open until
December 2
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WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- Couples trying to decide whether to stay together.
- Couples currently separated.
- Couples who cannot stop fighting.
- Couples who want to understand each other, and communicate at intimate levels.
- Couples trying to recover from an affair (adultery, infidelity, cheating wife, cheating husband).
- Couples who don't know where to go for help.
- Couples who are divorced because of marriage problems but want to see if reconciliation is possible.
A New Beginning is led by a highly skilled marriage counselor and their spouse.
For more information, or to register, click here
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Comedy Night - December 6
7:00 p.m. - City Place, LaGrange, KY 40031
Shawn Reynolds normally entertains at large churches, but he was gracious enough to work with us as a small nonprofit.
Don't settle for another run of the mill Date Night. Please come and let's laugh and have fun together.
To register, click here
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Financial Peace - January 7 - February 25 - 8:00 PM
MERCI Barn
8510 Indiana 111
Memphis, IN 47143
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When debt isn't in your way, you can comfortably live life. And here's the great news: You can achieve it with the right plan. That's exactly what you'll discover in Financial Peace.
Registration coming soon at MERCI
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Slime Time Date Night -
January 17, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 PM
MERCI Barn
8510 Indiana 111
Memphis, TN
Ben and Crystal Woods with The Brave Way Home are teaming up with MERCI for a date/service night for couples. You will be making slime to help support "Casa Calla," a special project created by Forget Me Not Ministries.
Cost: $20 a couple that goes toward slime supplies, snacks and supporting the Brave Way Home, which is a wonderful ministry.
For more information and/or to sign up, click here
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Valentine Dinner Date Night
February 8, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
MERCI Barn
85i0 IN-111
Memphis, IN 47143
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The Dating Divas are at it again. They are offering "Thankful for You" daily prompts to help you express gratitude for each other throughout the entire month.
Here are just a few examples:
- Thank your spouse for something they recently did for you.
- What is something your spouse does that makes you laugh?
- What is your favorite quirk about your partner?
For more information, click here and scroll down to the Gratitude prompts.
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Join the folks at MERCI Indiana for a night of dinner, games, laughter and practical marriage tips.
$50 per couple
Don't miss out on this memorable evening.
For more information, or to register, click here
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The Art of Confrontation
Dr. Henry Cloud, an acclaimed leadership expert, psychologist and best-selling author, recently shared how to respond with truth, grace and love when there is confrontation. Here are a few excerpts from his message:
"When the person you are confronting reacts with immaturity, you will be solely tempted to respond in kind:
anger to anger, blame to blame. This is the most natural thing in the world. When we are attacked, we protect ourselves, and sometimes attack back. At the same time, the most natural thing in the world may not be the best, most helpful, or most mature thing to do: 'Do not repay anyone evil for evil,' (Romans 12:17). This is why you need to be in control of how you respond to an attack. If you are not, the talk can quickly degenerate into an argument or alienation.
continued...
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The Art of Confrontation continued -
"Give up the right to pay back in kind. Remember that there needs to be at least one adult present in the room for a problem to be solved. You may have to have a 'tight rein' on your tongue (James 1:26) and speak from your maturity rather than from your hurt or anger."
If you would like to read the rest of his article, click here.
In addition, Cloud is offering a two-hour session, called The Art of Confrontation on November 19, 4PM (Pacific Time) or stream it for later. If interested, click here.
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The Weekend to Remember,
The Weekend to Remember in Louisville this year, was amazing! Attendance was 622 with eight people confessing Jesus as their Lord for the first time.
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Coupletime - Peace Be With You | |
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God wants us to experience peace. A peace that only comes from knowing Jesus Christ.
Jesus appears to the Disciples. While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36
Couple Activity: Share with one another a time when you were afraid/worried and received peace from God.
Prayer: Pray that you will receive peace in times of fear/trouble.
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