The Marriage Enrichment Weekend (8th to 10th September 2023) brought together couples from across the North England Conference. Hosted at the Leonardo Hotel in Leicestershire, attendees spent the weekend reflecting, laughing and learning with their spouses.
The Family Ministries Director, Pastor John Francis, led the event, assisted by his wife, Delivon. They shared several presentations over the weekend covering topics such as Effective Communication, Communication with Love, Crucial Conversation, Conflict Resolution and Money Talk. They were supported by Joanne and Glenville Daniels, who shared about how we can develop healthy attachments and learn to understand what has shaped us as people. Speaking with one attendee, they said, "I've learned a lot from the presentations. They've given us something to think about."
On Saturday evening, the couples were treated to a beautiful banquet. Everyone made an effort to dress up and come prepared for the evening. The food was delicious, the games were fun, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
On Sunday afternoon, many stayed behind to continue fellowshipping and to use the excellent hotel facilities (pool, sauna, jacuzzi and gym). There was a feeling that people didn't want to leave but continued to fellowship.
Reflecting on the weekend, Pastor Francis said, "We were blessed to have a time of fun, fellowship and renewal. The theme for our retreat focussed on essential keys to effective communication. We had 17 couples in attendance, as this was our first physical weekend in the NEC since Covid 19. One couple remarked in their review that 'this saved our marriage.' Another shared how the communication sessions provided practical techniques to improve and enhance our interactions, enabling us to have difficult discussions without heated conversations leading to conflict.
I was most impressed by the couples' openness in the sessions and willingness to share, which testified to people feeling safe to speak. My simple prayer is that all our couples who attended may continue to grow and strengthen their relationships, utilizing some of the tools we have given them, and claim the promise of our theme text."
Isaiah 43:19, "Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert."
Have you thought about coming to a Marriage Enrichment Weekend? Couples have spoken about their marriage being saved, restored and improved. Invest in your relationship and consider coming to the next event.
- To view more images from the weekend, click here
