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About the Marriage Course
What is the Marriage Course?		The Marriage Course is a series of seven evening sessions designed to help any married couple strengthen their relationship. It’s a great opportunity to spend time together as a couple while looking at some of the important issues in your marriage. The Marriage Course is very practical and will help equip you with the tools needed to build a healthy marriage that lasts a lifetime. Each week you are given the opportunity to enjoy a meal together and listen to a talk presented on video. Then there is plenty of time to discuss th3e topic as a couple and do exercise in a workbook you receive the first night of the course. There is no group work involved at any stage -- all discussion takes place privately between husband and wife.
How did the Marriage Course start?		The Marriage Course was started in 1996 by Nicky and Sila Lee at Holy Trinity Brompton, a church in London, England where the Lees are on staff. Nicky and Sila have spoken to thousands on the subject of marriage and are the co-authors of The Marriage Book. The course is now being run in over 28 countries around the world, and thousands of couples have been helped. You can visit the international web site for The Marriage Course and read what some couples say about the course and how it has helped their marriages.
Who is the Marriage Course for?		The Marriage Course is for any married couple who wants to build strong foundations for a healthy marriage that will last a lifetime. If you are newly married, the Marriage Course can help you get off to a great start (we recommend that you be married for at least six months first). If you already have a good marriage, the Marriage Course can help you develop a great marriage. If your marriage is in difficulty, the course will help provide you with very practical tools to help you work through the issues. Some couples who are separated have used the course as a way of trying to get back together. While the course is based on Christian principles, couples are welcome to attend whether or not they have a church background. Many couples who do not attend church have enjoyed and benefited from doing the Marriage Course because the foundational principles are effective.
What is the agenda for each session of the Couse?		Dinner: Each evening starts at 7pm with a catered dinner meal. Over dinner there’s an opportunity to spend time together as a couple or with other couples if you desire (if you are coming with friends). The mood for the evening is "A Dinner Date" (dress is casual, however!). Talk: You will then view a talk on a specific topic given by Nicky and Sila Lee on video. The topics are listed below. Discussion: During the talk there are exercises for you to do together as a couple. Every effort is made to make sure your conversations aren’t being overheard and music is played in the background. During the longest exercise you are served coffee or tea and cake. The exercises come from a workbook each person will receive on the first night. Homework: At the end of each session you will be given some homework to do together before the next session. It isn’t looked at by anyone else and is just for your own benefit to help you continue your discussion at home. The evening ends around 9:15pm.
What topics are covered in the course?		The following major topics are covered in the seven weeks of the Marriage Course. These were chosen because they are foundational to a healthy marriage: 1. Building Strong Foundations 2. The Art of Communication 3. Resolving Conflict 4. The Power of Forgiveness 5. Parents and In-Laws 6. Good Sex 7. Love in Action
Are there printed materials that come with the course?		Yes, there is a workbook that each person will receive on the first night of the course. There will also be books on various marriage topics and other helpful materials available for purchase if you desire.
Is there a fee for the course?		There is a fee to cover the cost of the meals and materials for the course. Please refer to the Course Registration page for details.
When will the next Course be offered and how do I register?		See the Course Registration page for details.
[Top of page]		The Marriage Counse is sponsored in Novato by New Life Christian Center.. For more information, or to register by phone, call 415-892-0714.