Photography Winner

Here is the result from the "Sweet Captures" photography giveaway a few weeks ago.

Parenting 0-3 year old

While we're on a little vacation from Spouse and Family events, I thought I might blog some of my favorite web links. We'll see how many I get to. This first one is a site for parents of children 0-3 years old. It has lots of great information about more than just medical issues. Sleep habits, temper tantrums, social and emotional development milestones, play ideas, and lots more. Share your favorite site in the comments maybe we'll post some of them on the blog for future use.
The link is:
Here is 0-3.

Friday Giveaway

I don't have a picture this week, but the prize is an ever-so-cute miniature candy Christmas tree ornament and a box of lifesaver candy canes. It's sitting on top of the spouse and family desk if you want to check it out.

To win this week, just comment with your response. We are renaming the Deep End- both sides. The workout area will have a new name that reflects its purpose, so we need to rename the childcare side of the Deep End to better reflect it's purpose.

Please feel free to weigh in on this even if you don't have kids or if your kids are too old for childcare. We still value your opinion.
So, what do you think? Here are some options to get you started or you can submit your own idea.
a) Childcare Center
b) Childcare Area
c) Continue to call the childcare area the Deep End
d) Other?

The Winner is...

Kelly Lawson, you have won photography with Meggan of www.sweetcaptures.com Email me for Meggan's contact info, or you can find it on her website. Congratulations Kelly!

This week's giveaway will be posted this weekend. Check back soon.

Come to the craft fair this weekend. Buy soup- $4 for adults, $2 for children for delicious homemade soup, roll, and drink. Yummmm

Winner and New Friday Giveaway

{{{{{{{{{{{K. Grace}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
You are the big winner in the giveaway from last week. Your prize of a Coffee Crisp and $5 gift card are ready to be claimed.

Next week's giveaway is a super special prize! One of our own spouses, Meggan, is not only a seminary spouse and momma, but a photographer as well. Please check out her website and Christmas card original designs. They are beautiful!
She has agreed to donate a terrific prize for one lucky family.
Meggan will either give you a free photo session, or she will give you 25 uniquely designed photo cards with a photo you provide. Your choice.

Answer the following question in the comment section to win this terrific prize. Post a comment containing a "recipe" to your favorite healthy, quick and easy meal, dessert or treat.

For example, I put sliced apples, a teaspoon of local honey and crushed rice krispies on a plate for each boy. They dip the apples in the honey and then role them in the rice krispies. It's a great after school snack, and they literally lick the plates clean.

Couples Retreat 2009

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Sign up today- click here. Pay $75 whenever you can before the retreat dates- February 20-21.

Christmas Craft Fair...coming soon

Saturday Dec. 6 from 9am to 3pm is the Seminary Christmas Craft Fair.

Its a wonderful tradition to have in Wilmore - go to the Craft fair and pick up Christmas presents, let the kids do a craft, snag some lunch at one of the delicious food booths, then head on out to downtown Wilmore for Old Fashioned Christmas.

Want to sell your own crafts or food? Contact Kim Workman (kim.workman@asburyseminary.edu) and reserve a table. There is a small fee.

Want to volunteer an hour to serve soup at the Spouse & Family booth? This helps us raise money for the events we put on, like the Couple's Retreat in the spring. Contact Erin to sign up for a slot.

What do you love about Wilmore's Old Fashioned Christmas? My favorite was the chance to try sushi, provided by many of the Korean spouses...mmmm! -And I've always wanted to take a horse carriage ride so I'm getting in line early this year!

Growing Healthy Relationships

Ministry and marriage do not always go hand in hand. Spending time developing and then maintaining a healthy marriage should be a priority for all of us, yet often it is not.

This spring, thanks to a generous grant, ATS students, staff and faculty have an opportunity to participate in a marriage strengthening experience from the Center for Relationship Enrichment.

The dates and times for the event are 6:00-9:00pm on Friday, February 6th and 9:00am-1:30pm on Saturday, February 7th. There will also be a follow-up session on Saturday, March 28th. Meals and childcare will be provided and the event will be held right here at ATS in the student center.

Professional speakers Steve and Twyla Lee will be conducting the seminar. Steve is a professor of Psychology at Huntington University and teaches in the marriage and family therapy doctoral program at Denver Seminary. Twyla is the Director of Social Work Education at Huntington University. They have been co-leading marriage events for over 20 years. As higher education professionals, they have a passion for strengthening married student relationships and have designed courses and retreats to target those populations. We have a limited number of available spots, so register online today.

Friday Giveaway

The big winner from last week:
Hoony Bang- Comment #6
You can stop by the SFM office in the student center to pick up your prize, or we can send it through the SPO. Please email spouse@asburyseminary.edu and let us know which you prefer.

This week's Friday Giveaway question is:

Do you plan to go Christmas shopping on the day after Thanksgiving? If so, where and when; if not, why not?

And the prize this week is:
- a $5 Starbucks gift card AND a Coffee Crisp chocolate bar- available only in Canada and select US locations.

Leave a comment below replying to the above question and we'll draw a name for the prize again next Friday.

Retreat for Women

Profound Simplicity: A Christian Perspective on the Holiday Season

Jesus came into the world quite simply and yet it was the most profound moment in all of creation. But, the holiday season can be overwhelming for many. Some eat too much food, spend too much money or have too little time for considering what all the busy-ness is about. Some experience a sense of loss in the midst of all the excess.

Laura Beach will lead an exploration to help Christians focus on preparing for a different kind of holiday season this year. Prepare for advent and explore the profound simplicity of Christ's coming. It could be your most memorable advent season ever.

Friday, November 14th 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
at the home of Julie Calvert - 1194 Indian Mound Road
or
Saturday, November 15th 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
In the Fellowship Hall at Centenary UM Church on Tates Creek Road in Lexington

For either date, please R.S.V.P. to Jennifer Heersche at 269-2800 ext. 279 or jennifer.heersche@centenary.lexmail.org . This event is sponsored by the Women's Ministry Team at Centenary, 2800 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, Kentucky.

Friday Giveaway

Another reason to look forward to Fridays! Check the spouse and family blog each week on Fridays and you'll see an opportunity to win a great prize. This week's prize is a blank journal and a $5 Starbucks gift card.

How do you win? Respond to the following question with a comment on this post. If you click on the blue highlighted link that says "comment" you'll be able to write a comment that answers the question and publish it to our blog. A winner will be chosen each week from the comments posted through a random drawing. We will announce the winner of the previous week's contest each Friday.

For this week's contest, what did you do with all of that Halloween candy?
a) Share it with your spouse after the kids went to bed
b) Pick out your favorites and hide them away for your own special treat
c) Let the kids eat it all
d) Dole it out in small portions and use what's leftover for stocking stuffers in a few weeks.
e) other thoughts?

Bless A College Student!!

Hello Spouses!

We are so blessed to have 34 College Childcare workers that watch our kids down in the Deep End. Many of us have taken advantage of this great ministry that the Seminary provides for us. Many times we don't get to really be a part of the College worker's lives because we are hurrying off to a Spouse event or other Seminary function! Now is the time for you to invest into one of the worker's lives!

We would like to give each worker a "thank you bag". Don't worry....it doesn't need to be elaborate! Here are a few key points:

-No more than $5-10 needs to be spent.
-You can purchase or bake something, or have them over for dinner! (These are college kids...a little goes a long way!)
-Deliver your thank you bag to the CPO (College Post Office) between Nov. 17-20th.
-Put College worker's name on the bag and they will deliver to the worker.
-Directions to CPO:
It is located in the basement of the Theater Building. (Behind the Old Library building) From Jessamine Station Rd continue one block on College St. Take a left on a sharp uphill drive. Building is on the right with CPO sign on the outside. Enter in the back door, turn left at the water fountain, and the CPO is at the end of the hall. Problems finding the CPO? Call 858-3511 for College Assistance.

So...to do this is easy! Send an email to: spouse@asburyseminary.edu and I will send you the name of one of our workers!

Want to prepare more than one bag? - GREAT! Let me know...we have lots of names to pass out still!

Don't have children but still want to participate? - Awesome! Can do!!

Thanks for investing in these workers as they have invested in our Spouse Community!

Angela Forbes

Couple's Connect pictures!

BubbleShare: Share photos - Craft Ideas

Clips from making Gingerbread Houses at Couple's Connect on Monday!
Join us next semester for more Couple's Connect, featuring talks about marriage in the context of topics such as Parenting with Professor Stonehouse and Creation Care with Dr. Matthew Sleeth.

Need Help?

Have a babysitting or housekeeping need? Need someone to do yard work or help with packing or moving? Contact spouse@asburyseminary.edu with your need and we'll post it on our bulletin board in the student center and on the blog. Check the bulletin board and the blog often for opportunities to earn some extra cash.

Couple's Connect, Nov. 3rd

"Building a Home"
Stories of Mature Love

Seminary President Kalas and his wife, Janet, with College President Gray and her husband, Ken, join us this Monday as speakers for Couple's Connect. Come listen to their wisdom, experience and practical advice about marriage and ministry.

And as always, a date night to give away!

Cordelia A & B in the Dining Commons
6:30-8:30 pm Monday Nov. 3
Childcare provided by screened & trained workers

would love to hear from you!
Kelly Grace
marriage enrichment

Kids as Co-creators

Children and parents have an opportunity to visually express images of God. Take some time next weekend, from 10am-noon on Saturday, November 1st, to join other ATS families in the student center and gym for a free art event for the whole family.

Kids as Co-Creators allows parents and children- preschool through high school age- an opportunity to collaborate on joint art projects while learning how we are made in the image of the Great Creator. Art projects produced will then be on display in the student center.

Washable, non-toxic art supplies, snacks and smocks will be provided but children should wear comfortable art-friendly clothing. This event is brought to you through a collaboration between ArTSpace, Multicultural Ministries and Spouse and Family Ministries. Contact anna.fleming@asburyseminary.edu with questions.

Communion

Join your friends for a time of teaching from Marilyn Elliott, and prayer and worship with friends. This Monday evening, October 21st, Communion will be in Fletcher Chapel (MC 105). If you're not sure where to go, just arrive at the student center at 6:20pm and we'll have people ready to escort you to the evening's location.

See you there!

SLT Fall Festival

WHERE: Outside the Student Center on the lawn
WHEN: Thursday, October 16th at 5:00pm (the dining hall is closed that night)
WHAT: PARTY! Square dancing, hay ride, chili dinner, games, face painting etc.
ALSO: Chili cook-off so bring your best pot of chili goodness or just enjoy others' cooking!
WHO: Seminary students, spouses and children are all invited.

Christmas Craft Fair

It's that time of the year again!! Time to start thinking about Christmas and being involved in the Christmas Craft fair. There are tons of places to put your special gifts to work: picture taking, crafts with kiddo's, setting up and tearing down, running the food table, playing special music, putting up signs or selling your own homemade crafts.

The really cool thing about being a spouse is that it puts you in the front of the line to sell things. Things are changing ever so slightly this year, but it will still be the best time in Wilmore! If you would like to sign up for a table, it's $20.00 for spouses and you will need to fill out a form that can be found at Kim Workman's office in the Beeson Center room BC127 or at the Spouse and Family office and Student Center desk.

If you have any questions please email Kim at kim.workman@asburyseminary.edu . Show your Christmas Spirit Spouses and volunteer to be apart of this fun time!
Be Blessed!
Kim Workman
859-858-2307
888-523-3766

Couples Connect Oct. 6th!!

We're taking a fieldtrip for a campfire at the Elliott's!! 6:30pm Monday Oct. 6th

Bring your blanket or lawn chairs with you and enjoy some smores and worship together as we tackle the topic of forgiveness.

We'll be hearing from a panel of 3 experienced ministry couples including Gary Black and Allen Connor from Southland Christian Church and Anne Gatobu from the Seminary. With their spouses, they will share their own journeys and insights about reconciliation.

The Elliott's live at 512 Juniper Dr. in Nicholasville. From the seminary, take Jessamine Station Road out towards RJ Corman's. (That means go right at the light at Wilmore's gas station) After you pass RJ Corman's, turn right onto Westgate Drive. (If you hit the stop sign, you've gone to far) Turn right on Juniper and they are the last house on the left.

Robbie Seay Band

Tickets are on sale now for the upcoming Robbie Seay Band Concert.

Free childcare is offered in the Deep End and children under 12 are admitted free.
Adult tickets are only $5 and are available at the Student Center desk, chapel office or bookstore.
Enjoy an affordable date night or time with your family on Friday, October 10th at 7pm.

Fusion

Monday, September 29th from 6:00-8:30pm, take some time to meet with a group of women and get to know each other better.
Childcare is provided in the Deep End.

Fusion information has been emailed to any small groups that I'm aware of. If you are in a Fusion group and have not received an email from me, please call or email the SFM office.

On Monday:
1. Have your group meet at the student center, or arrange to meet at someone's house.
2. Send a representative to the SFM office to get your discussion guide, candle and a plate of brownies.
3. There are instructions and a plan for the rest of your semester in the front of the discussion guide you'll receive.
4. Enjoy your time together!

The SFM team would love to hear about how your groups are going. Feel free to email us or leave a comment here about how things are going in your group, or give everyone else some ideas with activities your group decides to do together.

Fall 2008 Women's Retreat - There's still time!

6 SPOTS ARE STILL REMAINING AND WE WANT YOU TO JOIN US!!

"The Sensate Woman" - A Retreat for the Married Woman

What do the world and the church teach us about being sensational women?

--Allow yourself time to focus on you. Be reminded what it means to fully embrace who you are and the needs every woman has. Explore connections between your senses and intimacy with God, and rediscover the beauty of nature and being created a woman.

When?: September 27-28 (Check in at 3pm - Check out at 11am)

Where?: Camp Kavanaugh - www.campkavanaugh.com

Cost?: $35 - checks made payable to ATS

Why do I want to spend my weekend doing this?: Because it's FUN! You'll meet new ladies and have time to bond and form new friendships. Marilyn Elliott is speaking and has great things to share! PLUS...who can resist a campfire with s'more in late September?!

If interested...

Fill out a Retreat Registration Form and attach your check - you can get a form at our office in the Student Center.

OR

Respond to spouse@asburyseminary.edu with the following info:

Name

Address

Phone Number

Email

Can you drive or need a ride? If driving - how many can ride in your car?

We hope to see you there!!

Communion

Monday, Sept. 22nd at 6:30pm, join us in Cordelia A&B for a time of communion, prayer and growth.

As we approach the fall season, we'll partner together and grow through Marilyn Elliott's teaching and in our relationships with each other. Call the spouse and family office@ 858-2315 or contact spouse@asburyseminary.edu with questions.

See you there!

Story Time

Do you have children ages 0-5? Join us for storytime tomorrow, Wednesday, September 17th from 9:00-9:45am at the Cokesbury Bookstore on campus (beside Wilmore Christian Church).

Kids will enjoy stories read aloud by the Jess. Co. Children's Librarian, songs, rhymes and a snack. Parents will enjoy some time with other parents and fun with their kids.

We still need storytellers as well, so if you're interested in leading a storytime or just helping out, please let me know.
See you there!
Erin Crisp

Dish Mix

DISH MIX

WHERE: Wesleyan Seminary Foundation

215 E. College St. (turns into Jessamine Station)
Directly across from the cemetery.
Child care in the Deep End.

WHEN: Monday, August, 15th from 6:30-8:30pm. Childcare open at 6:15pm.

WHAT: Learn to cook a delicious international dish from a trained cook, taste his work, and enjoy dishes from fellow spouses. Spend time with friends in a relaxed environment!

Bring a side dish or dessert to share.
Call if you have questions- 858-2315, 553-1930 or email spouse@asburyseminary.edu.

Fall Women's Retreat!

"The Sensate Woman" - A Retreat for the Married Woman

What do the world and the church teach us about being sensational women?
--Allow yourself time to focus on you. Be reminded what it means to fully embrace who you are and the needs every woman has. Explore connections between your senses and intimacy with God, and rediscover the beauty of nature and being created a woman.

When?: September 27-28 (Check in at 3pm - Check out at 11am)

Where?: Camp Kavanaugh - www.campkavanaugh.com

Cost?: $35 - checks made payable to ATS

Why do I want to spend my weekend doing this?: Because it's FUN! You'll meet new ladies and have time to bond and form new friendships. Marilyn Elliott is speaking and has great things to share! PLUS...who can resist a campfire with s'more in late September?!

If interested...
Fill out a Retreat Registration Form and attach your check - you can get a form at our office in the Student Center.
OR
Email: spouse@asburyseminary.edu with the following info:
Name
Address
Phone Number
Email
Can you drive or need a ride? If driving - how many can ride in your car?


We hope to see you there!!

New Alpha Marriage Group - now forming

The Thursday Alpha Marriage Group has filled up! We'll be offering a Tuesday night group now too.

Starting Sept. 16th, we're running the date nights for 10 straight weeks. Check out the details in previous posts about alpha marriage for topics & the typical night.

Spots are limited and fill up fast - sign up at Couple's Connect this Monday night or send an email to: spouse@asburyseminary.edu

Couples Connect 9.8.8

Our first Couples Connect of the year is fast approaching. This coming Monday, September 8th at 6:30pm, couples old, new and in between will be meeting in Cordelia A & B (back of the dining commons) to reconnect and participate in some teaching related to their marriages.

Come connect as Marilyn & Steve Elliott speak on Adam & Eve.

Our topic for the night is "Strong Foundations"

A Typical Date at Alpha Marriage...

Well it's anything but typical! Each small group has been unique and created an atmosphere that fit them. There are a few things you can expect at almost every Alpha night though.
Here's how things unfold:

* Before you even get to alpha marriage, let the kiddies play at childcare. For this program, it is provided for free in the Deep-end at the Seminary, located in the student center. Games, puzzles, books, kid-friendly videos and great carpeting are perfect for kids while a separate area for babies houses a crib, changing table and rocker. All childcare workers are trained, have experience, and have had background checks performed.

* Arrive at Alpha Marriage & the night starts off with desserts. Sometimes you share cheesecake with your spouse or dip for yourself in the fondue fountain. Whatever it is that night, it will be in spectacular fashion.

* After announcements and introductions, a different couple will share each night the story of their marriage from when they first met to starting Alpha - the brief version! This has been the highlight for many. And don't worry, we get you ready to do this.

* We then get started with the topic for the evening. Many times we listen to Nicki & Silla, a British couple, who have developed the DVD curriculum we watch. They get us started and lead us into exercises with our spouse.

* Each night you'll have time just together with your spouse for dialogue on the topic. The workbook you receive can help guide you. Sometimes talking with your spouse is more important than rejoining the group immediately and that's ok. Feel the freedom to do what is best for your relationship.

* Many topics lead into a discussion with other couples too. This is especially important during our marriage & ministry night. Participation in this group allows you to develop a support network for your marriage and receive other couples into your lives.

* Each night you'll also receive resources to bring home based on that topic. They are a surprise though so you'll have to wait and see what kind of goodies you get!

* Take the lesson with you by doing the optional homework, getting together with another couple, or continuing the conversation with your spouse. Additional resources are always available upon request. This could include books, hand-outs, and counseling referrals/appointments.

We hope you and your spouse can join us at Alpha Marriage!
Registration starts Aug. 28 and ends Sept. 8th at Couples Connect. Register by sending an email to: spouse@asburyseminary.edu and let us know if you need childcare!

Alpha Marriage This Fall

Looking for some quality time with your spouse? Come join us at Alpha Marriage. This fall we're starting another group where couples get to have 10 dates together as they strengthen their relationship. Each Thursday from 6:30 - 9:00pm the group of 8-10 couples will meet over delicious, decadent desserts while going through a series of topics including communication, in-laws, intimacy, and marriage in ministry. Get to know other couples you can do life with while also taking the time to just focus on conversation between you and your spouse.

$25 includes everything you'll need. (It is over a $200 value!) Check out the schedule below and contact us if you need more details or have questions at spouse@asburyseminary.edu.

Dates will take place at World Gospel Mission (WGM) Student Center - 2 minutes from campus: Take Lexington Ave. north (towards Lexington) and take a Left at the light by the gas station onto College Ave. WGM is the last building on the right before the stop sign.

Registration starts Aug. 28 - spots are limited so don't wait too long! Register by sending an email to the account above. Childcare is free, just let us know if you need it.

Alpha Marriage Fall 08 Schedule

September 11: Strong Foundations, 18: Communication, 25: Finances

* First night (11th) come at 5:00 for a Potluck & Meet/Greet (kids too)

October 2: Resolving Conflict, 9: Forgiveness, 16: Intimacy, 23: In-laws, 30: Building a Home

* An additional social activity will be planned - decided by the group

November 6: Parenting, 13: Marriage & Ministry
* 20th: Celebration Feast @ The Potter's Inn 6-7:30, children invited

Preschool Storytime

Are you interested in volunteering monthly this fall (3 times) as a storyteller for preschool (0-5 yrs.) aged children? Are you available Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00? We are starting a Storytime on campus this fall at the Cokesbury Bookstore on campus, and we need some volunteers to tell stories and interact with families.

Child care will be provided for a training time offered through the Jessamine County Public Library children's librarian on September 11th at 9:30am.

Contact spouse@asburyseminary.edu, or call 858-2315 if you are interested in being a part of our storytelling team.

Share a Story

They are familiar little snippets of scripture. You likely memorized them at some point when you were young. They are The Beatitudes, found at the beginning of Chapter 5 in Matthew. And we want to know how they have come to life in your life. Either as a whole or with specific reference to one beatitude, how have they changed you or challenged you or been reflected in someone else's life that you've been privileged to watch.

We're working on putting together the materials for Fall Fusion groups, and our discussions will center around this passage of scripture. If you were in Fusion groups last year, you know that each month there was a brief story from the spouse community that reflected a learning, a challenge, an insight or a struggle that has taken place in our lives as the Word has taken root. We're sharing and learning from each other and we're inviting you to be a part of that.

If you have a story that relates to your life and these scriptures, please let us know! Go ahead and write it up even. Somewhere around 300 words is great for the format of our booklet and the format of our evenings. Reread the verses, think about you life, and please, share with your community.

Contact spouse@asburyseminary.edu with your story or questions.

New Couples Orientation

Are you a new to campus in 2008 couple? Join us for a meal, fellowship and teaching on Friday, August 29th at 5:00-6:45pm in the Student Center dining hall. Childcare provided after the meal in the Deep End.

LUAU

Join us for a summer cook-out, family photo opportunity, hula-hoop contest and fun with friends.

WHERE: Icthus Park Pavillion
WHEN: Monday, August 4th 6:30-8:30
WHO: Seminary Families

Hotdogs and lemonade provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.

See you there!

Welcome

Welcome to Asbury Theological Seminary!
The purpose of the office of Spouse and Family ministries is to help every member of every family belong to the seminary experience. We are using this space to communicate with spouses of ATS students. To receive updates on SFM events that you'll definitely want to be a part of, check back here weekly for information on opportunities to be involved. If you use a feed reader, subscribe to this blog and you'll receive updates automatically. Again, WELCOME! And if you need anything, please contact our office and a member of our team will be thrilled to help you in any way we can. 859.858.2315 or spouse_family@asburyseminary.edu