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.