Advent Communion - tonight Dec. 13

Women's Communion 6:30pm in Cordelia B (childcare provided)

As the semester ends...

November 29 - Fusion meets (6:30pm)

December 6 - Fusion meets (6:30pm)

December 13 - Women's Communion (6:30pm)

There will be no Monday night childcare in January. Fusion and other events will resume in February.  If you are interested in joining a Fusion group in the spring (or starting your own!), contact Sarah Jackson at gcd.asbury@asburyseminary.edu.

MONDAY - Nov. 15

TONIGHT!  Free pasta banquet.

TIME: 5:30pm

PLACE: Student Center cafeteria

WHY: to give thanks and review the semester's efforts together

Families are invited to eat together.  There will not be childcare tonight.  Instead of the 3:30pm service project, volunteers are welcome to come set up for the banquet at the cafeteria. Email gcd.asbury@asburyseminary.edu with questions.

Last Day to Register for Marriage Incubator!

Registration Applications are due today!

Need more details on the program? Click HERE.

Apply: Online Form HERE through November 1st. All couples will receive notification before November 11th.

incubator@asburyseminary.edu

FUSION! NEXT 2 MONDAYS...

FUSION GROUPS meet Nov. 1 and 8 at 6:30-8:30pm.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Childcare provided.

Women's Communion - Monday 10/25/10

Women's Communion - 6:30pm in Cordelia A/B

Theme: Gratitude

For any woman who is desiring a fresh face.

Worship led by Sara Cobb

Teaching by Dr. Marilyn Elliott

Words from Jessica Hamilton and Esther Achi

Open to all women - spouse or student, single or married 

*childcare provided, and dessert served

Marriage Incubator: Registration/Application

Woo-Hoo! Couples may now begin applying for Marriage Incubator!

Registration applications will be accepted through All Saints Day, November 1st. There are 12 spots available in the pilot group that launches this fall. The group meets throughout the entire school year, over both semesters and the January term.

Gatherings: Intended for a weekly basis. 2nd Thursday of the month is reserved for group teaching. Childcare is provided. The three other gatherings are scheduled at your own discretion in the other weeks of the month: date night, small group fellowship, and individual couple time. Childcare will be provided on a designated evening in which couples can plan their date night on.

Cost: The cost per couple to participate in the pilot version is $35.

Schedule: The first gathering will be November 11th and continue on the 2nd Thursday of each month through May 12th. Presence is expected for all these sessions; consider your calendar and commitments when you apply.

Location: On campus!

Childcare: Provided twice monthly, once during the group teaching time and again for couples to schedule their date night on. Yay!

Registration Application: Available only online HERE through November 1st. All couples will receive notification before November 11th.

Questions? Email: incubator@asburyseminary.edu

Fireside

Fan into flame...lovers!

Thursday October 14th:
Gathering fireside to affirm marriage!
Complete with cider, smores and make-your-own caramel apples.

* Meet, chill and connect with other couples
* Learn more about Marriage Incubator, launching in just a few weeks! (take a sneak peek HERE.)

Flames light up at 7pm. Bring your own mug.
@ Marilyn & Steve Elliott's: 512 Juniper

Directions from Seminary: Head north on Lexington Avenue, turn right at gas station onto Jessamine Station. Pass RJ Corman's, turn right on Westgate, take next right onto Juniper. Last house on left. You made it - head to the backyard!

Childcare available with an RSVP to:
Incubator@asburyseminary.edu

TONIGHT - Fusion Groups meet

FUSION Groups meet tonight in various locations.  6:30-8:30pm. Childcare provided in Student Center Childcare Area.  Come to potluck dinner tonight in Student Center at 5:30pm - bring your family and friends.  (Hot dish provided...bring side or dessert!)

COMMUNION MONDAY - 6:30PM in Cordelia A/B

COMMUNION TONIGHT FOR ALL WOMEN - MARRIED OR SINGLE

Dr. Marilyn Elliott is teaching on a spiritual response to transition -

Have you experienced transition recently?  Do you feel uncertainty about your foundation or changing relationships?  Like you've lost your place?  Come receive encouragement to LEAN IN.  May you leave the evening feeling renewed and strengthened.

Testimonies by Amy Polson and Jinkyoung (Jenny) Yoo

Music by Sara Cobb

Communion elements and refreshments provided by various Fusion groups.

*Childcare provided.

Alpha Marriage Small Group This Fall!

Consider this for your marriage:

Commitment to a tightly knit small group for couples who want to strengthen their marriage.  Each week the group meets over deliciously decadent desserts and goes through a series of 10 topics including communication, in-laws, sex, forgiveness, resolving conflict, and preparing for the ministry.  Learn new things about your spouse and yourself as you talk through issues that may have been pushed aside, about how each of you feel loved, and how to mutually heal the hurt caused by one another.  From group fellowship to personal conversations just between you and your spouse, this is an opportunity to join with the Holy Spirit and participate in the work God is doing in you to build up a healthy marriage.

When

Thursday nights starting September 30^th from 7:00-9:00 pm

10 sessions

Cost

$25 a couple includes all materials and childcare

Need more info?

Contact Jonathan Stokes: jonathan.stokes@asburyseminary.edu or Nathan Hollister: nathan.hollister@asburyseminary.edu or 260-242-1582.

Want to Register?

The link below will sign you up! Space is limited.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGFaX3ZidjJINmdHeF8zcE1UeER6WVE6MA

TONIGHT - Fusion Groups meet

Fusion Groups meet tonight in various homes from 6:30-8:30pm.  Childcare is provided in Student Center.  Also, there is a service project beginning at 3:30pm (meet in Wilmore behind Clucker's gas station - bring the kids), and a community potluck dinner at 5:30pm in the Student Center.

Kick-off event for the 2010-11 year

Monday, September 13 --- 5:30pm
Spouse and Family AND Samaritan Society Banquet

• This event is for all married couples, and everyone else in the community!
• Meet in the seminary cafeteria (Student Center)
• Banquet is FREE
• Bring your children and family (**childcare provided, or you can keep the family together at your table)
• You will learn about this year's formation opportunities:

• Marriage Enrichment
• Small Groups
• Couples Retreat
• Women's Retreat
• Women's Leadership Formation course
• Gender Equity initiatives
• English as Second Language (ESL) groups
• Women's Communion
• Serving our local community

Hope to see you there!
Contact sarah.jackson@asburyseminary.edu for more information.

A Place to Belong

 

Are you looking for a “smaller” community? A place to feel at home?

 

FUSION groups offer a place to build friendships with other spouses around coffee, common interests, or a group study.

 

We believe that the Asbury Experience is for spouses and students alike. FUSION is one way to journey together, with your friends as your guides. 

Here is more information: 

 

*On Mondays throughout the semester, the Asbury community will meet to serve our local community from 3.30-5.30pm. A shared meal will take place at 5.30-6.30pm.  If you have children, they are welcome and wanted at the service projects and meal times.

A variety of small groups (including FUSION) will meet from 6.30-8.30pm.  Childcare is provided during the small group time. **Once monthly, all women’s FUSION groups will join for Women’s Communion.

***You are welcome to attend any or all parts of the Monday events.  You do not need to be committed to coming all the time, nor are you required to be part of a FUSION group to join in any of the events.***

Mondays  3.30-5.30pm -serving our local community

   5.30-6.30- shared meal

   6.30-8.30- Fusion Groups or Communion (Child Care Provided)

 

September

Monday 13^th  Kick-off Banquet (no service project or small groups) 

Monday 20^th  Fusion Groups

Monday 27^th  Women’s Communion

 

October

Monday 4^th     Fusion Groups

Monday 11^th  Gender Equity Forum (no Fusion)

Monday 18^th  Fusion Groups

Monday 25^th  Women’s Communion

 

November

Monday 1^st    Fusion Groups

Monday 8^th    Fusion Groups

Monday 15^th  Community Banquet (no service project)

Monday 22^nd  Reading Week

Monday 29^th  Fusion Groups

 

December

Monday 6^th     Fusion Groups

Monday 13^th  Women’s Communion

 

Here They Come!!!!

'Tis time for the GREAT TRANSITION.  At the same time our beloved friends are packing their boxes and ironing their graduation robes, new families are tentatively making their way toward campus.

If you are interested in being on a TRANSITION TEAM, 

please contact the Spouse/Family office.

We need people to be available for move-in help, phone calls, baking, etc.

You can spend as much or as little time as best fits your schedule.

Please respond to spouse@asburyseminary.edu with your contact info and preferred level of commitment.

This is the easiest way to love one another!  It's natural and needed.

Graduating?

Spouse & Family Ministries

cordially invites you to

Asbury Seminary’s Spouse Consecration Service

honoring the spouses of graduates

Monday, May 10 2010

Six thirty in the evening

Cordelia Thomas Dining Room

Asbury Theological Seminary

Celebrate the unique contribution and personal

development of the supporting spouse.

All graduating couples are welcome.

Address the unique challenges and joys associated with

healthy transition both now and in the future.

Complimentary dessert provided

Complimentary childcare available with RSVP

RSVP required by May 5, 2010

Please RSVP to spouse@asburyseminary.edu

Earth Day Simulcast! Hope for Creation

Earth Day is this week! Celebrating the 40th anniversary this year, Earth Day has come a long way, far beyond from being that day when you thought about planting that tree you forgot to get.

Earth Day is about hope, stewardship, partnership, respect, inspiration and activism.

Blessed Earth is bringing together the global community on the eve of Earth Day this year to discuss how the church and Christians are part of God's plan to bring hope for creation. You won't want to miss this simulcast!

Dr. Matthew and Nancy Sleeth (we've had them speak together at Couple's Connect last year - and they live here in Wilmore as their home base) began Blessed Earth as an environmental non-profit to inspire congregations about creation care. Now that work has expanded as they educate, equip and re-vision individuals, schools, companies, congress and families all across the world.

So, this Wednesday, April 21st, join the community in McKenna Chapel. Doors open at 6:30pm, program starts at 7pm. President Tennent and Dr. Kalas (former interim President) will be hosting this FREE event!

(tree hugging and hippee granola optional)

Blessed Earth from Blessed Earth on Vimeo.

Couple's Connect Surveys

Have you been to Couple's Connect this year?

We would love to know your feedback, whatever your experience was.
And, we'll entice you with the opportunity to win a date night in order to get it!

Fill out a quick survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/couplesconnect
Then, leave a comment in this post telling us you filled one out and include your email.
You have ONE WEEK and then we'll pick the winner and notify them by email.

We've just picked one winner from the comments - just in time for Friday date night! We'll be picking one more winner early next week. All surveys and comments must get completed by Monday for you to be eligible!

Friday Winner: Jonathan Bryant!
Tuesday Winner: Kendra George!
(generated by random.org)

Date Night Childcare RSVP

Date Night is Friday, April 16th!!

Childcare will be provided from 5:30-9pm.

If you'd like to RSVP your child then email spouse@asburyseminary.edu with your children's names and ages.

40 child max - so first come, first serve!

Happy Dating!

Couple's Connect Celebration!

Reflection.
Blessing.
Healing.
Growth.
Praise.
Hope.
Thankfulness.
New Season.

God's Testimony.
In your story.

The year is drawing to a close, but with enough time to reflect and celebrate on the work God has done in our marriages. This evening is a special night dedicated to connecting with your spouse, one another and with God in light of these past few months. We serve a God who is faithful to complete the work He has started in us. We invite you to participate in an evening that will collectively (and just personally with your spouse) remember some of the that work He has started while also preparing ourselves for the work still to be completed.

BRING:
Bring your favorite treat to share - We're treating one another to a delicious array of desserts!
(and don't forget your mug for drinks.)

As Always:
Everyone is invited - invite your friends!
Monday night, 6:300-8:30pm
Seminary Dining Commons
Childcare provided beginning at 6:15pm.

AWAY.

We're going to be away next week from our regularly scheduled "programming."  (No events the week of Reading Week.)

May the same emotion that filled the women who found the empty tomb be yours.  Well, maybe not the fear part.  But the part where they ran to tell everyone else this CRAZY thing had happened.

[And you can talk all about this with your friends at FUSION on Monday, April 5 from 6:00pm-8:30pm]

COMMUNION - bring a jacket, as we will spend time in the garden

Monday, March 22

6:30-8:30pm

Fletcher Chapel (1st floor of Stanger Hall, across from Asbury Inn)

Dr. Marilyn Elliott will be leading us in a teaching on "Lament."  

Then we will celebrate Eucharist together.

All women are invited.

Childcare provided in the Student Center.

Guy's Night: Friday!

Get your BBQ on!

Guys, add a little spice to your Friday Night by joining the boys at Sonny's. Famous for their sauces, pulled pork and their all-you-can-eat ribs. (Bonus Byproduct - your wife gets some downtime too - childcare is provided!)

Check out their sizzlin' menu here: SONNY'S

Just a quick drive to Nicholasville and you're on your way to Rib Spectacular.

Who: Any hungry guy, duh. (Single, married, student, spouse - invite your neighbor or bring a friend too.)
When: Meet at 6:30pm in Student Center Parking lot to caravan.
What to Bring: About $10 or whatever you want to spend on dinner & your appetite.
Childcare: Provided Free, just register your kids at spouse@asburyseminary.edu or 859-858-2315 (names & ages). Begins at 6:15pm.
Are you game? Contact: Tony Grace 618-339-5902 tonymgrace@uky.edu

(Or meet there about 6:45/7pm: head north on Nicholasville Road - its on the left hand side at the stoplight next to Applebees.)

FUSION - this Monday

"Your Friends are Your Guides."
That was an old way of describing our Fusion groups, but it's been rolling over in my mind.
I like the way it sounds.  Let's bring it back, like my husband is always trying to do with the term "rad."

Fusion groups meet in various homes.  Or restaurants.  Or parks.  Or karaoke clubs.
CHILDCARE IS FROM 6-8:30PM IN THE STUDENT CENTER.

Other Fusion dates this semester: April 5 and 19, and May 3

Gender Equity Conference

THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

Everyone is invited to attend the "Gender Issues in the Church: Theological and Practical" conference Mar. 11 through Mar. 12, with Dr. Christine Pohl and Dr. Kay Rader as keynote speakers.
The conference will be held on campus in Wilmore.
There will also be a series of workshops to choose from throughout the conference.

Check out this link for more info:
http://www.asburyseminary.edu/news/gender-issues-in-the-church-theological-and-practical-conference

Couples Connect - MONDAY

*Sigh.

It's been a long week.

The whirlpool at the Doubletree seems like a lifetime ago (Couples Retreat - last weekend).

We've had some "Courageous Conversations" in our household.  Or, more truthfully, we've started them and have been interrupted by a crying baby or dinner that needs to be prepared or an email that needs to be answered.  Etc.

If you want to hear more about this, it would sure be nice to have you at 

Couples Connect on Monday (March 8).

6:30-8:30 in the Dining Hall of the Student Center - childcare provided, as usual.

Root beer floats!

AND, more about "courageous conversations" from other people who have actually been having them.

Don't forget to Bring Your Own Mug for coffee, tea, and hot cocoa.

*By the way - if you've been having a courageous conversation in your marriage (or have been trying to) - leave a comment about that.

Monday FUSION

I've been missing my Fusion group something fierce.  The last time we met (pre-holidays), we noshed on Addictive Sweet Potato Burritos and talked about our hopes and fears for the upcoming dance-of-the-in-laws that is Christmas and New Year's.  We wrote them on an index card and sealed them in an envelope, to be opened in January or Feb - whenever we next met.  I can't remember who kept them, but it will be interesting to see.. 1) what I wrote (crazy how something so high drama and frought with peril as Christmas-with-the-family fizzles by Valentine's Day), and 2) how the Lord met us over the holidays. 

Can't wait to see my friends.

Monday Feb. 15

Fusion Gathering*

Cordelia A/B on campus

6:00pm-8:30pm

Childcare provided

*each group brings food and comments to share

Alpha Marriage!

Pour into your marriage now
and get ready to give the 'ole bedsprings a workout


Alpha Marriage has 10 date nights planned so that you & your spouse can share some quality time together, pouring into your marriage. This tight-knit small group will journey together through challenging, relevant topics that give you the opportunity to develop truth and skills no matter what stage of marriage you are in.

Here's some things that we're all about at Alpha Marriage
(now in our 7th season!):

Enjoy romantic desserts

listen and discover your spouse again

build deep support networks with other couples

get professional pictures taken

learn how to fight fair

balance your budget

forgive one another

send your kids to childcare

share your marriage story

build memories together

make food to share

honor the family tree

pray intimately together

We'll be meeting at WGM (World Gospel Mission) located across the street from Asbury College & the Luce Center ( College St.) from 6:30-9:00pm on Thursday nights. Would love for you to join us!

The Schedule! (Commitment is 10 weeks)
February 25 - Strong Foundations
Mar. 4 - Communication
March 11 - Resolving Conflict
March 18 - Forgiveness
March 25 - Finances
April 8 - Intimacy
April 15 - In-laws
April 22 - Parenting
April 29 - Building a Home
May 6 - Marriage & Ministry

Cost: $25 per couple (due 1st night) - includes ALL materials, resources, childcare, and take-homes. (checks made out to Asbury Seminary)
Childcare: 6:15-9:15 pm in the Student Center Deep End (free but you must register kids)

Register! Sign up HERE or at the left column under "Registrations." ENDS FEBRUARY 19th!

Email me at kelly.grace@asburyseminary.edu OR spouse@asburyseminary.edu if you have further questions.

Couple's Connect: Feb. 8th!

Spouse & Family is beginning this semester with Couple's Connect - a gathering of husbands and wives who want to build into their marriage.

We'll focus on connecting to our spouse, to God and to one another. In an intentional but informal way, we'll share together our prayers, laughter, struggles and hope.

The night's theme is: "love, honor, cherish" where we'll talk the vows we made to one another on our wedding day. Marriage's journey is full of ups and downs and we'll hear from some courageous couples about what that creed has come to mean for them today. Husbands and wives will have the opportunity to share personally with one another over a delicious dessert too.

When: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Monday, February 8th
Where: Seminary Dining Commons in the Student Center
Childcare: 6:15 - 8:30pm at the Student Center (free)
B.Y.O.C. - Bring Your Own Cup for coffee, tea or hot chocolate

Students, Spouses, Staff, Community - all are welcome. Come even if your spouse can't!

Fri.-Sat., February 26-27, 2010
Annual Couples Retreat
Doubletree Suites, Lexington
doubletree1.hilton.com

Reservations by Feb. 15

Click on link to the LEFT
or spouse@asburyseminary.edu
$75 per couple
*required to fully reserve spot
Checks made out to Asbury Seminary,
deliver to Spouse/Family office
204 N. Lexington Ave.
Wilmore, KY 40390

Event Schedule:

FRIDAY
Check-in begins at 3pm
Dinner on your own
7pm-10pm Oldies dance party with dessert bar (50's, 60's, 70's costumes welcome!)
Lodging in spacious suite with gargantuan hot tub

SATURDAY
Breakfast 8-10am
Morning/afternoon sessions with Clint and Penny Bragg (Inverse Ministries)
Lunch included
End by 4:30pm

*Optional additional Saturday night in suite discounted rate $109

The New Year

"...Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins,
They will raise up the former devastations;
And they will repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations...."

Dear SFM families,
There has been much to mourn since we last saw each other in December.
As January makes its descent into another month, we do not grieve as those who have no hope.
May the words of the prophet Isaiah (above) hover over your home, as true and rich as they are hovering over the desolation in Haiti and Kabul and...

We will begin our semester offerings (of service, friendship, formation) in February, and will make sure you know about them before-hand.

But meanwhile, let us work and sleep and LIVE with the prayers for the oppressed on our lips.