The Smart Step-Family
Join other couples in a small group setting to learn and understand the dynamics of step-family life and development. The Smart Step-Family curriculum, by Christian author Ron Deal, is helpful for couples (with or without children) planning to remarry, and for couples already part of a step-family.
- Recognize the unique personality and place of each member in your new family
- Solve the everyday challenges of step-parenting and step-children relationships
- Learn communication skills to deal with ex-spouses
- Honor families of origin while developing new traditions
- Share your joys and challenges and become part of a supportive Christian community
Jeanne James, MFT, will facilitate this group. Enrollment is limited to eight couples, and registration is required. Childcare for infants and children through 5th grade is available; contact Bobbi Zechar at bobbiz@fpcberkeley.org.
Dates: Sundays, September 19 through November 14 (excluding October 17)
Time: 4:30-6:30 PM
Cost: $15 per couple for materials
Location: Church Lounge, Westminster Hall
Registration: Required. Please contact Jeanne James, MFT, Director of Marriage and Family Ministry, at (510) 848-6252 ext. 292 or jeannej@fpcberkeley.org.
"How We Love" Couples Seminar
Relationship experts Milan and Kay Yerkovich draw on respected attachment theory research to show you how your early life experiences created an "intimacy imprint": an underlying blueprint that shapes your behavior, beliefs, and expectations of all relationships, especially your marriage. They identify four types of injured imprints that combine in marriage to trap couples in a repetitive pattern. This information, partnered with a deeper understanding and experience of the transformative power of Christian relationships, will guide and inspire you to:
- Identify the imprints disrupting your marriage
- Understand how your love style impacts your mate
- Break free of negative patterns
- Enhance sexual intimacy
- Create the deeper, richer marriage of your dreams
This is a life- and relationship-transforming opportunity not to be missed!
Date: February 5, 2011
Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Sanctuary
Cost: $30 per individual, $50 per couple (scholarships available upon request)
Registration: Online registration opens soon
Childcare: Childcare information available soon
More Information: Contact Jeanne James, MFT, Director of Marriage and Family Ministry, at (510) 848-6252 ext. 292 or jeannej@fpcberkeley.org.
Special Presentation: "How We Love Sexually"
Join Milan and Kay Yerkovich for a special evening presentation! Learn how to enrich and strengthen the important dimension of intimacy and sexuality in your marriage.
Date: April 8, 2011
Time: 6:30-8:00 PM
Location: Calvin Room, Geneva Hall
Cost: $25 per couple
Registration: Online registration opens soon
Childcare: Childcare information available soon
More Information: Contact Jeanne James, MFT, Director of Marriage and Family Ministry, at (510) 848-6252 ext. 292 or jeannej@fpcberkeley.org.
5 Fantastic Dates!
Saturday date nights include a short topical presentation featuring "How We Love" materials, to be facilitated by Jeanne James, Director of Marriage & Family Ministry. Each presentation will be followed by the opportunity to go to a local restaurant or meeting place for conversation with your spouse or with other couples.
Dates: February 12 & 26, March 12 & 25, April 9, 2011
Time: 6:00-8:45 PM
Location: Calvin Room, Geneva Hall
Cost: $20 per couple (materials)
Registration: Online registration opens soon
Childcare: Childcare information available soon
More Information: Contact Jeanne James, MFT, Director of Marriage and Family Ministry, at (510) 848-6252 ext. 292 or jeannej@fpcberkeley.org.
Growing Family
Growing Family is a First Pres community that seeks to be a resource and safe haven for couples and parents in all stages of family life. Our common theme is the experience of navigating busy lives, complex responsibilities, and competing priorities while staying committed to developing distinctively Christian family relationships. Growing Family will offer supportive peer relationships, the sharing of cross-generational wisdom, kid-friendly service opportunities, fellowship, and fun throughout the year. Dates TBA.
Starting a Healthy Marriage
This interactive course presents marriage preparation and relationship skills essential for pre-engaged, engaged, or newly married couples. The focus of the class is to help couples create a distinctively Christian marriage that will sustain a richly satisfying, life-long relationship. Topics include the parallels between healthy intimacy and the character of God, understanding the influence of family of origin, communication and conflict resolution skills, personality and temperament difference (Myers-Briggs Inventory), intimacy and sexuality, and finances. Course dates TBA.
Tween/Teen Zone
The Tween/Teen Zone is a parent community devoted to understanding the unique challenges and opportunities involved in parenting our adolescents. Today's youth culture is complex and challenging; parents often need help navigating this sometimes turbulent season spanning the pre-teen, adolescent, and emerging adult years. Our community will learn together, share wisdom, prayer, and encouragement to foster loving relationships that will engage and guide our teens through these rewarding and challenging years.
Dates: Thursdays TBA
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Location: G214 Geneva Hall
Cost: None
Registration: No registration needed; please join us at any time!
More Information: Contact Jeanne James, MFT, Director of Marriage and Family Ministry, at (510) 848-6252 ext. 292 or jeannej@fpcberkeley.org.
