Most couples would agree that their marriage is the most important relationship in their lives. But the time and energy we put into developing and improving that relationship often fails to reflect the priority.

The Alpha Marriage Course provides an opportunity for couples to out that priority into action. It was developed by a couple at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Brompton, England who have considerable expertise and experience in the field who present in a stimulating, frank, varied and often witty way with personal stories, interviews with former course participants and vox pop interviews on the street. Over the past several years, the course has been attended by hundreds of thousands of couples in 13 countries, most because of personal recommendation from others who have done it. Last year St Ives Baptist Church ran the course for the first time. Most of the ten couples were not church members and unsurprisingly it was the wives who persuaded their husbands to come. In the evaluation at the conclusion, the men were asked how keen they were about coming when their wives first asked them. Most weren't! However after attending the course all the men said they would highly recommend the course to other men. Some of the couple were so impressed that they offered to help with the next course or baby sit for friends so they could come.

DETAILS:

• When: 7 consecutive Thursday evenings 7-9.40pm, from 13 May to 24 June.
• Where: St Ives Baptist Church, 28 Memorial Ave, St Ives.
• Cost: the first session is free so you can 'taste and see'. To register for the remaining 6 weeks, we ask for a donation to cover costs of dinners and course materials.
• Who is it for? Any couple who wants to invest in their relationship.
• If you have a strong relationship this course will help you make it even better.
• If your relationship is in difficulty, the course will help provide practical strategies to help.

While the course is based on Christian principles, couples are welcome regardless of church background. Many who are not churchgoers have enjoyed and benefited from it.

• What is the format?
• Each evening starts with a candle-lit dinner - an opportunity to spend time together as a couple or with other couples (as you choose).
• During the presentation on DVD, there are pauses so together as a couple you can converse. There is NO discussion in a group or with anyone other than your partner.
• At the end of each session you will be given some 'homework' to do together before the next session. This is mainly discussion with your partner (no-one else) arising out of the talks and detailed in a course booklet provided. Some of the 'homework' is very practical!
• What are the topics?
• Building Strong Foundations
• The Art of Communication
• Resolving Conflict
• The Power of Forgiveness
• Parents and In-Laws
• Good Sex
• Love in Action

To register for the first session, simply email or phone us 9983 1782 by 3 May. We're confident you'll really enjoy the course and more importantly benefit greatly as a couple.