WHAT IS LUTHERAN ENGAGED ENCOUNTER?

WHAT IS AN ENGAGED ENCOUNTER?

The Engaged Encounter weekend is a positive and personal experience for an engaged couple, a weekend away with other engaged couples, with plenty of time alone together to build a closer relationship. It is designed to give couples planning marriage the opportunity to talk honestly and intensively in a face-to-face way about their future life together, their strengths and weaknesses, desires, ambitions, goals, and their role in church and society.

IS IT A SENSITIVITY COURSE?

Definitely not! The Encounter is specifically designed for quiet reflection and discussion between the couple. It is a positive, simple, common-sense experience between an engaged couple. The presentations are given to the group as a whole. After each presentation the couple has time in private for their own personal sharing. There is no group discussion on the presentations.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE ENCOUNTER?

The weekend is led by three married couples; all are Lutheran, one is clergy. Through a series of ideas presented by this team, the engaged couple is stimulated to discuss privately with each other all aspects of married life, always from the viewpoint of their own relationship. Personal reflection and dialogue are the main thrust of the weekend. Meals and Sunday worship provide for group participation.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Although the Encounter is Lutheran in orientation, it is open to all couples of any faith or age, any couple serious about making and keeping their marriage the best that it can be. This includes those entering a second marriage.

WHY SHOULD WE ATTEND?

The weekend experience offers every couple the insights, the tools, and the confidence to enrich their relationship and to strengthen their love for one another. They learn that good marriages don't just happen; they must be developed. For many couples this weekend is one of the most significant experiences of their courtship.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Encounter weekends are held several times during the year, at various locations throughout the country. The program begins on Friday evening at 8 p.m. and ends Sunday afternoon at about 4 p.m. Of course the total weekend stay is essential to experience the full benefit. It is advisable to register as soon as the wedding date is set; contact the persons listed for dates of local weekends.

WHAT IS THE COST?

A $25 non-refundable registration fee sent with the form secures a reservation. (This fee is refundable only if we do not have space for you on a weekend before your wedding date.) Please make checks payable to Lutheran Engaged Encounter. The balance, which covers rooms for two nights and meals, is due on arrival at the retreat center; however, no one is turned away for lack of funds.

HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?