At All Saints we think families are important and we want to support and resource them. We want to be a community that empowers and encourages families to help live out the way of Jesus, through excellent programs and authentic relationships. Here are some of the things families can get involved in at All Saints.
Investing in Marriages
Statistics are against marriages surviving today! Approximately one in three marriages end in divorce in New Zealand. Couples can cross their fingers, or they can work at having a great relationship. All Saints offers both pre-marriage preparation and ongoing support for marriages.
The Pre-Marriage Course
The Alpha Pre-Marriage Course runs for 5 weeks. You can expect delicious food and professionally presented DVD presentations on topics such as communication, resolving conflict, spending time together, developing a good sexual relationship and the importance of talking about goals, values and dreams. The presenters, Nicky and Sila Lee, are funny yet genuine, and have lots of experience and wisdom to share.
Each couple sits at their own table and opportunities for discussion occur several times during the evening. The discussions are private to each couple. The evening is designed to be as much like a date as possible, with romantic music and lighting, and yummy food.
Previous attendees on the course have ranged from young to old, some have been married before and some not, some are living together and some aren’t. Each of these couples has found much of value in the course.
As a useful addition to the course couples have the option to complete online a questionnaire called FOCCUS. This questionnaire asks about different aspects of their relationship. It is not a test nor is it a predictor of whether their marriage will succeed or fail. It is a tool to help highlight any important issues that they would benefit from discussing before they get married. Once completed, the couple will have the opportunity to discuss the results with a support couple.
The Pre-Marriage course is run on demand. They are run by Michael and Lynley Webster who have been married for 20+ years - contact them to book your place.
For more information, check out the Pre-Marriage Course website
Contact: Michael and Lynley Webster or ph 385-9810
The Marriage Course
A very practical course that aims to give committed couples the tools to build a strong and healthy relationship that lasts a lifetime. Over seven sessions couples talk about important issues that can get swept under the carpet in the rush of daily life.
Topics include: Recognising each other’s needs, learning to communicate effectively, resolving conflict, healing past hurt, knowing how to make each other feel loved, relating to parents and in-laws, good sex, making time for each other and having fun together.
Privacy as a couple is always respected. There is no group discussion and no requirement to disclose anything about your relationship to anyone else. The setting is welcoming, relaxed and unthreatening.
The course costs $140 per couple which covers materials and suppers.
For more information, check out the Marriage Course Website
Contact: Fiona Bayliss or ph 9712142
Investing in Parents and Children
Toolbox Parenting Groups
Great Kids need great parents and with the right tools anyone can be a great parent! If you are looking for practical strategies, inspiration, encouragement and insight then a Toolbox parenting group is for you.
Toolbox Groups are relaxed, informal, and friendly. Participants are equipped with practical skills and strategies that can be immediately put to use. Over six sessions key parenting principles are explored and participants are encouraged in their parenting. Each session leaves participants with a range of activities and strategies to try at home.
All Saints have facilitators qualified to run Toolbox groups for the Early Years (0-6) & Middle Years (6-12). Toolbox courses are also run around the city and nation so if you can’t make a course at All Saints or are looking for a Teenage Years Toolbox Course you can find out more here.
Contact: the Parish Office on ph 9712142
Other useful resources for parents
i care parenting
The Parenting Place
Parents Inc. - Hot tips seminars
Parents Inc. - Parenting Advice