Local churches sponsoring marriage party Feb. 2

The Lakes Region Pastors Fellowship, with the assistance of a grant from the N.H. Alliance, is sponsoring a marriage party on Feb. 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. It will be held in the function room of the Meredith Village Savings Bank at 379 South Main Street. Cost for the party is $20 per couple, which covers a catered meal that will be served during the evening.

The marriage party will serve as an introduction to the seven week marriage course that will be offered at several locations in Laconia during the months of February and March. Eighteen couples from area churches attended the inaugural marriage course during the months of October and November for leadership training and enrichment of their own marriages. All participants were enthusiastic about the course and felt their marriages had benefited from it. The four area churches sponsoring the course are Christ Life Center, Laconia Christian Fellowship, LifeQuest and Evangelical Baptist. Cost of the course is $35. A limited number of scholarships may be available.

The marriage course is for any couple who wants to work at their relationship. Some who have attended the course have been married for less than two years, while others more than 40. The course is beneficial and enjoyable for those whose marriage is already strong. It also helps couples who are going through difficulties. Although it is being sponsored by area churches, those with little or no background with a church will find the course well suited for them.

The course consists of seven sessions that last approximately one and a half to two hours. Session topics include Building Strong Foundations, The Art of Communication, Resolving Conflicts, The Power of Forgiveness, Parents and In-Laws, Good Sex, and Love In Action. During the evening, segments of the DVD lesson are played, interspersed with opportunities for the couples to privately discuss the topic. Refreshments will be served during the sessions.

Attendance at the marriage party does not obligate anyone to come to the marriage course. However, pre-registration for the marriage party is required. There is a limit of 40 couples. Anyone interested in registering for or having further questions can contact Dick Aucoin at 527-2662. Deadline for registering for the marriage party is Jan. 26.