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I had a dear neighbor for twelve years who was Mormon. The window I got into their family and church was a sweet one. She made my life easier too. If my kids wanted to watch a movie all I had to do was ask if the Callisters were allowed to watch it. If it passed her scrutiny it was good enough for Odhnerettes. Every Friday night our kids played kick the can and ate popcorn. Her
four year old daughter and my four year old son were besties.
The emphasis on strong families runs deep in her religion, and although our churches have differences, they have common ground as well. No need to bicker about details.
Salt Lake City is the hub of the Mormon church and recently the Utah Marriage Commission passed a bill for marriage conferences and enrichment seminars. They are earmarking a hundred grand for beefing up the education in their state. That is a chunk of change.
Sometimes I wonder about what a budget like that would lead to. But when I take stock of the opportunities we already have I am awash with gratitude. In the eight years we have been spinning marriage education in this corner of the world we have had a load of fun.
- In Full Swing band at Cairnwood Estate on a summer evening for dancing
- Private showing of Fireproof at the Mitchell Performing Arts Theater
- Rock climbing, badminton and yoga at the Asplundh Field House
- Tours and live music at Glencairn Museum
- Couples shoot by a professional photographer
- 200 workshops by 300 presenters
- 3 years of daily marriage moats sent out to 600 people
- Five years of newsletters formatted by a talented graphic designer
- Thousands of high quality photos generously shared by stellar photographers
- Animal shows, magicians, gymnastics, and art for children's programs
- A thousand hours of student and adult volunteers at the conferences
- A beautiful dance expressing the ripeness of marriage and its protection
- Eight You Tubes produced by talented videographers
- Exquisite dining and live music at Cairnwood
- Marriage in Arts Display including sculpture, paintings, quilts, jewelry, and stained glass
- Wedding dresses spanning 100 years at Cairnwood
- Fine Dining and live music at the Lord's New Church
- Thousands of dollars of raffle items donated
- A lending library with 100 books and videos
- Twenty experienced couples mentoring as many young couples
- Monthly Mother's Morning out with scores of volunteers caring for as many children
- Sons of Art performing alone and with their wives
There is no need to wait. The resources are already here.
you can support us at
www.caringformarriage.org
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