Finishing up the Marriage Enrichment Course for the last time
Dear COAH,
Last week, Meja and I finished the Marriage Enrichment Course for the 30's and 40's. I have facilitated the course every spring and fall since I became the senior pastor, except during the pandemic. I wanted to help create a world where couples communicate and show their love for each other more. Each time the course began, people shouted the slogan, "Happiness is here and now!" As I thought of this course at the end of a long journey, I was grateful to the Lord for many folks who took the course. I was also thankful to many volunteers who made this possible. I was sad that the course was ending (with my retirement approaching soon). It began as an 11-week course almost 20 years ago and gradually got shortened, ending with a compressed 4-week course this time.
- What is the biblical definition of marriage?
- What are the differences between how a man and a woman communicate?
- How do we practice the two pillars of marriage: love and respect?
- What does a sincere Jesus-following parent and child look like?
Of course, the highlight of the course, the weekend happiness trip (sorry for sounding so cheesy), was not left out. On Friday evening at Young Nak Retreat Center, we had a 'renewal vow ceremony' where the couples reaffirmed their commitments to each other and read their love letters. The renewal ceremony always touched everyone's heart, and I loved how the couples hugged each other and whispered prayers to each other. On Saturday morning, we reflected on 'Do I know and practice the love languages of my spouse and me?' The Marriage Enrichment Course has been such a blessing to all because of the beautiful example of service provided by many people, including the coordinating deacon and deaconess, the elder couples, those in charge of video and photography, and childcare. I am so grateful to every one of them.
This past Tuesday evening, I was facilitating the last session, and two COAH leaders approached me and asked if I could facilitate the same course for English-speaking members this Fall. I wanted to lessen the load this Fall to prepare for retirement. But then, I thought it would be meaningful if COAH pastors joined in with a view of continuing this ministry for COAH. Once again, thank you so much to everyone who has been a part of the Marriage Enrichment Course all these years!
Blessings,
Pastor Minho Song
