UME News

Before the fall of 2021, if you had asked my wife or me about United Marriage Encounter and its mission, we would have had no response. However, God had a plan that would pull us into this ministry and forge lasting bonds with a ministry family unlike any we had previously encountered.

Remembering the Past 50 Years

The Bible has much to say about the community of believers. Romans 12:10 is one of my favorites: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

The Bible tells us that seasons are ordained by God: seasons related to the climate, but also seasons in life. The great book of wisdom, Ecclesiastes, talks about a season for everything: birth, death, tearing down, building up, crying, laughing, lamenting, and cheering. While seasons change, God does not - and I’m so grateful.

Connection is important in this fragmented world. The Bible teaches the importance of relationships, whether it’s connecting more deeply with our spouse or being with likeminded people who value marriage. Amos 3:3 asks the question, “Can two walk together without agreeing on the direction?” In our marriages, communication is critical for the husband and wife to connect and walk in the same direction. Here are some Weekend concepts represented in the acrostic C.O.N.N.E.C.T.

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” I think many of us have sung this song but do we really take to heart the messaging? John 1:5 states, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” God is the light of the world and can overcome any darkness!

Congratulations to our community in Australia on celebrating their 10-year anniversary with a fun-filled Valentine’s/Gatsby Night this February. This event was at least a year in the making and delayed due to COVID, but at long last, the community enjoyed the fruits of its labors and got to paaaarty! And party they did, by the looks of it! The world may try to stand in the way of God’s plans, but He will have His way in the end! We can rest—and celebrate—assured of this!

Matthew 2:10-11 says, "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."

When I think of new beginnings, I immediately think of our daughter and new son-in-law who were married September 24th.

Hello United Marriage Encounter Family! As I reflect on my year of working for Marriage Encounter, I am reminded that God continues to surprise me with new places to belong - and that certainly includes UME.

Hey United Marriage Encounter Family. I wanted to be the first to welcome you to the new UME Newsletter, UME News!