Marriage is one of the most beautiful gifts God has given us. However, we live in a broken world. Almost half of all marriages end in divorce, and sadly marriages in the church are no exception. No matter what beliefs we cling to, if we do not make regular efforts to nurture our marriage, it is at risk. "In the churches, people have a superstitious view that Christianity will keep them from divorce, but they are subject to the same problems as everyone else." Donald Hughes, The Divorce Reality It has been said that marriage ministry is at the heart of the church. So many of us are hurting and are embarrassed to seek help or simply don’t know where to turn. At Southwest, we strive to glorify God and be a caring community for married couples, to prepare engaged or newly married couples, encourage couples in distress, and deepen and enrich stable marriages. We invite you to attend the Sunday morning marriage classes as they are offered. Some of the classes include: Boundaries in Marriage The Second Half of Marriage: Facing the Eight Challenges of the Empty Nest The Time-Starved Marriage Love Talk We are always looking for couples who would be interested in teaching. Maybe you’re not the “teaching type,” but what we really need is NOT a know-it-all teacher, rather couples who want to grow and are willing to be “real” and give of themselves to help others do the same. The courses come with several support materials: books, workbooks, DVDs and more. If you are interested in teaching or co-teaching, please contact Jeff or Theresa Jensen at 965-8290 or jthjensen@cox.net We are also excited to begin a marriage mentoring program! Just like in our Christian walk, none of us are perfect, yet we are called to help one another along our journey. After all, in helping one another, we ourselves grow in faith and our relationship with God and our spouse. If you are interested in mentoring or being mentored (or both!), please contact Jeff or Theresa Jensen at 965-8290 or jthjensen@cox.net If one falls down, his friend can help him up.      But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.      But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered,      two can defend themselves.      A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:10-12