wfn.org | Strengthening marriage topic of two new Discipleship books

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

July 29, 1998	Contact: Linda Green*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Two new books aimed at helping Christian
couples develop and grow in their relationship with each other and with
God have been released by Discipleship Resources, a publishing unit of
the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.

Growing in Faith, United in Love, by Barn Nardi Kurtz, affirms that as a
couple becomes closer to each other, they also become closer to God. The
book uses reading and journal writing to help couples develop a healthy
marriage relationship centered in Jesus Christ.

Each chapter contains a true story about a couple, reflection questions,
and opportunities for journal writing based upon the issues presented.
This six-session book includes a leader's guide for use in small-group
discussions. Kurtz, a spiritual director and retreat leader, is a deacon
in the Southwest Texas Annual (regional) Conference of the United
Methodist Church.  

Marriage: Claiming God's Promises, by Jack Gilbert and Nan Zoller, is an
eight-session guide designed for use by leaders who conduct marriage
enrichment retreats or seminars. Each session is based on a scriptural
foundation that helps couples examine a variety of marital issues.

Issues explored include understanding marriage as a Christian covenant;
identifying and evaluating the effect of other relationships on the
marriage relationship; setting priorities as a couple; recognizing the
changes that occur in a marriage; growing spiritually; communicating and
resolving conflict; spending time together; and celebrating the marriage
relationship.
The book also has numerous worksheets and tips for planning a marriage
enrichment retreat. The authors are co-pastors of the Eagleville-Concord
United Methodist Charge in Eagleville, Tenn.

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NOTE TO EDITORS FOR OPTIONAL INCLUSION IN STORY: Growing in Faith,
United in Love ($12.95) and Marriage: Claiming God's Promises ($15.95)
may be ordered online at  http://www.discipleshipresources.org  or by
contacting Discipleship Resources at  P.O. Box 1616, Alpharetta, GA
30009-1616; phone: 1-800-685-4370. The books also may be ordered from
Cokesbury, 1-800-672-1789. 

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
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