ENHANCING COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS

Thousands of people have been married at Sausalito Presbyterian Church over the decades. Our church strives to enhance the quality of committed relationships (including straight, gay, or lesbian unions) among our members and our non-member friends, and to encourage healthy and spiritually-centered relationships among single people as well. Ask us about VOW RENEWAL - a ceremony for married couples to renew the promises that hold them together.

Our retired emeritus pastor, Rev. George McLaird, periodically offers weekend workshops for enhancing committed relationships. Contact him regarding upcoming events: Email George McLaird Topics covered in his workshops: What do healthy relationships look like? What do unhealthy relationships look like? Speaking skillfully... Tips for talking... Honing our negotiation skills.. Creating healthy boundaries... Keeping agreements... And, life long relationship skills education.

Next workshop: Saturday, January 27, 2007, 10-12 am, $25 per couple.

While our pastor, Jim Burklo, is always willing to meet with couples who are seeking to resolve challenges, we recommend that couples with more serious issues seek professional help. Contact the church for suggestions of therapists in our area.

The following websites offer resources online that can help you grow in your marriage or other committed relationship. These sites are focused on maintaining and growing an already healthy marriage, or preparing for marriage.

Smart Marrriages. This site includes useful approaches to improving your committed relationship -- communication techniques and listening exercises you can practice with your partner.

Marin therapists George Taylor and Debra Chamberlin-Taylor of Fairfax offer excellent workshops for relationship enhancement.

Marriage Encounter: marriage enhancement retreats (usually low-cost: there are many manifestations of this program initiated by Catholics, including: United Church of Christ Marriage Encounter or Presbyterian Marriage Encounter

Prepare/Enrich Good site with lots of resources for relationship enhancement.