Couple Enrichment: Making Time For Each Other

A 5-day workshop held as part of the Friends General Conference Summer gathering at Haverford College, haverford, pa

june 30 - july 6 (residential or commuter)

In Friends Couple Enrichment, partners in committed relationships deepen their intimacy, spirituality, connection, communication, love and humor. Couples of all backgrounds explore vulnerability and connection within a supportive community, grounded in Spirit. The advanced communication skills we practice are built on Friends’ testimonies and practices.

-- Workshop leaders Jess Walcott and Gene Sonn

This workshop is part of the Friends General Conference Summer Gathering, an opportunity for Quakers and those interested in Quakerism to gather together for 6 days for a week of Quaker worship, workshops, and community for all ages. Friends come together from across North America (and sometimes further) to deepen our connection to one another and the Spirit. Friends create opportunities for dance, art, music, song, organizing, and other fellowships as they are led. Attenders must register as either commuters or as people staying on the campus of Haverford College. The Gathering is a pay-as-led program, and registration includes the cost of the Friends Couple Enrichment workshop.

Friends Couple Enrichment DAILY SCHEDULE

Monday to Friday Each day begins with worship and closes with worship sharing
9:00″“10:15 (75min), 10:15″“10:30 break (15 min), 10:30″“11:45 (75 min)

Monday, July 1, 2023
Welcome & Introductions
Witnessed Dialogues
Purpose: Provides practice in deep listening without critique or comment, underscores universality of experience in committed relationships, promotes new perspectives and productive ways of interacting

Tuesday, July 2, 2023
Reflecting on Our Relationship Part I: Affirmation Dialogues: Two things I like about our relationship and why they matter to me.

Wednesday, July 3, 2023
Opening Worship Q&A: What questions do I have about the dialogue process?
Reflection on Our Relationship Part II

Thursday, July 4, 2023
Opening Worship Q&A: What questions do I have about the dialogue process?

Coping constructively with conflict /difference

Reflection on Our Relationship Part 3 ““ Growing Edges Dialogue (15 minute): preceded by couples privately sharing their homework

Friday, July 5, 2023
Opening Worship Q&A: What questions do I have about the dialogue process?

Growth Plan
Ongoing Support of the Friends Couple Enrichment Community:
Monthly Drop-in Dialogues FCE Newsletter Growth Groups Workshops

Written Evaluations of the Workshop

*****

Friends Couple Enrichment (FCE), founded by Quakers over 50 years ago, is a proactive ministry to release the full potential of relationships both for the benefit of the couple and also for a world begging for examples of honest, loving, joy-filled relationships. This ministry is open to all couples, regardless of length of time together, marital status, gender identity, age, race, or faith. Indeed, our retreats are enhanced by our diversity. At the heart of any FCE event is an introduction to Witnessed Couple Dialogue, a spiritual practice of deep listening. This retreat will include lots of time for couples to dialogue in the loving witness of others as well as in private. Be assured that you will not be asked to share or participate in activities beyond your level of comfort.