0
Years of Marriage Retreats
0
OUR STORY
MARRIED LOVERS RETREAT
The Married Lovers Retreat (MLR) began in 2005 as an initiative of the Family Life Department at Shalem Seventh-day Adventist Church. What started as a simple weekend getaway for a handful of couples has blossomed into a cherished annual tradition. Over the years, the retreat has grown from just a few participants to more than 50 couples, with attendance continuing to rise each year.
Promoting Healthy Marriages.
Designed to strengthen marriages, the MLR sets aside two intentional days for couples to focus exclusively on their relationship and the unique bond they share. It offers couples the chance to pause and nurture a healthy partnership, rekindle a love that once burned brightly, or seek healing for a struggling marriage. And even as the retreat grows, it continues to provide the same intimate, welcoming environment that makes couples feel at ease.
THE MARRIED LOVERS RETREAT EXPERIENCE
Each year we think the last retreat was the best, yet the program continues to surprise us with fresh perspectives and new ways to enrich our marriages.
The Married Lovers Retreat continues to surprise both new and returning couples who thought they already knew everything about their spouses. Each year, marriages are lifted to new heights as couples discover fresh perspectives and deeper connections. It’s the fellowship, the inspiring presentations, and the intentional time spent together that make this retreat truly special.
“The retreat has shown me that the struggles that I experience are not uncommon, but many other men are able to relate or have the same experience. The retreat affords me an opportunity to express my feelings to my wife without judgment in a spiritual setting with individuals experiencing the same rigors of marriage.”
– Tonny & Stephanie
“We are always learning new tools to help build a stronger marriage.”‘
– Mike & Karen
“The presenters are excellent – their professionalism shows in their presentations including an intertwining of spirituality. I appreciate the feeling of family among the attending couples as well – no matter if it is a newly married couple or the couples that have been married for more than 50 years. The MLR is a well-organized event and it is a blessing that it continues to help couples.”
– Cecil C.
“Why l look forward to the retreat…it’s like a jump-start or boost to our relationship, the bonding with our friends and seeing the couples we have meet over the years. And, it’s always nice to get away for the weekend.”
– Ron H.
The Agenda
Each year the retreat sessions begin and end with prayer. While we pray we ask that each couple will allow God to work through them to transform their marriage.
The agenda is divided into four sessions. The first one beginning on Friday evening. Saturday there will be a morning session and later an afternoon session. Sunday is the final session ending in the afternoon.
Couples get to engage in a number of activities including but not limited to icebreakers, workshops, and on-on-one reflective conversations with their spouse. All while working on building better relationships with your spouse, and gaining new friendships.
2025
Seasons
Couples face an array of experiences during their marriage. We will explore the challenges couples encounter and discover ways to navigate difficulties during the marriage journey.
2024
Unmasked
The 2024 retreat focused on revealing hidden aspects of your character and unspoken expectations that impact your marriage.
2023
The Power of Humility
This 2023 retreat focused on strengthening the marriage through humility.
2022
Let's Get Intimate
The 2022 retreat focused on various levels of intimacy and how they contributed to the marriage.
2021
Unbreakable
The 2021 retreat focused on building more solid relationships that will withstand adversity.
Est. 2005
Married Lovers Retreat
The Married Lovers Retreat was established and the first weekend getaway was held at the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois.