Do you want to strengthen marriages in your congregation and see marriages that illustrate the way Christ and church are one? 

Then Hold a “Date Night”

Participate in ‘The Great Aussie Date Night’ that takes place nationally on the last Saturday of Marriage Week. Whilst we say “Date Night” there is no reason why marriage is not honoured and celebrated over a special breakfast, brunch, lunch or picnic (weather permitting, of course). A time that is aimed at strengthening marriages, rekindling the romance in a fun, enjoyable way. Be part of this national event presenting a united front in support of strong marriages of God’s design and purpose.

If you are looking to do something different that can involve the majority of the church, then host a “Wedding SupperGreat Aussie Date Night, a wedding supper” where married couples, those to be married and those that are single for any reason can come. During the feast short presentations can be given relating to:

  • building Christ centred marriages
  • the importance and role of singleness – whether not married, single parents or those who have lost their loved one.
  • the roles of fathers and mothers in bringing up children.

If you are unable to host such an evening, then encourage married couples to take that special, uninterrupted time together; it could be over a lunch, a picnic or indeed a weekend away.

Resources available:

  • Ministries who focus on marriage and or marriage preparation. Follow this link for their listing and contact them to see what resources they may be able to help you with. They might even be able to provide a speaker, depending on your location and type of event.

  • For other free resources go to “Date Time/Night Resources“.

  • Seek out the Christian radio station covering your area – they may have a ‘Community Noticeboard’ or even broadcast a ‘Community Service Announcement’ for you . Find out your nearest station through this link, and then go to their web site for contact details. Don’t forget that VisionFM has over 650 ‘repeater stations’ and then there is the internet coverage.

Vision/Aim of Date Time

To provide a quality fun time for married couples and others who may attend in a safe, friendly environment where marriages are affirmed, celebrated and honoured. A time when couples feel loved and can relax away from the calls of “life”.
Aim if possible for a time where the wider community is invited and made welcome. Consider inviting local politicians, mayors, business people and of course their spouse!

Get your planning started – download our outline planner here.

Venue & Setup

  • A romantic, welcoming venue; use the hospitality industry or run it ‘in house’. Suggestions include: a restaurant or café  that will host a private function, function room, a well presented hall or the family home for a smaller group which is non-community based.
  • Casual, friendly, safe, fun setting for intimate husband and wife time – not a time to catch up with friends etc!
  • Good food is so relaxing and this could be gorgeous deserts with good tea and coffee; wine and cheese; light supper; dinner.
  • If you have the capacity within the church – think about child care, not forgetting the various regulations involved; are the senior youth and singles in the congregation able to help here?
    Dress – smart casual or formal

Content

  • Compered by a married couple who have a number of years of marriage to their ‘credit’.
  • Romantic music – do you have a ready made group/band in your muso’s who are able to play gentle, romantic music from across the ages, seeking to cater for all tastes, and of course a vocalist.
  • A suitable short story or marriage honouring, fun quotes as an icebreaker or is there someone else locally who can do so.
  • Honour the couple present with the longest marriage with a prize, could be a refund on the evening or something bigger – maybe a local business could donate! When honouring the couple have them interviewed on the good things of marriage.
  • As part of the advertising seek out the longest married in your community/shire and see how you can honour them.
  • A 20 minute presentation, preferably live – or Date Night dvd (Focus on the Family) – or teaching on marriage with insights (our page ‘Videos equipping marriages‘ has resources that may help).

Marriage Week