MERGE – Marriage Prep class

What is MERGE?

This is a fun class specifically designed to help couples lay a strong foundation in many aspects of merging two lives in marriage (traditions, expectations, gender differences, family of origin, goals for the marriage, and more!)  We invite all couples who are newlywed, engaged and seriously dating to join us.  This is a six-session class led by several MRCC staff members and several mentor couples who enjoy being a resource to young couples.

MERGE 2024 will meet 6:30-7:45 on  March 6, 13, 27 and April 3, 10, 17 and 24.  (No class Mar 120 during spring break.)

The cost is only $35 per couple.

MERGE helps couples meet Oklahoma’s premarital counseling requirement and has been accepted in other states as well.  Participants receive a completion certificate to present when applying for a marriage license.   Many couples also choose to hold a few optional private premarital counseling sessions in addition to MERGE.

One added value of the program is the SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts) assessment each couple participates in, supporting couples in identifying their relationships’ unique areas of strength and areas in which to intentionally work to grow. Each couple will meet privately one time with one of our SYMBIS trained staff members to privately review their assessment and set goals for their next steps in the relationship.  The cost of this assessment is built into the class fee.

As we incorporate mentor couples into our MERGE program, another added benefit is the connection to several MRCC couples for ongoing support and friendship.

 Topics we cover include:

• Spiritual basis for marriage.
• Marriage as a merging of cultures (how family of origin and other factors affect expectations and behaviors in marriage.)
• Marriage as a Complimentary/ Balancing Relationship
• Communication & Conflict Resolution
• Factors Affecting Intimacy
• Best Practices for Financial Health in Marriage
• and MORE!

In late 2024 we will post registration information for MERGE 2025.

If any questions, please contact jenny.jones@mrcc.org or terry.fischer@mrcc.org