Investing in the HOME
“No matter the stage of your marriage: newly married, separated, happily or unhappily married, remarried, divorced, or empty nesters; there is always an opportunity to bring God glory.”
We are launching our first ever church-wide curriculum! The HOME Marriage Curriculum will be focused on three general aspects of marriage – Holiness, Oneness, and Missional Engagement – giving you an opportunity to dive deeper in your relationship with the Lord, your spouse, and your Community Group. Marriage, though hard at times, is the most exciting and intimate relationship that we have on this side of Heaven, and it is our job to prioritize, strengthen, and steward that gift well. It is easy to put our marriage on the back-burner when work gets crazy, kids are throwing a tantrum, or friends are calling to ask when the next double-date will be. The goal of the Marriage Curriculum is to open the door for God-centered conversations within marriages and within Community Groups to ultimately build trust and deepen relationships.
Book distribution will happen on Sunday, January 5th and Sunday, January 12th during both services in the lobby. You must register and show your confirmation email to pick up your book(s)!
Frequently Asked Questions about HOME
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You, along with your spouse and Community Group, will go through a 9-week curriculum highlighting three general aspects of marriage: Holiness, Oneness, and Missional Engagement. There will be one lesson each week which also includes Personal Reflection Questions that you do by yourself, Marital Questions that you and your spouse go through together, and Community Group Questions that you will answer during Community Group time.
Additionally, CityBridge Church will be doing a sermon series based on the Marriage Curriculum.
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There will not be a cost to go through the HOME Marriage Curriculum.
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There will be two opportunities to pick up your HOME Marriage Curriculum book. On Sunday, January 5th and Sunday, January 12th, you will be able to pick up books for you and your spouse at the tables in the lobby.
You must register ahead of time and you will need to show your confirmation email to pick up your books!
If you are unable to pick up your book(s), have someone in your Community Group pick them up for you. You will need to send them your confirmation email for them to show.
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No problem! The curriculum is designed so that you can still stay on track even if spouses don't all meet together every week.
We would charge Community Groups to try and meet either as an all-group or guys and girls separate every week so that you stay on track with the curriculum. If that is not your normal rhythm, start having conversations with your group as to what it might look like to meet every week for the duration of the HOME Marriage Curriculum.
In your curriculum books, you will have sample calendars of what different meeting cadences can look like.
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The HOME Marriage Curriculum is best done in the context of community which is why it would be difficult for couples to go through it on their own. If you are wanting to share the curriculum with people outside of CityBridge, please email community@citybridgechurch.org.
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We are prayerfully considering holding an “open group” option for those who are not currently in a Community Group.
Recommended Resources for the Whole Church
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God is at work in your story. Right now. No matter what the circumstances or what your relationship status is.
Below are recommended resources for individuals in all different life stages. God sees you and He cares. We see you and we want to support you because we care, too.
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Below are links to books, devotionals, and other resources. We would encourage you to find the book or resource that best fits your current life stage. Individuals are encouraged to buy the books directly from the vendors. CityBridge will not keep an inventory on campus.
We long for every marriage to work through the HOME curriculum in order to spend time investing in their marriage. AND we long for every person to take this season to intentionally invest in their relationship with the Lord and others, no matter their relationship status.
Our recommendation is that every community group works through material together in some way, as we intentional pursue one another and Jesus.
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Maybe you have looked at the list and you are unsure of the best resource or next step? Or what do you do if your community group consists of single adults and married adults?
We would love to talk and work through any and all questions you have. Please email community@citybridgechurch.org for questions about community groups that include married and non-married members. Contact pastoralcare@citybridgechurch.org for questions about resources for singles, divorce, or other resources.
SINGLE PARENTS
Single parent life is hard. There’s no way around it. But there can be joy in the journey. The book below is a staff-pick, filled with practical help and encouragement, that we think will be a blessing to you and your family. Whether you are in a community group with married friends or other singles, share what you are learning so others can learn with you.
The Single Parent: confident and successful by Linda Ranson Jacobs
SINGLES - the early years
Do you see yourself thriving and on mission? Or do you find yourself somehow stuck, waiting for something different? This 31-day devotional resources is a great reminder of what God has for you today, wherever your journey takes you. Keep growing by sharing what you are learning with others.
Singleness: living faithfully a 31-day devotional by Jenilyn Swett
SINGLES - the legacy years
These years matter and the Lord has something specifically for you in this season. This is your chance to intentionally create a legacy. What will it be? The book below gives you opportunities to discuss that question. Our staff recommends reading several chapters a week and discussing it with your community group.
Finishing Well: biblical lessons to maximize your later years by John Goodale
When Marriage is Wounded
Jesus promises that in this world we will have troubles. That includes marriage. If you find yourself facing a season of marital separation or divorce, we have resources for you too. Our staff would love to meet you, hear your story, and connect you with the best resources for your personal journey. Thankfully, we can take heart in the midst of the hard seasons - because Jesus has overcome it all.
Click here to email staff to talk about the best resources for you and your family.
