Marriage & Relationship Education Center

MREC's 21st Annual Vision Dinner
2025-11-08 18:00 - 20:45 UTC | The Portico at St. John, 43 Monroe St, Westminster, 21157
You’re Invited to our 21st Annual Vision Dinner – An Evening of Inspiration, Music, and Mission
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we gather to celebrate and support the transformative work of MREC in the central Maryland region. This special Vision Dinner will be a night of connection, purpose, and vision for the future.

Date: Saturday, November 8th
Time: 6:00 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres; 6:30 p.m. Dinner and Program
Location: Portico at St. John (43 Monroe Street, Westminster)
Dress: Business Casual

Guests will enjoy a delicious catered meal by Santoni’s, live music with the inspirational Jeremy & Kimberly Sorenson, and be guided by our Emcee, Coleen Kramer Beal, our board member, marriage enthusiast and community leader. You also hearing up close and personal stories of impact from:

Mr. Robert Johnson, A local football coach and youth mentor, MREC’s new Student Educator. His story of how a difficult childhood worked together for good is a one of resilience and hope. It will encourage everyone.
Pastor Tony Peterson, our Marriage Ministry Liaison in the Frederick area. Tony’s marriage was nearly destroyed due to alcoholism; His redemption story is the reason “why” behind building the marriage initiative in his community.

Together, we’ll reflect on what God has done and look forward to what He’s calling us to next.

Registration is closed. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email kaycee@mrecenter.org.

Radiant Marriage Academy
2025-10-15 01:03 | Maryland
A Free 16-Lesson Course to Build an Awesome Marriage
Connect deeper. Grow together. Fall more in love.

Is Your Marriage Where You Want It to Be?
Maybe you and your spouse feel like spectators, drifting from one issue to the next. Maybe the spark has dimmed or communication has frayed. You want more than “just okay”—you want a marriage that thrives.
Radiant Marriage Academy is designed to help couples move from surviving to flourishing. It’s a step-by-step, intentional journey rooted in biblical wisdom, transparent stories, and practical tools. Best of all? It’s offered completely free – no hidden fees, no upsells, no catches.

What You’ll Experience Inside
When you enroll, you and your spouse (or individually) will gain access to:

16 power-packed video lessons – bite-sized, engaging, and full of insight

Lesson guides & study materials – to reflect, process, and apply

Action-step checklists & quizzes – to keep you accountable

Date-night exercises – practical ways to connect and grow together

Anywhere/anytime access – complete the course on your own schedule

Certificate of completion – pass the exit exam and earn recognition

What You’ll Learn
Over the 16 lessons, you’ll dive into topics such as:

Building a heart of commitment and understanding true oneness

Establishing a strong foundation and keeping God at the center

Communicating well and fighting fair

Embracing individuality and healthy roles

Understanding love styles and honoring your spouse

Navigating expectations, finances, sexual intimacy, and brokenness

Creating a shared vision and handling challenges together

Each lesson builds on the last, creating a holistic framework for a thriving, resilient marriage.

Who It’s For

Married couples at any stage – early marriage, mid-season, or long term

Couples seeking to revitalize connection and communication

Partners willing to be intentional and grow together

Even individuals whose spouse may not participate – YOU will still benefit

How to Get Started

Enroll for free (no card required!)

Set aside consistent time. Aim for one lesson per week (or at your pace)

Do the work. Watch the lesson, reflect, talk, apply

Engage together. Use the guides, do the activities, involve your spouse

Get Started

Adventures in Marriage
2025-10-10 18:30 - 2025-10-11 16:00 | Impact Church, 6315 Sykesville Road, Sykesville, 21784, United States
Adventures in Marriage is a fun, practical, and critically acclaimed marriage enrichment program.

The workshops focus on building the skills needed for a couple to bond in healthy ways – to remain connected even in the face of difficult conversations and differing perspectives. Through interactive sessions, couples are guided through practical exercises and share valuable insights with one another.

If you and your spouse are looking for ways to increase your understanding of each other and experience significant improvement in your ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, sign up today!

Times:

Friday, October 10th
6:30pm-9:00pm
Saturday, October 11th
8:30am-4:00pm

Cost: $129 per couple, includes meals and materials.
**Veteran Special – Only $10!**
Use Code: AIMVET
Registration is Closed. Still want to join in? Email kaycee@mrecenter.org for availability.

For Men: "Awaken" Community with Regeneration Ministries
2025-10-10 02:45 | Maryland
Awaken: Join the Free Community

Find freedom. Walk with brothers. Awaken to who you were made to be.
Awaken is a Christ-centered journey helping men pursue lasting freedom and integrity in their sexual lives. Whether you’re just beginning your healing journey or seeking to grow deeper in faith and purity, you’re invited to join the Awaken Community — completely free.

What You’ll Receive for Free:

Access to the Awaken Online Community: A safe, private space to connect with other men pursuing healing and freedom.

Encouragement & Support: Share prayer requests, celebrate victories, and walk with others who truly understand.

Exclusive Resources: Articles, videos, and teaching from Regeneration Ministries coaches to strengthen your spiritual and emotional growth.

A Place to Belong: Experience grace, accountability, and the reminder that you are not alone in this journey.

Ready to Begin?
You don’t have to do this alone. Join the free Awaken Community today and start walking toward freedom, hope, and restoration in Christ.

Join Today

Marriage in 3D Presents: A Tale of Two Brains
2025-09-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Crosswind Church, 640 Lucabaugh Mill Rd, Westminster, Maryland, MD, 21157, United States
Marriage in 3D
Dinner…Dessert…Devotion
On Friday, September 12th, enjoy dinner on your own with your spouse, then join us for dessert at Crosswind Church for our event with comedian, Mark Gungor, an untraditional date-night devotion.

Unlike many traditional marriage events that tend to be overly serious, technical and emotionally taxing, this comedy event is different because it helps couples deal with tough issues in a way that is fun and non-threatening.

Details for the Evening:
Friday, September 12th
5:30pm – Pastor’s Appreciation (invitation only, please see details below)
6:00pm – Doors Open for Dessert and Fellowship for the general public.
7:00pm – Program begins

Tickets:

Regular: $25 per person

Group Rate (10+ couples): $20 per person + priority seating (contact Kaycee@mrecenter.org for assistance.)

**No refunds. Space is limited—get your tickets early!**

Bonus Feature: Pastor Appreciation Night
Pastors and their spouses attend FREE – includes exclusive pre-event appetizers and a meet & greet with Mark Gungor! Use the discount code provided by MREC to access your discount. Need a code? Email your church name and position title to Kaycee@mrecenter.org.

Register Now!

Group Registration

"Care and Grow" Training Course
2025-09-08 18:30 - 2025-11-17 20:00 | Carroll Nonprofit Center, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Care & Grow: A Training Course for Church Leaders Supporting Marriages
Presented by the Marriage and Relationship Education Center (MREC)
Location: Carroll Nonprofit Center, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, MD 21157
Introductory Cost: $75 per individual couple or $150 (covers up to three couples per church)
Dates: September 8 – November 17, 2025
Contact: kaycee@mrecenter.org | (410) 386-9003

At last — a dedicated training resource for lay leaders serving couples in the local church!

Care & Grow is an 11-week marriage ministry training course created by MREC, a nonprofit organization comprised of certified marriage educators passionate about equipping churches to support healthy, thriving marriages.

This course is specially designed for church small-group leaders, ministry couples, and anyone serving in a marriage-support role.

Whether you’re already walking with couples or just getting started, this training will offer a blend of biblical foundation and practical relationship tools to help you lead with confidence and care.

What You Can Expect:
Care & Grow combines at-home learning with in-person gatherings, offering flexibility while creating space for deep connection, discussion, and community. Each session is based on real-world challenges that many couples face and will empower you to support others through them.
Over the 11 weeks, you’ll walk through topics such as:

Growing together as a couple

Conflict resolution

Communication

Finances

Intimacy

Roles and expectations

Family dynamics

The training is designed to equip the Caring Couple (those in a leadership/mentor role) to support the Growing Couple (those they are guiding) with wisdom, grace, and biblical encouragement.
Through this process, both couples will strengthen their own marriages as they grow together in faith and relationship.

Course Schedule:

September 8 – At-Home

September 15 – In-Person

September 22 – At-Home

September 27 – In-Person

October 6 – At-Home

October 13 – In-Person

October 20 – At-Home

October 27 – In-Person

November 3 – At-Home

November 10 – In-Person

November 17 – In-Person

If you’re a pastor, lay leader, or couple looking to build a thriving marriage ministry in your church, this training is for you. Don’t miss the opportunity to invest in your marriage and your ministry.

Registration for this event is closed. For information on our training dates for the spring, email kaycee@mrecenter.org.

"Care & Grow" - Information Meeting
2025-08-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Carroll Nonprofit Center, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
We’re excited to share an upcoming opportunity that we believe will be a valuable addition to your ministry to couples. The Marriage & Relationship Education Center (MREC) will be launching a new marriage mentor training program called Care and Grow this fall, and you are invited to save the date and plan to attend to learn more about this opportunity at an upcoming informational meeting.

Informational Meeting Details:
Date: Thursday, August 7th, 2025
Time: 10:00–11:00 AM (coffee and donuts provided)
Location: The Carroll Nonprofit Center (255 Clifton Blvd, Westminster)

Care and Grow is an 11-week training program, that will be offered on Mondays from September 8th – November 17, 2025. It specifically designed to equip seasoned couples within the local church to be a Caring Couple and come alongside younger, Growing Couples. This training will be led by our MREC staff and Pastor Bill Brown, from Westminster Baptist Church, and will provide Biblical instruction and practical skills focused on six core areas of marriage:

Becoming One

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Finances

Sexual Intimacy

Family Dynamics

If your church is looking for a way to strengthen marriages and build intentional, Christ-centered mentoring relationships, this training may be just what you need. We hope you’ll join us for the info session to discover how Care and Grow can support your ministry and empower couples to invest in others for God’s glory.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out kaycee@mrecenter.org.

Register

"Building Fathers, Building Futures" Community Round Table
2025-06-12 11:30 - 13:00 | Carroll Nonprofit Center, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Thursday, June 12th
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Lunch served starting at 11:15 AM)
The Carroll Nonprofit Center (255 Clifton Blvd, Westminster)
Featuring Special Guest: James Worthy, National Fatherhood Consultant
FREE Event – Registration Required
Lunch Included

Join us for a powerful lunch hour of connection, conversation, and community as we explore what it means to build stronger families through the power of fatherhood.

Whether you’re a father, mentor, pastor, advocate, or community leader, your presence matters. This roundtable is a space to be heard, be supported, and be inspired—because when fathers thrive, so do our communities.

Why Attend?

Hear from national fatherhood expert James Worthy

Share your voice in an open, supportive space during the breakout

Discover tools, resources, and real strategies for fatherhood success

Connect with others who care about building up families and communities

Seats are limited—secure yours today and be part of a movement that starts with fathers but impacts future generations.

Register Today!

South Carroll Date Night
2025-06-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Maryland
This event is canceled. Please check back for more Marriage in 3D Date Night opportunities.

Western Soirée Benefit - Sponsors
2025-05-31 17:00 - 21:00 | Maryland
Become a Sponsor!

Western Soirée Benefit
2025-05-31 17:00 - 21:00 | Good Feelings Farm, 125 Kate Wagner Road, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Thank You to our Signature Sponsor

Dust off those cowboy boots and join us for a good time while supporting a cause that makes a real difference! Join us at Good Feeling Farms in Westminster for an adults only Western Soirée Benefit, a fundraiser filled with line dancing, foot-stompin’ Western music, and plenty of fun — all to benefit the Marriage and Relationship Education Center, an organization dedicated to providing relationship education so marriages and families thrive!

Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just want to kick up your boots, this night is for you! All proceeds from the event will go directly to supporting the mission of MREC.

What to Expect:

Live Western music
Line dance lessons for all skill levels
Delicious hors devours & food buffet catered by Lone Star BBQ
Yard games
A fantastic opportunity to support a cause that builds stronger, healthier relationships in our community.

RSVP by May 27th and bring your friends, family, and dancing shoes for an unforgettable night!

If you have any questions or if you are wanting to register past the deadline, please reach out to kaycee@mrecenter.org.

Register Today!

Through Thick & Thin: A Community Round Table
2025-03-27 08:30 - 10:00 | Carroll Nonprofit Center, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
You’re Invited to MREC’s Upcoming Round Table Event!
Join us for a practical and helpful discussion with Christian counselors Dr. Ann Shorb, Ph.D., and Bob Rooney as they guide us through a deeper understanding of Personalities and Conflicts in Marriage. Their insights will equip you with practical tools to support the marriages you serve within your community and gain personal insights as well.

This will also be relatable to you if you’re an employer, colleague or friends with married people.

There is NO COST to attend! This is our gift to the community.

But that’s not all! MREC will also be unveiling an exciting new initiative that will transform how churches can better serve and support the marriages within their care. You won’t want to miss this!

A lite breakfast will be served beginning at 8:15.

Register

Adventures in Marriage with LifePoint Church
2025-03-14 18:30 - 2025-03-15 16:00 | Life Point Church, 1701 Emory Rd, Reisterstown, MD, 21136, United States
Registration for this event is closed. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist, please email kaycee@mrecenter.org

Adventures in Marriage is a fun, practical, and critically acclaimed marriage enrichment program.

The workshops focus on building the skills needed for a couple to bond in healthy ways – to remain connected even in the face of difficult conversations and differing perspectives. Through interactive sessions, couples are guided through practical exercises and share valuable insights with one another.

If you and your spouse are looking for ways to increase your understanding of each other and experience significant improvement in your ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, sign up today!

Times:

Friday, March 14h
6:30pm-9:00pm
Saturday, March 15th
8:30am-4:00pm
Cost: $129 per couple, includes meals and materials.

Adventures in Marriage with Neighborhood Church
2025-02-14 18:00 - 2025-02-15 16:00 | Horizon Church, 14 E. Chatsworth Ave, Reisterstown, MD, 21136
Adventures in Marriage is a fun, practical, and critically acclaimed marriage enrichment program.

Increase your understanding of each other
Experience significant improvement in your ability to communicate and resolve conflicts

Times:

Friday, February 14th
6:00pm-Catered Dinner is Served
6:30pm-9:00pm-Workshop
Saturday, February 15th
8:30am-4:00pm
Cost: $129 per couple, includes meals and materials.
Register Here!

Glow Bowl Date Night
2025-02-07 19:00 - 21:00 | South Hanover Lanes, 1767 Baltimore Pike, Hanover, PA, 17331, United States
Roll into love this February for the annual Glow Bowl Date Night! Hosted by the Calvary Bible Church date night team. You and your “pin pal” won’t strike out on romance as you’re bowled over with glowing time together.

No effort will be spared to make this a fun night for you and your love. We are uniting with organizations and churches across the country to host this date night event during National Marriage Week.

Details: $20 registration per couple includes your games and shoes, a few fun activities, and couple time together from 7 – 9.

Registration/check-in table opens at 6:30. However, come as early as you’d like to grab dinner and enjoy fellowship with others.

Child Care: Calvary Bible Church members: please email amy@mrecenter.org to be connected to limited child care options for the evening.

Additional questions? Contact amy@mrecenter.org

Count us in!

Marriage Week Livestreams
2025-02-07 08:00 - 2025-02-14 17:00 | Maryland
Get ready for powerful livestreams each night of National Marriage Week: “Eight Essentials of Lasting Love”
All livestreams will be at 7:00 CST via National Marriage Week’s Youtube Channel. A special viewing link will be sent to you before each event, so click the button below to register for the link.

Livestream topics include:
Friday, February 7 – Family Roots Impact Your Marriage (with our very own Executive Director, Amy M. Gilford)

Are you interested in learning more about the Family Vision Tree Resource?

Click Here to Access the Download

Saturday, February 8 – Building Togetherness While Honoring Individuality
Sunday, February 9 – Becoming Parents!
Monday, February 10 – Coping With Crisis & Adversity
Tuesday, February 11 – Making a Safe Place for Conflict
Wednesday, February 12 – Intimacy in Marriage
Thursday, February 13 – Keeping the Fun Alive
Friday, February 14 – Nurturing Emotions & Romance

Register for the Livestream!

Preparing for Marriage
2025-01-25 08:30 - 16:00 | Carroll Nonprofit Center, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Are You Planning for 5 Years or 50?

Marriage is one of life’s most valuable treasures, and it’s worth investing in. Preparing for Marriage is a dynamic full-day class designed to give you the tools and insights to help your relationship thrive—for a lifetime.

When you sign up for Preparing for Marriage, you and your partner will laugh, learn, and grow together. This experience is more than a class—it’s an investment in your future. You’ll walk away with practical resources and strategies to build a lasting, meaningful partnership.

What’s Covered?

Led by experienced marriage educators, this class covers essential topics, including:

Effective communication and conflict resolution
Understanding family dynamics
Building intimacy and managing finances
Celebrating differences
Fun and intentional date nights—and more!

Who Is It For?

Whether you’re engaged, seriously dating, or newly married, this class is perfect for anyone ready to invest in their relationship.

The Details

Cost: $129 per couple (Includes all materials, an online couple check up inventory and lunch.)
What Couples Are Saying: Check out this video!

REGISTER HERE

Have Questions? Email us at registration@mrecenter.org or call 410-386-9003.

Don’t wait! Build a strong foundation for your future together with Preparing for Marriage

Register Here!

20th Anniversary Celebration
2024-11-09 18:30 - 20:45 | The Portico at St. John, 43 Monroe St, Westminster, 21157
We’re turning 20! Here’s the key details:
Dress: Business Casual
Doors open at 6 p.m. for hors d’oeuvres and fellowship.
Program starts promptly at 6:30 p.m.

This annual dinner and fundraiser will support the ongoing mission of MREC. We will recognize achievements and milestones showing God at work over the last 20 years while casting a vision for the future. Learn how each of us can play a role in impacting families and communities for generations to come.

Registration for this event is closed. If you have accepted an invitation to sit with one of our table hosts and still have not registered, please promptly reach out to Kaycee Wright (kaycee@mrecenter.org).

You’ll hear unique testimonials from Myke and Becky Mottie, Pastor Chris Kaskel, Ms. Catherine Harris (Carroll County Public Schools) – those whose lives have been impacted by our mission of helping marriages and families thrive.

Full - Adventures in Marriage
2024-11-01 - 2024-11-02 | Freedom Church, 2015 Old Liberty Rd W, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
We’re sorry, this event is full. Please contact kaycee@mrecenter.org to add your name to the email list so you can be notified when the next class is scheduled.

Adventures in Marriage is one of the most successful marriage programs in the country. The program is designed to reach married couples across the spectrum – from highly motivated to struggling and stressed.

The program combines the latest research, based on Christian principles, to provide specific, practical, attainable skills for a successful marriage.

Come learn how to create the marriage you have always wanted with the spouse you already have!

Don’t wait! Register today. Questions?

Feel free to email emilybrice16@gmail.com or amy@mrecenter.org

Register Here

The Art of Marriage
2024-10-25 - 2024-10-26 | Calvary Bible Church, 603 Wilson Ave, Hanover, PA, 17331, United States
October 25th: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm; October 26th: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

$40 per couple till October 13th, then $50 per couple

We all crave “the good stuff” in our marriages: resiliency, forgiveness, selflessness, and all the rest.

But how do we practice perfect love in our imperfect marriages?

Whether newly married, blended families, seasoned, or empty nesters, couples in every circumstance will feel understood and equipped by the biblical wisdom, applications, and authentic stories from wise marriage mentors throughout this six-session event.

Lunch is provided.

This event is provided in partnership with Calvary Bible Church, Hanover, PA. Still have questions? Email amy@mrecenter.org

Register Here

Women’s Round Table: Thriving Through Holiday Stress
2024-10-18 09:30 - 11:30 | Carroll Nonprofit Center, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
If a bridezilla is a demanding bride getting ready for her wedding, what do you call a stressed-out woman preparing for the holidays – a Holidayzilla? We’re not exactly sure but one thing we do know is that we don’t want to be that woman!

What’s the solution, Ladies? Come join us on Friday, October 18th, for a morning of connection, encouragement, laughter, and empowerment at our Women’s Round Table event, “Thriving Through Holiday Stress.”

We’ll gather for a light brunch and meaningful conversation focused on helping women navigate the unique challenges of the holiday season in two key areas, expectations, and boundaries.

You’ll learn how these areas can significantly impact the relationships with those you care about most.

Our two special guest speakers are seasoned moms and professionals:

Tricia Duke is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, retired pastor’s wife, mother and grandmother, and mentor to many.
Kaycee Wright is the Communications Director for MREC with a background in marketing and fundraising, the mother of four, a booster’s club president, and a pastor’s wife.

There will also be table talk time to explore these topics.

You’ll leave with a renewed vision for your marriage and family, new friendships, and valuable resources, including a gratitude journal, to support you through the season.

This adult-only event is free of charge but you must register to attend.

Thank you to our event sponsor, Elizabeth McDaniel, NP (443-536-8381; www.multiplychange.com)

Register Here

33 The Series - Authentic Manhood
2024-10-08 - 2024-11-12 | Carroll Nonprofit Center, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Six Week Series: Tuesdays, 7:00 pm

Authentic Manhood is about setting men up to live lives of truth, passion, and purpose. We offer clear and practical Biblical insights on God’s design for manhood that are both refreshing and inspiring.

The Authentic Manhood movement has influenced millions of men around the world. The newest offering is “33 The Series.” It’s a multi-volume, gospel-centered video series that presents the timeless of truths of biblical manhood in a powerful and engaging way.

It includes insightful teaching, inspiring testimonies, expert interviews, and multiple creative features. As a man experiences the 33 series, he will find himself building a vision for Authentic Manhood in his own life that is built on the gospel of Jesus Christ and was modeled by Him in His 33 years on earth.

Meeting at Carroll Nonprofit Center, Suite 317

Sign up by calling David Berry davidberry@dadsworks.org; 443-605-6358

Discover Marriage: Love & Respect
2024-09-29 - 2024-10-27 | Crossroads Westminster, 895 Leidy Rd, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Discover Marriage: Love & Respect (6 weeks)

Sundays, 11:00 – 12:00; September 29th – November 3rd
Hosted by: Crossroads 140, Westminster, MD;

This 6-week class is the perfect next step following the community date night with Ted Lowe. Discover the joy of building a stronger marriage that honors the Lord.

Register Here
