Stepfamilies
So you're a stepfamily now. Well, have you discovered that your family doesn't much resemble the Brady Bunch? If so, you're not alone. Combining two families into one is almost always a real challenge! But the payoffs of persevering can be great. And the good news is that you don't have to reinvent the wheel here. You can draw upon the experience, wisdom and support of other people that have walked, or are now walking, the same road you are on. Here are some valuable resources that you can take advantage of:
Special Classes & Workshops for Stepfamilies
The information about Marriage Enrichment Events is presented in the following format:
Name of Program
City of Event
Providing Organization
|
Dates
Cost
|
Contact Name
Telephone Number
E-Mail Address
|
|
Fullerton
|
Every Sunday morning
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
N/C
|
Carri or Gordon Taylor
|
|
Irvine
|
Every 3rd. Saturday
5:00pm - 7:00pm
No Charge
|
Cindy Western
(949) 854-7030 ext. 380
|
Step Family Ministry
Irvine
|
Every 3rd. Saturday
5:00pm - 7:00pm
No Charge
|
Tony and Tamera Richard
(949) 981-1172
|
|
Fullerton
|
Sunday's Jan 29 - March 26
11:30am - 1:00pm
$189 per couple
|
Sheri Moody
(714) 529-5544
|
Regularly Scheduled Meetings
For remarried couples, those thinking about it and anyone impacted by stepfamilies.
Definition of a stepfamily: Where one or both partners bring one or more children of any age, whether or not the children live with them.
Every Sunday morning - 11:30 am to 12:30 pm/ 2904 N. Brea Blvd, Fullerton, CA (North Campus)/ Room NC 110.
For more information email Carri or Gordon Taylor at cgtaylor@cgtaylor.com.
Here's an ongoing group for all ages of blended families that meets monthly for fun, fellowship, mutual support and education. By linking up with other remarried couples, you'll discover that others have faced the issues you're facing, and you can learn from one another how to work through them. This group meets on the second Saturday of each month from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Contact Mary Jane and Bill Peterson at 714-680-6125 or
gastationbldr@aol.com.
"The Blended Family Ministry meets on the third Saturday of the month from 5 to 7 pm in a new room "Above the Worship Center". The ministry is a study group designed for those in stepfamilies, considering remarriage or divorced with children. Topics include stepfamily development, ex-spouses, step parenting, discipline and the difficulty of merging finances. Contact Tamera Richard at (949) 981-1172 or Cindy Western at (949) 854-7030, x380 or by e-mail at
CWestern@MarinersChurch.org.
Remarriage Preparation Workshop: Carri &Gordon Taylor
First Evangelical Free Church, 2904 N. Brea Blvd. (North Campus Rm 100), Fullerton, CA 92635
January 29– March 26, 2006 (9 Sundays) 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
To register contact: Sheri Moody at 714.529.5544 x501 or email sheri.moody@evfreefullerton.com
Three assessments will be given and explained as part of the workshop:
True Colors: Temperament (Personality) Identification
DiSC Indra: In Depth Relationship Assessment Identifying Behavioral Styles
Prepare-MC: Identifies Strength and Growth Areas in 13 Significant Issues for Couples: Personality Issues; Family of Origin and Couple Styles
These assessments are taken online. When payment is made for the workshop, the email access codes will be sent out to each individual.
For more information on the Assessments click here.
Recommended Readings
How to Win as a Stepfamily - by Emily & John Visher
A best-selling clearly-written, optimistic handbook for prospective and current stepfamilies providing solid information, practical suggestions and comforting support. Relationships old and new are explored with telling examples and sensible advice. A real must-read!
The Smart Stepfamily: Seven Steps to a Healthy Family - by Ron L. Deal
"Ron Deal has given the church and stepfamilies a real gem. Ron compassionately and competently describes the spiritual and relational challenges facing stepfamilies. He provides practical and wise instruction for successfully navigating the stepfamily journey. The Smart Stepfamily is the best book available for stepfamilies that I've seen. I'm convinced it will prove to be a valuable resource for stepfamilies. Buy it, read it, and share it with a friend." - from the review by Dennis Rainey, Executive Director, FamilyLife
