Is the process of making detailed plans and dreams just a platform for disappointment when things turn out differently? That depends on what sort of details. We look forward to sharing the insights we've gathered from other relationships along the way, and how they've played out in our marriage.
Robin and Graham
We met at college in Ohio during a rehearsal for a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta. We've been married to each other for 18 years, including working identical jobs in Florida and studying for the same degrees in England. For over a decade we've been happily settled near Bryn Athyn as we juggle a pair of careers in music, adding a pair of children to the mix in recent years.
Join us for an open discussion of death, dying, and any kind of end-of-life issue. We follow the model of the international "Death Café," which is just a space in which to share any thoughts or feelings about a topic that is still considered taboo by many people. And yet death is such an integral part of our lives! We've been having gatherings like this almost every month for over two years, and each one has been unique and touching. The people who show up create the conversation, and people leave feeling grateful for the opportunity.
Chara Cooper Daum
I've lived in Bryn Athyn most of my life, engaging in teaching, translating, music, and making connections. Currently, I enjoy talking to people from all over the world in the comment section of the Off The Left Eye YouTube channel, leading "Death Café" gatherings, and spending time with my grandchildren.
In this workshop we'll go through together and discuss a few exciting, interesting, helpful, and mystifying numbers from Swedenborg's writings about this spiritually vitally important thing called marriage.
Curtis Childs
I am the Chief Visionary Officer at the Swedenborg Foundation and the creator and host of the Off The Left Eye media brand. I live in Bryn Athyn with my wife, Brooke, and my daughter, Sydney. I love all things Swedenborg.
Empathy makes you smarter! Discover how cutting edge technology employs active listening to compute the most intelligent responses. In this interactive workshop, we'll explore effective communication habits, like taking the time to reflect what has been said before moving on. Participants will engage in a hands-on simulation where AI serves as a mediator for resolving conflicts, providing insights and practical strategies to improve dialogue in everyday life. Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your bond or navigate difficult conversations, this session offers a fresh perspective on the art of communication.
Zach Odhner
He is a passionate advocate for combining technology and human connection, specializing in using artificial intelligence to enhance communication, foster understanding, and navigate conflict in meaningful relationships.
Join us, Steven and Aaliya Gunther, for an engaging discussion focused on strengthening marriages amidst life’s inevitable chaos. Whether you’re juggling the demands of raising children, advancing your career, going back to school, moving, or navigating a combination of these challenges, it's all too common to find ourselves in "survival mode," where daily responsibilities can overshadow our marital connections with one another. During these times, it’s crucial to prioritize the relationship with your spouse, fostering growth together rather than letting it slip to the back burner.
In this workshop, we will lead an engaging and open discussion, inviting participants to share their personal experiences of navigating life in survival mode and its effects on their marriages. Together, we’ll explore strategies to prioritize our relationships, even during those times when we feel overwhelmed by life’s demands. Following this exchange, we will guide attendees through a meaningful activity focused on reconnecting with one’s spouse. Our goal is for everyone to leave the workshop feeling rejuvenated and equipped to tackle life’s busyness and chaos while walking hand-in-hand with their partner, nurturing a thriving and resilient marriage.
Steven and Aaliya Gunther
We have been married for eight years and share a strong commitment to each other and our family. Aaliya holds a master’s degree in special education and is currently a stay-at-home mom to their four children, ages 2 to 8, while Steven serves as the Acting Pastor of the Oak Arbor Church near Detroit, Michigan, where they’ve lived since 2022.
Throughout our journey together, we have successfully navigated the complexities of two cross-country moves, pursued higher education, and balanced the demands of work and a young family life. These experiences have not only strengthened our partnership but have also ignited a passionate desire to support other couples as they navigate “love in the trenches.” We take great joy in sharing their insights and strategies and aim to uplift and inspire others to thrive in their own relationships, particularly during life's most challenging seasons.
We will reflect and share about how we experience relationships, parenting, and life in the world as women with ADHD.
- Dealing with guilt and self-criticism
- The importance of an understanding and supportive partner
- ADHD and gender: stereotypes and struggles
Disclaimer: You do NOT need an official ADHD diagnosis to belong here.
Freya Buss
I have been a wife for 6 years, a mother for 9 months, a babysitter for 17 years and an ADHD-haver all my life. I live in Bryn Athyn with my husband, Derek, and daughter, Eleanor.
Marriage, parenting, life…they’re all so hard! So it’s a good thing we’re not in it alone. This session is about how we can help, and be helped by, the people around us. I’ll share a little about my own experiences in this area, and there will be some exercises and group discussion to get you thinking about your own particular needs and strengths, and how to translate these into meaningful action. My goal is to leave you inspired to create and strengthen your own spheres of support and connection!
Charity Warwick
Originally from the United Kingdom, I found a home and community in Bryn Athyn and have been here for the past eight years. I’m married with a four-year-old daughter and therefore navigating that ‘young kids’ life stage. I love to organize all sorts of things – things, spaces, information, events, and people! This means I’m often coming up with excuses to get friends together to focus on a common goal, or just to enjoy each other’s company.
Life is busy and time with your spouse can fall by the wayside. At this workshop we will talk about the importance of spending time together, barriers to spending time together, and the possibility of a more-connected relationship through doing the most important marriage maintenance.
Jennica Nobre
This workshop combines the universal spiritual principles contained within the Ten Commandments with well researched marriage education principles and programs. For example, it will include Couples Dialogue (Harville Hendrix), The Four Horsemen (John Gottman), The New Psychology of Success (Carol Dweck), The Paradox of Sacrifice (Scott Stanley), and others. Join us as we discover how the divinely ordered sequence of the Ten Commandments can provide a heavenly curriculum for entering the spiritual dimensions of marriage. "True love in marriage with its delights comes solely from the Lord and is given to those who live according to His commandments." –Emanuel Swedenborg, Conjugial Love 534
In 1986, Ray and Star became certified Marriage Enrichment Trainers (Association of Couples for Marriage Enrichment), studying with David and Vera Mace, the founders of the marriage enrichment movement. They have also completed training sessions in PREP: Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (with Susan Blumberg, Scott Stanley, and Howard Markman), PAIRS : (with Lori Herman Gordon), Imago: Couplehood as a Spiritual Path (with Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt), Life Coaching with Couples (with Patrick Williams and Lisa Kramer), and The Ultimate Relationship Program (with Tony Robbins and Chloe Madanes). They have presented at Smart Marriages in Boulder and San Francisco on The Spiritual Dimensions in Marriage and are planning another book in the Rise Above It series. This next book will be Rise Above It: Spiritual Development for Couples.
Ray and Star
We have been married since 1976. We have seven children and thirteen grandchildren. We currently live in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania.
I will lead us in a series of all-levels poses designed for couples and groups to stretch, sweat, and work together for fun and for fitness! Please bring a mat, water, blocks if you have them, and wear clothes you can bend, stretch, and move in (no jeans!!!). Expect a fun, lighthearted class, fine for beginners or experienced yogis.
Melissa Kloc Bowyer
I am a yoga teacher trained in Vinyasa yoga from YogaPod LoDo in Denver and in pre and postnatal/geriatric yoga from Dig Yoga studio in Lambertville.
I want to share my story / journey of how expectations in my marriage, with the role of my spouse, and unrealistic expectations of myself have not led to happiness. Being open, patient, and accepting has healed and enriched my marriage. Of course, all of the progress and joy is dependent on my faith in the Lord and acting with a loving mind and heart.
Kimberely Poole Adams
I attended ANC (GS '79) and BA College, formerly ANC College (AA '82). I married Randy Adams in 1982. After living in California, Arizona, and Connecticut we have been settled in Bryn Athyn for 36 years. We have 4 grown children, 2 are married, and a grandson. I am retired, pursuing a "second act" as a fiber artist. I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Their first year of marriage was hard. As a young couple there was an unspoken expectation that, “my spouse loves me therefore they know what I need.” Brendan and Erika learned uncommunicated expectations where resentments were waiting to happen. After therapy and hard work they built a foundation of expressing their wants and needs. That foundation was really tested when Brendan got diagnosed with a debilitating nerve condition when the twins were just one year old. This difficult time taught the couple about the importance of communication, especially the true value of being heard and understood. In this workshop Brendan and Erika will share their story and the tools they have learned.
Brendan and Erika Pitcairn
We have been married for 11 years and have identical twin boys who are nine. We love going for bird walks and playing board games.
When relationship challenges come up, what do you use to help restore a sense of mutual love and respect? We rely on a few trusty, well-used tools that come in very handy, especially in three situations: when we need to listen to each other more acutely than normal, when we need to carefully show more empathy, and when conversation between us takes a negative spin.
In this workshop, we want to share a little of the theory behind these tools as well as our experience of them. We will encourage participants to try them briefly. And we will invite everyone to share key tools that have been helpful in your experience.
Nathan and Élise Gladish
We have a few things up our sleeves after participating eagerly in many workshops, conferences, and marriage groups since 1980 in support of our love of marriage in general and our ongoing interest in encouraging a healthy relationship.
Make several angels from sheep’s wool. No sewing or previous experience with wool is needed. So easy even a 5th grader can do it.
Sheep, and therefore their wool, represent innocence. It is our innocence (willingness to be led by the Lord) that enables the Lord to lead us to Heaven. These angels will be a lovely tangible representation of this.
All materials will be provided. It would be nice if you bring a favorite quote or thoughts about angels and/or correspondences of color to share with the group.
Gretchen Lee Glover
I am married to Andrew Glover, and we have two grown children.
I was born in B.A., went through the school K- College then started at the bottom again in kindergarten. I spent most of my 32-year teaching career there. It was through a Christmas project that I was introduced to wet felting and then needle felting. I fell in love with the medium and have been exploring it ever since. I enjoy creating many things but especially angels and Christmas, Easter and June 19th representations. Google GCED HEARTFELT for examples.
My kids are grown... What the heck do I do now?!? Come talk about what parenting looks like after kids are 20.
Naomi Haus-Roth
I was director of Mitchell Performing Arts Center for 23 years. Now I work at McArthur Theater. I am married to Kevin Roth and we have three grown children.
Geocaching is a simple outdoor game, a worldwide scavenger hunt.
To get started download the app Geocaching
- select a cache on the map near you
- head out into nature
- locate a small waterproof container
- sign your name
- bask in the glory of nature and your keen searching skills!
Join Ryan and Adriann Glunz for an Introduction to Geocaching.
Great for families and couples of all ages.
We will caravan to the Pennypack parking area on Byberry Rd.
Then walk north along the trail looking for geocaches that are hidden every 10th of a mile!
Save time by downloading the $7 app, Geocaching, on your phone, and create a geocachers name for yourself/team. Bring a pen to sign the logbook, tucked within each cache.
Ryan and Adriann Glunz
We are partners in business and marriage. We started Be Well Bakery together in the Spring of 2012 and wed that fall. We have 3 school age children, Rosie, Emmy and Wild Bo.
In our free time we enjoy a good meal and coffee and getting outside to explore this great wide world. Since 2011, we have gecoached together, from Philadelphia to Portland, Key West to San Francisco and most recently Hawaii, finding 1050+ caches together. Join us for some outdoor exploration.
How can two people be fully united in love while maintaining their autonomy and freedom? How can we balance the desire to help other people with the need to help ourselves? How do we approach others with humility without getting mired in low self-esteem? We will consider how to resolve these and other dilemmas that can trouble relationships.
John Odhner
I have been married to a marriage guru (Lori) for 44 years. We have 9 grown children and love these marriage conferences.
Inspired by both my Danish heritage and a Cathedral children’s talk I heard recently about marriage, I am offering a workshop on making red and white woven Scandinavian hearts. We will use both paper and felt. You do not need to be crafty or artsy to participate. Bringing a scissor would be helpful – either paper or fabric scissor. This is supposed to be both fun and insightful. We may make individual hearts out of different materials and/or the group can work together to make garlands of hearts to decorate the dinner venue!
Andrea Cranch
I have been married to Bradley Cranch for 33 years. We have 4 adult children. Our 3 sons all got married this summer and we are expecting our first grandchild in March! Bradley and I started Cranch Landscapers over 20 years ago and are in the process of having our son Benjamin join forces with us and eventually carry the business forward on his own. I work part time at BACS as a classroom aide. We live at the end of Sycamore Road in the house that Bradley was born in. We love the woods that surround our home. Last year Bradley built a beautiful pond in our backyard to provide a backdrop for the rehearsal dinners we hosted. Now we’re scheming on creating a children’s garden! When we’re not thinking gardens, we enjoy being in the kitchen cooking and baking or supporting our daughter Kirsten in her baking endeavors – Every Last Crumb. We love to entertain family and friends in our home.
You can expect there will be coffee, thanks to Bradley, and treats, thanks to Kirsten, at this workshop! Location will be at our house where we can work and talk around our large dining room table. There may also be a wedding photos slideshow!
This workshop is intended for those who have little woodworking experience and who would enjoy working on a simple project that can be completed in one session (with a little finish-up work at home). Materials and instructions will be provided. Not only will you end up with a stool to take home, but you will also hopefully have fun and gain skills in working with wood.
Eric Carswell
I’ve been doing woodworking (initially very poorly) from upper elementary school age on. I enjoy working with my hands and producing attractive and useful items. I think anyone can be successful with this project.
This session is for anyone who does not mind getting their hands dirty. Clay is a wonderful material with endless possibilities but is a bit messy in the process. I will demonstrate wheel throwing and if wanted, center the clay for you, then the rest is up to your imagination. What you make can be fired if you wish, with a pickup date after a few weeks to be arranged.
Dave Deibert
I have been potting for over 51 years, specializing in mainly large stoneware functional bowls and architectural lighting forms. I studied at Hood College masters level pottery courses and throw in Asian style (wheel rotating clockwise) working out of my home studio in my spare time.