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Northwest Marriage Week 2005
February 6-14
Marriage – it’s the pinnacle of all human relationships, the glue that holds families together, and the very foundation of our society. And now more than ever before, we need to come together to honor the institution of marriage, invest in our own marriages, and celebrate the joys of marriage with our family, friends and community.
 That’s why the theme of Northwest Marriage Week 2005 is “I Believe in Marriage.” When individuals, couples and communities come together to honor, celebrate and encourage marriage, the institution is strengthened and more couples begin to find happiness and success in their marital relationships. And when that happens, everyone benefits... especially our children.
Last year, 135 churches and community organizations from 45 different cities and 15 counties in Washington, Oregon and Idaho participated in Northwest Marriage Week. Marriage-enriching seminars and events occurred throughout the region, a Marriage & Family Agreement was signed by more than 40 churches in Southeast Tacoma, and more than ten thousand people heard messages on marriage in their churches on “Marriage Message Sunday.” Proclamations for Northwest Marriage Week were even signed by the governor of Idaho and the mayor of the city of Nampa, Idaho.
 But despite the incredible response from communities to last year’s celebration, Northwest Marriage Week 2005 promises to be bigger than ever. Two communities (Portland, OR and Puyallup, WA) will be hosting seminars to launch a “10 Great Dates” initiative during that week, an innovative marriage enrichment program from relationship experts David and Claudia Arp. Dozens of churches are planning on giving marriage-themed messages on Feb. 6th and 13th and a regional “marriage covenant” retreat will be held in Redmond, WA during the week.
In addition to the many events and seminars taking place, Families Northwest will be asking individuals and couples throughout the region to sign the “I Believe in Marriage” statement to help send the message to the Washington State Legislature that Washingtonians believe marriage should be preserved and strengthened, not redefined.
Whether you are married or single, you play a crucial role in making this weeklong celebration of marriage a success. Your actions to celebrate and honor marriage, combined with the efforts of thousands of others across the Northwest, will help preserve and strengthen marriage and turn the tide on family breakdown. Please start planning now how you can be a part of Northwest Marriage Week 2005!
Northwest Marriage Week 2005 is an initiative of...
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