Upcoming MERCI Events
I still remember when Brittany and I first started attending a marriage study at Bob and Carol’s house, before MERCI officially began. I mentioned it to my mom, and her response was, “Well what’s wrong with your marriage?!”
Somehow, investing in your marriage has become taboo, as if it only signals trouble. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Just like there’s wisdom in investing your money to see it grow, there’s even greater wisdom in investing time and energy into your marriage. That kind of intentionality leads to growth, strength, and a more resilient connection.
At MERCI, our heart is to provide God-honoring opportunities for couples to make those investments before there’s a crisis. Because healthy marriages don’t just happen. They’re built, nurtured, and strengthened over time.
Men's Saturday Morning Bible Study
Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study
Join us at the MERCI Barn Saturday mornings (8:30 AM - 10 AM) for a Men’s Bible Study. Reach out to Bob Esham for details: besham68@gmail.com
Godly Wife & Pumpkin Spice - Wives Forum
Join us for our first Godly Wife Forum. We’ll begin with a time of fellowship and a meal, followed by hearing from our panel of five wives. Each will share a short word of encouragement, and then we’ll open the floor for questions from the audience.
Our heart is to encourage you unto the Lord in anything related to being a Godly wife or Christian marriage in general.
Cost is $12 per person.
Panel Speakers:
Tiffany Briles
I am the founder of The Walking Wives, a ministry that teaches wives to love their husbands in a way that glorifies God. My husband, Jesse, and I have been together 15 years and married for 5. The best thing God has done for Jesse and me, has been to give us the ability to face adversity and always come out stronger on the other side. We've walked many paths together in life, but our walk with God has been the best by far and has taken us places we never imagined possible.
Kristin Allen
I’m a wife and mom to two boys ages 8 and 3.5. My family and I live in Charlestown where you’ll find us swimming, hunting, fishing or spending quality time with our family. I’m originally from Toledo, Ohio but love brought me south and boy am I grateful for it! Sunrises are my love language & I enjoy working out and hiking at the park!
Penny Schafer:
Happily married to my husband Alan for going on 17 years, and together we have grown our blended family to include 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and numerous foster children. I am a proud member of Eastside Christian Church, where with my husband we lead a couples life group as well as serve in other areas of the church. Together we started Rings of Faith as marriage mentors, and we are facilitators through Merci. My education and career has always focused on children. Yet, over the last 5 years, I have made the transition over to the special needs department, and these children have stolen my heart. I also dabble in crafting, photography, wedding planning, floral arrangements, and I love to travel.
Brittany Naville
I have been married to my husband Ryan for 14 years. We have four daughters (15, 11, 9, 6) that we have homeschooled since 2006. In 2020 we began mentoring premarital couples with MERCI. In 2024, we accepted the roles of Executive Directors of MERCI. We have walked through betrayal and intimacy insecurities but give God the glory that through his faithfulness we have become stronger on the other side.
Cathy Wheeler
I have been married to her husband Stan 36 years. I have extensive experience helping individuals who have ranged in ages from 14 through 70+ to learn, to sharpen, and to implement valuable personal skills, daily living skills, and relationship skills. I’m retired from public education after serving in various roles in secondary and post- secondary education. Following retirement, I became a certified Prepare/Enrich Marriage Facilitator and Trainer and has been mentoring married and pre-marital couples with her husband Stan at MERCI since 2019. In addition, serves on the board of directors at MERCI. I serve as a Care Mentor at our church, assisting individuals to identify “next steps” in their efforts to navigate difficult life seasons. In addition, facilitates book study groups assisting each group’s participants to actively search for God’s loving assistance each day.
This is a women’s only event. Please ignore “Couples” quantity.
At MERCI, we never want cost to keep couples from investing in their relationship. See the link below for sponsorship.
Understanding Your Pain & Peace Cycle
A strong marriage is the foundation for healthy leadership, family life, and emotional well‑being, yet many couples feel pressure to appear “put together,” often hiding real struggles that quietly drain their relationship.
This RelateStrong workshop helps husbands and wives move from surviving to truly thriving by understanding themselves, each other, and the “us‑ness” that makes their marriage a unique partnership. Across six sessions, couples learn how conflict patterns form through the Pain Cycle, how love and trust deepen connection, how to shift into the Peace Cycle, and how to use the practical “Four Steps” to break unhealthy patterns. The course also celebrates personality differences and teaches couples how to care for their relationship with greater compassion, clarity, and unity. This workshop offers a hopeful path toward restoring marriages to the dynamic, grace‑filled partnership God designed them to be.
At MERCI, we never want cost to keep couples from investing in their relationship. See the link below for sponsorship.
**Event Cancelled** -Testimonies Behind the Matrimonies
Come hear real stories of love, redemption, and faith in action. MERCI invites you to our next Testimonies Behind the Matrimonies with speakers Ryan & Brittany Naville and Alan & Penny Schaefer.
An evening where couples share how God has worked in their marriages through both the joys and the challenges. Take your spouse out to your favorite restaurant for a dinner date and then join us at MERCI for a wonderful evening of encouraging stories topped off with dessert!
Cost is $10 per couple.
Bios:
Alan & Penny Schaefer - Happily married for nearly 17 years with a blended family that has grown to include 6 grandchildren as well as numerous foster children. The Schaefers are proud members of Eastside Christian Church where they lead a life group and volunteer in various areas.
Ryan & Brittany Naville - Have been married for 14 years and have four daughters. It was not until halfway through their marriage that they each made their relationship with the Lord a priority. They look forward to sharing how the Father’s faithfulness allowed them to endure trials that made their marriage stronger.
At MERCI, we never want cost to keep couples from investing in their relationship.
See the link below for sponsorship.
Trivia Date Night
Aug 7th - 6:00 pm - @MERCI
Come on out to MERCI for another fun trivia date night! Northside’s own Jacob Bales will be our guest MC, again bringing humor and fun to the evening. We will have some delicious pub-style food that complements the trivia theme. The cost is $30 per couple. We can't wait to enjoy this fun night with you!
At MERCI, we never want cost to keep couples from investing in their marriage.
See the link below for sponsorship.
Car Show/Family Fun Day - Fundraiser @ MERCI
No registration required
When: July 19th 12–4 PM
Where: MERCI @ 8510 IN-111 Memphis, Indiana 47143
Join us for an afternoon packed with fun for the whole family! We’ll have an informal car show, inflatable bounce house, face painting for the kids, a classic cake walk, live music, and we will be selling burgers & hotdogs hot off the grill to support MERCI. Bring your family, invite your friends, and enjoy a day of fellowship, food, and summer fun @ MERCI.
Summer Couples Bible Study
July 8th-Aug 12th - 6:30 pm - @MERCI
Many couples are active in men’s and women’s Bible studies, but they also long for intentional time to grow closer to God together.
This is an opportunity to do exactly that, to seek the Lord side‑by‑side and strengthen your spiritual unity as a couple.. Join our co-lead couples, Junior & Dawn Waterbury and Ty & Jennifer Anderson, this Summer on Wednesdays (July 8th - Aug 12th) for a couples Bible study, through the book of Colossians, designed to strengthen your faith and your relationship.
Atti2de
Ever thought about your attitude?
It might not be your first priority in enhancing your marriage, but intentionally fostering a positive attitude at home can create a peaceful and joyful atmosphere where most marriages flourish.
How do we know this? We've learned through experience!
A positive attitude can eliminate many criticisms, blame, and conflicts, helping you build a habit of encouraging and uplifting each other.
Join Bob and Carol Esham in this workshop to discover how you can transform the attitude in your home.
Marriage on Mission Slime Time Date Night
We always encourage couples to serve together. May 28th we have an opportunity just for that.
Ben and Crystal Woods of The Brave Way Home are teaming up with MERCI for a date night/serve night for couples. We will be making slime to help support "Calla Inspired Projects".
The Woods will share about marriage on mission followed by slime making, cleanup, and an ice cream sundae bar. You may think making slime is child’s play, but it can be tougher than you think.
Please note there will be a lot of standing during the process.
Cost is $15 a couple and this goes toward covering the cost of the slime supplies.
We look forward to serving with you!
At MERCI, we never want cost to keep couples from investing in their relationship.
See the link below for sponsorship.
Marriage Study - The Crazy Cycle
Join us at MERCI as we dive into this 4‑part series by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs on Wednesday’s in May to explore why so many marriages fall into cycles of conflict and frustration, both in and outside the church. Blending biblical teaching with scientific insight, he helps couples understand the deeper meaning behind each other’s complaints and shows how love and respect work together to break what he calls the Crazy Cycle. The goal is to move marriages from dysfunction to thriving relationships aligned with God’s design.
Pizza & Putt Putt Date Night
April 21st - 6:00 pm - @MERCI
Was your last date night a hit in the rough? Here’s your mulligan. Come enjoy an evening designed to help you connect with your spouse, laugh, and make your relationship a hole‑in‑one.
We’ll kick off the night with a short, practical marriage enrichment session. After that, partake in Pizza & Putt Putt provided by The Slice, because nothing brings out teamwork (and friendly competition) like mini golf and good food.
Cost: $25 per couple
At MERCI, we never want cost to keep couples from investing in their marriage.
See the link below for sponsorship.
Trivia Date Night
Mar 13th - 6:00 pm - @MERCI
Come on out to MERCI for a fun trivia date night! Northside’s own Jacob Bales will be our guest MC, bringing humor and fun to the evening. Enjoy delicious pub-style food that complements the trivia theme. The cost is $30 per couple, and we can't wait to enjoy this memorable night with you!
At MERCI, we never want cost to keep couples from investing in their marriage.
See the link below for sponsorship.
Faithful Finances Workshop
Join us for a three‑week workshop series with Financial Advisor Kevin Boehnlein on Thursdays in March (12th, 19th, and 26th). Together, you’ll explore practical ways to steward your finances wisely and see how everyday decisions can be grounded in Biblical principles. Kevin Boehnlein (MBA, AAMS®), a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, will be leading each session. Invest in your marriage today!
Too Blessed To Be Stressed
Too Blessed To Be Stressed
With the Bible as a foundation, couples will examine what causes stress in their marriage and will learn valuable skills to navigate stressful situations within their relationship. Participants will examine their own stressors and learn tools and action steps to manage stress. Areas addressed will include these topics:
Positive Stress and Negative Stress
Effects of Stress
Identifying Stress
Mindfulness and Prayer
Communication
Behavior Change and Positive Habits
Goal Setting
Cathy and Stan Wheeler, the facilitators of the workshop, will help participants complete exercises that will guide conversations within their marriages. They will also provide information on relationship skills that will strengthen the marital foundation.
Valentines Dinner Date Night
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a way that feels meaningful, not complicated. MERCI is having our annual Valentines event, on Feb 7th, designed to nourish your marriage with dinner, dessert, fun, and genuine enrichment, so you can check every box without it feeling like you are simply checking a box. John and Lorie Weires of Growing Your Marriage will be leading the night, bringing encouragement, insight, and a warm atmosphere perfect for married, engaged, & seriously dating couples. It’s a simple, joy‑filled way to invest in your relationship and enjoy the holiday together. Cost is $50 per couple.
At MERCI, we never want cost to keep couples from investing in their marriage. See the link below for sponsorship.
Winter Couples Bible Study
Jan 21st-Mar 4th - 6:30 pm - @MERCI
Start the new year with purpose. Join us Wednesdays in January for a couples Bible study designed to strengthen your faith and your marriage. We will have 6 Wednesday night sessions through the book of 1st John. Look forward to seeing you!
Pastor & Spouse Date Night
Jan 13th - 6:00 pm - @MERCI
Pastors, this night is for you & your spouse. On Tuesday, January 13th @ 6:00pm step away from the planning and pressure, and simply enjoy an evening with your spouse. Enjoy a date night with dinner, dessert, laughter, and a little magic. A night, where you’re not in charge… and you and you’re spouse are recharged!
Free to Register (limited to 3 couples per church)
Pumpkin Carving Date Night
🎃 Pumpkin Carving Date Night 🎃
Tuesday, October 21
6:30–8:30 PM
at the MERCI Barn
Grab your favorite flannel and your favorite person for a cozy, creative night out! Join us for a fun-filled evening of pumpkin carving, laughter, and fall treats designed just for couples. Whether you're a carving pro or just here for the cider and conversation, this is the perfect way to connect and celebrate the season together.
We'll provide the pumpkins, tools, and snacks—you bring the creativity and your date!
Cost: $35 per couple
Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon! Let’s make some memories and maybe a few jack-o’-lantern masterpieces.
REGISTRATION CLOSED - Navigating Adversity in Marriage
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines adversity as a state or instance of serious or
continued difficulty or misfortune.
Many factors cause adversity in marriages. Sometimes adversity is internal, within the marital relationship. However, a variety of outside factors can also cause adversity. These factors include such things as physical or emotional health, finances, grief, job loss, and relationships with others. Whatever the cause, navigating adversity is something we all face. If one spouse is going through a difficult period, that will also have an impact on the other spouse. This three-week workshop will cover strategies and tools for effectively navigating through challenging periods. Couples will participate in discussion, share experiences, listen to speakers, watch videos, and complete short written assignments and/or assessments.
Join Cathy and Stan Wheeler for three Tuesday night sessions on September 9th, 16th, & the 23rd from 6:30pm - 8:00pm.
Marriage Expectations
Many enter marriage with certain expectations, hoping for the best. These expectations often stem from family relationships, TV, social media, or other influences. Problems can arise when reality doesn't match these expectations. Join Ryan and Brittany Naville in this workshop as they share how they navigated the gap between reality and expectations. Join us Friday Sept 5th at MERCI!
Testimonies behind the Matrimonies
Join us at MERCI for an inspiring evening as two remarkable couples from our community, David & Rebekah Hall and Ty & Jennifer Anderson, share their marriage journeys and how God has worked through their relationships for His glory. Their powerful testimonies will offer encouragement, wisdom, and insight into navigating marriage with faith and purpose.
We encourage you to enjoy dinner beforehand, then come ready for a night of heartfelt stories and meaningful conversations. The event is $15 per couple, and to end the night on a sweet note, we will serve dessert after the testimonies.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, grow, and be uplifted by the incredible ways God can move in marriage. We look forward to seeing you there!
Glow Golf Scramble
Come on out to the New Albany Golf Course for a night of glow golf fun to help fund MERCI (dinner provided). Sponsorships are available for this scramble via the link above.
MERCI is committed to providing married and pre-marital couples with the tools and skills to experience all that God intended for a biblical marriage. We have been a witness to an 80 percent decrease in divorce for those couples who have reached out to MERCI for help. We thank God for these couples who embraced God’s design for marriage leaving a wonderful legacy for their children and generations to come!
This is a 4 person team scramble. Cost is $300/team. We have a 15 team limit, so register now to reserve your spot!
If you have any questions then send us an email at marriageatmerci@gmail.com
Summer Marriage Study
This summer, we welcome you and your spouse to participate in a marriage study that deepens your connection with God and each other. Using the book You and Me Forever, we will explore the relationship between Christ and the church and its profound impact on marriage. The study begins on Tuesday, July 22nd, and will meet every Tuesday through September 2nd.
Trivia Date Night
Come on out to the MERCI Barn on July 18th at 6:00 PM for an exciting trivia date night with your spouse! Northside’s own Jacob Bales will be our guest MC, bringing energy and fun to the evening. Enjoy delicious pub-style food that complements the trivia theme. The cost is $30 per couple, and we can't wait to share this memorable night with you!
Your Marriage in Light of Eternity
Join us on July 8th for a free workshop led by Ryan and Brittany Naville. Through biblical principles, they will explore how a kingdom-focused marriage fosters a spiritually rich life that glorifies God, strengthening both our faith and our families.
Ephesians 5, husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, giving up his life for her. This sacrificial love is a key aspect of Christ's relationship with the Church and should be mirrored in a husband's love for his wife.
Wives are called to submit to their husbands, similar to how the Church submits to Christ. This submission is not about subordination but about a willing and joyful response to the leadership of the husband, who is to lead in a Christ-like manner.
Understanding marriage as a reflection of Christ and the Church helps believers to see their marital relationship as a sacred covenant that glorifies God and mirrors the ultimate relationship between Christ and His Bride, the Church.
Couples Bible Study
In today's busy world, couples often participate in different groups separately. This summer, we invite you and your spouse to join our couples' Bible study, where you'll have the opportunity to spend quality shoulder-to-shoulder time together. As we delve into the book of Titus, we'll grow closer to God and strengthen our bond with each other. The study begins on Wednesday, May 14, and will continue through July 2.
Send us an email to MarriageAtMerci@gmail.com
if you are interested in joining us!
Atti2de
Ever thought about your attitude?
It might not be your first priority in enhancing your marriage, but intentionally fostering a positive attitude at home can create a peaceful and joyful atmosphere where most marriages flourish.
How do we know this? We've learned through experience!
A positive attitude can eliminate many criticisms, blame, and conflicts, helping you build a habit of encouraging and uplifting each other.
Join Bob and Carol Esham in this workshop to discover how you can transform the attitude in your home.
2 Vital Conversations Most Couples Don’t Have
Join us on February 21 from 6:30 PM to 8:15 PM for a free workshop at the MERCI Barn! Ryan and Jenny Brown, authors of "The Marriage Experience," will lead discussion on these two essential conversations that can help you kickstart your new year!
Ryan, the Executive Pastor of Gatherings, and Jenny, the Online Connection Coordinator at Graceland Church, have a deep passion for marriage and are dedicated to creating a space where couples can connect deeply through gospel-centered conversations. Married since 2004, they have two children and enjoy regular coffee shop hops and serving together in their church's marriage ministry.
Valentine Date Night
Join us on February 8th for a delightful date night hosted by MERCI, featuring dinner, games, laughter, and practical marriage tips. Our Valentine's event is the perfect opportunity for married and engaged couples to connect, share joy, and strengthen their relationship. Don't miss out on this memorable evening!
Registration for this event is closed
Financial Peace
When debt isn't in your way, you can comfortably live life. And here's the great news: You can achieve it with the right plan. That's exactly what you'll discover in Financial Peace. Join us for 9 Tuesday sessions where we will teach you how to have financial peace. The first class will begin February 4th - April 1st @ the MERCI barn
*Only one sign up per couple is necessary*
Only $60 for the First 10 to sign up!
($100 per household after first 10 sign-ups)
Slime Time Date Night
We encourage married, engaged, and dating couples to serve together. January 17th we will have an opportunity for just that at the MERCI Barn.
Ben and Crystal Woods of The Brave Way Home are teaming up with MERCI for a date/service night for couples. We will be making slime to help support "Casa Calla", a special project created by Forget Me Not Ministries.
We will have a teaching, with snacks, followed by slime making, cleanup, and dessert. You may think slime making is child’s play, but slime making can be tougher than you might think. Please keep in mind there will be a lot of standing.
Cost is $20 a couple and goes toward slime supplies, snacks, and supporting The Brave Way Home. Scroll down for the Event Signup.
Event Signup
Comedy Night with Shawn Reynolds
David and Penny Hudson of MERCY, in Kentucky, are hosting a, clean stand-up, comedy date night with Shawn Reynolds in La Grange, KY. Cost is $35 per couple. If you would like to register please click the link below to sign up on their website.
Shawn is a nationally recognized comedian whose Dry Bar Comedy
specials have amazed millions of viewers. He has toured with Tim Hawkins,
and is the winner of the “Funniest Comic East of the Mississippi” competition.
