Book now to host this event!

Your church or ministry organization can host the God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars couples’ event based on the book by Julia M. Bruce. The GLMW event is a fun and interactive event that will challenge the married couples in your church to intentionally cultivate their marriage as they invest daily through the activities and guided discussions about God’s design for marriage.

You will not want to miss hosting this event.

Event will be led by the author.

Building a Godly, healthy, strong marriage takes work. Yet many marriages — even Christian marriages — leave God outside of the relationship. Godly marriages do not happen without intentionally cultivating it, investing in it, and learning to put God first in your individual lives and in your marriage. We believe that one of the main missing ingredients in most marriage retreats and seminars is they are not teaching the importance of making God the first priority in marriage and individual lives and without God, marriages are more likely to fail. But when the marriage is forged with Godly and Biblical principles that are applied to both the marriage and the individuals, marriages are not only stronger, but so is the whole family. This, in turn, leads to healthier societies.

When couples attend other marriage retreats and conferences, they often get valuable information but when they return home, they rarely apply what they learn. However, when they combine the GLMW Event with the GLMW book, they get a year’s worth of intentional marriage-building instruction through guided Bible study and activities. They can also join the GLMW Facebook community where they can interact with other couples who are working through the book and join the daily discussions to further strengthen their marriage.

This event helps couples understand why the daily activities found in the book will equip them to build a stronger marriage and the book provides them with 365 intentional activities to take what they learn at the event and apply it on a daily basis. Through the event, couples will discover the “why” behind the categories of activities found in the book and “how” these activities are important to building a stronger marriage. Focus points of the event includes :

• How memorizing scripture and digging into God’s Word together  will help them develop marriages that honor God as they study, meditate and apply scriptures related to marriage and life issues.
• Why utilizing fun conversation starters that spark meaningful conversations will keep interest alive as they continually learn new things about each other.
• Why keeping romance alive is essential to intimacy and connectivity.
• How making memories and working together builds relationship investment bonds and how these investment bonds can become the knots that keeps them together through the tough times.
• How they can understand what they are or are not contributing to the marriage as well as how they might be contributing to problems or potential problems within the relationship through the use of targeted, intentional personal reflections
• Why it is important that couples never stop dating and how group dates with Christian friends can be both an encouragement and accountability to their own relationship.

During the event, couples will be given an activity from each focus point to do together, making this event an interactive, fun, and engaging event with practical, hands-on learning.

Each couple will receive a copy of the God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars book signed by the author. For more information on hosting this event, complete the online form below..

We prefer a minimum of 25 couples so that the interactive activities are more fun and so couples can encourage, challenge, and learn from one another. Smaller churches can get with other area churches and co-host the event, so please don’t let our minimum preference prevent you from holding this event. We want to strengthen as many marriages as we can. If you are unable to collect 25 couples, contact us anyway and if we are going to be at a location near you, we will still come and lead this event or provide you with the information of the larger event near you that your church will be able to join.

To check available dates, request more information, or book now, please complete the online form below:

Check out this page to learn more about the God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars book.

Available in hardback, paperback and ebook from Westbow Press Bookstore, Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Click the icons below to purchase from your preferred bookstore.

Your church’s or ministry’s investment:

• This event is best held as a Friday evening and all day Saturday event, but can be tailored for a smaller event and shorter time.
• We recommend that the host site provide 4 meals and 2 snacks, which includes beginning the event with dinner on Friday night and then breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday with a morning and afternoon snack on Saturday. Based on the financial situation of your church, you can build this expense into the price you charge per couple or provide it out of your church/ministry budget. Find ways to keep costs down, such as simple meals like spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread and see if local grocery stores will donate items such as one of the snacks or meat for one meal. You can then insert a “thank you” into your event program.
• Provide bottled water, tea, sodas to be available throughout the event.
• Travel expense for the event speaker to include hotel, meals not part of the conference, and either airfare and rental car or $0.50 per mile for driving as calculated by google maps (whichever is the lesser expense). Event leader will submit receipts for expenses.
• Conference fee payable to the event speaker: $900 per 25 couples (includes an autographed copy of the GLMW book per couple at the author’s discounted price), which equals $36 per couple. A non-refundable $250 booking fee is due at time of booking and will be subtracted from the total fee. Half of the remaining fee is due six weeks prior to the event. Balance will be due the day of the event. Should the event be cancelled by the church or ministry organization, fees are refundable (expect for the booking fee) up to two weeks prior to the event. It is preferred to reschedule the event instead of cancelling. Should the event leader cancel, all fees (including booking fee) will be refunded if a date to reschedule is not available.
• The church/ministry site will be responsible for determining the cost per couple, collecting fees, and obtaining RSVPs. To determine a cost per couple, estimate your total expenses and divide it by the estimated number of couples you expect to attend. Utilize volunteers as much as possible to keep the cost down. We also encourage you to seek out members willing to sponsor/scholarship another couple so that couples on a tight budget are able to attend. After setting your fee, set a low cost (approximately $25 per couple) as a sign-up fee. Half of the remaining amount due should be paid to you by eight weeks prior to the event. The remaining amount should be paid to you by two weeks prior to the event. If you wish, you can set additional payment dates along the way, to break up the expense and make it easier for couples to afford.
• The event leader will need access to the event site early Friday morning for set up and would appreciate volunteers on site to help.
• The GLMW team would need space to set up a place to sell products.
• Get buy-in from your pastoral and ministry staff. Your members will see the importance of attending if the pastoral/ministry staff attends.
• Consider setting up an on-line registration through your church’s website with payment by credit or debit card. You could also choose to set a discount if they pay in full.
• Consider setting up a mobile app for your event. The app could include a speaker bio, information about the praise and worship team, the event schedule, resources, social media, registration and payment, business and individual sponsors, a place to donate for event scholarships, and an appreciation for all your volunteers.

Optional Ideas For an Enhanced Experience:

• End the event with a group marriage vow renewal service led by your pastor. (If your pastor also wishes to participate in the marriage vow renewal, ask a pastor from a neighboring church to lead this) You can choose to follow this with a wedding-style reception with wedding cake, punch, and light finger foods, if you wish. You could also make this part of your Sunday morning service with a pot-lunch following the service.
• Inform smaller churches in your area that you are hosting the event and invite them to join you.
• Invite a praise and worship team/band from another local church to lead your group on Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening. Consider offering them a free or discounted price to attend the event.
• Allow couples to invite family and friends to the vow renewal service and reception.
• Network with area restaurants and businesses to provide gift cards or passes that you can use to either provide each couple with at least one gift card or pass for a date night or create themed gift baskets with the cards/passes you receive that you can use as random give-aways throughout the event. You could also get donations from stores to make the gift baskets. Plan to acknowledge companies that donated items, gift cards, or passes at the event either on paper handouts or electronically via media projection. Be sure to send a thank you card to each company that donates.

Optional expenses or  ways to utilize volunteers within your church/ministry organization:

• Workers to provide child care for children under 12.
• Plan a ministry project or fun event for teens at the same time as the event or use them as some of your volunteers for this event.
• Kitchen staff to prepare and serve meals
• Parking attendants (for larger events)
• Media staff to manage sound and media projection
• Purchase a GLMW welcome bag for each couple (includes a GLMW notebook and pen for taking notes, a GLMW Event t-shirt, and an informational page about the GLMW Facebook community page). You will need to collect shirt sizes with your registration. If you choose not to purchase the welcome bag, we are able to offer the t-shirts and notebooks for sale at the event. Price for welcome bag TBD.
• Purchase of printed official GLMW publicity package (prices TBD) or utilize our downloadable graphics (coming soon!) to create your own publicity.
• As soon as you book the event, begin promoting it on your church’s website. Speak with local radio stations about a free public service announcement. If your denomination has state and/or local offices, talk to them about putting it in their newsletters and websites if you want to invite the general public. Talk with area churches and see what other churches might want to participate. This will increase your attendance at the event as well as your pool of volunteer possibilities.
• If you would like to plan the event as a weekend “get-away,” the church/ministry organization would secure the venue and build the expense into the cost per couple. Hosting the event at your church/ministry site, will save couples money but can create more work for your staff/ministry teams.
• Purchase our complete GLMW event planning guide for step-by-step planning that includes time frames to keep your event on track and help you organize your teams through the planning process. (guide coming soon).
• You can decorate for this event anyway you wish – or not at all. You can go simple or extravagant. It’s all up to you and what your event budget will allow. You might consider a coffee shop theme which will correspond to the book cover.
• If you struggle with getting enough volunteers, offer them a discounted or free attendance at the event as your budget allows. At the very least, offer them free meals. We also suggest some small token of appreciation for every volunteer.
• Put out a call for vendors to set up booths with either free give-aways or to sell products at your event. You can charge vendors a booth fee that will increase your budget for the event and keep costs down for your attendees. All you need to do is provide a table for each vendor. Should they need access to an electrical outlet, place their table near an outlet and give them a higher vendor fee. Ideas for venders include your local Christian bookstore, members of your congregation that makes/sells crafts of any kind or those that sell products such as Plexus, Mary Kay, etc. Any restaurants or entertainment business (bowling, movies, adventure parks, etc.) in the area could also be invited. If you have a Christian adoption or foster care agency in your area, invite them as well.

Would you consider giving Wellspring a Christmas gift this year? We are raising funds to purchase media equipment need for our ministry. Click here to make your secure, tax-deductible contribution.

Wellspring Christian Ministries is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization.
Thank you for helping us grow!

We hope you have a holly, jolly Christmas this year – and to help you celebrate, here is the another one of our Christmas designs:

Now available in the Teespring store and the Spreadshirt Store.

Product Description:

Christmas trees in red buffalo plaid, reindeer pattern, and red/gray/white plaid with message of “Merry Christmas.”

This design comes in men’s, ladies’, kids’, and infants’ in tees, long-sleeved tees, sweatshirts, and hoodies. There are also several accessories, including mugs, bags, pillow covers, and more. Visit the stores to see all the options. Remember Spreadshirt’s 15% off all products ends December 1. 

Do you like this design? If so, please share this page to your social media using the links at the top of the page so others can find it too. 

 #Christmas #Christmastrees #plaidandraindeer 

Thank you for helping us grow!

Click here to view the Teespring store. 

Click here to view the Spreadshop Store 

#fundraiser #tshirt #WCM #teespring #spreadshop #Christmas

Christmas Items at Christian Book Distributors:

Here are a sample of items from CBD. We are an affiliate of CBD and receive an 8% commission on any product you purchase through these links which we then use to advance our ministry. If you need a Christian gift or looking for Christian Christmas decorations, go to CBD through any link below and search their website for books, Bibles, gifts, decor, and more.

Expecting Christmas: Daily Readings for the Season of Joy By Iron Stream Media Ever wonder what could happen this Christmas if you were truly centered on Christ’s coming? Immerse yourself in this series of devotional readings to help fix your heart on the Savior. Encounter joy as the real reason for the hope within us that comes to fruition, and celebrate his birth anew! Reflection questions included. 127 pages, 4″ x 6.25″ softcover from New Hope.

Nativity Advent Wreath By Wendy Wiinanen / Demdaco Christmas Journey Collection Advent wreath in earthenware, 8″ x 2.5″ with space for four taper candles Christmas Scripture quote is displayed in the center “I am the light of the world. John 8:12” Space in the center if you wish to add a pillar candle Please purchase candles separately since they are not included Explore the biblical story of Christmas with your family and guests as you light the candles each week of Advent Molded relief design in dimensional detail shows the Nativity scene in amazing detail Please be aware this should be washed by hand only Christmas and table Designed by artist WWendy Wiinanen

Foundations, Holy Family LED Figure Figurine By Karen Hahn / Enesco Corporation Holy Family figurine is designed by Karen Hahn for her Foundations Collection One-piece figurine of Joseph and Mary embracing the Christ child Crafted of smooth stone resin in gentle pastels Lavishly embellished with textured fabrics, crystal trims, linen texture, and intricate details Note the loving expressions as Joseph and Mary share this sweet moment together with the newborn Savior Christmas star casts a soft glow over them, illuminated with soft white LED lighting. Figurine is just over 10″ tall; button cell battery is included An heirloom quality keepsake Christmas figurine to treasure

Lighted Silhouette Nativity Wreath White wood nativity wreath with LED lighting, layered dimensional design Intricate laser cut border of snowflakes and stars The soft LED string of lights inside casts just the right amount of glow to showcase the Holy Family and Christmas star in silhouette Wreath is lightweight and easy to hang; operates on three AA batteries which are not included. 12″ diameter x 1″ A unique Christmas accent; above your mantell, on your door; at home or at church

O Holy Night, Lighted Ceramic Decoration Tabletop ceramic Christmas decoration, LED star, with gold lettered sentiment O Holy Night Star with five diamond openings to let the light shine through. 3.75″ x 3.75″; operates on two button-cell batteries which are included. On/off switch on the bottom Creamy ceramic in glossy finish; small space decor; tabletop, shelf, or mantel – a light-up accent; Christian Christmas

The Case for Christmas: A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger By Lee Strobel / Zondervan Who was in the manger that first Christmas morning? Some say he would become a great moral leader. Others, a social critic. Still others view Jesus as a profound philosopher, a rabbi, a feminist, a prophet, and more. Many are convinced he was the divine Son of God. Who was he really? And how can you know for sure? Consulting experts on the Bible, archaeology, and messianic prophecy, award-winning legal journalist Lee Strobel searches out the true identity of the child in the manger. If Jesus really was God in the flesh, then there ought to be credible evidence, including: Eyewitness Evidence – Can the biographies of Jesus be trusted? Scientific Evidence – What does archaeology reveal? Profile Evidence – Did Jesus fulfill the attributes of God? Fingerprint Evidence – Did Jesus uniquely match the identity of the Messiah? The Case for Christmas invites readers to consider why Christmas matters in the first place. Somewhere beyond the traditions of the holiday lies the truth. This little book is perfect as a gift or for use in ministry during the Christmas season or any other time of the year.

A Baxter Family Christmas By Karen Kingsbury / Howard Books The Baxters always spend Christmas together. Each family member struggles with their father’s decision to invite the new owner of their sister’s heart to such a joyous occasion. They may miss out if they choose not to go. Forgiveness doesn’t come easy when it’s yourself you must forgive.

Maggie’s Christmas Miracle, DVD By Karen Kingsbury / Hallmark A single mom, Maggie tries to balance devotion to her son, Jordan, with her career. Then she meets Casey, a tutor who’s becoming more of a father figure to Jordan. With the help of faith and fate, will Maggie discover that anything is possible at Christmas—even finding happiness and love again? Based on the novel by Karen Kingsbury. English subtitles. Closed-captioned. Approx. 85 minutes.

Real Life Nativity Set, Complete Collection, 10.25-inch size Traditional and elegant Real Life Nativity Complete set is truly lifelike in color, design, facial expression, and detail. Set includes 15 figures and lighted stable; figures range to 10.25″ tall.Mary kneels in loving adoration beside the Christ child and Joseph’s expression reflects love and joy. The baby Jesus can be held in Mary’s arms or swaddled in the manger. Kneeling Mary figure is 6″ tall; manger is 2.5″ high and baby Jesus figure is 2.75″ long. Also included: shepherds and angel three-piece set, three kings with gifts of gold,frankincense, and myrrh; pedestal star; four animalsand lighted stable in which to display the Nativity Scene. Crafted of resin, museum quality, heirloom nativity set in representation of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Foundations, Nativity with Creche Set Foundations Collection by Karen Hahn Nativity Set with light-up stable and seven figures. The snow-trimmed roof of the stable is inscribed with Bible verse quote For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.Each figurine is inscribed with Bible verses of the Christmas story from the gospels.

Nativity Set, Sparkle Frost, 11 Pieces, 5 Inches Nativity Set 11 pieces, cast in resin, ranging to 5″ high.What makes this unique? Full color figures; rich detail on all garments and accessories; each piece is coated with a permanent sparkle frost finish. Set includes Holy Family, angel, three kings with gifts, and shepherd with sheep, plus three animals. In the joy of holiday celebrations and family get-togethers, it’s easy to overlook the true meaning of our Christmas. The nativity set turns us to the arrival of the promised Savior, the Messiah, Emmanuel. God with us. In vivid imagery and detail, we see the Christ child in a stable, the Savior of the world has come.

All is Calm All is Bright Pillow Decorator Christmas pillow, 16″ x 16″ Lovely Christmas Collection by Lori Siebert Polyester fiber; panel inset with soft touch greenery design and artisan lettering all is calm. all is bright Wipe clean with damp cloth Soft green

Prince Of Peace Table Runner Prince of Peace Christmas table runner features chalkboard style design with Scripture verse in Christmas tree shaped typography. Cotton canvas runner; 12″ x 72″.His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, Price of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Foundations, Holy Family LED Figure Figurine Holy Family figurine is designed by Karen Hahn for her Foundations Collection One-piece figurine of Joseph and Mary embracing the Christ child Crafted of smooth stone resin in gentle pastels Lavishly embellished with textured fabrics, crystal trims, linen texture, and intricate details Note the loving expressions as Joseph and Mary share this sweet moment together with the newborn Savior Christmas star casts a soft glow over them, illuminated with soft white LED lighting. Figurine is just over 10″ tall; button cell battery is included An heirloom quality keepsake Christmas figurine to treasure

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift–An Interactive Family Celebration of Advent A Family Advent Activity that can be used year after year! Reclaim the wonder of Christmas as you open up this book and watch the tree pop-up! Every day of December, open the enclosed booklet and read your daily love letter from The Greatest Story ever told, right from our beginning in Genesis to our King’s coming under Bethlehem’s star. Know that His love has always, always, always been coming for you! After the day’s reading, fling open the one of the 25 advent doors – and discover that day’s Biblical ornament to hang on your very own tree that will end up telling the grandest Gospel story, from the Beginning to Bethlehem! Features: Beautiful 360°, 14″ Pop-Up Tree Daily Family Devotional Booklet 24 Full-Color Ornaments Star-Shaped Tree Topper

Waiting Here for You: An Advent Journey of Hope By Louie Giglio / Thomas Nelson This year, anticipate the busy season of Advent and Christmas with hope rather than dread. Join Passion conference founder and pastor Louie Giglio as you take hold of God’s great promise embodied in the 24-day countdown to Christ’s birth. Discover that waiting is not wasting when you’re waiting on the Lord. You’ll come away with peace and encouragement for your soul! 112 pages, paperback.

Merry Christmas Platter Oval Merry Christmas platter with Bible verse quote from John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Creamy ivory ceramic platter is 12″ x 9″ with recessed center and raised beaded design border. A festive accent for your Christmas table or party, and on display it’s a timeless Christmas message of hope. Upscale font design; snowflake accent trim. Dishwasher and microwave safe. You’ll want one for yourself, and what a meaningful Christmas gift to give.

Merry Christmas Pallet Art Christmas wall art, pallet decor 17″ x 17.5″ Artisan font Merry Christmas surrounded by painted wreath of greenery and poinsettia Handcrafted in the heart of Amish country USA Authentic pine slats, kiln-dried Rustic, natural, complete with wood grain irregularities and knots; sure to add to your country Christmas look

Nativity Ornament Christmas ornament in elegant marquise shape, is crafted of wood and beautifully displays the true story of Christmas, the birth of Christ in museum quality artwork and design. 5″ x 3.25″, with quote from Isaiah 9:6 Wonderful, Counselor….Prince of Peace. Artwork by Jon McNaughton.Trim the tree, or give as a meaningful Christmas gift. Flat wood ornament with Scripture verse.

Merry Christmas Door Mat Seasonal doormat for Christmas Outdoor/indoor Thick, non-slip rubber backing 17″ x 29″ Polyester top; permanent print; fade and mildew-resistant Printed in the USA Poinsettia and greenery design Merry Christmas

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Confetti, Platter By Lori Siebert / Demdaco

Joy to the World Light Box By Carson Home Accents Add warmth to your room decor with plug-in light box framed design Box is 6″ x 7.5″ x 3″ Insert image is 5″ x 7″ approximately Electrical cord with handy on/off switch; includes 7-watt bulb Illuminated accent Seasonal Christmas theme Joy to the World with dazzling ornaments and gifts.

Fisher-Price Little People Nativity Set

Little hearts will love the Fisher-Price ® Little People ® Nativity Set! Engage your toddler in the joy of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas with their own nativity set, complete with chubby, child-friendly figures and all the key characters that bring to life the story of Baby Jesus’ birth.

Celebrate the joy of Christmas with family-friendly Fisher-Price Nativity, an interactive playset that focuses on the first Christmas. Colorful, durable Little People include figures of Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus, plus the Christmas angel, wise men, animals, accessories and a stable, with light-up Christmas star! Includes 18 pieces altogether. Push the sound button to hear Away in a Manger softly play. On/Off switch for sound and light is in the back; requires 3 AA batteries (not included).

Kids can enjoy assembling the characters and retelling the story all through December.

Trusted toy design from Fisher-Price to teach the best Christmas story ever, for children and toddlers, Sunday School and nursery, baby shower and early Christmas gift idea.

Recommended age for play is 12 months to 4 years.