Preparing for Marriage: Level 2 Blessing Workshop - NY - Aug. 9–11

Want to learn more about the Matching process and how to prepare for marriage? A Preparing for Marriage: Level 2 Blessing Workshop is coming up at UTS on August 9-11, 2015, right after the Blessed Culture & Sports Festival (BCSF)! The workshop is open for those who are preparing to begin the Matching process or would like to know more about the Matching process. It is also open to anyone who would like to learn how to present the curriculum locally.

“The information was useful and relatable. Helped me understand where I am in my life of faith and how I feel about the Blessing.” – D.

“This was a very helpful workshop, and the positivity of the staff was very comforting. It gave me the feeling that someone is always willing to help.” – N.

This program is intended for all Unification-born young adults 18+ and Unificationists of at least one year who are thinking about the Matching process. The workshop is required in order to become a Matching candidate and attend the Marriage Blessing Ceremony.

The curriculum introduces The Family Matching Handbook and Finding the One: a Guide to Matching and Blessing in the Unification Tradition, which provide clear, step-by-step guidance for beginning and following through with the Matching process. The workshop includes these four presentations:

What Do I Bring to the Table? Matching Smarts Understanding the Matching Process My Heritage and Legacy

There will also be lots of time for discussion and interaction with other workshop participants. Participants will also have the chance to hear testimonies from Blessed Couples about their experience with the Matching process.

This will likely be the only Level 2 offered on a national level this year. Local communities are encouraged to host their own Level 2 workshop or small group at their convenience, using the Level 2 Blessing Curriculum.

“Very useful for getting the basis of what a matching and Blessing looks like and figuring out how to prepare.” – A.

“Extremely valuable to people, like me, who know little to nothing about the matching process.” – J.

I. Who Should Attend

Unification-born individuals 18 and older

Unificationists of at least one year of membership (i.e. first-generation Unificationists)

BCSF participants who meet the criteria above

Parents of Unification-born young adults are encouraged to attend this workshop, so that they can learn the same content in preparation for discussions as a family.

Certified Matching Advisors are also encouraged to attend.

II. Workshop Schedule & Location

UTS Address: 30 Seminary Drive, Barrytown, NY 12507. (845) 389-6224

The program will begin at UTS on Sunday, August 9. Registration will begin at 4:30 PM, dinner will be at 6:00 PM, and the official program will begin at 7:00 PM. The program will conclude at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 11.

III. Registration & Deadline

To register, participants must pre-register for the workshop.

The $125 early bird fee is for those who register by July 26th. The fee after July 26th, or at the workshop itself, is $150.

The registration fee covers meals and two-night dormitory-style accommodations. The dorms provide sheets and pillows. Please bring a sleeping bag or other comfortable bedding, a towel, toiletries and casual comfortable clothing (the weather will be warm).

Those who are participating in the BCSF are welcome and encouraged to extend their stay at UTS and participate in the Level 2 Blessing Workshop, as long as they register and pay for the workshop ahead of time.

Matching Advisors, Pastors and Ministry Leaders can register for $75 to support and assist candidates. Parents of participants are to pay the regular workshop fee.

For questions or registration assistance, contact us at BFMadmin@unification.org or 212-997-0055.

IV. Transportation

The best way to reach UTS is by car (free parking is available). However, if you are traveling by plane, we recommend that you fly into either LaGuardia Airport or JFK Airport, and then take a shuttle bus or taxi to Penn Station, Manhattan. Then, take the Amtrak Train from Penn Station (NYP) to Rhinecliff Station (RHI), which takes approximately 1-1/2 hours. We will provide transportation from Rhinecliff Station to the UTS Conference Center.

NOTE: If you are flying into Albany Airport, you will need to organize your own transportation to UTS.