At a time when many families are quietly carrying the weight of brokenness, one local church is creating space for healing, reflection, and renewal.

In a season where “families are navigating increasing pressures”, the Warwick Seventh-day Adventist Church will host a Family Life Weekend on Friday, April 3 at 6:30pm, and Saturday, April 4 at 11am and 3:30pm at the church.

The weekend invites the public to engage in what organisers describe as a “meaningful and interactive experience” centred around the theme “Restored, Renewed, Refocused”.

Family Life leaders, Mr and Mrs Goulbourne, explained that the theme reflects a journey many families are seeking today.

“The theme ‘Restored, Renewed, Refocused’ reflects a journey that many families are seeking today,” they said. “‘Restored’ speaks to healing — addressing emotional wounds, strained relationships, and unhealthy patterns that may have developed over time or across generations.

“‘Renewed’ focuses on transformation — changing how we think, communicate, and relate to one another in healthier and more spiritual ways. ‘Refocused’ is about realignment — returning to God’s purpose and design for the family and placing Christ back at the centre of the home.

“Together, the theme highlights a pathway from brokenness to wholeness, helping families rediscover both healing and purpose.”

Expanding on the idea of being “refocused”, the couple emphasised the role of faith in the healing process.

“Faith plays a central role by addressing both the emotional and spiritual dimensions of family life,” they said. “It provides a foundation for forgiveness and reconciliation, guidance for building healthy relationships, strength to make lasting changes, and a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

“For many families, reconnecting with their faith becomes a key part of restoring unity and creating a stronger foundation for the future.”

Leading the weekend will be Cesar De Leon and his wife, Carolann De Leon, both experienced in marriage and family ministry.

According to the Goulbournes, the couple brings a blend of professional expertise and faith-based guidance.

“Dr De Leon is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Mrs De Leon is a trained marriage and family therapist,” they said.

“Together, they have spent several years working with individuals, couples, and families, helping them navigate real-life challenges. Their approach combines professional expertise, practical real-world application, and a strong faith-based perspective.”

In addition to leading group sessions, the De Leons will also be available to meet privately with individuals, couples, or families by appointment.

Throughout the weekend, organisers say a number of common but often unspoken family challenges will be addressed.

“The weekend will address a range of challenges that many families experience, including poor communication and unresolved conflict, emotional distance between family members, struggles within marriages, parenting challenges in a changing world, lack of intentional connection within the home, and repeated patterns of behaviour passed from one generation to another,” they explained.

“These issues often go unspoken, and the goal is to provide both understanding and practical tools to help families move towards healthier relationships.”

Creating a safe and welcoming environment is also a key priority.

The event has been intentionally designed to be “respectful and non-judgemental”, with “no pressure to share beyond personal comfort,” allowing attendees to engage at their own pace.

Those attending can expect a structured but interactive experience across the two days.

“Attendees can expect a meaningful and interactive experience,” the Goulbournes said. “The Friday evening seminar will focus on identifying family patterns and beginning the healing process.

“The Sabbath worship service will present a message centred on renewal and rediscovering purpose, while the afternoon workshop will offer practical sessions addressing communication, relationships, parenting, and breaking unhealthy cycles.”

The weekend will also include reflection exercises, guided discussions, small group engagement, and dedicated time for prayer and personal commitment.

For individuals or families who may feel hesitant or even hopeless, the message is one of encouragement.

“It’s important to remember that no situation is beyond hope,” they said. “Change often begins with a single step — a willingness to reflect, to try something new, or to seek support. Even small changes can lead to meaningful progress over time.”

Organisers stress that the weekend is not an endpoint, but a beginning.

“The weekend is intended to be a starting point for ongoing growth,” they added. “With consistency and intention, families can continue to grow stronger long after the weekend concludes.”