Middletown First Church of God will present its annual Sweetheart Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 11, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature a home-cooked meal and fun activities, including the church's version of "The Newlywed Game."

Although the event has a Valentine's Day theme, it is open to both singles and couples. "There are parents who bring their kids and the whole family comes," said church member Patty Kuharic, one of the event organizers.

This year's menu will include appetizers, salad, lasagna with meat sauce and garlic bread sticks followed by dessert. "It's all homemade," said Kuharic. "One of the ladies from the church cooks the meal."

The sit-down dinner will be served in the church's fellowship hall, which will be decorated for the occasion. "People come and help on Friday night to decorate. By the time we put up the balloons and tablecloths, it comes together nicely," Kuharic said.

A photo booth will be available for selfies, and child care will be provided for children age 10 and under.

"The Newlywed Game," hosted by pastor Kim Shifler, is always one of the highlights of the evening. "We pick four couples and they get up on the stage. Our pastor asks questions of the men and the wives come back to answer and we reverse it," Kuharic explained.

Shifler plans other activities as well. "We all watch 'The Newlywed Game,' but the pastor also finds some games and activities for everyone to participate in," noted Kuharic. Past activities have included tossing balls through hoops and making sentences from candy conversation hearts.

Kuharic noted that while the banquet is being held at the church, the event is open to the whole community, not just those who attend the church.

Middletown First Church of God is located at 245 W. High St., Middletown. Sunday worship is held at 8 and 10:30 a.m. The church also offers a Wednesday Night Live program, which includes dinner at 5:45 p.m., followed by classes and small group discussions at 6:30 p.m. The program, which has been held at the church for more than 20 years, is open to people of all ages. "There is adult and children's programming, and baby-sitting is available," Kuharic pointed out. "A lot of people come straight from work. It's very casual."

Tickets to the Sweetheart Banquet must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, Feb. 8.

Tickets are available after Sunday worship services or during Wednesday Night Live or by contacting the church at 717-944-9608 or Margaret Houser at margaret.houser@verizon.net. For more information about the event and to view photos of past banquets, visit http://www.middletowncog.org and click the event link on the home page.

More information about the church and its activities can be found at the aforementioned website and http://www.facebook.com/middletowncog.