From Dinner Tables to Stronger Marriages
A Taste of Love Dinner

I had been wanting to bring a “Taste of Love” dinner to our church, and this winter felt like the right time. I’ve hosted similar events before, but this was a first for our congregation. The goal was simple: provide couples a low-pressure date night where they could laugh and be encouraged in their marriage without the intensity of a formal seminar. Most people won’t sign up for a workshop, but they will come for a great meal—and once they’re there, we can slip in some gentle, practical encouragement.

While these events can be private, we chose a social version this time. We seated three couples per table, wanting everyone to realize they aren’t alone in the seasons they are walking through.
Since it was the middle of winter, we warmed things up with a barbecue theme and catering from Mission Barbecue. We transformed the gym with mood lighting, music, and dessert tables. At each table, we placed conversation starters like, “How did you two meet?” The stories were wonderful. My wife and I even shared how we met while I was a mall cop—just like the movies!

The room was filled with a steady hum of conversation. We played love songs from the 1950s to today, and a few couples even took to the dance floor. A highlight was watching Amanda and Tad act out a hilarious story about a pastor’s anniversary trip while Don read it aloud; the whole room was in stitches.

We had seventeen couples join us, with marriages ranging from a few years to sixty. Seeing those generations together reminded me why this matters. When we invest in marriages, we strengthen families and our entire church. I’m already dreaming of our next event—most likely a progressive picnic in the park. For now, I’m just grateful for a night of barbecue, laughter, and couples taking a fresh step toward each other.

Jerry Fox,
Church Elder