Michigan—Feb. 15 marked the sixth annual Couples Agape Feast sponsored by the family life committee of Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC). "This is one of PMC's best kept secrets!" exclaimed Elsie Buck, and then her husband Ed chimed in, "We have attended every year, and this one was by far the best one yet."

With more than 120 present, the evening celebrated God's gift of marriage with the theme, "The Power of Affirmation." Couples were invited to attend if they wanted to strengthen and celebrate their marriages with a spiritual/romantic evening on Friday night, the beginning of Sabbath, in remembrance of the first night that God's first marriage partners spent together.

As couples entered the Commons area, they were met with a display of a large, open family Bible, twinkling lights and warm candle light, hundreds of roses, delicious aromas and tables decorated with linen tablecloths, china, silver, crystal and festive centerpieces. A PowerPoint presentation offered couples encouraging words, dazzling graphics and poignant questions related to love and marriage from a Christian perspective, which was accompanied by soft background music.

A delicious meal was offered by Bud and Llona Chapman and their team of assistants. A lively presentation followed by PMC's family life directors, Sue and Don Murray, who focused on specific ways couples can show God's love and build their relationships by offering respect and love to their partners. Interspersed throughout the Murrays' talk, Lori Castillo, Danny Estrada and Matt Harris shared their vocal and musical talents with selections that fit the evening's tone and theme.

While most committee members were too busy that evening to sit back and enjoy the event personally, they were dedicated to its success. David Steen said, "My intention when working on making the Agape Feast happen is to make this a night for couples to remember. I want them to have an evening to relax together with each other and with friends. I want it to be a beautiful evening with sights, sounds, smells and tastes that not only glorify God but enrich the mind and uplift the spirit."

Next year's Couples Agape Feast is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2009.

Susan Murray, Pioneer Memorial Church family life committee chair, and David Steen, Pioneer Memorial Church family life committee member