Families and individuals may skip cooking dinner on Tuesday, Aug. 24, and attend "Food Trucks & Friends" being hosted by Middletown First Church of God from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the church parking lot. During the first-time event, visitors may purchase food from a variety of vendors, including Cheezy Grill, Blazing Swine BBQ, G's Concessions, Sparky's Mini Donuts and Coffeeine Unlimited.

The event, which is open to the community, is the third in a series of outreach programs held by the church this summer in the fourth week of each month.

"In June, we had a tie-dye night and a picnic, and in July we had an outdoor movie night (with) root beer floats and popcorn. This will be the last event for the summer," noted church member Patty Kuharic, one of the event organizers. "During the school year, we meet on Wednesday nights for dinner and classes. In the summer, we gather once a month to stay in touch. We will resume our normal schedule of events in September."

Kuharic noted that organizers chose food trucks that offer a variety of menu items. "We wanted to offer dinner that was not extremely expensive and that adults and kids would like," she said, noting that college housing is located next to the church. "College students might want to pop over and get some coffee or a smoothie. We will have a nice variety."

Activities will take place in the large parking lot in back of the church. "Our parking lot will have 20 to 25 tables with chairs so that people will hopefully linger, talk and make new friends," noted Kuharic. "People are welcome to sit and gather, and there will be information about our fall programming and upcoming events."

After "Food Trucks & Friends," the next church outreach will be Blessing of the Backpacks on Sunday, Aug. 29. All local students are invited to attend a worship service at 10 a.m. in the outdoor church pavilion followed by a picnic lunch. Kids should bring their backpacks, and the church will provide some basic school supplies.

Middletown First Church of God is located at 245 W. High St., Middletown. Sunday worship, led by pastor Kim Shifler, is held at 8 and 10:30 a.m. A coffee hour is offered at 8:45 a.m., and religious classes for all people of all ages take place at 9:15 a.m.

Wednesday Night Live, held in the church's fellowship hall, includes dinner at 5:45 p.m., followed by classes and small group discussions at 6:30 p.m. The program will resume on Sept. 1. Some of the adult classes that will be offered this fall are a study on the book of Isaiah, a craft circle, an exercise class and GriefShare. Children's classes are planned for students in prekindergarten through high school. A nursery is also available.

New this fall for youths will be a program offered during the 10:30 a.m. service called Middletown Kids Worshipping God, nicknamed MiKiWoGo.

For more information, call 717-944-9608 or visit http://www.middletowncog.org or http://www.facebook.com/middletowncog. The Facebook page also features daily scripture readings offered by Shifler.