"We encourage people to come out for food, fun and fellowship," said Miranda Heistand, committee member and wife of pastor Daryl Heistand, describing Rissers Mennonite Church's annual community picnic. "There is something for all ages to do."

The picnic will be held on Saturday, July 29, beginning at 4 p.m. at the church, 8360 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown.

Highlights of the event will include a 16-foot water slide for both children and adults to enjoy, as well as lawn games, including cornhole and ladder golf. Young children can ride a barrel train and play in kiddie pools.

A meal, including pork barbecue sandwiches, sides and ice cream, will be offered as well.

The event will conclude with a showing of the movie "5000 Blankets" inside the church, beginning at 8 p.m. Inspired by a true story, the film follows a woman and her young son on their quest to find the woman's husband, who has experienced a mental health crisis and is living on the streets. Their journey sparks a movement of compassion toward people in need and inspires a city.

Picnic attendees should bring lawn chairs and towels or a change of clothes to dry off before the meal and movie.

The picnic offers an opportunity for the congregation to connect with the community, and it is open to everyone, whether they've attended before or are coming for the first time. This year's event will have a relaxed feel, organizers said, with plenty of time for adult fellowship and conversations.

"The picnic is always one of the highlights of the year for us," said Daryl. "We enjoy meeting new and old friends and neighbors. ... We truly live in a wonderful community here. Even if you can't stay for the entire event, feel free to stop in and say hi."

Rissers Mennonite Church holds services on Sundays beginning at 9 a.m. with Sunday school for adults and children, followed by worship time at 10 a.m.