On Saturday, April 18, dinner is already planned for you. Just stop by Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren (COB), 777 S. Mount Joy St., Elizabethtown, for a chicken barbecue meal to benefit mission projects of the church.

The takeout meal may be picked up by car under the portico between 3 and 5 p.m or until sold out. Volunteers will bring the meal to patrons. Each meal will feature a half-chicken provided by Peters' BBQ, a baked potato, homemade baked beans, homemade pepper slaw, applesauce, a roll and two homemade cookies.

Proceeds from the meal will benefit The Haiti Medical Project and the Center for Caring, Empowerment, Peace Initiatives (CCEPI).

"CCEPI was founded by Rebecca Dali of Nigeria, a member of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria," said Sandy Brubaker, a member of the Elizabethtown COB's Witness Commission. "Dr. Dali's organization distributes food; offers classes to widows, teaching them skills to support their families; and provides trauma care for those impacted by violence, rape and displacement. She is the author of several books, the last being 'We Bore the Brunt,' the story of her research and thesis describing the impact of violence for decades towards women."

The Haiti Medical Project is under the umbrella of the Church of the Brethren, Brubaker explained.

"The organization was started in 2011, following the devastating earthquake of 2010. The need is great for medical care, particularly in remote villages," she said. "The project also builds clean water systems and latrines. There are nurses that conduct classes to help support mothers of young children, teaching better hygiene and nutrition. The work is still being carried out despite the ongoing problems with gangs in Port-au-Prince."

This is the sixth year Elizabethtown COB has held the benefit barbecue. The idea for the event came after a brainstorming session about how to support the two organizations that are closely related to the Church of the Brethren, Brubaker noted.

"Food is needed by everyone, so it seemed to be a good fundraiser," she said. "I would encourage people to attend and purchase the meal knowing that 100% of the money raised will be equally divided between these two worthy organizations. There are so many people globally that are food insecure and without medical care. This is a small way to be part of a partnership of relief."

Tickets are not being sold for barbecue meals as the meal is by donation.

"This allows those who have an interest in supporting this ministry to do so and also allows those who cannot afford to give generously to still enjoy a delicious meal," Brubaker said.

For more information on Elizabethtown COB, visit http://www.etowncob.org. For more information on The Haiti Medical Project, visit http://www.brethren.org/haiti-medical-project, and to learn more about CCEPI, visit http://www.ccepiusa.org.