Faith, fellowship and tasty food will be in the spotlight when Ruhl's Church hosts its annual community picnic. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at the church's picnic grove, 2766 Newport Road, Manheim.

"Why do we hold the annual community picnic, you may ask? Well, it is a tradition. But it is also for fellowship and enjoyment," shared Gail Ruhl, picnic planning committee member. "We believe our picnic offers an informal place to see our congregation in action, working and laughing together side by side."

As Gail explained, the picnic is a major undertaking for the church members.

"Preparations for the community picnic begin early in the week when members of our church gather together to ready the grove for visitors," she said. "We make sure all is clean and in working order for the cooking to begin. Several days before the picnic, we cook and debone approximately 550 pounds of chicken. Starting very early on the day of the picnic, we begin mixing and cooking our traditional chicken corn soup following a recipe that has been used for generations."

While the soup is cooking, she noted, volunteers are busy in the kitchen slicing and cutting homemade desserts, dicing onions and peppers to top grilled sandwiches and preparing to dip ice cream. Takeout chicken corn soup, pies, cakes and other desserts will be available for purchase starting at 9 a.m.

"You may bring your own containers for soup, or you may buy it in prepackaged quart containers," Gail remarked. "The lunch menu includes soup, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, hot sausage sandwiches, homemade desserts, ice cream and beverages."

Along with homemade food, the picnic provides a way for church members to connect with the wider community.

"Our church picnic grove has a nice, warm, relaxing atmosphere. Add to that a variety of good food, friends and family, and you get a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors and each other," Gail stated. "Children may play on the playground, and folks may choose to eat outside at picnic tables under the trees or inside the pavilion."

Beyond the community picnic, Ruhl's Church uses the site to hold worship services in the summer.

"Grove services will be held every Sunday evening starting at 7 p.m.," Gail said. "Every evening of grove service starts off with a hymn sing and includes inspiring Bible-based messages that feed the soul. After each service attendees may enjoy a dish of hand-dipped ice cream and conversation."

Grove service speakers will be Seth Achey on July 13, the Rev. Rob Timlin on July 20, the Rev. Joe Dipalo on July 27, the Rev. Rick Rimert on Aug. 3, the Rev. Roger Kresge on Aug. 10 and Rob Timlin Jr. on Aug. 17.

Ruhl's Church will also host vacation Bible school (VBS) again this summer at the church, 4810 Elizabethtown Road, Manheim. It will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 28, through Thursday, July 31. The theme is "Cave Quest: Following Jesus, the Light of the World." Children age 4 through fourth grade are invited to attend, and reservations may be made by calling 717-824-5050. 

For more information about the community picnic, grove services or VBS, call the church office at 717-665-3400 or visit https://ruhlschurch.org.