Fun, fellowship and food will be the focus of the annual community picnic hosted by Rissers Mennonite Church, 8360 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown. The picnic will be held on Saturday, July 27, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The event will start with a meal featuring chicken from Peters' BBQ, said Arlene Heistand, connections/outreach committee chairperson.

The theme of the picnic is "Community Helpers," and picnic activities will reflect that topic. At 6 p.m., first responders will be on-site to greet guests. "There will be various emergency and other vehicles on display to view and for an opportunity to learn more about these helpers," Heistand commented.

The picnic will include additional activities for people of all ages. A bounce house will be set up, along with face painting and yard games. Both children and adults are invited to participate in bingo games as well.

All food and activities at the picnic are provided free of charge. With a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, the picnic helps members of the congregation reach out and connect with the greater community, Heistand shared, noting that the church members emphasize the importance of community relationships. Hosting a community picnic is a time-honored tradition at Rissers Mennonite Church, with some families returning year after year for the festivities.

People should bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the picnic, and everyone is welcome, Heistand said, adding that organizers hope to see familiar faces from past picnics as well as newcomers.

"We enjoy the opportunity to invite our neighbors to this picnic," she stated. "Hopefully, there is a chance for many to meet a new friend."

Rissers Mennonite Church holds services on Sundays beginning at 9 a.m. with Sunday school for adults and children, followed by worship at 10 a.m. In addition to the picnic, the church holds other community-focused events throughout the year and hosts Bible2School classes for children in grades two and three during the school year.