The congregation at Jerusalem Church in Penryn has been holding a church picnic since the 1800s. The tradition will continue this year with a picnic that's open to the community on Saturday, Aug. 6.

The day will begin with takeout homemade chicken corn soup sales by the quart, from 8 a.m. until sold out. People should bring their own containers and pick up the soup at the Penryn Church Grove on Picnic Grove Road. Everyone is invited to return to the grove for the picnic, which will begin at 4 p.m.

"We have table service at our picnic, with waiters and waitresses," noted Chad Eberly, picnic coordinator. The menu will feature food for purchase, including chicken corn soup, hamburgers, hot dogs, cakes, pies, ice cream and drinks.

Along with food, the picnic will offer a variety of entertainment, Eberly said. "We'll have a kids' corner with little trinkets kids can purchase, and we'll have playground equipment for the kids to enjoy," he stated. "We'll also have live music." Music will be provided by the Lancaster Marimba Ensemble beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by Tim Thompson & Friends beginning about 6 p.m. "Bring your lawn chairs and sit under the trees in the beautiful picnic grove and listen to the music," Eberly said. "You don't have to purchase any food. You could just come and enjoy the concerts."

All profits from the sale of food will go toward various ministries of Jerusalem Church as well as maintenance of the picnic grove, but Eberly emphasized that the picnic is not a fundraiser. "It's about community outreach," he said. "We do this as a way to connect with the community and offer people the chance to enjoy the peace and quiet of the picnic grove. It's a nice, old-style picnic. Come out for a fun, relaxing evening."

Jerusalem Church holds Sunday school classes for children and adults on Sundays at 9 a.m., followed by a worship service at 10:15 a.m. The church is located at 1620 Newport Road, Manheim.