As the summer heats up, cool down at the Rissers Mennonite Church community picnic. "This year, we have a water theme, and we're going to have a water slide," said Arlene Heistand, chair of the social committee. The event will be held at the church, 8360 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown, on Saturday, July 30, beginning at 4 p.m. The rain date is Saturday, Aug. 13.

The picnic will also feature activities focused on creatures in the creek on-site as well as games involving water. A beef barbecue picnic meal will be served.

Arlene noted that the church chose a verse from John 7 to represent the picnic's theme. "Just as water is essential to our physical lives, Jesus offers living water for our spiritual lives," she said.

The event's theme complements efforts by the church to support the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), Arlene remarked. "They help communities around the world have access to clean water," she explained. "We'll be collecting donations for them." The congregation has been following a giving calendar this year, featuring information and activities to highlight water usage and raise funds. A representative from MCC will be at the picnic to accept donations and promote the organization's water ministry.

The annual picnic is a way for the congregation to get to know people in the community, said pastor Daryl Heistand. "We also want to provide a safe place to gather and enjoy the blessings God has provided," he stated.

Arlene emphasized that anyone in the community is invited to the picnic, whether they've attended before or they are coming for the first time. "We want to bless our neighborhood with food and fun," she said. "It's a chance to get to know other people and make some new friends. We want our neighborhood to know we are here as a church, a group of people who love Jesus and follow His call. We can offer prayer and spiritual help in time of need."

Picnic attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs and towels. 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.