Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2016 UCW 23 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM The fun starts at 11 a.m. on August 6 at Unity Christian Church. It's a church picnic – for the entire community. This is the eighth year the church has hosted the event and it's something the congregation looks forward to every year. "We have done this free community picnic as part of outreach for several years," said Unity Christian Church Senior Pastor Terry Henderson. "It is a full traditional picnic complete with hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, etc. We encourage people to bring canned goods and nonperishable donations." There is no hype or hidden agenda, just a fun-filled day of food and fellowship. Young children will enjoy the bounce houses and games while older kids and adults usually look forward to the meal and socializing. Henderson noted that once people get there, it usually turns into an afternoon-long event for them. "People generally spend some time here hanging out. People come eat, talk, stay a while and get another plate. It is almost like a family reunion. It really is designed for people to connect. It's a place where families can come and have free family time and connect with each other." The event has everything a proper Southern church picnic should have, and some fun extras, too. "We have a hug tent, which is a neat thing we do here," said Henderson. Think hugs from your grandma or favorite aunt – the sweet, innocent, reassuring kind that can make you smile even on your grouchiest day. "Some of our ladies will be there giving free hugs." Anyone in need of prayer or encouragement (or who just wants to pray and be prayed over) is also invited to stop by the prayer booth. Henderson noted that "It is not pushed on anyone, but we have the prayer tent set up so you can stop and people will pray with you. It is pretty nice." Other events include raffles for gift cards to various restaurants and stores. The community picnic is just one of the events that the church hosts each year. If you miss the picnic, Henderson noted that there will be a fall festival later this year. "We are multicultural and family- friendly," said Henderson. "And we are very much into outreach," he added. All of the canned goods and nonperishables will go to Operation Blessing, for its food pantry. Operation Blessing provides food and clothes to those in need at no cost. The organization also offers financial assistance and runs the AAA Crisis Pregnancy Center. To find out more about Operation Blessing, call 483-1119 or visit obfaync.ncrrbiz.com. While the celebration at Unity Christian Church is about having fun, it is also about helping others. Learn more about Unity Christian Church at http://www.unitycci.org. Community Picnic Supports Operation Blessing by STEPHANIE CRIDER STEPHANIE CRIDER, Editor. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. 910.484.6200 Unity Christian Church is set to host a community picnic on Aug. 6.