Centreville — Mount Olive Baptist Church in Centreville is kicking off this season of giving with a festive, family-style dinner for its neighbors in the community. It’s set for this Saturday, Dec.8, from noon-4 p.m., in the church banquet hall at 6600 Old Centreville Road.
“The event we’re calling a community feast is another way for our congregation to live out its commitment to service and giving by feeding and fellowshipping with our neighbors and friends,” said the Rev. Eugene Johnson, Mount Olive’s pastor. “We know some of them, but then there are others who we need to get to know in the surrounding area. This free event is a great way to do just that.”
He said people who come to the feast as the church’s guests can look forward to a time of “wonderful fellowship, as well as great music and food.” While the event is open to all, outreach will include neighbors in need.
The first community feast was held a year ago — just months after the congregation moved into its new church facility. On Saturday, Mount Olive members will be on hand to serve, greet, entertain and dine with their guests.
To make the experience a rich and welcoming one for all, the church plans to have Spanish-language translation for guests who need it and will offer free transportation to those who want to attend, but have no way of getting to the feast. In addition, the banquet hall and church are handicap and wheelchair accessible.
Mount Olive is also partnering with its neighbors to make this event a success. Merchants, individuals and organizations that would like to donate turkeys for the menu may call 703-830-8769.