Mount Vernon Unitarian Church to Host Picnic at Fort Ward Park

wll host a family potluck picnic for members who live in Alexandria and their families and friends, as well as anyone who would like to meet the church's minister and hear more about the Unitarian faith on Aug. 26.

The event is from 4 to 6 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 West Braddock Rd., at picnic area 1. Bring your favorite dish to share and reusable plates and utensils, if possible.

Minister Rev. Kate Walker said she will provide a grill and charcoal, some non-alcoholic drinks and “our most welcoming smiles.” The picnic “will be a relaxed way to introduce people to our community through food, games, and conversation,” she said in a statement.

Mount Vernon Unitarian Church is a medium-sized Unitarian congregation located on a historic plantation grounds at 1909 Windmill Road. The church is known for its environmental and social justice work.

Its chapel sports an array of solar cells, which, along with its geothermal heating and cooling system, allow it to draw nearly net-zero energy from the power grid. It has an active religious education program for children and adults. For more information, visit www.mvuc.org.