The public is invited to join a local church for a day of food, fellowship and family fun this weekend at Havens Gardens.

For more than a decade, Washington Heights Church of God has hosted its Community Family and Friends Day 2016, an event that’s both a ministry and an opportunity for the church to forge a bond with the community. In previous years, the event was held behind the Bobby Andrews Recreational Center and featured giveaways of clothes, furniture and other items to benefit area families in need, according to Bishop James Boston, the head pastor at the church. This year’s venue has been changed to Havens Gardens.

“We do this every year, just to do something for the community,” Boston said. “We see it as a ministry to reach out to the community. We’re just doing what Christ commissioned us to do — feed the hungry and clothe the naked.”

Saturday’s event includes barbecue, hot dogs, chicken, hamburgers and more, as well as games and activities for youth.

Opening ceremonies will include speakers from various public organizations and departments, such as Beaufort County Commissioner Jerry Langley, according to Boston. Other public officials such as Stacey Drakeford have been invited, as have representatives from Beaufort County Schools.

Boston said while the event is open to everyone in the community, a focus will be on youth, as they will soon be starting the new school year.

“We do this for everyone, but especially for (youth),” Boston said. “We try to have games and different activities so they can enjoy themselves. A lot of times, children are so stressed when thinking about going to school and this time of year is a time for them to relax and get their minds together to get back to the new school year.”

With so many negative issues plaguing communities around the nation, Boston and his church want to promote a sense of unity through the event, he said.

“It’s just to gel the community together,” Boston said. “It’s so much other stuff going on in the world, that it’s good to see the community get together to just enjoy a day together. It’s just a time to have fun, and we always invite the entire community.”

The event starts at 3 p.m., with opening ceremonies beginning at 3:30 p.m., and lasts until 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets.

Havens Gardens is located at 1001 Park Drive in Washington.