Church and College Picnic set for Aug. 22 at Maryville College

June 28, 2010
Contact: Chloe Kennedy, News and New Media Writer
865.981.8209; chloe.kennedy@maryvillecollege.edu

Every summer, Maryville College students have the opportunity to meet members of local churches and faith communities and learn about their worship services while enjoying food and friendship before classes begin.

The 9th Annual Maryville College Church and College Picnic will be held on Sunday, Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m. on the College's Pearsons Lawn.

Set-up begins at 5 p.m., and churches are asked to bring one to four church members and provide displays, information about their church and food for 35 people (any combination of sides, desserts, salads or breads). The College will provide the main course and drinks.

After the picnic, all are invited to attend the College and Community worship service at 7 p.m. in the Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre in the Clayton Center for the Arts, featuring the Rev. Anne D. McKee and the Voices of Praise gospel choir.

"The Church and College Picnic is a wonderful opportunity for local churches and Maryville College to join together to welcome new and returning students to the campus, share information about the many opportunities for students to find a church home while at college and have an ecumenical evening of fun, fellowship and worship," said Kathleen Farnham, director of church relations at the College.

Reservations are required by Aug. 16. Please contact Kathleen Farnham at kathleen.farnham@maryvillecollege.edu or Marsha Wynn at marsha.wynn@maryvillecollege.edu if you are interested in participating or have questions.

Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state‘s third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its academic rigor and its focus on the liberal arts, Maryville is where students come to stretch their minds, stretch themselves and learn how to make a difference in the world. Total enrollment for the fall 2011 semester was 1,078.