Antioch police and Grace Bible Fellowship plan Faith and Blue BBQ on Oct. 9

The Antioch Police Department and Grace Bible Fellowship have partnered to host a community barbecue on Friday, October 9, celebrating the nationwide Faith and Blue initiative in East Contra Costa. The free fellowship dinner will welcome local residents from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM on the church campus, located at 3415 Oakley Road in Antioch. Community leaders announced that the event is designed to foster constructive personal conversations between neighborhood residents, youth, and sworn law enforcement personnel over a shared meal.

For Antioch neighborhoods seeking greater unity and transparent communication, the gathering provides an informal setting for constructive dialogue outside the tension of emergency enforcement calls. Families, local business owners, and youth can interact directly with beat officers, share neighborhood concerns, and discuss shared goals for public safety and community investment. The event helps humanize officers while reinforcing the vital social safety net that faith communities and civic agencies provide across eastern Contra Costa County.

The National Faith and Blue program was established in 2020 by MovementForward and federal law enforcement associations to bridge historical divides between police forces and the diverse communities they serve. In Antioch, municipal leaders and the Antioch City Council have placed heightened emphasis on community policing reforms, transparency measures, and proactive grassroots relationship-building in recent years. Grace Bible Fellowship has long maintained an active civic outreach mission in Antioch, regularly organizing charitable food pantries, youth mentorship programs, and neighborhood service days.

Held at 3415 Oakley Road in Antioch, the outdoor barbecue will feature complimentary grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and vegetarian options prepared on site by Antioch police officers and church congregation volunteers. In addition to the dinner, families can enjoy lawn games, face painting, emergency vehicle tours, and educational resource tables staffed by local social service organizations. Admission, food, and activities are offered at no cost to all participating community members. Inquiries regarding event logistics, volunteer opportunities, or parking directions can be directed to Grace Bible Fellowship at (925) 757-4000.

Department leadership plans to build upon the momentum generated by the October 9 barbecue by scheduling additional neighborhood watch meetings and youth recreation workshops throughout the upcoming year. Organizers encourage community members of all ages, backgrounds, and faith traditions to attend and contribute their perspectives on neighborhood well-being. Residents can learn more about ongoing civic engagement opportunities and upcoming public forums through the church website at gbfofantioch.org or the Antioch municipal portal.