The United Methodist Church of Simi Valley will host a kickoff barbecue event to introduce a new men's ministry, Letters From Dad, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 in the church's Witman Hall, 2394 Erringer in Simi Valley. Admission is free.

According to ministry leaders, Letters From Dad helps fathers to leave a legacy by saying the things they've always wanted to say but didn't know how.

The ministry is said to have helped restore family communication, healed marriages and reconciled parent-child relationships through the "lost art" of letter writing.

Letters From Dad encourages fathers to put into words their love for their wives, children and parents. The men also learn the mechanics of letter writing and how to preserve letters for posterity.

The program has been used in more than 700 churches, and nearly 13,000 men have participated.

For information or to reserve a place at the barbecue, call the church office at (805) 526-6231.