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Naz pig roast a community tradition [UPDATED]
Published 10:50am Thursday, September 6, 2012 Updated 10:51am Thursday, September 6, 2012The First Church of the Nazarene will celebrate the beginning of fall by pigging out at the Pebble Lake picnic shelter.
Nothing says “thank you” like a big pig roast, and the Rev. Steve Hoffman wants to take the Naz’s fall kickoff event to thank the congregation.
“I heard about another pastor who had done a catfish fry to appreciate a congregation,” Hoffman said. “The idea stuck with me.”
Hoffman said this is a way to thank his congregation for many things.
“I want to say thank you for care for our family, cooperation in ministry and for giving of their time, effort and energy,” he said.
Fall seems to be a good time for a congregation to get together because church events are getting started again, people aren’t at their summer cabins as much and many who go south during the winter months are still around.
“It’s a great time to celebrate,” said Hoffman. “Everything is fresh and new. It’s not terribly hot, and it’s not terribly cold.”
This event marks the kickoff of the church’s fall season. Events including catechism, Wednesday night children’s ministry, Sunday school and the new 40 Days in the Word adult ministry programs will all get a fresh start.
The Naz’s fifth annual pig roast will take place Sunday, Sept. 9 at around noon after the third church service.
“For us, we have three services, so the church doesn’t have many chances to meet as a whole congregation,” Hoffman said. “This gives us a chance to all come together.”
Hoffman said he expects around 500 to attend the event, and two pigs donated by Daryl and Marie Tysdal will be used to make pork sandwiches for the whole congregation. There will also be beans, chips, potato salad, pickles, dessert and more.
“(The congregation) loves the event,” Hoffman said. “It’s a time to get together and eat some good food, kick back and have some fun. It’s a good way to build relationships and connect with new people.”
Naz children’s director Lisa Hart said she appreciates Hoffman’s efforts to give back to the congregation.
“I think it’s great for a pastor to do something like this,” she said. “It’s one way he shows love for everybody.”
For those with children who tend to get a little antsy sometimes, kids will have the chance to play volleyball or throw a football around with friends after they are done eating while parents socialize.
“Relationships are important to Jesus, and this is a good way for us to deepen our relationships,” said Hoffman.
