Fried Turkey = God's Love

Yesterday our church hosted it's 5th Annual Turkey Fry. You can see the 11 fryers going above. We fried 60 turkeys to give away to residents in the community who could use a helping hand. It's a small gesture, but it's got a big heart behind it.

Our men did a great job frying and volunteers walked from house to house delivering the turkeys with a small card that said, "God Loves You" and explained that this gift was an expression of God's love. Simply put: we're doing this because we love God and God loves you, so we love you, too.

I don't know the lasting impact a turkey fry has. I don't know that anyone's life is dramatically changed. But I know that it's part of a greater story. I believe there is GREAT power in giving God a good name in the community. For years, churches held BBQs and cookouts and sold the food to the community. For years, that worked. People trusted the Church and wanted to help them out by paying for a few BBQ plates. They figured it was a good thing to help the Church raise a little money for their building or mission trip or whatever. People even looked forward to that BBQ every year. That is not the world we live in today.

Today, people outside the church are skeptical of the church, as well they should be. Financial and sexual scandals have rocked the Church. People aren't sure about the Church. Many are convinced that the Church is out to get them. Others are certain the Church does not care for those in need, only wanting to build bigger, fancier buildings. Now, those of us inside the Church know this is hogwash. The world would be a sad place without the Church. The Church is responsible for some of the greatest acts of compassion on the planet. But that's not always the perception. Our Turkey Fry is about changing those perceptions. It's about letting people know that we believe in investing in the community, that God's love is FREE, that it is rooted in selflessness. I know we gave God a good name yesterday. We gave the Church a good name. What can you do...and what can your church do...to give God a good name? It's Thanksgiving week, so maybe you should fry a turkey!