Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church Barbecue Now in 44th Year

On Saturday, October 11 the grills fired up and the church members gathered. It was time for the 44th Annual Chicken Barbecue of Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church. Tickets were $8.00 each. In addition to chicken the menu includes slaw, green beans, baked potato, bread and dessert. Plates are available for dining in or to go.

The barbecue is sponsored each year by the United Methodist Men of Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church. Even though the barbecue is sold on Saturday much of the labor begins earlier in the week. Wives, children and friends provide much needed extra hands. Potatoes are scrubbed and wrapped, coleslaw and tea are prepared on Friday and desserts are brought in on Friday and Saturday.

Planning is a monumental job that takes place all year. Much of the preliminary planning is done during the monthly meetings held by the men's group. The United Methodist Men meet every month on the second Sunday at 8:30 am. On the agenda is breakfast followed by a program and business meeting. The meal is open to families as well.

Two generations of people have grown up with this event. Young and old alike gather from all around to buy plates, take part or both. Many of the attendees proclaim this to be the best barbecue chicken in the South.

While the chicken is good the fellowship can be even better. Many area folk use the annual fundraiser as a time to reconnect with each other. Plates are bought by church members and former pastoral families as well as by area teachers and community members. This year a planned 750 plates were up for sale.

Besides the fun and fellowship the meal provides valuable funds. In the past, proceeds have gone to provide camping scholarships to area youth and help with church expenses. The monies have also been used to provide for youth of the church to attend an annual conference wide, denominational youth retreat called Resurrection. This is held in January in Gatlinburg, Tennessee each year.

Useful funds are provided through the barbecue. Even more, it's a great family event that no one in the community wants to miss!

Another popular event is sponsored by the men's club annually is The Bill Morgan Memorial Golf Tournament. The spring tournament began in 1991. It was renamed in 2007 for the late Mr. Morgan who contributed to the Strawberry Plains Community in many ways.

More information can be found online at http://strawberryplainsumc.holston.org