September 24, 2001

Church tailgates in Lufkin
___By John Hillman
___Special to the Standard
___LUFKIN--As many Texans faced high school football Friday night, Sept. 14, with saddened and somber feelings over the tragic events in New York City and Washington, D.C., First Baptist Church of Lufkin bolstered fans' spirits with its fifth annual hamburger tailgate supper.
___Each year, the church cooks and serves about 500 burgers and drinks prior to the home opener for the Lufkin Panthers. A capacity crowd attended Lufkin's first home game of 2001.
___"We started the event in 1997," said Lance Brewer, the church's youth and recreation minister. "I attended a college (Oklahoma State University) with a big tailgating tradition, so I was very excited about taking the excitement to the high school."
___The event has grown in scale over the years. In the early years, church members grilled hamburgers on small home units, but a large commercial-size grill now fills the air surrounding Abe Martin Stadium with its tantalizing smoke and sizzle. Brookshire Brothers, a local grocery store, partners with First Baptist Church, providing the drinks and hamburger buns.
___In addition to passing out piping-hot burgers and ice-cold drinks, the church hands every individual a small card. One side lists the church's telephone number and address, while the other side outlines the plan of salvation in graphic form. The card also contains the Bible verse Romans 6:23 and the "sinner's prayer."
___"The tailgate supper is a very positive touch to show we care about people," Brewer said. "It's really more fun than work, and it's a great way to bring the church outside the walls."

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