CLARKS GREEN — Area residents will likely awaken Sunday morning, July 31 to the inviting aroma of roasting pork, which will later begin to mingle with the smell of smoking corn. But no one need suffer in hunger while longingly sniffing the air, for all one needs to do is follow the scents to the grounds of Clarks Green Assembly of God, where the church’s first-ever free Community Pig Roast will begin at 1 p.m., following the 11 a.m. worship service.
Pastor Dan Miller described the purpose behind the event as an opportunity to “give back” and “be seen as an asset to the community.”
“With what’s happening in our nation, we want our neighbors to know each other, because in our society, we have the back porch, but we don’t have the front porch like we used to,” he said, adding there there is no charge for the event because the church wants everyone to be able to come, regardless of financial situations.
Event organizer Kevin Treat explained he knows what it’s like having four children and adding up the costs when considering a family outing.
“This time of year, a lot of people have their bucket lists, things they want to do in the summer,” he said. “Unfortunately, many of those things cost money.”
Although this is the church’s first time presenting this particular event, Clarks Green Assembly of God is no stranger to welcoming the community through its doors. Its annual live nativity and Easter musical are just two examples.
Miller said he hopes to continue the pig roast as an annual event, and donations will be accepted for that purpose, but are not required. It is not necessary for guests to bring anything, but those who wish to contribute to the meal may bring an item for the dessert table.
In addition to plenty of food, the community gathering, which will be held rain or shine, will include live music, a bounce house, obstacle course, bean bag toss, horse shoes and other activities for children and adults.
All are invited to come just for the pig roast, or make a day of it and attend the morning worship service as well, which Miller and Treat described as “positive” and “celebratory,” with “contemporary worship music.” Coffee and pastries are set out before the service in the church’s cafe area, and child care is available during the service for ages infant-12.
Miller said he hopes the atmosphere of the day will include an “old-fashioned” flair, in which people will feel comfortable simply enjoying one another’s company.
“Scripture says, ‘iron sharpens iron,’” he said. “When people get together and talk, you have something I need to hear and I have something you need to here. We help one another – that’s what the community does.”
