Submitted by Sheryl Spencer
A couple of weeks ago, Tobermory United had its first planning meeting for the Spring Chicken BBQ, which will be held May 17. As I’m still pretty new here, I have only heard about the famous Tobermory United Church Chicken BBQ, never participated, so I was the newbie, looking confused a lot of the time and asking clarifying questions. I figured out pretty quickly that all those around me were masters at this event. I had no idea that the chicken BBQ has been a Tobermory community tradition for more than 50 years! I mainly sat back and listened.
What I encountered was passion. People who came to the table with ways to streamline the processes. People who came to the table proud of this event and what it means to the community. People who came to the table in anticipation of the good meal that they would help bring to the folks of Tobermory and beyond once again. People who came to the table knowing that this is more than just a fundraiser. I heard stories, especially the stories of some of the near disasters! Like most things, the BBQ has had to change to adapt to the pandemic. The spring BBQ will be take-out only, for example.
It got me thinking that the whole thing is a lot like church these days too. What traditions are stamped in stone? What processes can we streamline? How do we best serve the community? What practices introduced during the pandemic are still valid as we move beyond COVID? It’s passion that will help us answer these questions too.
In the meantime, tickets are now available for the Spring Chicken BBQ. They are $20.00 and the meal includes a half chicken, roll, baked potato, coleslaw and dessert. You can pick up your chicken at the church at 5 Brock St. any time between 4:30 and 6:00 on May 17. Food for body and soul!
Tickets can be reserved by calling or e-mailing the following: 519-596-2227; 519-596-2140; tuc.treasurer@eastlink.ca.
Rev. Sheryl Spencer is the minister at Tobermory United Church.
