Equipped to Serve: Diocesan Churches Expand Outreach with New Barbecue Trailers

Four churches across the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast have something new to celebrate—a set of large barbecue grill trailers designed to strengthen parish fellowship, expand community outreach, and provide a vital resource in times of disaster.

Bishop Russell's matching contribution helped make it possible for St. Jude’s, Niceville; St. Paul’s, Foley; Trinity, Apalachicola; and St. Mary’s, Andalusia, to each acquire a new smoker or barbecue trailer. These trailers are more than just tools for cooking—they’re instruments of connection and compassion, helping congregations serve both their members and their neighbors in times of joy and in times of need.

St. Jude’s, Niceville – The “Holy Smokers” Ministry

At St. Jude’s, Niceville, the new smoker has already sparked a spirited new ministry—appropriately named the Holy Smokers. “In just a few short months, we’ve used the smoker for several cookouts and parish events,” said the Rev. Blake Hudson. “Bishop Russell blessed the smoker on October 26 during his visitation and then sampled some of its handiwork at a packed parish luncheon.” The Holy Smokers are already planning smoked turkey sales for Thanksgiving and Christmas and will fire up the grill again for the Niceville Christmas Parade on December 6. “We’re having a lot of fun and putting it to good use,” Hudson said.

St. Paul’s, Foley – A Tool for Ministry and Response

At St. Paul’s, Foley, the new barbecue trailer represents both hospitality and readiness. Constructed in north Alabama, the trailer will be available for use by the wider diocese during natural disasters or emergencies. “This trailer represents a potential tool for ministry that has wider implications in the world,” said the Rev. Brent Norris. “It will allow us to be the church when the world needs us the most.”

Trinity, Apalachicola – Filling the Gap

In Apalachicola, Trinity’s new smoker was born out of reflection on the needs revealed during last year’s hurricane season. “We recognized a gap between the post-storm needs of the region and the community’s capacity to help,” said the Rev. Stephen Pecot. Working alongside Travis Pecot, the church raised funds to purchase a new smoker grill that could be mobilized quickly in times of crisis. Affectionately called the Holy Smoker, the grill has also become a parish favorite for fundraisers and fellowship events throughout the year. “It’s been a boon for our ministries,” said Pecot.

St. Mary’s, Andalusia – Extending the Table

At St. Mary’s, Andalusia, the new barbecue trailer has already brought parishioners and newcomers together. “It was the perfect way to use the new trailer for the first time—a meal shared among new friends and familiar faces,” said the Rev. Eric Mancil, recalling the parish’s Fall Newcomers Dinner. “Food has always been one of the simplest and most joyful ways we express hospitality, and this trailer gives us even more ways to extend that welcome to others. ”Designed to be mobile and fully equipped to feed large groups, the trailer is ready to serve at parish events, community gatherings, and in response to disaster needs.