For the third year in a row First Baptist will bring together the outdoors and faith at its annual Sportsman’s Banquet.

The night, filled with food, fun and learning, will demonstrate the places where religion and outdoors intersect.

“As a church we really try to do more than anything is to help people have a relationship with Jesus Christ,” Associate Pastor Jeff Doremus said.

A few years ago, the leadership at FBC decided that a number of people in the congregation and in the area have hobbies that center around outdoor activities.  They thought if they could gather these folks together they could reach out and minister in a new way.

“People have a variety of interests,” Doremus said. “We want to allow people to come to an event around their interest that also has the gospel presented.”

Doremus said they want to give everyone in the area the opportunity to follow Christ.

“We present the message, and they make the decision on their own,” he said. “Our purpose as a church is to share the love of Christ with others.”

The night will include a barbeque dinner, a presentation from Fathers in the Field, which ministers to fatherless children and single moms, a presentation from Dogwood Outdoors, who use their love of turkey hunting to share the gospel, and a presentation by Dustin Bairfield on the laws surrounding concealed carry. The night will also feature door prizes such as game calls, truck ramps and vouchers for firearms.

Doremus said the event will be family-oriented with some door prizes being given to children under 10.

“It’s not a father-son night; it’s a family thing,” he said.

The event is free to the public, but individuals must have a ticket. Doremus said there are several members of FBC that have tickets, but they are also available by contacting the church office. The event will be held Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Civic Center.