Each fall, many churches come together for an annual tradition: homecoming. With the event come church members from the past, who have left the area and return to join in the festivities. Some churches have special music the Sunday of homecoming; some host a guest speaker, and in more cases than not, a potluck meal of some kind incorporates fellowship.

Second Baptist Church will host its annual homecoming gathering Oct. 11 after its services and invites the public to join. The day will feature guest speaker Dr. Phil Hayes, pastor at the church from Aug. 1999 to Oct. 2008, according to church member Bob Burroughs.

“It’s a good time of celebration,” Burroughs said. “It’s something we all look forward to. It’s almost like a family reunion — because we are family. That family extends beyond our own denomination. We have a big family in the Lord.”

“People who haven’t been in a while and have moved away get invited to come back and see what we’re doing at the church,” said 15-year church member Lesa Naylor. “It’s a time to worship together and be around people you haven’t seen in awhile.”

According to Naylor, the church used to host homecoming outside, but has since moved into its fellowship hall. While a lot of churches ask members to bring a covered dish for a potluck dinner, Second Baptist has done it a bit differently the past five years or more, a format designed to feed singles, visitors and the like.

“When I first started going, we had dinner on the ground outside,” Naylor said. “We had blankets and picnic tables. Now, it’s a little more civilized, I guess you’d say. Everyone brings a meal for their family and enough to feed one other person. The church supplies the meat and you bring everything else you would need.”

The church had originally scheduled homecoming for today, but due to the threat of Hurricane Joaquin, the event was postponed a week, according to Burroughs. The church planned its first family game day for Oct. 11, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., so following homecoming, families, other church members and guests will have the chance to play corn hole, Trivial Pursuit, dominoes, cards and other games. The church’s praise band, Refuge from the Edge, will play Christian contemporary music in a designated area for youth and others to enjoy, as well, Naylor said.

Naylor said the event was designed and sponsored by its married couples Sunday school class as a way to bring youth and older adults together for fun and fellowship.

“A lot of our younger people don’t know our older people, so it’s kind of a way to bring them together,” Naylor said.

Looking ahead, church members are also anticipating Second Baptist’s annual Fall Festival on Nov. 7, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will include games, bounce houses, candy and food, as well as the church’s praise band performing, according to Naylor, who chairs the event.

Second Baptist Church is located at 2516 W. 5^th St. in Washington. Sunday school starts at 9:45 a.m. and worship service begins at 11 a.m.