One counter was covered with flour and rolled dough and another with mixing bowls full of puddings and fruit Wednesday morning as 83 "man-made" pies went into the Wesley United Methodist Church ovens.
For more than a decade, this active men's faith group has been making pies from scratch on the day before Thanksgiving as a fundraiser for other church ministries. It turned into a ministry itself.
The first year, the men baked about 50 pies for church members who signed up in advance, and the proceeds helped finish the church's new basement interior. And last year, the men baked more than 180 pies to help send the youth group on a mission trip to Puerto Rico.
Although the men are glad to raise the funds, the act of baking the pies brings them together annually for a day of fellowship, they agreed. And many share the pies with people outside the church, which gives them the opportunity to share their faith.
This year's pies will help the Wesley youth going on a mission to Texas. Wednesday afternoon, youth members took over for the men's group, decorating the cream pies and making deliveries.
"We thought people might think it out-of-the ordinary for men to bake pies," John Newberry said.
Many of the men took a vacation day from work for this project, like Michael Lane who joined them for the first time.
When Lane mentioned he was going to help bake pies, he said his friends asked, "You can do that on a grill?"
After a quick tutorial, Lane was mixing the apple pie filling. And he hopes to be free to work at the event again next year, he said.
Joining Wesley church more than a year ago, Lane said he was looking for a good ministry for his two daughters. However, he found the active men's group presented welcome opportunities for him, too.
"I really enjoy it here; it's like an extended family," he said. "It's enjoyable hanging out with these guys."
This is but one of many projects the men's group is involved in throughout the year.
They also prepare and serve an Easter meal, ham and bean luncheon and a barbecue. And their efforts support organizations outside the church, too, from the local Rape and Abuse Crisis Service and Samaritan Center to international mission efforts.
"This is an extremely active group," Keith Mueller said.
For the size of the Wesley congregation, Edwin Bybee said the group's activity makes it unique.
Around 20 men gather each third Saturday of a month for a breakfast fellowship, including a devotion and inspirational conversation.
Joining in fellowship and service with the men's group is a way to pass "authentic manhood" to younger generations, Newberry said.
The group and the church as a whole has a family feel, they agreed. Within the group, there is a strong fellowship and bonds of belief.
Many of the members have participated in the Walk to Emaeus spiritual weekend, which inspires stewardship and service.
"We realize if we don't do it, nobody will do it," Bybee said. "It's an eye-opener."