The New Victory Baptist Church in Jonesborough, Tennessee, has been fostering community spirit and faith since 2005 with its “Fifth Quarter” potluck, held after local home football games.

Taking place at the David Crockett High School pavilion, this post-game gathering is open to everyone in the area, inviting not just local residents but also the visiting team and their supporters.

Evelyn Story, one of the event’s organizers, highlights the joy she finds in connecting with new faces at each event.

“What I love most is meeting everyone who comes to join us for a meal,” Story shared. “Last week, I was in a wheelchair, so I stationed myself at the end of the table to welcome everyone passing by.”

The event is not just about food and fellowship; it also aims to inspire confidence in the younger members of the community.

The celebration also hopes to boost confidence amongst the younger crowd.

Wanda Tilson with New Victory Baptist Church said they hope to provide the message that there’s always someone new to meet and people who are there for them.

“Just the kids, you know, and representing our church as we’re a big thing here in this community,” she said. “We want to keep it that way. We want to put the message out there to all these kids, you know, and let them know that God loves them.”