Terlingua Texas, October 21st, 1967. A place and a date that should hold a special place in our minds and hearts as we head into this coming Sunday.
Why? It was on that fateful day in Texas that the first Chili Cook-Off took place.
It was more of a showdown, really. I guess that’s appropriate for Texas. Feelings were provoked when one H. Allen Smith dared to declare that Texans didn’t know how to make real chili. Texas chili “expert” Wick Fowler said that Smith’s comment required more than a verbal response. It required a “duel.”
The two men showed up early on that historic Saturday and began cooking. A panel of judges was assembled. The outcome? A tie. A tie?! Yes, a tie.
Thereafter, chili cook-offs took off (there’s a tongue twister!) and we continue the tradition this coming Sunday. You don’t want to miss it!
The fact is that we need this chili cook-off because, let’s face it, the world is a pretty stressful place right now. Political “discussions” have become full-contact sports and the news is basically a horror movie.
The solution? More prayer? Always. More love? Absolutely. More chili cook-offs? A thousand times yes!
Here’s why: Chili cook-offs are the great equalizer. People who may disagree about many things can find common ground in their distrust of that “experimental” chili that contains pineapple. Chili doesn’t care who you voted for—it just asks that you respect its simmer time.
Secondly, spices burn away tension. Ever notice how it’s hard to stay mad at someone when your mouth is on fire? That’s because chili peppers humble us. Grievances and stress about the world are forgotten when you’re too busy chugging water to put out the furnace in your mouth.
Thirdly, this is the kind of competition that we need. I mean, would you rather see people arguing over executive orders or chili recipes? Door number 2, please.
Fourthly, and maybe most importantly, it can encourage evangelism. You might hesitate to invite your unchurched neighbors to a regular service, but with free chili up for grabs, send out the invitations!
Lastly, our Chili Cook-Off is basically the modern version of Jesus feeding the five thousand—just with more beef, beans and cornbread. It brings people together and is just fun. Everyone gathers with smiles and everyone leaves with a shared need for Tums. It’s great!
So be sure to join us in the Narthex after the Winter Congregational Meeting for good food, not-so-serious competition, wonderful friends, and true community building.
And please note: The Cook-Off is BYOPB (bring your own Pepto Bismol).
See you in church,
–Rev. Dominic
First Congregational Church in Melrose, UCC 