According to Joe Dan Boyd, Tinney Chapel's communications coordinator, Rural Life Sunday there is the modern equivalent of old-time harvest festivals, which took root in a pre-industrial United States largely an agricultural nation steeped in agrarian culture. One might also compare Rural Life Sunday, he said, to some Old Testament feasts which celebrated God's favor by honoring divine blessings of bountiful harvest seasons.

"To me, personally, Rural Life Sunday recalls my birthright: A hardscrabble farm boyhood spent wresting sustenance from the soil, a time when I learned to love my neighbors as those who assisted me in agricultural emergencies, comforted me during periods of family crises and nourished my soul during Sunday School and worship at Tinney Chapel," said Boyd

At Tinney Chapel, Rural Life Sunday starts like any other, with Sunday school, announcements and fellowship. What distinguishes it from other Sundays, Boyd said, is the congregation's attire. Just about everybody dresses appropriately to the occasion. After the worship service comes a meal followed by a series of games.

"[Rural Life Sunday] is very important to us. We enjoy it very much and always look forward to the next time," said Bobbie Hollingsworth, member of Tinney Chapel for about 25 years.

Angela Wylie, Tinney Chapel's lay speaker, put together a booklet of letters by church members expressing why they love this church.

"I love this church, because the first time I came in the doors, it was like that song, "There's a sweet, sweet spirit in this place.' And there was. Everyone that visits seems to feel it, too," said Alice Deitering.

"My husband, Andy, and I visited this church and as soon as we walked in the door, we felt welcomed. We were greeted and 'mugged' and decided that this was the church for us. Andy went home to God, but I still attend and still feel welcomed and loved here at Tinney Chapel," said Jean Anderson.

"Why a rural church? Because it is where God seems the closest... the fields around us...the wide open sky above us...the sweet air... and the history. The sense of belonging that is my inheritance. It is God's church," said Angela Wylie.

Tinney Chapel received the NTC Marvin T. Judy Award in Excellence for Rural Ministry in 2002 and 2004 and also received the Kate Warnick Award for Best Church Story in 2004 for Arvinell McClaren's history book, Going To The Chapel.

For more information on Tinney Chapel contact Joe Dan Boyd at 903-850-4394 or visit the Website http://tinneychapeltoday.blogspot.com