Houston’s faith community goes whole hog for the rodeo
February means one thing to many Houstonians: the start of the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo.
After the turf for the NFL’s Texans is removed, dump trucks filled with dirt take over at NRG Park to ready for barrel racers and bronc riders. The 2023 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officially kicks off Feb. 28.
Across the state, 4H students are grooming their prized animals, ropers practicing their moves, chili cookers perfecting their recipes and children waiting in anticipation of their favorite carnival rides.
Houston’s faith community is no exception when it comes to country music and cowboy boots.
One area congregation, River Pointe Church, hosts a kickoff Rodeo Weekend each year. And at the close of the season, Houston’s Jewish community convenes for the annual Kosher Chili Cookoff.
Praise music with a fiddle and steel guitar
River Pointe Church’s senior pastor Patrick Kelley looks forward to the rodeo each year. Mutton busting is his favorite event — especially the time his grandson competed.
“The Houston rodeo is such a big deal in our city,” Kelley said. “It takes over the calendar.”
About 20 years ago, Kelley began brainstorming a way to bring the same spirit to church. “We hired a steelguitar player and fiddle,” he said. “We did nothing but country music. People dressed up in boots and cowboy hats.”
It was a huge success — and has been a tradition at the church ever since. “People look forward to it and bring their friends,” Kelley said. “It’s really become a festival.”
Rodeo Weekend is celebrated at all three River Pointe campuses, with country music, food and family fun.
Services will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 and at 9:30 and 11 a.m. on Feb. 26 at both the Richmond location at 21000 U.S. 59 S. and the West End location at 802 Shepherd.
Worship is set for 9:30 and 11 a.m. on Feb. 26 at the Missouri City location at 7057 Knights Court.
“Everyone shows up early and stays late,” Kelley said. “It’s a ton of fun.”
A chili cook-off will be held at the Missouri City and West End campuses, while Richmond will feature visits from Rodeo Queens, roping whiz Cowboy Larry, fiddle player Ruby Jane and the Woody and Jesse characters from the movie “Toy Story.”
Stormy, a miniature pony, will also visit. Church members and guests can try their luck on mechanical bull rides. For the church’s iFit specialneeds ministry, children will have fun playing with giant bubbles.
“It’s a great kickoff to the rodeo,” Kelley said.
The event also often brings a number of guests to the church.
Trying a new church — or even stepping foot in a sanctuary — can be intimidating to many. “They might feel like they won’t fit it,” he said.
Rodeo Weekend takes that away. “It’s very approachable to people,” Kelley said. “Everyone understands rodeo and having a good time.”
River Pointe makes joy and fellowship a high priority. “We have a high regard for fun, laughing, hooting and hollering,” Kelley said.
Noshing on kosher chili
The 10th annual Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff begins at noon on March 19 at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut. The event coincides with the last day of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Steven Weiss, the cook-off ’s longtime chair, is a member of Congregation Beth Israel and Chabad of Sugar Land.
The cook-off was created as a way to bring the community together — whether Jewish or not.
The first year, organized by men’s groups from different synagogues, about 20 chilicooking teams were assembled. About 1,500 people showed up to sample their creations. The event was a success from the get-go and continued to grow over the years. At one point, 4,000 attended.
The pandemic, however, shut the competition down for 2021 and 2022. “Now we’re finally back,” Weiss said.
He expects close to 30 teams this year. The price of admission, $15 for adults, allows unlimited chili samples. Everything is kosher.
Each team provides a member to serve as a judge. First, second, third and people’s choice awards are announced near the event’s conclusion.
The afternoon also features live music and bounce houses for the kids. Proceeds from the event will support education.
“Whether you are Jewish, have Jewish friends, don’t know anyone Jewish but want to try the food, we welcome everyone,” Weiss said.
He has enjoyed watching all segments of the Houston Jewish community uniting during the event, from Orthodox and Conservative to Reform and secular.
“It’s a day of joy and happiness and fun,” Weiss said. “It’s something I really enjoy being a part of.”
And the chili gets better and better every year, he added.