Along with Sunday services, most churches offer activities like Bible studies, youth groups and Sunday school. At Gateway Baptist Church in Honey Brook, an additional program is being held for people who enjoy fishing - fly tying classes.

Dubbed "Fly Tie at the Brook," classes began on Feb. 6 and will be held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday in February and March. During the program, attendees will learn how to tie a certain fly, take part in a brief Bible lesson and enjoy beverages and snacks. The program is free and open to the community.

According to Brandon Stone, worship leader, the classes are conducted by professional outdoor fishing and hunting guide Jamie McLamb of Fallen Timber Outdoors. McLamb is a friend of Gateway pastor Walter "Poke" Shuler.

"It started with the pastor and his buddy Jamie. They have always done fly fishing and hunting. They were talking about trying to find a way to get Jamie involved in something at the church. They came up with the idea of fly tie sessions," Stone said, noting that people can attend one or as many programs as they choose because a different fly is highlighted each week.

Stone explained that fishermen use flies as a way to attract fish and get them to bite the hook. Fly tying involves using a variety of materials, such as feathers, fur and colored beads, to create what looks like an insect or another aquatic creature, like a shrimp or crayfish, which is then attached to the hook. The process requires the use of hand tools and a "rig," which is a vice that holds the fly in place while tying it.

"We have a lot of people close by that really love (fly fishing). If they have a fly tying rig, they can bring it, but they are not expected to. We have materials and the rigs," noted Stone. "Jamie's lessons are good. Not only is he teaching what you are doing with the fly and how to make it, he explains why it was made this way and what your fly is used for. By the end, (attendees) have at least one fly to take home."

The program also includes a lesson from the Bible that is related to the fly. "At 7 p.m., myself, the pastor or another preacher in our church will open up by welcoming everybody. We do a 10-minute devotion or Bible study," said Stone. "We take the fly we are about to tie and try to relate it to a biblical story or biblical aspect and tie them together."

During the opening night, Shuler read a passage from Matthew 4:19 in which Jesus says, in part, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men."

Another example might be a Bible lesson about deception. "The fly's entire (purpose) is to deceive a fish. We will talk about deception and sin and what the Word says about that. We will use the Bible to encourage others," noted Stone.

Stone emphasized that the main focus of the classes is to learn a skill. "(Attendees) are there for the session. They are not there to (attend) a church service," he commented. "They can learn a Bible doctrine to uplift them in their spiritual work and their daily work as a person. After 10 minutes, it is all fly tying after that. It lasts about an hour to an hour and a half depending on the fly or if we do two flies. We have snacks and take breaks."

This is the third session of fly tying classes that has been offered at the church. Both parishioners and community members attend. "Most people that come are guests to our church. We have a lot of people that go to our church who are there to help and help teach," Stone added. "We try to encourage people whether they are Christian or not or whether they are in church or not. If they are in the house of God, we want to show them the love of God while they are there. The goal is not to add more people on Sundays. The goal is to have an outreach where we can love on people."

He added that the opening session included attendees of all ages. "Grandpas are bringing their grandkids, and adults are bringing their buddies. It's really cool because it brings everybody together," said Stone. "It has been successful because of the people we have gotten to know. We encourage them, and they encourage us as well."

Gateway Baptist Church is located at 143 Suplee Road, Honey Brook. For more information about the fly tying classes and to register, visit http://www.gatewaybaptistpa.com and select "Fly Tie Sessions" on the homepage. Those with questions may call 610-273-2019 or email gatewaybaptistpa@gmail.com.