Make no mistake, the members of Christ Episcopal Church count on the smell of their meat patties and crawfish pies wafting through the air to entice the nose of flea market goers.

For the past three years, members of the congregation have participated as a food vendor during the Old Court House flea markets in an effort to raise funds for the church, and will do the same for this year’s spring event, which is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23.

“Proceeds come back to the church,” the Rev. Sam Godfrey said, explaining the money goes to pay for various expenses incurred by the facility at 1115 Main St.

Godfrey said the idea of selling meat patties and crawfish pies was derived from a previous fundraiser he had been involved with at a prior church appointment.

“In the late 80s and early 90’s our church in Natchez was involved with the local stew pot. We were looking for a fundraiser to help the organization,” he said, “and someone suggested selling the meat pies at the Balloon Race.”

The fundraiser was successful for the group in Natchez, so Godfrey imitated the idea for his church in Vicksburg.

Norman Francingues, who is a member of the church and who is also in charge of frying the empanadas -— as they are sometimes referred- — said the meat products come from the Natchitoches Meat Pie Company.

The meat patties are made with beef and pork and are seasoned with Cajon spices, and the crawfish pies are more like a crawfish etouffee, he said.

Though the patties and pies are seasoned, Francingues assured they are not too spicy for the locals.

After the empanadas are deep-fried on site, they are kept nice and hot by wrapping them in foil and keeping them in a warmer, Francingues said.

Sometimes customers will buy a patty or pie, and then return later to take some home, and for those interested in taking home frozen empanadas, they are also available for purchase.

Francingues recommended brushing them with oil and then baking them at 375 degrees.

Each pie will sell for $3 and lemonade is offered for $1.

Between 15 and 20 church members volunteer for the fundraiser, Godfrey said, and more than 500 meat patties and crawfish pies are sold.

Last year, Godfrey said they pretty much sold out.

Francingues said their church food booth would be set up at the northwest corner of the Old Courthouse at Monroe Street.

“We will have a big sign,” he said, and church member Mike Dollar will be the barker.

“He goes around yelling to let people know we are selling meat pies and crawfish patties.”

“This is an event that gets us outside the doors of the church and everybody has a fun time,” Godfrey said, adding, “As a church, we proclaim the gospel, invite people in and help our neighbors, even when we’re selling meat pies.  Come see us.”