A tiny church congregation in rural Michigan will observe a moment of silence on Sunday to mourn the death of a valued member - a wild turkey that terrorised children but never missed a service.
Rev James Huff said the turkey had become part of the regular Sunday service at Lamb United Methodist Church, greeting parishioners each week in the parking lot.
When he did not show up for church last Sunday, churchgoers knew something was wrong, Rev Huff said.
A local paper broke the news: the turkey, who had a predilection for chasing cars, had become road kill.
"It was kind of sad. Some people rejoiced, because he was a mean turkey. But he was also comical ... and he was so well-known, he drew a lot of recognition to the church," said Rev Huff.
"Every time there was a function, he was there."
The turkey arrived at the tiny crossroads of Lambs, near Port Huron in eastern Michigan, a little before Christmas and quickly made himself at home.
He chased children who waited for school at a nearby bus stop, and spent Sunday mornings asleep on a parishioner's car while Rev Huff delivered his sermon.
Rev Huff has rewritten his sermon to reflect the death of the turkey, who, like the Biblical prodigal son, showed up and drew a lot of attention and was resented by some.
But the reverend said he'll be glad when the fuss is over. Local media have become obsessed with the turkey, and not everyone is thrilled Rev Huff is commemorating his death.
"I'm a bit worried about what my bishop is going to say," said Rev Huff.
"It's become an albatross over my head."
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