David Payne, brother of the Church of the Lord Jesus' pastor, Harvey Payne, picks up his snake box, which contains two copperheads, from the back of his pick-up before homecoming service at the church in West Virginia, USA, 04 September 2010. The Church of the Lord Jesus is one of America's last 'Signs' churches, a folk religion that encourages worshippers to speak in tongues and to handle serpents. Popular throughout Appalachia in the 1920s, the practice is rooted in a Biblical passage from the Book of Mark.

Rufus 'Buddy' Jewell holds a timber rattlesnake as he prays during the church's homecoming service.

Member Justin Fletcher (L) is anointed with oil as member Nancy Kennedy (R) whirls in a trance and speaks in tongues.

A handwritten sign on the altar of the Church of the Lord Jesus warns members of the consequences of picking up snakes and drinking strychnine.