AUSTRALIA—About 70 members from the Sydney congregation attended an afternoon of family activities at Jim Allen Oval on November 30.

This was the second time the Oval has been used for a family day. The close location to Wombarra Beach and private surroundings make it an ideal location for family-oriented activities and fellowship.

Members began arriving at noon, set up their chairs under the main marquee, and added their food to the potluck tables. The main dish of the day was a spit roast donated by a local member. Members also shared a few beef roasts once most people arrived.

The week prior, Mrs. Lynda Macdonald organized the teen girls to bake scones and make strawberry jam to sell at the family day for a fundraiser.

Event organizer Ross Macdonald said that even though the forecast was calling for rain most of the day, the weather turned out ideal. It remained sunny the entire morning then became overcast in the early afternoon, providing a mild temperature to play soccer, cricket and croquet. Some members went down to the beach for a dip in the ocean.

Later, thunderclouds formed in the distance, and a short while later it began to rain, signaling the end of the event.

“[It was] the absolute best weather we could have hoped for,” member Davin Moore said. “It was really enjoyable with the park and then down to the beach for a swim. The food was good, and we had a wonderful fireworks display all the way home with the thunderstorm.”

“I thought it was an amazing day,” member Victoria Hooper said. “It felt so unified and relaxing. I loved seeing the old and young playing games together with such zeal and inclusiveness. … [I’m] looking forward to the next get-together.”