CALIFORNIA—Sacramento’s stately William Land Park shaded 14 Philadelphia Church of God members under canopies of trees where they grilled meat for a potluck meal at the annual northern California summer picnic on July 20.

“In the World Tomorrow, we’ll have parks like this everywhere for families to go to,” member Harry Bowers said. Many who attended commented on God’s blessing of unseasonably mild weather.

Some played catch with a softball or strolled along meandering paths. Others watched geese descending upon a nearby pond, while a game of Chinese checkers began after the noon meal.

“This truly helps to unite God’s Family,” deacon Roy Shoun said.

Local Elder Tom Symons brought digital images of a recent Bavarian castle tour he and his wife took in Germany. He shared a story of approaching the gate of Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg’s family castle in the village of Guttenberg—the castle has belonged to the Guttenberg family since 1482.

“I truly enjoyed the photographs of Germany,” member Shelly MacFarland said.

As the activities concluded, members cleared tables and packed up for home.