MINNESOTA—Despite snow, ice and below-freezing wind chills, 23 of the 38 “diehard” brethren of the Waconia congregation stuck around after the Sabbath of January 25 for the opportunity for extended fellowship at a winter social event along with their associate pastor, Preaching Elder Eric Anderson, and his two sons, Reagan and Edmond.

As the sun set, the artic blast picked up outside, and the nighttime air temperature plunged into the negative digits; but the hardy brethren continued, undaunted.

The social included entertaining activities for all ages and took place inside a cozy community center aptly named Safari Island. The younger children’s activity of choice was the indoor jungle gym, where they became “jungle explorers” playing in the ball pit, tunnels, twisting and turning tubes, swings and slides. Meanwhile, several men got a game of volleyball going in the gymnasium and a lively board game grabbed the attention of many of the ladies. Some simply enjoyed relaxing and chatting over coffee.

Finally it was announced to the jungle explorers, the manly volleyball players, and the ladies in the middle of their unfinished game, “Safari Island is closing soon. It’s time to ‘break camp’ and start packing up.” The members said their farewells, ventured out onto the frozen tundra, started up their mechanical “beasts,” and rode back toward civilization, still warmed by their experience together.

Member Kristy Pepin said, “The winter social was a wonderful opportunity to bond closer with God’s family in an informal setting.”