OREGON—One hundred three members from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, British Columbia, and Oklahoma attended the 21st Northwest Winter Weekend from Dec. 27-28, 2014.

Sabbath morning began with a sermonette focused on the principle of respect for elders, delivered by Local Church Elder Darren Verbout. The congregational choir performed a selection from Jeremiah—A Musical and Step-Dancing Extravaganza for special music. The sermon, titled “Prelude to World Peace,” focused on how the rift between Abraham’s sons, Ishmael and Isaac, will be healed.

One family of four had just moved to the area from Arizona. They hadn’t even seen their new residence, yet still attended the festivities on into the evening.

After potluck, members attended a costume dance.

Member Daniel Ladenburg dressed as a Fruit of the Loom apple, joking that the event was “a fruitful adventure!”

“Awesome! [It was] so much fun, especially the costume social,” member Colleen Carter said.

Prizes were awarded for Most Humorous, which went to Matthew Young and Joshua Crocker as Hanz and Franz of Saturday Night Live fame; Most Attention to Detail was won by Kyndra Anderson, dressed as an owl; and Best Overall Costume was awarded to Justice Brown and Timothy Bruce, who dressed as authentic-looking Star Wars characters Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Kids’ Honorable Mention went to Colt Crocker as a scuba diver complete with wet suit, “tanks” and fins. Teen Honorable Mention was Evan and Gavin Fraser and Kyle Amos, all dressed as Top Gun fighter pilots. Adult Honorable Mention went to David and Karen Hallett as the Town Crier and Wife.

“We really enjoyed people’s attention to detail. … Lots of thought and work went into the costumes. … This made it an exceptional activity!” member Ole Schow said, who dressed up as Waldo.

Member Beth Bruce pointed out that this year’s activity had the most participation. “[It was] a great family weekend!” she said. Fellowship and snacks rounded out the evening.

The following day, members gathered in Beaverton to attend the northwest annual basketball and volleyball tournament. Inside the ymca, activities kicked off with Amy Hallett singing the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

The basketball tournament quickly started, and for the next three hours, the four teams worked their way through the double elimination brackets. Team captain Matthew Young led his team to the championship game and won a nail-biter to take first place.

At half time, cheer-coach Hilary Young led the pre-teen cheerleaders through a half-time performance that evoked memories of the past.

Member David Patten said it reminded him of Y.O.U. “It shows what we can do when we follow the example set by HQ,” Patten said.

Before the volleyball tournament, 13 youths tackled an obstacle course, making for a lot of laughs and cheers among the crowd. Nine-year-old Kyndra Anderson took first place for girls; 4-year-old Isaac Ladenburg for the boys.

Finally, the volleyball tournament started. Matthew Young again led his team to first place.

“Today wasn’t about sports or people; it was about unity and harmony,” Preaching Elder Gareth Fraser said. “The whole day had a Malachi 4:5-6 tone to it.”