CANADA—More than 50 members from Western Canada and beyond shared their first winter weekend from February 12 to 14. The Edmonton congregation hosted the event for Philadelphia Church of God members from three provinces and from as far away as Oklahoma.

The weekend was “about God’s brethren coming together,” Local Elder Timothy Oostendarp said. “We do a lot of fun things together so that we can understand that and have a tangible way to see that God’s way really does work.”

After Sabbath services, dinner and an end-of-the year video presentation, members entered their pre-purchased or handmade pine cars in a competition of speed, craft and creativity. The theme of the derby was “Thunder 500”—an allusion to the seven thunders that define the work of the Philadelphia Church of God.

Herbert W. Armstrong College graduate Kyle Tremblay organized the race, and member Mark Schlote built the racetrack; he also won first place for fastest car.

Members chose 8-year-old Acacia Stuart-Walker’s wedge of cheese pine car for best- looking car.

“There were several people from a lot of different provinces around the country,” Saskatoon deacon Ryan Friesen said. “I think everybody had a lot of fun, especially the children watching the pine cars; they really had a blast.”

The event also included a silent auction fundraiser with items such as oil and acrylic paintings, donations from local restaurants and retailers, framed photos of Armstrong Auditorium and a 2015 Envoy signed by the ministers who attended the 2016 PCG Ministerial Conference. The silent auction raised about usd$600.

“It was a great night for bringing family together,” Ontario deacon Daniel Gauvreau said.

The Oostendarp family hosted members at their home the next day for a coffee klatch followed by tobogganing, ice-skating and a Pictionary tournament.

“[The weekend] was fantastic, and a great opportunity to get together and build family unity,” Calgary Local Church Elder Christopher McKay said. “It’s just a wonderful event where everyone can just cut loose.”