CANADA—Eighteen Philadelphia Church of God members from the Edmonton, Calgary, and Meadow Lake and Regina congregations embarked on an inaugural outreach to the Saskatoon congregation on the July 1-3 weekend.

“The purpose of the outreach is to get out there and share God’s way of life with smaller congregations,” Local Elder Timothy Oostendarp said. “There is great growth in all that giving, for all of us—and it brings God’s Family closer together.”

An Edmonton congregational announcement about the initiative and invitations to those in outlying congregations generated overwhelming support and interest.

Friday night, the caravan broke off to different member homes in Saskatoon to be hosted for the weekend. The next morning, Sabbath began with a hymn sing led by two Edmonton members, followed by services and a Bible study.

After the Bible study, youth, singles, couples and seniors mingled at a barbecue dinner hosted by local members Bill and Agatha Fehr. After sunset, Edmonton member Jacques Durand led most of the group in an uproarious sing-along.

Bill Fehr said there were reports of unstable weather around the event, but none of the activities were affected.

“We all enjoyed God’s family culture together and spent God’s beautiful agape love on each other,” Calgary member Spring Stuart-Walker said.

Saskatoon members said that they were so moved by the experience that they are planning their own outreach.