OHIO—More than 175 Philadelphia Church of God members from several congregations in the northeast region met at a state park in northwest Ohio for their third annual family campout on Labor Day Weekend from September 1–4.
The event began on a Friday morning with unusually cool and comfortable dry weather. Several members and their families arrived early to set up the campsite, prepare the kitchen, and cook meals for the Sabbath as other members arrived on site. After an evening meal of barbecue chicken, Regional Director Cal Culpepper delivered a Bible study on the subject of Ephesians 1, emphasizing the need for God’s people to be united with the Father, Son and each other. Afterward, many happy campers conversed under the stars well into the evening before going to bed in tents, cabins, lodges or recreational vehicles.
Sabbath morning began with an abundant brunch and a variety of Sabbath activities, including a group hymn sing in the outdoor pavilion, a youth Bible “Tic-Tac-Toe” game led by New Jersey Preaching Elder Greg Nice, and a “Jonah and the Big Fish” children’s Bible story and craft activity led by Ohio Local Church Elder Larry Walker and his wife. After snacks, members attended afternoon Sabbath services, including a sermonette on family unity by Ohio Preaching Elder Victor Vejil and a recorded sermon by Evangelist Stephen Flurry on “The Abundant Life.”
After services, many members strolled the campsite trails and shared fellowship before gathering for a hearty lasagna dinner. After sunset, the group participated in a Mexican “fiesta”-themed family dance hosted by Abraham and Jordanya Blondeau and then ate ice cream and conversed well into the night.
After a blueberry pancake breakfast Sunday morning, campers participated in planned activities including softball, swimming, children’s games and a euchre tournament. The evening included a barbecue and an evening entertainment show and karaoke singalong around the campfire, along with s’mores.
Members shared one more breakfast together on Monday morning, packed their belongings, cleaned up the campground and said their goodbyes, returning to the road by noon.
“I think the whole weekend in general was a great opportunity for us to all bond together as God’s family,” said camper Alex Williams of Ohio. “My favorite part was the fellowship and sports.”
Illinois member David Privratsky remarked, “Attending the campout was a spiritually refreshing experience. The theme of unity Mr. Culpepper established was vividly present throughout all the fellowship and activities. Looking forward to next year’s campout!”