MINNESOTA—Philadelphia Church of God members in Minnesota held their annual summer picnic on August 6 at the lakeside in Chanhassen.

The early crew arrived as the morning was still crisp and cool, partaking of local member Kristy Pepin’s home-baked caramel rolls, blueberry oatmeal crisp, coffee and tea as they worked together to set up picnic tables, decorations and games. Meteorologists had predicted the day would be rainy, brethren had prayed about the weather, and the day remained dry.

By the time the rest of the 35 attendees arrived at the pavilion in Lake Ann Park, the conversation and laughter was in full swing as members shared fellowship and a panoramic view of the 119-acre lake.

Lunchtime brought a barbecue meal and a dessert of assorted gourmet chocolate-dipped cake pops, baked by member Josh Haider. The members then went down to the water’s edge and took turns canoeing, paddle-boating and floating in a small inflatable boat under a beautiful blue sky and puffy white clouds. Others took walks along the breezy lakeside path or napped in a hammock near the pavilion. The group then participated in team activities for all age groups, including a ping-pong-ball-and-spoon race, an egg relay, a kangaroo pouch bean-bag toss, a water balloon toss, a “mummy wrap” game and a game called “I’ve Lost My Marbles.” The day concluded with rounds of root beer floats and a game of Yahtzee.

Haider said, “All the games were awesome!” And 8-year-old Edmond, visiting from Chicago, said, “My favorite part was paddle-boating.” Several said that Lake Ann Park was the best location yet for the annual picnic.