IOWA—Braving near-record cold temperatures and semihazardous travel conditions, nearly 90 intrepid and determined brethren from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin, as well as several guests from Nebraska, gathered in Marshalltown from Dec. 30-31, 2017, for a winter social.

The weekend began Sabbath afternoon with members listening to a recording of Pastor General Gerald Flurry’s sermon about the Ophel archeological excavation project in Jerusalem.

“There was quite a buzz after Mr. Flurry’s message,” said Kansas City congregation member Cole March. “The announcement energized the fellowship and activities for the entire weekend.”

After a break for snacks, Regional Director Cal Culpepper gave a Bible study in which he discussed the importance of guarding and adding to the courage of God’s begotten royal family during the “transition period” of God’s Work.

After sunset, performers of all ages shared their talents in a family entertainment show. Children and teens played instruments, sang, danced, and read poetry; some adult entertainers showcased unique acts, including an autoharp and concertina. Emcee and Minnesota deacon Bob Lilleboe entertained the audience by whistling an entire song from TheSound of Music. The audience enthusiastically applauded each of the acts.

The night finished with a homemade baked-pie contest hosted by St. Louis deacon and deaconess Randy and Toni Wommel, and judged by the attending ministers and deacons. Submissions were graded and ribbons awarded for the categories of taste and presentation.

Sunday’s activities included a costume party and games for all ages, organized by Chicago deacon and deaconess Jim and Terry Privratsky. The lively, fast-paced games required both speed and finesse as balloons and plastic cups were used to complete each challenge. Three teams competed and cheered each other on until one team was eventually declared victorious after a suspenseful, sudden-death, cup-stacking challenge.

“The games were simple but creative,” said one youngster. “They were fun team-building activities for the kids as well as the adults.”

“Being in a costume made everyone more comfortable to participate in the group games,” Minnesota member Melody Aldrich said. Mr. Culpepper, assisted by Illinois Preaching Elder Eric Anderson, judged the costumes and gave out certificates and prizes to winners in several categories.

The day concluded with two trivia challenges—one called “Do You Remember?” based on naming random photos of famous people, places and things from the 1920s through the 1970s, and the other revolving around events mentioned in the Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong.

Afterward, several members commented that the family weekend was a memorable occasion. Visiting prospective member Misti Jones from Nebraska said, “I left my first winter social feeling more a part of the royal family.”