MARYLAND—On July 31, 41 Philadelphia Church of God members gathered at the Washington Regional Park in Hagerstown under a pavilion surrounded by shade trees for a barbecue, potluck and games at the annual summer picnic.

Brethren and children made use of the park’s playground equipment, basketball courts and football fields in addition to competing in their annual corn hole tournament.

During lunch Rae said, “I can’t wait for all the fun things.”

The children’s games this year were inspired by “Soak Night” from this year’s Summer Educational Program and included water games such as the water balloon toss, hot potato, fireman’s run, a water slide, super-soaker capture the flag and a balloon fight.

“The children always look forward to the adult participation in the children’s activities. There is always so much joy and laughter,” member Kishaw Hallmark said.

After the picnic, everyone contributed to cleaning up. Several members of the park staff remarked on how well the members maintained the picnic shelter, and they look forward to us coming each year. Many brethren commented about the picnic being a great environment for God’s people to have an opportunity to serve in multiple ways from cooking and cleaning to members watching other children, not to mention giving everyone an opportunity for extra fellowship.