WEST VIRGINIA—On August 6, more than 70 Philadelphia Church of God members from the congregations of Buffalo, New York; Niles, Ohio; and Morgantown, West Virginia, gathered for a family picnic overlooking Lake Milton in northeastern Ohio.

As members arrived with food, a spontaneous game of volleyball commenced. Shortly after everyone gathered to eat, a kickball tournament started. Local member Michael Strachan exited the field after successfully kicking a “curve ball pitch from Mr. Davis.” He said that his evening plans would include cold ice packs and rest.

Throughout the afternoon, multiple groups went tubing on the lake while various activities took place, including soccer, cornhole and horseshoes. After a brief rain shower, the temperatures cooled, followed by sunny skies. Many brethren continued talking under the pavilion through the rain shower and into the afternoon.

Member Steve Coppola said, “I love seeing the brethren a bit outside of their normal comfort zones, playing sports and doing various activities together, being family in a less formal setting.”