MISSOURI—The smells of barbecue chicken and hamburgers greeted Philadelphia Church of God members as they walked up to the Vago Park pavilion in Maryland Heights on July 6, their arms filled with young children, picnic meals and sports equipment. The St. Louis conregation’s annual picnic attracted 46 members from congregations in Wisconsin, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois and Arkansas.

“God blessed brethren with a beautiful day and a pleasant breeze,” Preaching Elder Eric Anderson said.

Members took advantage of the cooler morning weather by walking the park trails while deacon Randy Woemmel and Stanley Koebel cooked meat at the grills.

Members young and old practiced their batting skills on the ball field or competed in games of horseshoes or volleyball. Children scrambled over the playground equipment and participated in children’s games.

“I [enjoyed] the sports activities with singles from different church congregations, especially the volleyball games,” Wisconsin member Matthew Yench said.

“This picnic is an awesome opportunity for singles to get together from around the region,” Wisconsin member Benjamin Tryba said. “[I]t is an opportunity to unify brethren of different congregations.”