ARKANSAS—The Northwest Arkansas congregation held its annual picnic on November 16 in the rolling hills of Highfill. The group included Local Church Elder Darren Verbout and his wife, 23 members and eight children, along with guests from headquarters who were in the area to participate in a nearby Irish dance competition earlier that morning.

Members conversed as more and more arrived throughout the morning. At noon, they shared a meal that included grilled burgers, local venison and homegrown lettuce, tomatoes and pickles.

This was the first time the group had met in Highfill at the town community building, which was the town’s original schoolhouse, built in 1911.

“The picnic was satisfying as the children had plenty to do while the adults were able to converse,” James Privratsky said. “I also enjoyed reading about the history and seeing pictures of the historic schoolhouse.”

Members said they were stunned by how God blessed the weather for the event. Ken Jeffries said he had previously seen a 75-percent chance of rain and temperatures in the upper 50s for the high. “I know everyone started praying, because each day the forecast was better and better,” he said. “The day of the picnic, it dawned beautiful, bright and sunny, with almost no clouds and a comfortable 72 degrees.”

After lunch, the adults and children enjoyed a croquet and took a group photo, the first congregational photo taken in several years. Members said they headed home from the picnic unified and excited to continue supporting God’s Work.