OREGON—About 30 members from the Wilsonville congregation set sail down the North Santiam River on August 3 for the congregation’s annual river-rafting trip.

The rental facility manager provided water safety training when members arrived, then divided the group among five river rafts and sent them off on their adventure.

Rafting down the North Santiam, cut into the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, members spotted bald eagles, osprey, kingfishers and other riparian birds among the pine trees, low-lying shrubs and other native plants and trees.

The expedition climaxed with “the drop,” a natural plunge in the river of over six feet. The boats successfully navigated the drop except one, which capsized, landing its occupants into the rapids. Several brethren jumped into the river to retrieve belongings and to lend a hand.

“When the Lowry raft flipped over, the majority of guys thought it was cool and the ladies were saying, ‘Oh no!’” Jim Sliger said.

After the drama subsided, the group took a short break along the tall, rocky cliffs. Those who were daring jumped into the clear, cool river below. Some jumpers leapt from more than 25 feet above the river, while others took a more manageable plunge of around 10 feet.

After the day’s adventures, the group gathered for a meal and shared details of their afternoon on the water.

“I absolutely loved the opportunity to spend time with my spiritual family here in the Northwest,” Bret Smythe said. “These events bonded us with God’s people, and this year’s rafting trip was no exception.”