CANADA—After a week of rain and dark skies, the Milton and London congregations soaked in the warm sunshine during the annual Victoria Day weekend barbecue on May 18. Members spent time together in a cool breeze that rustled the green trees and bushes surrounding the back yard of Preaching Elder Derek Palmer and his wife, Mary.

Member Laskey Hart was named “grill master” and oversaw the cooking of meat and vegetables on the searing, hot grill to crispy perfection.

“The food was great,” Milton member Carolyn Nemeth said. “Everyone pitched in to provide a wonderful variety, and we had an amazing chef who cooked everything just right.”

Beyond the sounds of a sizzling grill and chirping birds, the backyard swelled with the sound of laughter and fellowship as one happy spiritual family enjoyed a warm, sunny day together.

After the meal, London member James Fuller played guitar and harmonica, accompanied by some of his children and London member Michael Luzon on percussion. Campfire song books were passed around, as everyone was excited to sing around the fire for the first time since last fall’s campout. The music drew young and old together.

“The fellowship was wonderful, along with great shared food dishes and the following sing along, known to us as a ‘ling-along,’” said London deacon Robert Friesen. “The day was just totally amazing. We were blessed with the most beautiful day so far this 2026 year.”