As you know, our life in Christ consists of many types of experiences. Some are of trials and tribulation to increase our faith. Others are of happiness and joy to encourage our hope. And to increase our love, God has given us sweet brotherly fellowship.

And church Sunday was just such a wonderful blessing for all who came. It was the 29th annual event we call “Day of the Family of God”. This is the one Sunday every year where all the congregations in the metropolitan area are invited to meet together at a center location instead of the regular places of assembly. What made this year’s even more special was that it was the first time we had a day-long affair instead of just a two-hour assembly. This gave people an opportunity to eat together, sit around and talk and participate in different activities.

The activities began at 8:30 in the morning with a member, who is a registered nurse, giving checkups (blood pressure, glucose, etc.) to those who wanted it. The event was held at the centrally located Police Academy so at 9:00 we were treated to a display of their K-9 division. At 10:00 their marching band gave us a performance. At 11:00 was the church assembly that went until half past noon. The official count was taken during the assembly. It was 1,050. No count was made of visitors or the number of congregations this represented but I’d guess all of the 24 congregations in the Greater Metropolitan area had at least one member there.

After church, lunch was served to all that could stay for it. Over 500 did. After lunch at 2 pm there were nine simultaneous workshops offered with interests for all age group (seniors, teens, kids, couples, etc.). One of the workshops showcased the soccer school ministry that hones kids’ soccer skills while it teaches them the Bible (as seen in photo below). Everything ended about half past four in the afternoon.

Several brothers and sisters commented to me that this was the best Day of the Family ever because there was no rushing around. Lord willing, we plan to do it this way from now on.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity…
For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” ⎯ Psalm 133:1 & 3a