United Church of God

Winter Family Weekend 2015

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Winter Family Weekend 2015

The Winter Family Weekend lived up to its well-established tradition. The full schedule included three days of basketball and volleyball, three days of educational seminars, and an evening schedule of varied activities designed to make sure that no one was left out.

This year more than 1,000 people joined in the fun. The Great Wolf Lodge of Mason, Ohio, provided lodging and a conference facility where many of the activities occurred, beginning with a family dance on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 23. During the days, our members were able to participate in or watch the athletics at a nearby gymnasium, seminars in the conference center, or visit the on-site indoor waterpark.

Evening activities included dances for teens and adults, karaoke, family games, an acoustic jam session, a performing arts show, and a live appearance by Jelly. The Sabbath began with a Friday evening group hymn-sing, followed by a Bible study. During the next morning, the conference center bustled as children attended youth instruction sessions, and teens and adults chose from several seminars presented concurrently. Finally, for Sabbath services the hall was filled to overflowing, and more than three hundred Internet connections allowed congregations and individuals to listen to extended special music and a sermon by Victor Kubik.

 The one thing common to every activity and every event during the Winter Family Weekend—not to mention time between activities—was fellowship among the brethren. Whether a person is athletic or not, part of a large family or single, old or young, spending time with our spiritual family is greatest reason for having this event. That is the reason so many volunteers devote hundreds of hours to organizing and running such a complex event. It is why many families devote considerable resources to it–as does the church. The weekend seems to exemplify what we read in Psalm 133:1, that, it is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Plans are already in place for next year’s Winter Family Weekend in Cincinnati. The Great Wolf Lodge will again provide our base, and we will use the same sports facilities. Mark Dec. 23–27 on your calendar for 2016 and plan to join us for a very special time!