What does barbecued brisket, heads or tails, homemade ice cream, and prayer have in common? They were all part of the Blue Ridge Region’s fellowship event held on September 23 at Woodstock, Virginia. Although originally planned to be an outdoor affair, none of the participants complained about the sorely needed rain that was pouring down outside which forced the activities inside.

Multiple individuals provided 14 gallons of various flavors of homemade ice cream ranging from pineapple and grapenut to cinnamon and pina colada. After welcoming remarks from the host church, Antioch CBC, Pastor Shawn Graber of St. Luke CBC led some icebreakers including a heads or tails game. He also shared a little about this past summer’s youth camp and camping plans for 2024.

Regional Board Chair Sister Ann Jones, encouraged folks to get to know each other and as the afternoon went on, that’s exactly what happened as the 100 participants from 6 congregations visited with each other.

Approximately 20 children enjoyed burning off energy with games while their parents built relationships and shared ideas. CBC Executive Board Chair Brother Grover Duling and Vice Chair Brother Scott Kinnick shared greetings from the national CBC and encouraged the Blue Ridge Brethren to stay strong in the Lord and provided some ideas of how to strengthen the region as well.

CBC Disaster Response Coordinator, Brother Mark Teets, gave a report on his recent weeklong trip volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse in Maui, Hawaii. He also provided resources and ways for folks in each church to become involved in this ministry.

Of course, no Brethren event would be complete without food and a delicious meal was served of smoked brisket and several sides. No one complained of hunger at the end of the day.

Thanks to the merchandise for sale, several individuals went home with CBC stickers on their vehicles, new CBC shirts, hats, and coats to wear, and new CBC mugs to drink their coffee out of the next morning! It was a great event and special thanks to all who planned and prepared and to all who attended.

Written by George Bowers