The Davao City congregation had an informal year-end activity last December 28 to 29 (Sunday to Monday), at the Macaraeg residence.

Members started arriving after lunch, while the rest arrived about 4 p.m. Members who arrived earlier helped in preparing food. They volunteered to grill chicken and fish recipes or prepare fish “kinilaw” (marinated raw fish). Others set up tables and chairs at the roof deck.

As others munched on afternoon snack items, the children (and even some adults) were fascinated with and had fun eating finger foods dipped in the “chocolate fountain” (a device to melt and dispense chocolate).

When all cooking was done and dinner was ready at the airy fresh roof deck, it started to drizzle and the skies turned darker, as if threatening a strong downpour. (It had been rainy the past days.) But even if it was drizzling, everyone took their seats because our pastor encouraged us to do so. After the food was blessed, everyone proceeded to eat dinner under the light drizzles! It was a rare experience, and it was fun eating that way.

After dinner, while others helped tidy up the tables and washed dishes, the rest began the activities. Some who love singing went to the basement for Karaoke singing. Others preferred to enjoy the natural and cool atmosphere and socialize at the roof deck. The teens involved themselves in different activities. Some played various kinds of game such as Pictionary, Uno card games, etc. Some members stayed overnight. Rooms were provided for such families. Some young people and teens enthusiastically played longer into the night, but finally everybody went to sleep.

The following morning, almost everyone helped prepare breakfast. The fun thing was we ate our breakfast at the roof deck, this time under similar light morning drizzle! But this did not prevent us from having great fun eating under such rare condition, not commonly experienced anywhere else! Some reasoned and challenged others that we were not goats who are afraid of rain, nor are we salt that will be dissolved under the rain.

After taking such hearty breakfast at the roof deck, we proceeded to a demonstration activity of ‘bangus (milkfish) deboning,’ which generated much interest and curiosity. Some members who are experienced in this skill first demonstrated it, followed by some members and teens who enthusiastically continued in deboning the rest of the fish.

Most members and families continued socializing and enjoyed a relaxing atmosphere until lunch. After lunch, some decided to move on to other activities. With free tickets soon to expire by the year’s end, some proceeded to enjoy the benefit at the Mergrande Ocean Resort. There, they made a sandman, and enjoyed swimming at the pool, not minding the cooler-than-usual water due to the cloudy and rainy December weather.

The activities were somewhat unique and memorable for the Davao church members who participated this time. It ended up successful and the members spent a good deal of time fellowshipping, bonding, enjoying camaraderie, having fun, while at times exhorting one another towards molding their spiritual character. In two words, it was fun and helpful!

© 2009 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas