Adelaide: Botanic Garden Walk
The Botanic Gardens Walk held on December 3, 2023, was a wonderful experience that the brethren could share with one another. On this beautiful day, we were welcomed by the colourful array of flowers and greenery as majestic trees towered over us. The wide diversity of nature was nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the rows of roses blooming at their fullest as far as the eye could see, to the hardy and resilient cacti, we experienced God’s diverse creation first-hand on a beautiful summer’s day. We all saw what God had made and indeed, it was very good (Genesis 1:31). Being in touch with the beauty of plantlife growing before our eyes and beneath our feet, we were given a foretaste of only a fraction of the Garden of Eden and the coming Kingdom of God described in Isaiah 35. The Botanic Gardens was truly a brilliant way to start our summer and we are all truly grateful for the activity.
– Micah Javate
Melbourne: BBQ Dinner Activity
On the Saturday evening of December 9, 2023, a number of Melbourne brethren gathered for a BBQ dinner hosted by Mr. Michael Alter on his scenic country property in the Yarra Valley. Typical of unpredictable Melbourne weather, despite being summer, the day was rather cold and wet, putting the planned outdoor BBQ in jeopardy. That, however, didn’t dampen the event as we all congregated inside the Alter’s cosy and welcoming home, where the brethren enjoyed hearty food and fellowship well into the evening. Mr Alter treated the brethren to homemade beef and lamb sausages, with the beef sourced from his very own cattle. Our Pastor, Mr Adam Jennings, was stationed at the BBQ to cook all the tasty meat. Brethren brought along an assortment of salads, bread and desserts to share, as well as their appetite for good food and conversation. There was lively chatter creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a large family gathering. It was such a wonderful way to finish off the Sabbath day.
– Olivia Perry