After three years of lockdown mandates, excited brethren from Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and further afield once again celebrated God’s Feast together.

Opening night was full of excited conversation and tales of the journey through fog, rain, potholes, flooding and even snow. The meet and greet after the first day’s service was enhanced by a delectable assortment of hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Barista coffee, available daily, proved highly popular; the ladies running the business desk appreciated the care of others who served them so they didn’t miss out. Magnificent stands of green foliage and white flowers arranged by Laisa and Siulolo Fungalai beautifully enhanced the stage setting, causing one of the venue staff to comment on how glorious they were and how the lovely scent wafted from the hall into other parts of the club.

Activities were enjoyed by all. A coach trip to the Seahorse Inn at Two-Fold Bay culminated in a fine lunch (the barramundi was delicious) and time well-spent on catching up with old friends. Other activities included a “Bugs” family night, barefoot bowls and a bistro dinner, Top Fun, a scavenger hunt, kayaking and other outdoor activities. An Eighth Day luncheon was provided between services.

The finest part of the Feast was the spiritual aspect—from the opening video service featuring Rick Shabi’s uplifting and encouraging sermon and the beautiful music to the final sermon and all the hymns we sang and heard in special music, including the service from Jekyll Island. There was a great sense of togetherness through it all, even among some who were unable to travel to the venue due to ill health, but joined every day via webcast. A quick pan-around after services and brethren staying in touch via phone and sending photos added to the feeling of “being there” in spite of being so physically far away.

Mavis Miller