WCG-roots reunion meets again in N.C.

PINE LEVEL, N.C.--For the fifth year, present and former Worldwide Church of God members got together for a reunion, this year thanks to sponsors Neal Brantley of Clayton, N.C., and Fred Toole of Smithville, N.C.

This year's event took place Aug. 17 at an American Legion building with an estimated 300 participants.

"This was a day of fun, food and fellowship with people who became a part of each other's lives over many years of attending Worldwide and other COG organizations," said Mr. Brantley.

"This is an opportunity of visiting and sharing time together without the pressure of church. This is an inclusive party. The invitation is written to include everyone."

Mr. Brantley said many people, perhaps 20 percent of those who came, were attending the reunion for the first time.

The reunion targets WCG members and former members who attended congregations in North and South Carolina and Virginia beginning in the 1960s.

"We are already planning for next year," Mr. Brantley said.

Mr. Toole and his wife, Betty, provided beef that was cooked the night and morning before and "chopped and seasoned on site," said Mr. Brantley.