30 May 2025, 13:35Adina Lupu, Edited by SM CommunicationsBlairdrummond, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Church Day Out
Laughter, games, good food, and heartfelt connection defined the Glasgow Church's joyful day out at Blair Drummond Safari Park, reminding all that happiness shared is a glimpse of heaven on earth.
George Bernard Shaw once said, “A happy family is but an earlier heaven.” On Sunday, the 25th of May, the Glasgow Church family came together for a fun day out at Blair Drummond Safari Park, experiencing joyful moments of togetherness through various games for all ages, a barbecue, group visits around the park to see the animals, meaningful conversations, and lots of laughter.
Organised by Skha Ndlovu, the Interest Coordinator for Glasgow Church, with support from Pastor Claudiu Popescu, the event brought together over 60 people for a day filled with joy and connection.
The day began with group games, where youth were paired with adults. This approach, led by Pastor Claudiu, aimed to foster intergenerational bonds. The energy and enthusiasm of the children and teens proved infectious, motivating the adults to keep going—even when their energy flagged. A lack of fitness was no barrier; participants engaged in the activities with broad smiles on their faces.
After working up an appetite, the group gathered for a much-anticipated barbecue. The meal was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, with a variety of foods to delight the palate. From grilling to salad prep, food service to clean-up, everyone in the church family pitched in.
Though the day included occasional rain showers, breaking up the warm sunshine, spirits remained high. Members affectionately referred to the rain as "showers of blessings." The park’s layout allowed for leisurely walks through animal enclosures, where guests could see sea lions, penguins, sheep, ponies, horses, giraffes, meerkats, lions, and more. After lunch, small groups of friends strolled through the park, sharing stories, laughter, and creating lasting memories.
To round off the day, more large group games were organised, leaving both the young and the young at heart pleasantly exhausted after a joyful and successful outing. Elder Calvin expressed how much he had enjoyed the activities, saying he felt revitalised and youthful again. Event organiser Skha reflected on the day with appreciation, highlighting the meaningful interactions beyond the church setting, the laughter, delicious food, and the beauty of nature.
The event extended beyond church members, with friends from outside the church community warmly welcomed as part of building connections through friendship. One guest, Gregor, originally from Poland, joined for the second time and appreciated both the engaging conversations and the familiar flavours in the food, noting the shared effort in tidying up as a thoughtful touch. Other attendees shared similar sentiments, highlighting the enjoyable games, good food, great company, and plenty of laughter throughout the day.
This annual church outing has become a cherished tradition in Glasgow. Its purpose is to bring members together in a relaxed and friendly environment where relationships can flourish, communication can improve, differences can be set aside, and people have the chance to learn more about one another—deepening bonds of unity.
Pastor Claudiu Popescu, always an enthusiastic and inspiring games coordinator, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the day’s activities. He questioned, “Why don’t we play together more often as a church? Where did all the laughter and fun go?” He noted that as adults take on jobs and family responsibilities, church life often becomes focused on duties, leaving little room for joy. He shared his belief that “one of the signs of a healthy community is laughter and the ability to have fun together,” suggesting that rediscovering the joy of simply playing together could help foster unity and reduce conflict within the church. He concluded with a fitting reminder from Ecclesiastes 8:15: “So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.”
Laughter, games, good food, and heartfelt connection defined the Glasgow Church's joyful day out at Blair Drummond Safari Park, reminding all that happiness shared is a glimpse of heaven on earth.
George Bernard Shaw once said, “A happy family is but an earlier heaven.” On Sunday, the 25th of May, the Glasgow Church family came together for a fun day out at Blair Drummond Safari Park, experiencing joyful moments of togetherness through various games for all ages, a barbecue, group visits around the park to see the animals, meaningful conversations, and lots of laughter.
Organised by Skha Ndlovu, the Interest Coordinator for Glasgow Church, with support from Pastor Claudiu Popescu, the event brought together over 60 people for a day filled with joy and connection.
The day began with group games, where youth were paired with adults. This approach, led by Pastor Claudiu, aimed to foster intergenerational bonds. The energy and enthusiasm of the children and teens proved infectious, motivating the adults to keep going—even when their energy flagged. A lack of fitness was no barrier; participants engaged in the activities with broad smiles on their faces.
After working up an appetite, the group gathered for a much-anticipated barbecue. The meal was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, with a variety of foods to delight the palate. From grilling to salad prep, food service to clean-up, everyone in the church family pitched in.
Though the day included occasional rain showers, breaking up the warm sunshine, spirits remained high. Members affectionately referred to the rain as "showers of blessings." The park’s layout allowed for leisurely walks through animal enclosures, where guests could see sea lions, penguins, sheep, ponies, horses, giraffes, meerkats, lions, and more. After lunch, small groups of friends strolled through the park, sharing stories, laughter, and creating lasting memories.
To round off the day, more large group games were organised, leaving both the young and the young at heart pleasantly exhausted after a joyful and successful outing. Elder Calvin expressed how much he had enjoyed the activities, saying he felt revitalised and youthful again. Event organiser Skha reflected on the day with appreciation, highlighting the meaningful interactions beyond the church setting, the laughter, delicious food, and the beauty of nature.
The event extended beyond church members, with friends from outside the church community warmly welcomed as part of building connections through friendship. One guest, Gregor, originally from Poland, joined for the second time and appreciated both the engaging conversations and the familiar flavours in the food, noting the shared effort in tidying up as a thoughtful touch. Other attendees shared similar sentiments, highlighting the enjoyable games, good food, great company, and plenty of laughter throughout the day.
This annual church outing has become a cherished tradition in Glasgow. Its purpose is to bring members together in a relaxed and friendly environment where relationships can flourish, communication can improve, differences can be set aside, and people have the chance to learn more about one another—deepening bonds of unity.
Pastor Claudiu Popescu, always an enthusiastic and inspiring games coordinator, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the day’s activities. He questioned, “Why don’t we play together more often as a church? Where did all the laughter and fun go?” He noted that as adults take on jobs and family responsibilities, church life often becomes focused on duties, leaving little room for joy. He shared his belief that “one of the signs of a healthy community is laughter and the ability to have fun together,” suggesting that rediscovering the joy of simply playing together could help foster unity and reduce conflict within the church. He concluded with a fitting reminder from Ecclesiastes 8:15: “So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.”
