At more than 40 sites around the world, nearly 7,000 Living Church of God brethren kept the 2004 Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day in a joyous mood of celebration and gratitude for God's plan.
Brethren rejoiced at the strong and helpful Feast messages— beginning and ending at most sites with video messages from Presiding Evangelist Mr. Roderick C. Meredith—which reminded us of our roles and responsibilities as firstfruits in God's soon-coming Kingdom, and of His love for all those who have not yet had their minds opened to His Truth.
The following accounts from Living Church of God Feast sites in the United States and Canada may give a flavor of the wonderful experiences shared by many this year. For news of Feast sites elsewhere, please see the "International Corner" section of this issue.
In beautiful Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, more than 800 brethren kept the Feast in the millennial surroundings of the Kingston Plantation resort. Feastgoers were inspired by messages from speakers including Presiding Evangelist Roderick C. Meredith, Director of Church Administration Charles E. Bryce and Messrs. Val Burgett, Ray Clore and Don Davis.
From long-time members who had kept the Feast for more than 50 years, to several newly baptized Christians keeping their first Feast as members of God's Church, everyone enjoyed the many opportunities for fun, fellowship and learning more about God's plan. Activities included a Bible Study led by Messrs. Ray Clore and Don Davis, a singles' "drop-in" evening, a seniors' luncheon and a "Family Fun Night" with good food, dancing, fellowship and more than a dozen "talent night" acts. The surrounding community offered attractions as varied as an alligator exhibit, plays, nature walks, and plenty of excellent fishing. A great Feast was had by all at Myrtle Beach!
More than 650 happy Feastgoers enjoyed sunny and rain-free weather at Panama City Beach, Florida. Much of Florida was reeling from an onslaught of one hurricane after another during the worst storm season on record. The National Weather Service had predicted that several of these hurricanes would smash into the northwest Florida area, yet they all miraculously changed course in time to miss God's Feast site. During all the storms, hurricane force winds never reached our Panama City Beach site. For sure, God had placed His name there!
A tornado, spun out by hurricane Ivan about two weeks before the Feast, did go over the roof of our beautiful new meeting hall (the Saint Andrews Ballroom at the Marriott Bay Point Resort), but other than a few downed trees and a damaged boat dock, the Marriott property escaped major damage. The tornado continued on its course, destroying a dozen businesses less than a mile away and damaging the roof of a high-rise condominium where several of our brethren were scheduled to stay. These brethren received a blessing, however, when the rental agent called each of them before the Feast began with news that they were being given better accommodations—for the same price!
Brethren were thankful and upbeat as God inspired special music, sermonettes and sermons at this year's Feast. Living Church of God Singles Coordinator Mr. Lambert Greer addressed the Singles Luncheon and discussed upcoming events for singles in the Church. A high point of the Feast was the arrival of Mr. Roderick C. Meredith near the end of the Feast with news of the Work, and comments about where we are going from here.
An afternoon at the beach and a bowling-skating-pool shooting-video gaming-pizza-eating party were fun for everyone. The Dinner-Dance was also well attended… with music by the Baton Rouge Band and a guest appearance by someone introduced as blues guitarist B.B. King—but bearing a striking resemblance to Mr. Carl Ponder. The Feast at Panama City Beach was great!
More than 700 brethren enjoyed the Feast in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. They enjoyed beautiful fall weather, warm fellowship, and the excitement of those firsttime attendees who were so happy to be keeping the Feast of Tabernacles. Highlights, as at all the sites, included Mr. Meredith's video messages and the "Behind the Work" film. Brethren also appreciated the sermons by visiting evangelists Mr. Charles Bryce and Mr. John Ogwyn.
Services were held in the Northwinds Meeting Room at Tan-Tar-A, Resorts. This beautiful resort property has a variety of housing and on-site activities. In addition to Tan-Tar-A, there are many other condominiums and hotels available in the community. Tourism is the primary business in the Ozarks, and as a result there is an abundance of restaurants and shopping. The chain of lakes provides all types of water-related fun.
Sermon topics in the Ozarks this year were: "The Feast: A Life-Changing Opportunity" (Mr. James Wells); "Extreme Makeover: Kingdom Edition" (Mr. Randy Gregory); "Zephaniah" (Mr. Karl Beyersdorfer); "Becoming a Peacemaker" (Mr. Charles Ogwyn); "The Fear of God" and "Prepare to be Teachers" (Mr. Charles Bryce); "Doing Our Part in the Work" (Mr. John Turner); "Have A Sense of Urgency" and "The Eighth Day" (Mr. John Ogwyn).
There were special activities for the singles, teenagers, and pre-teens at this year's Feast. Fifty-seven singles enjoyed a barbecue at the State Park. They played croquet and had a game of Bible Trivia. Most of the singles were more interested in fellowshipping than kickball, football or horseshoes. Since this activity occurred on the second day of the Feast, it gave the singles an opportunity to meet one another and plan other activities. The singles also enjoyed pastries, juice and coffee one morning several days later in a seventh-floor hospitality room at Tan-Tar-A with a beautiful view of the lake and hills.
Approximately 40 teenagers and parents gathered at the State Park on October 3 for a cookout and fellowship. Hamburgers were grilled as teens visited with one another and played kickball and horseshoes against the backdrop of a gorgeous afternoon. That same afternoon, the pre-teens assembled at a family fun indoor entertainment center in Lake of the Ozarks. Children enjoyed the tubes, slides, ball pits, Ferris wheel, bumper cars and roller coaster.
Tan-Tar-A hosted three functions for the brethren. One hundred nineteen brethren attended the Honors Luncheon for those aged 65 and older. Mr. Karl Beyersdorfer addressed the group after the meal. The Dinner/Dance occurred Tuesday evening, and was attended by over 300 people. A formal, plated dinner was served, after which tables had to be moved in order to accommodate all those who wanted to dance. The Deacons and Elders Luncheon took place between the two services on the Last Great Day. Mr. Rand Millich spoke to the group after lunch.
The Feast provided a foretaste of the Kingdom, with inspiring and timely messages, beautiful surroundings, special activities and family togetherness.
About 300 northeasterners and mid-westerners gathered at the Fernwood Resort and Convention Center in Bushkill, Pennsylvania for our first-ever Feast of Tabernacles in this Poconos community. Mr. Meredith joined these pioneers for the first few days, delivering three sermons before traveling to Myrtle Beach.
Other Poconos speakers included Messrs. Dan Friz, Jonathan McNair, Charles Knowlton, Carl Derstine and Ken Frank, who discussed such topics as how to prepare for the glorious future, how to make a Feast to remember, having a vision of the Kingdom, trusting Christ as our leader, our resurrection bodies, rearing children for kingship, ridding ourselves of fear in the millennium, restoration (not reformation) of the world, the Kingdom mystery, overcomer rewards and the meaning of the Last Great Day.
On Friday evening, Mr. Jonathan McNair conducted an interactive teen Bible Study on "the Feasts of God in the Bible." The next night they had a pool and pizza party. Singles also had a Bible Study with Mr. McNair on "Boundaries in Dating" and visited Bushkill Falls together one afternoon. Family Day was outdoors with a miniature golf tournament. Mr. Charles Knowlton addressed everyone at the Seniors' Luncheon on the topic of "Survivors from Doing the Work Back to Doing the Work." Elders, deacons and deaconesses dined together between services on the Last Great Day and were addressed by the site coordinator, who expressed appreciation for their service there and in their home churches. Seven little children were brought forward for the formal "Blessing of Children" during the Feast.
Rain during the first few days soon gave way to clear and sunny autumn skies for the rest of the Festival, amidst leaves just beginning to change into their golden splendor. Bushkill Falls provided an exciting afternoon's walk around the "Niagara of Pennsylvania." Nearby trails at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offered scenic paths for hiking, horseback riding and other outdoor activities. Many acts of Christian generosity and service will make this Festival a cherished memory until our next preview of the Kingdom age.
Sunny weather and beautiful fall colors welcomed 375 Feastgoers from around the United States and Canada to Rapid City, South Dakota. The Convention and Visitors Bureau, and seemingly this whole city of 60,000 people, greeted brethren warmly. Surrounded by seven acres of park and a quiet lake in the very center of Rapid City, the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center offered a fine place to conduct services throughout the Feast.
The messages were timely and inspiring. Visiting evangelist Mr. Richard Ames gave sermons titled "The Royal Family" and "Visualize The Kingdom". Other sermon topics were: "Rejoice With Your Family At The Feast," "Our Key To The Millennium," "Could God's Kingdom Be Near," "Thy Kingdom Come," "The Work of God in Modern Context," "Are You Thankful You See?" and "The Last But Not Least Great Day."
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, carved from a Black Hill peak, was the site for Family Day. The 60-foot granite faces of four U.S. Presidents provided a beautiful setting for this event. Approximately 360 brethren enjoyed the evening, a tour of the facility, and a fabulous dinner at the beautiful Buffalo Dining Room, which was closed to the public and opened just for this event. Mr. Nick Clifford, one of the few men still living who actually worked on the mountain, lectured and then fielded questions.
After a brief course in etiquette and the finer points of waiting on tables, the young singles (ages 21–30) served various courses to the 33 attendees at the Deacons and Elders luncheon. On a separate occasion, 23 young people (ages of 13–20) waited tables and served 55 who were in attendance at the Seniors' Luncheon. Musical entertainment (by young people) and a message from the Festival Coordinator titled "The Golden Years" wrapped up this event.
A teen/family activity at Jackson Park provided exercise for those who so desired. More than 100 played volleyball or Frisbee golf and ate a Rapid City-style cookout. The teens and families also enjoyed a well-attended evening at the Flags-n-Wheels go-kart track. Approximately 30 singles had lunch together at the Courtyard Café between services on the first Holy Day, and also enjoyed dinner together at Sanford's Pub and Grub during the Feast.
Feastgoers visited area attractions such as Keystone City, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, the Badlands, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave and the Hot Springs. Plenty of area restaurants, places to shop, museums, and hiking and cycling trails helped to make this a memorable Feast site. The power of God's spirit was evident among His people in their fellowship, acts of service and positive giving attitude.
At the Omni Bayfront Hotel in Corpus Christi, Texas, 296 brethren came together to keep the Feast, not only from Texas but also from the east and west coasts of the U.S., as well as from throughout the southern U.S. Messages were timely and inspiring. Mr. and Mrs. Rand Millich were guests for the first part of the Feast. Mr. Millich first focused on how we are to be perfecting holiness now in preparation for the Kingdom; his second sermon focused on the fact that God's promises of the future are sure. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bryce were guests for the last part of the Feast. Mr. Bryce gave two sermons: "The Blessings of Learning to Fear God" and "Preparing by Overcoming." Other sermon topics included, "Keeping a Feast unto the Lord," "The Feast Pictures God's Grace Being Poured Out to the World," "Are We Setting a Pattern of Loyalty?" and "Sowing Seeds for the Kingdom."
Brethren enjoyed the many attractions Corpus Christi had to offer, including the USS Lexington, the Texas State Aquarium, Columbus' Fleet and a variety of museums and art galleries. Many also enjoyed spending time at the beautiful beaches. Family Day was held at Fun Trackers, where everyone enjoyed the rides and games. The Teen Day was held at a local bowling alley. Singles enjoyed a dinner, a dolphin watch and a Bible Study by Mr. Rod Reynolds.
Attendees at the Seniors Luncheon enjoyed a nice meal with Mr. John Harbison as the guest speaker. Mr. Charles Bryce was the guest speaker at the Deacons and Elders luncheon, where he gave an update on the Work and some plans for the future. Those attending the Feast in Corpus enjoyed being together with God's people and partaking of the spiritual Feast God gave us all.
After more than 20 years, Squaw Valley, California once again served as a Feast site to 379 enthusiastic brethren. Many of these brethren returned with fond memories of coming to Squaw Valley's first Feast back in 1961. Near the magnificent Lake Tahoe, and host of the 1960 Olympics, this picturesque site captured the beauty of God's nature. Services were held at the Plumpjack Conference Center, with many of the brethren staying on site or within a convenient walking distance. Feastgoers came from all over the United States and parts of Canada.
Following Mr. Meredith's inspiring opening night video, Mr. Rod McNair spoke to the brethren about becoming an eternal optimist and becoming "dealers of hope." For the afternoon service, Feastgoers heard Mr. John Ogwyn discuss latter-day prophecies. The next day, Mr. Ogwyn spoke about developing a sense of urgency. After Mr. Ogwyn's departure, brethren heard from visiting evangelist Mr. Richard Ames, who spoke about God's royal family and gave seven essential keys to loving one another. Other messages throughout this year's Feast centered on God's law, statutes and judgments, the soon-coming Millennium and enduring to the end.
Many group activities were available for brethren in Squaw Valley. On Friday afternoon, 79 teens, singles and other brethren hiked 2,000 feet up a two-mile trail. After a bit of rest and some great fellowship, hikers had the option of returning back down the trail or taking the scenic tram. On Sunday, 29 deacons, elders and wives attended a luncheon at Jake's Restaurant on the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe. That same afternoon, teens were invited to a Drop- In for pizza, games and fellowship! Family Day was held on the following afternoon, on the shores of Donner Lake. Brethren enjoyed picnic lunches, games and more fellowship with one another. On Monday evening, 54 singles boarded the MS Dixie II for a dinner cruise and dance. With the entire Milky Way visible from the deck of the ship, and a live band playing for the dance, this was surely a memorable evening! On Tuesday afternoon, 42 seniors gathered at the Wild Goose Restaurant overlooking the crystal shores of Lake Tahoe. That evening, brethren met back at Plumpjack for a Fun Show and Family Dance. This year's Fun Show featured talented brethren who sang, played the piano or guitar, told jokes or acted out skits. After the Fun Show came the Family dance. People of all ages joined on the dance floor for the Chicken Dance, Electric Slide, Hokey Pokey and good ol' swing dancing.
Many also enjoyed such area attractions as great shopping areas, horseback riding, and fishing and hiking at the stunning Lake Tahoe. Brethren left Squaw Valley spiritually filled with the wonderful messages inspired through God's ministers. Brethren were truly living God's way of give, helping others have a wonderful Feast.
Atop a mesa in the heart of Prescott National Forest, Arizona, 270 brethren enjoyed endless vistas as they caught the vision of ruling with Christ. God's ministers served a spiritual banquet brethren will be digesting throughout the year.
Visiting speaker Mr. Rand Millich taught brethren to distinguish between holy and unholy, and explained the certainty of God's promises. Mr. John Ogwyn admonished brethren to recognize their need for salvation and to have a sense of urgency. Mr. Glen Gilchrist explained our importance to God and how to be a submitted Philadelphian. Mr. Ames stressed the real hope for the world and the importance of the "royal family." The offertories and sermonettes also added to the spiritual Feast.
Evening gatherings at the beautiful Prescott Resort brought Kingdom-seekers together in relaxed fellowship. Family Day at Castle Golf, a teen hike at Walker Lake, a singles' hike at Granite Mountain Basin, a Family Dance and a Fun Show all added to the outstanding Feast. The spectacular location afforded outdoor recreation, historical and cultural education and fabulous dining experiences. Feastgoers enjoyed sunny days and starry evenings scented with pine. Everyone reveled in rejoicing before the Lord, and learning to fear God.
The "Garden Island" of Kauai, Hawaii, once again provided a peaceful and near-millennial setting for 161 brethren enjoying the Feast. Comments from the Festival survey included: "Indeed, the most millennial Feast site ever attended" and "A fabulously spiritual Feast in a setting as close to paradise as the world can offer." Very high attendance at Church services—as well as at all scheduled activities—reflected the spirit of fellowship and anticipation of God's coming Kingdom. The organized activities included a Family Day with catered lunch at a beachside park, sand sculpturing contests, volleyball, and snorkeling in a protected cove with colorful tropical fish.
One of the Festival highlights included a very talented family entertainment evening followed by refreshments and a family dance. Early the next morning, nearly 100 brethren gathered to board two fast-moving catamaran boats that were to take brethren to the renowned Na Pali coast, famous for its green cliffs rising more than 3,000 feet from the ocean.
Along the way, brethren were treated to spinning dolphins hurtling out of the water as they kept up with the boats. A lunch was provided along with midday snorkeling, before the boat returned back to port in time for everyone to attend afternoon Church services.
Continually changing skies provided bright blue clarity, brief rain showers and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. A heavier rain occurred before one morning service, which reminded us of the "latter rain" of blessing upon the earth during God's Kingdom. The brilliant green tropical countryside contrasted beautifully with the bright blue ocean, which provided perfect water temperature for snorkeling and scuba diving. Festival messages kept everyone focused on the coming Kingdom of God and made brethren long for the time when the whole earth will be as peaceful as the beautiful island of Kauai.
For many brethren, the small city of Cranbrook, British Columbia, population 20,000, offers an ideal setting for observing a foretaste of Tomorrow's World. A beautiful natural landscape guarded by the granite peaks of the Purcell and Selkirk ranges of the Canadian Rockies affords a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
Those who kept the Feast at Cranbrook this year experienced unforgettably fine fall weather throughout. The sermons and sermonettes complemented the time and place in a very inspiring harmony. Mr. Bob League reminded us of the value of "Our Priceless Calling," of how the Feast is a "Renewal of Our Dedication" and of the importance of "God's Purpose for Us." Mr. Stuart Wachowicz spoke on "Preparing to Rule." Mr. Eldon Davis spoke on "Cleaning Us Up for the Kingdom." Mr. Norman Aitchison spoke on "Our Coming Change." The messages reached a climax with Mr. Gerald Weston's sermons on "Preparing to Survive" and on "The Meaning of the Last Great Day."
The attendance, averaging 163, lent itself to a true family atmosphere. Most activities invited the entire group to participate. Parents with children, teens, singles and seniors together added a wide variety of talent to the "Family Night," where brethren enjoyed games, fellowship and dancing. The Holy Day buffets were well-attended, as was the Family Day at Fort Steele and the Family Swim Night at the impressive new Aquatic Centre. Many brethren, as you might expect, commented that this was their "best Feast ever!"
Ontario and Quebec Canadians, and few visitors from the United States, came together in a millennial setting in a North Hatley valley, near Sherbrooke, Quebec. Maximum attendance during the Feast was 160 on the weekly Sabbath. The Great Artist gave us a different picture daily, with more and more bright colors of His creation each day, with rain on just one evening and sunny warm days for the whole Feast.
All the speakers gave very uplifting messages regarding the Millennium. Site coordinator Mr. Jacques Secours put an emphasis on "we are family" and "unity." Mr. Winston Gosse and Mr. Michael Elertson spoke on such topics as teamwork, having vision and being pilgrims of the truth. Mr. Gerald Weston, Director of the Work in Canada, spoke on "Five Lessons for Our Journey to the Kingdom." Mr. Elertson highlighted the seventh day of the Feast with a sermon on how to prepare now to be a ruler; for his finale, everyone received a cup of apple juice with which we all together toasted, "Thy kingdom come!"
More than three-fourths of the brethren participated in the dinner- dance and the Family Day activity, and a similar number chose to stay at the "Le President" hotel, which offered great opportunities for close fellowship. Each evening, one could see brethren going from one room to another, either to chat, share food or have impromptu Bible study sessions. The pool was a popular location for having fun with the children, or relaxing and enjoying fellowship in warm whirlpool waters.
Teens and singles had the opportunity to visit a copper mine—since none stayed in the mine's "bottomless pit," all were at services the next morning. For the Seniors' Luncheon, a hot buffet meal was served in a room adjacent to the meeting hall. Mr. Winston Gosse spoke, reminding them of how important they are to God, and how they serve God and His people through the prayers they offer for everyone.
At the Deacons and Elders Luncheon, Mr. Secours spoke on the importance of our calling and our service to God's people, and reminded everyone that they are instruments in God's hands and pillars in His house. Mr. Elertson presented statistics of the work done by the LCG. Rejoicing, participation and teamwork was the "name of the game" at all times at the Sherbrooke Feast site.
Approximately 120 brethren attended the Feast on Prince Edward Island at the Linkletter Hotel Complex, with rooms, the meeting hall and a nice restaurant all within walking distance of downtown Summerside. The atmosphere was of a joyous, convivial family reunion as brethren did almost everything together. Our Church family came together from all over Canada and the United States. Sermons from Mr. Weston, Mr. Ehman and Mr. Arnaldo were appreciated by all who attended.
Family Day was hosted by members from Massachusetts who were staying in a large three-story house. While the ladies served a meal provided by our hosts, the children played outside on an emerald green lawn overlooking the sapphire blue waters and red cliffs of the eastern shore. The relaxed atmosphere lent itself well to our catching up with the "family" members while getting to know our brothers and sisters from other areas.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the Feast in PEI is the annual "Newfie Scoff." Newfoundland brethren put together a fabulous meal of moose, venison, salt beef, turkey, pease porridge, cloudberry and partridge berry tarts, not to mention vegetables that are common to most of us but prepared in the most delicious ways! The leftovers were made into a fantastic stew that was served at Family Night. The next day, our teens, tweens and young adults enjoyed the unique and famous five-pin Canadian Bowling.
The Family Night activity began with displays of daring-do. Then one young lady, as part of a family routine, counted to 18 in roman numerals. Another young woman displayed her comic abilities with a routine about coalmining. Entertainment was enhanced by the master of ceremonies, who told jokes between the skits, songs and musical performances. After the performances were over, everyone enjoyed board and card games and sitting in small groups talking over old times and future plans. The Holy Day fellowship was enhanced by between-services walks on the nearby red shoreline for which PEI is famous.
—Compiled from reports by William Bowmer, Eldon Davis, Marshall and Jo Duhaime, Jeffrey Fall, Kenneth Frank, Glen Gilchrist, Adrienne Greene, Randy Gregory, Sheldon Monson, Carl Ponder, Jacques Secours and Larry Solomon.