Hello everyone,
Mr. Meredith has given final approval to hold the Ministerial Conference here at Headquarters, March 1-3, 2004. In addition, March 4th is set for an International session. We hope as many ministers and wives as possible will be able to attend this conference.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Church Administration now has a dedicated fax line. The number is 704-844-1975. Please start sending all faxes pertaining to Church Administration matters to this number.
More about the DVD Sermons
We would like to clear up some confusion that has been reported to us regarding the different television formats. In the July 10th Update we stated that we could only supply DVDs in the NTSC format and that the recipients of the video tapes in the PAL format would need a Multi-System DVD player to play the sermon DVDs. To clarify: NTSC is the television format for the U.S., Canada, and most of South America. The PAL television formats are used in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, most of Asia and Africa. So this is only a concern to those countries that use the PAL television format. We hope to be able to begin full-scale production of the DVD sermons soon after the Feast of Tabernacles—please get on the waiting list ASAP.
Here is a link to a website that lists the DVD players that will play the DVD-R media format that we use in our DVD duplication. http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdplayers.php
Feast of Tabernacles
Prescott, AZ
Festival Music - Anyone who is attending the Prescott Feast Site in 2003 and is interested in playing the piano for hymn services and/or special music please contact Phil Steagall at 520-744-6453 or[email protected] or Glen Gilchrist at 505-892-3264 or[email protected]. A Music Director is needed for the Prescott Feast Site. Please contact Mr. Gilchrist for information.
Prescott Resort Accomodations - There are still a limited number of Suites and Deluxe rooms available at The Prescott Resort. We have opted to have an additional number of rooms available to block out if needed. If anyone still needs a room at the resort, please make arrangements before Sept.
9, 2003, since these rooms at the special rate will be released after this date. For questions or concerns, please contact Phil Steagall.
Deacons, elders and hosts - We need to get a count for planning purposes of how many of you will be attending the Prescott Feast site this year. Please notify either Glen Gilchrist or Phil Steagall.
Kauai, HI
We are in need of a chorale director for the Festival location in Hawaii. If you can serve in this way, please contact Festival Coordinator Jeffrey Fall at (626) 914-1474 or by email at: [email protected]
Panama City, FL
Anyone planning to attend the Feast in Panama City who is proficient on trumpet or trombone, or can sing in the choir, or has experience directing a children's choir, please contact Mr. Dave Hilton at 334-263-6716.
COMMENTS
Mr. Meredith has written a member/co-worker letter that will be sent out soon. In it, he mentions some of the needs of the Work. The budget is very tight right now as we endeavor to meet those needs. Please especially remember this letter and these needs in your prayers.
We are beginning to get feedback from the brethren and ministers about the Feast. Excitement is starting to build already, even with nearly two months to go. Don't forget to spend some personal Bible study time on the meaning of the Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement as well as the Feast of Tabernacles. No matter how long we have known the truth, digging into extra study on the festivals, well ahead of observing them, will enrich our understanding and make them more meaningful year after year.
As you focus on the scriptures pertaining to the Holy Days, you will notice that preparation, both spiritual and physical, is a part of keeping the Feast. For instance, Deuteronomy 14:22-26: "Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the Lord thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after (rightly desires), for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household..."
Including family in your Festival studies, discussions and preparations always bears rich fruit and builds anticipation for everyone about these annual high points in our lives. Speaking of high points, have a delightful Sabbath!
Charles E. Bryce