This theme will be emphasized throughout the worship and activities, and promises to be a time of renewal for the whole family. As in past years, we have tried to spread the sites across the country to make travel as convenient as possible.

Summer Festival 2001 will join the seven denominationally sponsored fall festival sites and will be conducted in Athens, Ohio. This new opportunity for celebration will take place on the campus of Ohio University, 90 minutes from Columbus.

The summer festival is scheduled at a time when many children can join in the celebration without missing school. It is Church Administration’s intent to vary location and time in coming years to provide similar opportunities for people in other parts of the country.

The seven festival sites join the Caribbean Festival cruise, and the tour of Turkey mentioned on the following page. Registration and tour information for these latter two events are available by calling Travel Gallery at 1-800-858-6999.

As in past years with the festival, the focus of this year’s conference will be a Celebration of Christ in worship and in praise. In addition to group celebrations, plans are for lectures, workshops and activities for the whole family, all conducted while maintaining times for fellowship.

According to Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers: "We are excited about the addition of the summer festival. The Ohio University campus is a great facility within driving distance of many of our members. It will provide the family with a wonderful opportunity for discipleship, fellowship and relaxation."

Mr. Rogers took an inspection tour of the site with area pastors and Church Administration staff in February. One goal of this festival is to support our young people in their walk with Christ. Mr. Rogers continued: "We intend to have a good bit of focus on our young people, not only providing support and discipleship, but also teen activities. It is encouraging to see how the fire for our Lord has spread in our young people."

Ohio University enables us to provide many different activities for members of all ages. Adults may attend the Christ-centered lectures, presentations and ministry training for their spiritual enrichment. In addition to teen events, our pre-teens will receive Christ-centered teaching and activities during the Vacation Bible School. Pre-schoolers will have daily, age-appropriate instruction.

For registration information about Summer Festival 2001, call 1-800-972-9043.

The Ohio University campus is home to 20,000 students. It is within a tight geographical area and is within walking distance to the restaurants, shops and coffee houses of Athens. It will provide an atmosphere of worship and fellowship. The campus itself has a large range of recreation opportunities such as a movie theatre, golf course, bowling alley and its own extensive ropes challenge course.

Church Administration will mail a letter to all member households that will include further information and a schedule of fees for festival registration. Registration and further details are also available on our website at www.wcg.org/festival

As different types of celebrations are planned this year, please note that the dates fluctuate. The dates and locations for the festival sites are in the table below.

We understand that because of work or other obligations, members may choose not to attend one of the 2001 festival sites. All members are also invited to attend one of our district weekend conferences sponsored by Church Administration.

In whatever you do, we pray your daily walk will be filled with joy and that it will continue to demonstrate a celebration of Christ in your life.

Weekend fall festival sites

Riverside, California               Sept. 27 – Oct. 1              Larry Dietrich

Davenport, Iowa                           Oct. 3 - 6                                John Bailey

          Seaside, Oregon                          Oct. 3 - 7                               Joel Lillengreen

          Hot Springs, Arkansas                 Oct. 4 - 7                               Mike Booze

          Saratoga Springs, New York       Oct. 5 - 8                               Dan Bierer