The Life in the Son
Summerfest 2002 in Atlanta

By Allan Barr
District superintendent

ATLANTA, Georgia—The Life in the Son festival took place July 25 to 28 at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center in Jonesboro in metro Atlanta.

Many of the 415 attendees didn’t realize that almost seven years and seven months ago, on Dec. 17, 1994, Pastor General Joseph Tkach Sr. came to the Performing Arts Center to announce the new covenant for the first time in the Worldwide Church of God. The Summerfest was like a new covenant celebration for the wonderful life we have in Christ.

At this first Summerfest in Atlanta, we heard comments like: "It was great!" "It was wonderful!" "The music was great." "The messages were inspiring," and "Let’s do it again!"

Pastor General Joseph Tkach said, "The worship at the festival was a superlative experience." Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers, said, "It was the best festival I have ever experienced in the history of the Worldwide Church of God." Carn Catherwood, superintendent for the South Central district, said, "It was wonderful, one of the highlights of my life." It was clear to everyone that God orchestrated the worship, the messages and the fellowship.

The three and a half days were packed with activities. We had children’s church, teen activities and a singles luncheon.

We heard inspiring messages from Tammy Tkach on knowing Jesus; from Mr. Tkach on the various views on the subject of hell; from Michael Feazell, director of Denominational Publications, on the prodigal son; from Ron Kelly, church controller, on the subject of giving from the heart; from Mr. Albrecht on our relationship with Jesus; from Mr. Rogers on Jesus saving us in our storms; and from John McKenna, who serves in pastoral development, on the freedom of God. We ended the festival with a communion service conducted by Mr. Catherwood.

Many also came to Atlanta to hear messages from Claude King on Experiencing God and the Final Commandment. We also had a wonderful presentation by Kim Woltz on using computers and CDs to help improve worship services.

Several, including Mr. Tkach, asked that the summer festival be conducted in Atlanta again next year. The Life in the Son 2003 Summerfest will take place in Atlanta July 17 to 20 at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center.

We want to express our gratitude to the Atlanta churches for their labor of love: the worship team and praise band, the sound and video crew, the two choirs, the ushers and security personnel, the registration and information team, stage setup, food concession run by the women’s ministry, the teen and children’s activities, transportation and the communion setup.

FELLOWSHIP—From left: Steven and Dan Rogers
and Kim and Jordana Hodge.

INSPIRING WORSHIP—Some of the 415 attendees.

PRAISE AND WORSHIP—[Photos by Ian Toppin and Zachary Scott]

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002