By Bill Hall
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--With the addition of new Festival sites in St. John's, Newfoundland, and Edmonton, Alberta, the Festival was observed in each of the six time zones that span Canada.
While members gathered at 3 p.m. in St. John's in eastern Canada to view Mr. Tkach's satellite transmission, their brethren at Penticton in the west gathered at 10:30 a.m.
As one of the smallest sites in North America, the congregations in Newfoundland were hosts to 115 transfers.
Some set sail around the harbor and coast region of Cape Spear, the easternmost point of land in North America. Others stayed on land and helped harvest vegetables for the needy in St. John's. More than 100 brethren worked the fields, bringing in potatoes, carrots, turnips and cabbage, followed by a "boil-up and mug-up." Free time was scheduled so brethren could invite others over for meals or fellowship.
The greater emphasis on the worship service was responsible for the increased emotion that many experienced. A varied selection of music added to each day's theme, ranging from a sermonette in song to a bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace."
The highlight of the Feast was the Grand Ceilidh. Ceilidh is a Gaelic word for a "visit" or "gathering" accompanied by music, song and dancing. Nova Scotia has a rich musical tradition and the brethren used this venue to share their talents.
Spontaneous acts of giving marked the Festival in Mont Orford. Frank Brown, Canadian director, commented: "There is certainly a wonderful spirit here."
Children played a larger role in the daily worship services this year. Members were treated to a children's choir presentation, and a musical play presented by the children from Montreal. Children were encouraged to perform acts of service throughout the Festival, and 39 were honored with gold medals on the last day of the Feast.
Balmy weather and colorful fall scenery welcomed French-speaking brethren to Sherbrooke. Sermons, which were simultaneously translated into English, conveyed messages of hope, joy and a vision of times of refreshing. Canadian director Frank Brown delighted the brethren when he delivered a sermon in French.
Children under 12 were given copies of the New Testament in comic-book form, which they avidly read. Members shared their blessings with a food bank La Grande Table, donating $1,522.11 and nonperishable food.
As well as partaking in the spiritual food of the Feast, members enjoyed a family social at a burger stop, a medieval-style feast, a comedy dinner theater and a wild west barbecue. Seminars discussed small groups, Bible study and coping as single parents. On the last day of the Festival, which fell on World Hunger Day, members contributed to a food bank.
Since Edmonton was an open house site, people from the community were present at every service. Children made more than 300 cards for younger patients in University Hospital next door to the Jubilee Auditorium. These cards will be given to children on days when they have no mail from family and friends.
On the Last Great Day, 2,464 pounds of food and nearly $1,000 in cash were donated to the Edmonton Food Bank, which was in particular need this year.
The spirits of Festival goers in Penticton were buoyed through the renewing of old friendships and making of new ones. A highlight was the baptism of Ruth Teddy, a member of one of Canada's northernmost church families living in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. Unfortunately, the Teddy family was forced to leave the Festival early. The five-day, 3,900 kilometer (2,400 miles) drive to their home required two river crossings by ferry and one of the rivers could have been frozen if they waited until after the Festival.
The congregation broke into applause and wished them godspeed when it was announced that Mrs. Teddy had been baptized and that the family was already on their way to their home.
After the Feast, in the Magog, Quebec, church, pastor Kevin Armstrong spoke on 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, which says that without Christ a veil covers our hearts, making it impossible for us to be Christ's image. "God's spirit is at work among his people, and the fruit is evident," he said. "There is indeed a transformation taking place in the church."
St. John's, Newfoundland ---------- 315
Halifax, Nova
Scotia --------------- 542
Mont Orford, Quebec
-------------- 779
Sherbrooke, Quebec --------------- 674
Regina,
Saskatchewan ------------- 740
Edmonton, Alberta --------------
1,801
Penticton, British Columbia ------- 1,514
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