1996 Feast of Tabernacles to be 'A Celebration of Salvation'

"Whether you attend the Feast at a regional site or gather with brethren and visitors in your local church area, the 1996 Feast of Tabernacles, 'A Celebration of Salvation,' should even be better than last year," said Mark McCulley, Festival Administration manager.

Music, worship to be enhanced

J.M. Feazell, director of Church Administration, commented: "As we grow in love toward our Savior, we increasingly desire to worship him from the heart. Music plays a key role in worship, and has done so for millennia.

"When we come together in large numbers for the Fall Festival, we are able to capitalize on the wealth of musical talent in the church. Our musical praise to Christ cannot help but become more joyful and more effective in the coming year," he said.

The church will continue to expand the variety of musical types used in worship services. Classical music, long a staple of our worship, will continue, but other styles will be added.

Sermon outlines are being planned, and music will be coordinated with the central message of each sermon.

Workshops to be offered

Last year the church offered a number of workshops and seminars at Festival sites. "We want to do even more this year as we build our understanding of salvation and Christian living," Mr. McCulley said.

The focus will be on applying the doctrine of grace in relationships, on the job and in other parts of members' lives (Titus 2:11-12). "In addition, we hope to teach Bible study skills and otherwise 'prepare God's people for works of service' (Ephesians 4:12)," Mr. McCulley said.

Ministers and lay members alike who have experience, certification or higher education in areas that fit within this framework are asked to consider giving of their time at the Festival to lead a workshop or seminar. Please give your pastor details of how you could contribute.

Service opportunities available

Pastor General Joseph Tkach emphasizes the need for each of us to use the gifts given to us by God ("Personal," Dec. 19 WN).

Those gifts can be used at the Festival in many ways to serve the church, which should be the first place we look to serve (Galatians 6:10).

"We plan to add children's Bible lessons and nurseries for infants and toddlers this year," Mr. McCulley said. For those to be successful, many volunteers will be needed.

"Please plan to spend time serving, wherever you are during the Festival," requested Richard Parker, coordinator of the Palm Springs, California, site. "We can find a meaningful place for everyone."

Habitat for Humanity

For several years the church has served host communities through food drives and other service projects.

This year the church has been offered partnerships at some sites with local chapters of Habitat for Humanity, an agency that builds affordable homes for people in need.

Members will be offered the chance to contribute financially to Habitat's building program. At several regional Festival sites, Feastgoers can help build a house alongside other community volunteers.

"I've driven a lot of nails in my years as a farmer and builder," commented Don Hall, Festival budget manager, "but I'm looking forward to driving some more at the Feast."

"We hope this will give you an idea of what will be offered this fall," Mr. McCulley said. "We in the Festival area solicit your prayers for successful completion of our plans, because they are plans that will benefit you in many ways. Come worship with us and 'Celebrate Salvation.' "