Plans are under way to conduct Feast of Tabernacles celebrations at eight U.S. sites in 1998.
They are Seaside, Oregon; Palm Springs, California; Vail, Colorado; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Davenport, Iowa; Saratoga Springs, New York; Lexington, Kentucky; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Eight-day celebrations will also take place in Alaska and Hawaii, on the Panama Canal cruise and with the tour group in Israel.
Sites in Canada and elsewhere will be named later.
According to Ronald Kelly, newly named Festival administrator, "Our goal is to provide an eight-day Festival within a day's drive of most members."
Mr. Kelly assumed Festival duties performed by Mark McCulley, who ended his 19-year church employment in January in the ongoing downsizing of denominational headquarters.
Mr. Kelly continued: "In the past we have conducted the Festival in 20 or more sites. However, because we no longer have a full-time Festival department and because Festival attendance is lower than in previous years, it is not feasible to have so many locations.
"Selected sites are popular with church members. Also, we have a good working relationship with convention facility managers, housing establishments and city officials in these cities."
Church Administration is preparing a Festival brochure for mailing in April. It will have information on the eight sites and a Festival application.
This year's Festival theme will be Come--Celebrate Christ.
As the church reorients its thinking about the Festivals, they become times to celebrate the joys of salvation, our faith and our Lord. Every chance to come together in festive worship brings us into fellowship with each other and with our Savior.
Joseph Tkach, church president, explained: "We are free to worship on these Festival days just as much as we are free to worship on any days. Let's always remember that it is legalism to say that we cannot worship God on a particular day.
Mr. Tkach continued: "We want to be certain no member feels pressured to attend the Festivals. However, more than 14,000 members have requested continuation of our eight-day Festival celebrations. We feel it is important to honor the worship desires of those who want to set aside the Festival week for spiritual rejuvenation and fellowship."
The church will place emphasis on Festival messages, guest speakers, musical performances, workshops and seminars. Schedules will include free time for family and friends to fellowship and enjoy surrounding areas and attractions.
The 1998 Fall Festival will truly be a time of spiritual renewal.
"We'll be doing all we can to plan a week of spiritual retreat and value worth every member's time and effort," Mr. Kelly said.
A donation of $135 for each family and $85 for each single will once again be requested from members. This makes it possible to rent quality facilities and provides for eight days with speakers, music and workshops and seminars.
Festival donations are tax-deductible donations to the church. However, these donations should be above and beyond regular tithes and offerings.
Should you desire to join the Festival group to Israel, please write or call immediately.
Group space needs to be completed in the near future. And if you would like to take part in the Panama Canal cruise, please send your request soon.
If you do not have applications from previous WN issues, write the Festival Office, Worldwide Church of God, 300 W. Green St., Pasadena, California, 91123, or call 1-626-304-6110.
Jan. 27, 1998, WN, page 12
| WCG Home | Issues | Contents |
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God,1997