Feast sites listed in this article, as far as we know, all welcome non-aligned Sabbatarians. Corporate church organization’s Feasts may be located by contacting their headquarters: The United Church of God-IA at 513-576-9796, the Living Church of God at 619-613-7970; the CGI at 903-825-2525, the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship at 877-846-2072.
Please let Feast sponsors know now where you are planning to attend! It is very difficult to plan a Feast when the number of people attending is unknown. Time and money are wasted if attendance estimates are too high. Facilities become too crowded if estimates are too low. If you are not sure yet, it is better to notify the site you are most likely to attend, then change your mind later if necessary.
• Unless otherwise noted, all sites use the Hebrew calendar—the evening of Friday, Oct. 13th through Saturday the 21st.
• We are happy to print information on other Feast sites that welcome all brethren regardless of organizational affiliation.
• Please send information on such sites to Servants’ News (see contact information).
At least 70 people are already planning to attend this Servants’ News site. There is still plenty of meeting space and nearby motel space, but certain kinds of rooms on the campus are filling up.
Please see the details in the Jan/Feb 2000 issue, or contact us at 517-625-7480, e-mail: info@servantsnews.com.
We emphasized the “family feast” aspect in the last issue. Indeed there is much convenience in eating, sleeping, attending services and having recreation all on the same campus. However, this is also an excellent Feast site for singles. Those on a thin budget could literally keep the whole feast for $149. There will be a maximum of opportunity to meet other brethren and to learn from them.
Everyone should bring their spiritual harvest from the year—what they have learned, stories of what they have done—and be willing to share it with others. We will have several interactive studies as well as discussion after every message.
Four additional items not covered in the last issue:
1. RV and tent camping will cost $24 per night (plus any meal plan that you may want). We realize that this is much more expensive than staying on campus, but these prices are controlled by the association of camp-site owners and cannot be changed quickly. More than one tent can be placed on a site. Water, electricity and sewer hookups are available.
2. Please make your $20 per person deposit check out to Norman Edwards or Servants’ News. A deposit is required for those who are staying and/or eating on campus. The balance will be due when you arrive at the feast. Please make this final check out to Port Austin Center, but give it to Norman Edwards (or his assistant) Friday evening before the Feast begins. (Port Austin Center would like one lump sum payment from us, but will accept multiple checks.)
3. We will attempt to find financial help for any individuals in Michigan or adjoining states who cannot afford to go to the Feast.
4. Pets are allowed if they are not left to roam unattended. They are not permitted in buildings.
5. Note these corrections to the “Port Austin Accommodations” (Jan/Feb issue, p. 7): Captain Morgan’s Cottages are 6 miles from the site. Sand Castles on the Beach is 3 miles from the site.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions, comments, or ideas you would like to see implemented at the Feast.
— Norman Edwards
This is a non-aligned site. For more information call 618-253-6051 or 270-522-0972.
The Belleville Church of God is pleased to be hosting a Feast Site at the JR Executive Inn, Paducah.
The inn is a four-story atrium-style 400+ room hotel with a tropical atmosphere. Inside are restaurants, shops, barbershop, game room, full size swimming pool, workout area and more.
Housing information is as follows:
JR’s Executive Inn
One Executive Boulevard
Paducah, KY 42001
800-866-3636
Standard room for 1–2 persons: $50 per night plus 10.24% tax; standard room for 3–4: $55 per night plus 10.24% tax; suite for 1–4: $95 per night plus 10.24% tax.
The reservations desk is open from 8am – 8pm Monday through Friday and from 10am to 6pm on Sundays. You must identify yourself as being associated with “The Belleville Church of God” to received these rates. A deposit for one night’s room rate is required to hold your reservation (cash can be sent or hold with a credit card). Please ask for written confirmation.
If you require special accommodations like quick accessibility to the elevators, please state that when you make your reservation and also send that information to Al Buchanan, PO Box 764, Glen Carbon, IL 62034.
If further information is needed, please contact Al Buchanan via e-mail at al_buchanan@hotmail.com or write him at the above address, or phone 618-288-4529.
The Northeast Church of God is again planning a local Feast of Tabernacles
at beautiful Mystic Seaport, Connecticut. It is easy to reach by plane, train
or automobile, with many sights and attractions. The style is
“traditional”, i.e., regular services with two messages. But it is also designed
to encourage fellowship, activities and Bible Studies.
For housing, there are ample motels and B & B’s. The cheapest would be about $55/night. As with last year, the Residence Inn is giving us special rates, which are quite good for New England. The Residence Inn contains apartments with one or two bedrooms, the latter with two baths. The rates include breakfast and light meals on weekday evenings.
A studio/one-bedroom is $119 per night, two-bedroom is $179 per night. (Rates are $20 per night more if you are staying less than 5 nights.)
Make your reservations directly with the inn 860-536-5150, and ask for the Northeast Church of God rates. They are good from Friday, October 13 through Sunday, October 22. For further info, contact Don Carruthers: 203-333-9214; e-mail: JDCarruthers@worldnet.att.net; or:
— Rodger Sandsmark: 860-651-7690; e-mail: klrsands@rcn.com
Please join us at a Feast of Tabernacles site that is not sponsored by any specific organization. There will be traditional services on the High Days. On the six intervening days, educational seminars will be conducted by Mark. D. Kaplan. We have scheduled a meeting room at the Days Inn Maingate West. It is located 3.5 miles of Walt Disney World property. To make a room reservation call 407-997-1000 and mention “Feast of Tabernacles” to receive the rock-bottom rate. We recommend that you reserve as early as possible for the best rates. To register or contact us:
— Mark Kaplan, 2130 W Crescent Ave Apt 1130, Anaheim, CA.
92801
e-mail: feastfever@usa.com
The Church of God in Miami is hosting a Feast site with the House of God Daytona congregation at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Over 100 are expected.
At last year’s Feast, one of the church members staying at a nearby hotel happened to be talking to another hotel guest. It turns out this other guest was part of a group of 40 or so people also meeting to keep the Feast. This group had found out about the Feast days by their own study, never having had contact with the WCG. The group visited the COG services and were provided with many booklets explaining our COG beliefs.
For more information, call Tony Fontao at 305-385-6306 or Nelson Moreno at 305-385-2137.
Friends of the Sabbath is hosting Festival 2000, a Feast Without Sermons. at the Crescent, 800-336-4853 (give cust # 975847). We will have lots of music and Bible readings. Everyone willing is invited to give a 12–15 minute presentation followed by discussion. We will explore ancient Hebrew Feast Traditions , including the building of a Sukkah. Contact John Merritt: 262-567-6488; fax: 262-567-6469; e-mail: friendssabbath@aol.com.
This site is sponsored by the Church of God, Big Sandy. It will be held at Pelican Beach Resort and Conference Center, 1002 Highway 98 East, Destin, Florida; 800-654-1966; e-mail: reservations@pelican-beach.com; web-site: http://test.emeraldcoast.com/coldsun/pbr Speakers include Mark Gully, Dennis Mouland, Steve Durham and Dave Havir. Contact Shelley Howell; 800-946-5545; agprosys@aol.com.
This site is sponsored by the Church of God Outreach ministries. For more information contact Ian Hufton; RR2 Box 114; hawkins, TX 75765; 903-769-3520; fax 903-769-2314; e-mail: ihufton@aol.com. Or, contact James Ussery, 15 Purdue Circle, Little Rock, AR 72204; 501-565-7283; fax: 501-565-1086; e-mail: jduss@aol.com.
Christian Educational Ministries will again hold the Feast of Tabernacles at The Arts Center of the Okaloosa-Walton Community College in Niceville, Florida. Extensive Seminars, music, youth programs and other activities are planned. There is a separate “Festival Association” mailing available to those interested in this Feast site. See the contact information at the end to request it.
Discount room rates have been arranged at four establishments. You will need
to mention CEM and sometimes a “group #” to receive those rates: the Newman-Dailey
at 800-225-7652; the Hidden Dunes at 800-824-6335,
e-mail hiddendu@emeraldcoast.com,
web-site www.hiddendunes.com;
Silver Shells Beach Resort at 877-447-3767, web-site www.silvershells.com;
and Abbott Realty, group # 741146 at 800-336-GULF, web-site www.abbott-resorts.com
For more information, contact CEM, P.O. Box 560, Whitehouse, TX 75791; 903-509-2999;
fax: 903-509-1139;
e-mail: adm@cemnetwork.com; web-site:
www.cemnetwork.com.
This site is jointly sponsored by Guardian Ministries with David Antion and United Christian Ministries with Ray Wooten. Sevierville is a few miles from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in the Smoky Mountains. Condominiums are available through Hidden Mountain Resorts, 800-541-6837; ask for Kay Green. Ask Tony Funderburg about rooms in the Oak Tree Lodge, 800-637-7002 or the Fairfield Inn, 888-429-8300. For more information about the Feast, call UCM at 888-985-9066.
This site is sponsored by the Big Sandy Church of God and several other independent
congregations. It is at the Raintree Resort & Conference Center, 1435 Wisconsin
Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965; 888-253-4386; fax: 608-253-3192; e-mail:
gpsales@dellsraintree.com; website:
www.dellsraintree.com.
Speakers include Garry Pifer, Hal Geiger, Dave Havir and Tim Lindholm. Contact
Shelley Howell: 800-946-5545; agprosys@aol.com
or Tim Lindholm: 612-425-5012;
e-mail: lindholm@usfamily.net.
This site is sponsored by the Church of God in Truth. It will be held from October 10th through 18th. Contact James Russell; 800-328-5199.
The Mid-Missouri Church of God is pleased to announce a Feast site at Lake of the Ozarks. The facility, Ozark Resort and Conference Center, is conveniently located in Lake Ozark, right at the intersection of Hwy. 54 and Business Hwy. 54 (adjacent to Denny’s Restaurant). The opening service is 7:30pm: “A Time to Rejoice!”. All “Church of God” brethren are invited, about 50 to 70 are expected to attend. The meeting room can easily seat up to 100.
Services will be held daily, as well as several open-forum Bible studies and seminars. Volunteers are needed for speaking, song-leading, choir, piano-playing and special music. An excellent piano and bench will be provided, and the sound system promises to be very good! Joining us for at least one service will be the popular instrumental/vocal group, “New Beginning”.
Planned activities include the popular lake cruise, pizza party, a family variety show, a hayride, a movie night, and a “Pie, Cake & Ice Cream Social”. A night of casual dancing is planned if enough are interested.
Resort features include an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. Discounted rates start at $44.95. Camp grounds and other motels are nearby.
For further information or to volunteer help, contact: Wyatt L. “Duke” Schneider, 31879 Triangle Cove Road, Gravois Mills, MO 65037; 573-372-3221; e-mail: ddinmo@mail.usmo.com
This site is sponsored by Points of Truth Christian Ministries at beautiful Yorktown Bay Retreat nestled in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains of Central Arkansas. This retreat offers the Feast goer a true family atmosphere in a beautiful, serene setting. Yorktown Bay will become a small community of Brethren all living and sharing meals together in fine fellowship, activities and worship. This retreat is surrounded on three sides by the waters of Lake Ouachita which offers boating, swimming and fishing. Feast goers will be only minutes from the resort city of Hot Springs, Arkansas which offers a wide variety of attractions.
Retreat activities include sailboating, canoeing, paddle boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, hiking, basketball, softball, volleyball, ping pong, pool, campfire, sing-a-longs and fellowship. Many of these items are included with the accommodations.
Services, Fun Show, and various activities will be held in the beautiful new dining hall. Worship will begin daily at 10:30 am. Special Meals will be provided on the first and last Holy Days following services at no cost. Speakers are still being scheduled but will include Larry R. Lasiter, founder of Points of Truth Christian Ministries and pastor of the Church of God Fellowship in Russellville, Arkansas; and Jerry Boston, who has a television ministry and serves as pastor of the Church of God at Little Rock, Arkansas.
Musically, we will be blessed with the musical talents of Melvin Johnson, from Tennessee, Domenica Gordon, from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Joanne Boston, from Little Rock, Arkansas, Julius Reed, from Vilonia, Arkansas and Sarah Lasiter, from Russellville, Arkansas.
A Variety of accommodations are available: There are 8 lodge rooms at $30 per day. Each room has 2 sets of bunkbeds. Bring your own bedding and towels. Cabins cost $5 per person, per day. Each cabin has 4 sets of bunkbeds. They are wired for electricity but have no heat or lounge furniture. Bring heaters, stove, bedding, towels & toiletries, grill, etc. The on-site Motel is owned by the retreat and has 14 units, but they are in use for Friday and Saturday nights, October 13th and 14th, but will be available Sunday, Oct. 15th, through the remainder of the Feast. We will have tents set up for Oct. 13 and 14 so those who wish to stay in the motel will have a place to sleep until their rooms become ready Sunday. Motel room cost is $45 per day.
There are no specific tent site locations, but there are plenty of level places that will accommodate tents. Electricity can be run from the bathhouses or other buildings to the tent areas. Please bring electrical cords for use in your immediate tent area. Cost is $3 per person, per day. There are no designated RV sites but there are plenty of level spots that will work. Electricity can be run from nearby buildings. The Cost is $10 per day. There are two bathhouses near the cabins and tent areas, each with 6 showers. Bring towels and toiletries.
No pets or alcoholic beverages are permitted at the retreat.
For more information, contact Larry Lasiter, P.O. Box 102, Russellville, AR 72811; 501-498-4524.
E-mail: lasiter@pointsoftruth.com; web-site: www.pointsoftruth.com.
In the past few years, with the advent of smaller groups and organizations in the body of Christ, there has been an increase in the number of feast sites, especially in the USA. Some cities have had four, five or six feast sites going on at the same time, with some of the brethren visiting the various feasts. Many brethren have commented on how they have seen a long time friend that had moved to another organization, and how good it was to meet again at the Feast of Tabernacles. Since we all understand there is only one body of Christ, consisting of many organizations, groups and individuals, it seems it would be appropriate to share some of the overlapping feast sites.
After much thought, discussion, and consideration of the many duplicate feast locations in America, the Church of God, International and the Churches of God Outreach Ministries have agreed to share the 2000 Feast of Tabernacles site at the Western Hills Lodge in Wagoner, Oklahoma. CGI and CGOM have mutually agreed to share all feast expenses, and all activities and services and other duties that are required for serving the brethren and worshipping our Father at this Feast of Tabernacles. The offerings will be separately identified for CGOM and CGI. The feast co-ordinators will be Ron Elkins of CGI and Bill Fowler of CGOM. It is the intent of the co-ordinators to involve as many brethren as possible in the various duties of service and rejoicing at the feast, to show the unity of the body of Christ, as it will be in the Kingdom of God.
Come to Wagoner, Oklahoma for HIS Feast of Tabernacles in 2000, and share in the love of our Father, with a common desire that will insure the fruit of His Spirit, Love, Joy and Peace.
— Bill Fowler: 316-945-7773;
e-mail: bfowler@kscable.com
This is the 4th year at this beautiful site. Questions or information contact: Steven and Suzanne Kieler, 2193 Sheker Drive, Fort Dodge, IA 50501-8707; 515-576-5743.
E-mail sskieler@juno.com
This site emphasizes the Hebrew Roots of Christianity. Contact Tim Kelley: 903-769-2750; e-mail: n55154@aol.com.
The Christian Church of God is sponsoring this site. Contact Jeff Booth: 806-353-4400.
The Big Sandy Church of God is sponsoring this site in their own building.
Speakers will include Wayne Cole, Dave Havir, Ed Mitchell, and Wynn Skelton.
Contact Shelley Howell:
800-946-5545; e-mail: agprosys@aol.com
The Church of God San Antonio (affiliated with the Churches of God Outreach Ministries) for the third time and by popular request will host the Feast of Tabernacles in beautiful San Antonio—the Alamo City. All brethren regardless of organizational affiliation are welcomed to attend with us. Workshops on “Evangelism and Outreach” will be coordinated by Dr. Alfred Harrell, founder of Christian Leadership Academy. We are also planning to invite the public to attend an evening lecture concerning the Seventh Day Sabbath.
San Antonio is one of America’s most unique cities and the number one tourist destination in Texas. Major tourist activities that appeal to both grown-ups and children include the Alamo, River Walk, Sea World, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, HemisFair Park and the Tower of the Americas, the San Antonio Zoo, and the Japanese Tea Gardens. There are many other attractions too numerous to mention here.
Meetings will be held at the Ramada Inn Conference Center, 10811 I-35 North, San Antonio, TX 78233; 800-797-1234; fax: 210-590-2464. Mention Feast of Tabernacles, Group Code: CGOM; Reservation Number: G003-91 to obtain the $54 (plus tax) room rate (up to four people per room). The first night’s fee must be guaranteed with credit card or by sending a check or money order to be received within 7 days of the reservation.
We must fill at least 40 rooms by September 30, 2000 in order to receive meeting rooms free of charge, so please register under Feast of Tabernacles reservation. Please make reservations early so we can determine if we need to ask for a greater number of rooms to be blocked for us.
The Ramada Inn Conference room seats up to 370 with three break-out rooms for Youth Bible Classes and workshops. There is free coffee daily in meeting room; microwave & refrigerator in all rooms; a swimming pool; Texas size spa and guest laundry facilities.
For those who would like to camp, there is an RV Park one mile from the Ramada Inn Conference Center: Greentree Village North, 12015 O’Connor Road, San Antonio, TX 78233; 210-655-3331. It is important to make reservations early to be ahead of the snow birds.
For more information, contact:
— Julian Cruz, 219 Whitefield Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78223; 210-333-7229
e-mail: jcruz@ix.netcom.com
web-site: churchofgodsa.com
Omega Praise Fellowship will again be sponsoring a Feast of Tabernacles site at Fir Point Bible Conference camp, located about 6 miles off the I-5 interstate highway at Glendale, Oregon. Registration will be October 13th and that evening there will be a welcome service and blessing of the sukkah. A glorious Erv Shabbat banquet will be held on October 20th. There will be Bible studies, teachings, lots of praise & worship music and dancing, not to mention time to relax, hike, bike and play a little volleyball! The site truly lends itself to a “family reunion” atmosphere—so come prepared to join in.
The cost will be $240 per person for room and all meals. Children under 18 who are accompanied by an adult will be free. This year it is our sincere hope that any widows who otherwise would not be able to attend will also be provided for without cost to them.
Accommodations at Fir Point include rustic cabins, a lodge, and RV parking. A deposit of $50 for a single or $100 for a family will secure your place at the site!! If you would like more information, send a request to: Omega Praise Fellowship of Southern Oregon, 1720-A Redwood Avenue PMB 48, Grants Pass, OR 97527-6075; 541-479-0467 or 541-837-3642.
This site is jointly sponsored by Guardian Ministries with David Antion and United Christian Ministries with Ray Wooten. The Holiday Inn is right on the beach—every room has an ocean view. It is within walking distance of downtown shops, restaurants and theaters. To make reservations, call 805-648-7731, mention Guardian ministries and ask for the $79 per night package. For more information, call UCM at 888-985-9066.
The beautiful Island of Catalina is located 26 miles off the coast of Long Beach, California. It is a veritable paradise and a perfect setting to celebrate God’s soon coming Kingdom. Experience family activities and dynamic messages with long time members of God’s church. An intimate setting, and a family environment to connect with your family of faith.
The Church of God, Restored has negotiated an extraordinary rate with the convention site. The package includes your travel from the port of Long Beach, 8 nights in a premier hotel, and includes meals and tour activities. Send for your Feast of Tabernacle Package from:
— Church of God, Restored;
PO Box 1682, Simi Valley, CA 93062;
805-527-2810; e-mail: cogr@juno.com
Meetings will be sponsored by the Church of God, Big Sandy and held at the Angel Fire Community Center; 71 Valley Road; 505-377-1544. Speakers will include Dave Havir, Wayne Cole, Reg Killingley and John Warren. Contact Shelley Howell; 800-946-5545; e-mail: agprosys@aol.com
The Canadian Church of God will be sponsoring the Feast of Tabernacles in The Collingwood Area of Ontario, Canada. Speakers will be drawn from various Churches of God from across the United States and Canada. Services will be geared towards furthering of the meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles.
There will be Interactive Bible Studies and Seminars. Many group activities will be held at the Toronto Ski Club premises in Collingwood. The Canadian Church of God is a group of individual fellowships who see the need to come together from time to time to collaborate on shared ministries and to further the gospel and understanding among believers.
We hope that your feast experience with us will be an enriched one. Jerry Schut is the coordinator and he can be reached at (905) 725-7167. For information about accommodation, please visit us at www.canadianchurchofgod.com or write to: Canadian Church of God, P.O.Box 476, Don Mills Station, Don Mills, Ont. M3C 2T4.
This year’s UK Festival of Tabernacles is planned for the North Wales area in Llandudno. There’s ample accommodation (46 rooms) in the hotel and booking, at a special rate, should be made through Conwy Country Borough Council, 1 Chapel Street, Llandudno, LL30 2SY (Tel: 01492-574005). Plenty of alternative accommodation is also available locally. All other enquiries regarding accommodation, should be addressed to:
— Gerald Kirby, Ty Cerrig, Betws Gwerfil Goch, Corwen, LL21 9PD; tel: 01490-460414.
As we did last year, we are planning to go to Yarrawonga-Mulwala for the Feast of Tabernacles, a pretty place built on the Mulwala Lake on the Victoria-New South Wales border.
Yarrawonga-Mulwala boasts a mild climate around September and October and has plenty of accommodations, including motels, hotels, resorts, country clubs, caravan parks, units, houses, bed and breakfasts and host farms. The township has no less than 18 eating-houses and offers various activities such as fishing, waterskiing, parasailing, horseriding and golf, among others.
There are homesteads to visit, an animal farm, cruises on the lake and several wineries within easy driving distance.
We are planning to have services daily except two midweek days when we will have two interactive studies. Other planned activities are a lunchtime cruise with a BBQ on one of the boats, a family afternoon, a quiz night, a social and an evening of movies. If you are interested in joining us, you are more than welcome.
Write to us at Endeavor Hills Church of God, P.O. Box 179, Endeavor Hills, Victoria 3802, Australia.
If you look at a map of the world, the Philippine Islands look like a miniature profile flung out into the open sea. From an armchair, you might think, “How can those clumps stand baking heat, howling winds and storms, several earthquakes, bombings, uprisings, the occasional volcano, the president’s advisers?” But if you’re here, among the whistling bamboos, lean coconut trees, broad-armed acacias, you’ll know.
By the grace of the Eternal God, we are still able to have the freedom to come together during the cycle of His festivals.
The address of the Feast site is: Oring-ao Hall, Teachers Camp, Baguio City, Philippines.
Why, after more than 30 years are we always led to choose Baguio City as a site for the High Festival? It is set apart. A city on top of a mountain. And quite in the clouds. Beautiful, and for us in the concrete pile, temporary. Land route from Manila passes through ricefields, grazing land, rivers, mountain ranges. By the time you have climbed the winding zigzag road, the scent of pine trees has the power to blot out the memory of the city, and set the mind toward things above.
What we can share with you is everything we have. We’ll greet you with open arms, soapy hands and muddy shoes. Because this year has taught us more lessons of being free under God. We’ve met people who drop by, people who walk in after hearing the hymn singing from the street, people from other fellowships, people who come and go, people who come and stay. We have learned that love is not all bliss and smooth sailing.
Every day is a conscious, prayerful effort to work with our differences and do things together, with one spirit. So when we come before the Eternal on His holy convocations, we learn more of what it means to live according to one’s faith, yet part of one Body.
Whether it be an interactive Bible study, where everyone sits in a circle, and shares from the Bible what they understand about a topic each chose by lot beforehand. An evening around the keyboard and the guitar for a sing-along. A family concert for glockenspiels, harmonicas, even poetry. A day where parents can enjoy the same games as their children.
A day for packing into jeepneys and visiting the nearby strawberry farms, or the arts and crafts in the mountain villages. An afternoon of tea and talking of issues we face in real life. An exchange of experiences between adults and young people. An afternoon for trekking some trails on horseback. An evening for a show, with costumes and music. Last year the children filled the hall with giant ferns and pine boughs until it smelled like a forest. Just try taking them on at the Bible Bowl.
So, are you game enough to come to sail eastward for the Feast of Tabernacles this year?
For more information, please get in touch with: Cesar Lumbuan, e-mail: maxzen@skyinet.net
Note: If you sent information to Servants’ News about a site and it is not listed here, please send it again.