Feast Site

Letter from the President

Dear Brethren,

Few words elicit as much enthusiasm in the Church of God as “Feast of Tabernacles.” For those who have never experienced a Feast celebration, the words are probably a bit confusing and “Old Testament” or “Jewish” sounding. But for those who have spent the past many years attending and celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles, there really aren’t words to describe the experience!

A few years back we did a survey of the Church membership and asked what was their most positive experience in the Church—what was it that we were doing well. The Feast of Tabernacles was the big winner, with 75 percent of the membership rating it as the most positive activity in the Church. I believe this speaks to the importance of this festival each year. It is difficult to single out one festival as being the most important, since all picture necessary steps in God’s plan of salvation. But when it comes to the length of time and the experience of leaving your home for a total of eight days (seven for the Feast and one for the Last Great Day), there is nothing to compare it to, year in and year out.

Each year there is always the challenge of locating Festival sites that are affordable to the brethren and still in desirable locations. With the price of travel continuing to increase, we must always be aware of the cost factor. This year we will once again have eight Festival sites in the U.S. and approximately 30 sites outside the U.S. But among the eight in the U.S., we will have five new sites. I believe there is good variety and something that should meet everyone’s needs (and desires).

I can tell you that I have so many favorites on this list that it is proving difficult for my wife and me to actually choose. California was popular last year and should be so again this year—but in a new location, Santa Rosa. The Feast site in Texas is being moved from Corpus Christi to Kerrville this year. Corpus was a beautiful place for the Feast; but it proved to be very expensive for the Church, so we have chosen to return to Kerrville. Having lived in the Austin area for the past 1½ years, I can tell you that there is no place in Texas as beautiful as the hill country.

St. Augustine, Florida, was our most popular site last year and will be back again this year. New sites, such as Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Park City, Utah; and Blue Harbor, Wisconsin, should provide additional variety. And don’t forget a site that has been a favorite for many, year in and year out—Branson, Missouri. Of course I don’t want to leave out Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania, located in the Pocono Mountains area, which has a history of being a Feast site going back close to 40 years.

I am writing this letter from South Africa, where there are plans for two sites again this year—Uvongo and Hermanus. Hermanus, a new site, is located in the premier whale-watching area of South Africa. If you aren’t concerned about a long plane ride, this would be a great area to visit.

Of course, there are so many others—Amman, Jordan, will put you in the Middle East with an opportunity to visit many historical and biblical sites in Jordan and Israel. France will put you in the heart of Europe where there is so much history. There will be a site in the United Kingdom this year that should prove quite popular. Argentina provides a unique experience where you will find many happy brethren from Latin America to spend your Feast with. There will again be two sites in the Caribbean, one of which (St. Kitts) will be new this year. And don’t forget the beautiful sites at Coffs Harbour, Australia; Taupo, New Zealand; and Iloilo in the Philippines. I hesitate to go further since I am sure I have left out some wonderful sites!

A perusal of the various sites can make us think that the Feast is purely physical, but I believe we all know that isn’t true. While we strive to find sites that are physically appealing, our primary goal in attending the Feast is spiritual, and we must never lose that focus. I believe it was good for me as a child to attend the Feast of Tabernacles in a tent in Big Sandy, Texas. We had no luxurious surroundings, nor was there any outstanding natural scenery. But we learned about the meaning of the Feast and the part it symbolized in God’s plan of salvation.

Deuteronomy 14:26 addresses the Feast with these words: “And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household.”

The Feast is a family celebration, but it has a deep spiritual message. As you make your plans for the Feast this year, choose a location where you and your family can go and enjoy yourselves, rejoicing before God. But never forget the spiritual meaning of the Feast. We live in temporary dwellings in order to picture the future sojourn that takes place during the Millennium, followed by the final judgment for all mankind as symbolized by the Eighth Day. There is so much to discuss about God’s plan for mankind that eight days hardly seems enough time!  

Enjoy the Feast! And if you need any assistance with arrangements, feel free to contact your local Festival adviser, pastor or the Festival coordinator appointed for your site. I wish all of you the best Feast ever!

Sincerely, your brother in Christ,

Jim Franks