We are just seven weeks away from an important event for God’s people. We will appear before God in the place He chooses. We shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles with the first day being a holy convocation and the eighth day also being a holy convocation.
The exercise of observing the Feast should enrich and enhance our relationship with God. We have set aside a tithe throughout the year and it is to be, “… [eaten] before the Lord your God … that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always” (Deuteronomy 14:23). This is done with an attitude of rejoicing (verse 26).
With the pace of life and the constant daily bombardment of fast-moving world events, it is entirely possible for us to arrive at the time of the Feast somewhat unprepared – physically and spiritually. We need to think of the coming time from the Feast of Trumpets on as a season. “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses … and they shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed” (Deuteronomy 16:16). This obviously implies a degree of forethought – physically and spiritually.
Plans are already being made for the Feast of Tabernacles in 2020 and 2021. Given the constant raising of prices this will be the last year we will use the Oxnard Residence Inn. It has served us well and we have a great relationship with the people there. However, corporate need for profit does not match serving the needs of the brethren well. By planning a couple of years ahead we will be able to lock in at current rates. We are considering contracts with the Sheraton Tucson Hotel and Suites for next year, and the Best Western Plus Abbey Inn in Saint George, Utah for 2021.
Tucson was selected mainly for its location as there has been a strong desire for all to keep the Feast together in one location. The Tucson Visitors Bureau put together a list of a dozen hotels that could possibly have suited our needs. The Sheraton proved to be the best option for us. It has had some recent upgrades and after being taken over by Marriott, further improvements are planned. Hotel rates in Arizona are highest in the fall, but our negotiated prices will still be lower than staying in California.
For 2021 we hope to go to Saint George, Utah. It is a beautiful area with a small town feel, but has plenty of amenities. Zion National Park is an easy drive and there is much to see and do Again this will be an opportunity for us all to be together at one site.
The Feast of Tabernacles is becoming more important to us as this world continues to deteriorate. There is no continuing city here and what is of the utmost importance to us is ahead – the Kingdom of God. The Feast is a great time to refocus. So, let us be planning for and anticipating the Feast of Tabernacles.
Announcement
The Feast activities and menu selections have been posted on the web site. Under Welcome, go to Feast of Tabernacles 2019. Select the purple registration button for the site you are attending. This will take you to the details. To make an activity/menu selection, go to the green registration button and enter your choices.
Remember that the meal costs contribute towards the use of the meeting room. We plan for each activity based on the sign-up lists, so please register your meal choices online as soon as possible. Payments will be made at the Feast.
Brian Orchard
