The Feast of Tabernacles this year was remarkable in many details. Firstly, the Feast is of God and declared to be a holy convocation. The focus of attention is, “I am the Lord your God.” This spiritual focus was clearly a dominant factor this year. As one member noted, there was an atmosphere of humility not felt before. It seemed that the most favored activity at the Feast was fellowship. Members seemed to appreciate each other and this generated a family atmosphere.
Another notable facet of the Feast is the instruction of inclusiveness in regard to all members of the body – the stranger, the fatherless and the widow (Deut 14:29). Not seen in this way before was the willingness to distribute resources. Everyone was included regardless of financial ability. The give way was on display.
The give way was also demonstrated in the many acts of voluntary service that made the Feast function and run smoothly. Thank you to those who made each event happen and for the enjoyable experience of a smoothly run activity. Many contributed a lot of time and personal resources to the success of various aspects of the Feast. Along with the physical side of course a great amount of prayerful preparation went into all the messages. That was evident and appreciated. Thank you all.
The services were available to anyone who wanted to participate via internet streaming and were made available to tech crews at other sites. Both Australia and Germany drew from this resource to supplement the local services. Many thanks to the technical crews for their long hours of dedicated service. This whole year has been an incredible labor of love on their part to get us to the point that made a successful Feast possible for those at sites or homebound.
Enjoyed by everyone at the U.S. sites was the live music – hymns and special music. Thanks to our talented musicians and dedicated choir members for enhancing our experience with inspiring and uplifting music.
It was clearly a time of spiritual rejuvenation – a time of rejoicing before God in gratitude and thankfulness for His calling and revealing of His great plan of salvation. It was a time of relationship building and strengthening. Let’s determine not to lose the momentum.
Prayer Requests
We are already in negotiations for next year’s Feast and would appreciate your prayers for God’s guidance and direction so it will be clear where He has decided to place His name.
Willie Cadenhead:
On the way to the Feast Willie and Carolyn received a call from his doctor informing him that his blood count for cancer had shot up. Upon returning home Willie had a scan which showed a major spread of the pancreatic cancer. It has spread throughout various places in the stomach region and has become aggressive. Willie had a goal which was to attend the Feast – this he did and he did not miss a service. Willie and Carolyn express faith, confidence and trust in God that is encouraging. Willie has no doubts Who is in charge of his life. Our prayerful support is encouraging to them.
Shirley Nesmith:
Following further tests, the doctors have concluded that Shirley does have ALS. She sent this message: “So now the “fun” begins getting things in place in order to cope & function as long as possible. Still, the MDs go on what they know & we know if it is His will God can intervene. Meanwhile we rely on His mercy & ask for courage to endure with grace. How wonderful to just have the uplifting & encouraging Feast messages to draw on! Thank you for your concern & prayers.”
Jack and Judy Rector:
Jack Rector of the Tulsa Oklahoma congregation had major back surgery this week and while the doctors are confident it was successful he needs our prayers for pain control and rapid and thorough healing. Judy is facing knee replacement very soon and this may be delayed by complications in her own health.
Sabbath services will originate from the Bay Area this Sabbath.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
