Festival Coordinators Meet to Plan 2006 Feast

by Mike Bennett

The Feast Coordinators Team met Feb. 8 and 9 to assess the 2005 Feast, and discuss plans for upcoming U.S. Feast sites in 2006.

Doug Horchak said, "I felt these were the best and most productive Feast meeting we have had in years, as a very collegial atmosphere was evident among the coordinators. Some very meaningful and helpful discussion took place between the Festival team members that should result in improvements to keeping God's Feast at our U.S. sites."

Some of the main things discussed in the meetings were:

• Web-based Festival registration for Feast advisors.

• Clarification on details and funding of various activities.

• Possible expansion of added educational opportunities/seminars.

• Policies affecting sales and fund-raising at the Feast sites.

• Further refinement of our Festival Youth Instruction classes for preteens at all sites.

• Importance of attendee behavior and etiquette at our services during the Feast.

• Planning for messages and speaking assignments at our Feast sites.

• Site planning and meeting space contracting for the Feast in 2006, 2007 and beyond.

• Web sites for each Feast site, with access to more information on housing, activities, features and serving at the Feast.

Steve Nutzman said, "The coordinators have a good working relationship with one another, which we all appreciate. We are asked ahead of time to suggest topics for the meeting so this works well. I feel the meetings were very productive in terms of outcomes. Now we can begin to implement what we discussed as we move closer to yet another inspiring Feast of Tabernacles this fall."

"The Festival coordinator's conference was very beneficial in several ways," said Harold Rhodes. "For one, and perhaps this is most important, it brought us into focus once again as to the purpose of the Feast; '...that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.'

"We discussed ways we might accomplish this mandate from God to better serve the brethren this year in everything we do. As Mr. Franks stated, 'We must provide the best quality possible. We want to put a program together this year that is the best ever.' We all realize that the success of the Feast is up to God, but He expects us to do our part in bringing that about. These meetings enable the coordinators to hone the skills God has given to us to better serve Him and His people."

Attendees were Doug Horchak, Festival Team coordinator; Charles Melear, UCG conference planner/Festival meeting and housing planner; and the 11 U.S. Festival coordinators: Robin Webber, Mario Seiglie, Larry Walker, Larry Neff, Steve Nutzman, Britton Taylor, Mark Winner, Todd Carey, David Treybig, Harold Rhodes and Mike Blackwell.

Tony Wasilkoff attended as Canadian representative/guest. Other attendees were Dave Evans, Ministerial Services assistant; Jim Franks, Ministerial Services operation manager; Clyde Kilough, president; and Dave Register, education director.

Home office employees Tom Kirkpatrick, Richard Kennebeck, Paul Wasilkoff and Mike Bennett also attended parts of the meetings that pertained to their responsibilities.