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THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES
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-- Key Dates to Remember
-- If You Want to Transfer to a Site Other Than Your Assigned
Site…
-- Feast Sites 2006
-- 2006 Festival Fund (see PDF or printed
version)
-- 2006 Festival Registration (see PDF or
printed version)
April 8, 15, 22 U.S. and Canadian head-of-household members should clip out their completed 2006 Festival Registration form (see page 8 of the print or PDF versions) and give it to their local Festival advisor at Sabbath services.
Late May Festival Planning Brochure to be mailed to member households.
June 3 Notification at services if any sites cannot accept all transfer requests (automatic transfer approval is expected for all U.S. and Canadian sites except Panama City Beach).
June 11 Members attending a U.S. or Canadian Feast site may begin making reservations from the list of accommodations supplied in the Festival Planning Brochure.
Transferring Within the United States or Canada
Transferring to a Site Outside the United States or Canada
Transferring Into the United States or Canada From Other Areas
We again are planning to have the Feast of Tabernacles for members in Argentina and from central Chile in the beautiful city of Mendoza, Argentina.
Mendoza is in the foothills of the Andes, in the western part of Argentina. It is actually closer to Santiago, Chile, than to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is about 240 miles from Santiago and can be reached by plane either from Buenos Aires or from Santiago.
We advise brethren from other parts of the world to fly directly to Mendoza.
Most of the members from Chile and Argentina will be housed in the Hotel Ejercito de los Andes, which will also be the location for services. Unfortunately, this hotel is not large enough to accommodate our visitors. However, we have located a four-star hotel nearby, the Hotel Ibis. The cost is US$30 per day for single occupancy or US$15 per day per person for double occupancy. These prices include breakfast.
The rest of the meals you can choose to have with the rest of the local brethren in the Hotel Ejercito de los Andes at very reasonable prices. Lunch or dinner will be the equivalent of US$4.
You can also choose to stay in other hotels of the same or higher category in the vicinity. However, we recommend the Hotel Ibis because of its nice quality and its closeness to the main hotel where we will have services. Transportation by taxi is very reasonable, so you do not need to rent a car.
To get more information about the hotels, you can contact the Hotel Ejercito de los Andes in Mendoza at www.molise.com.ar and the Hotel Ibis at www.ibishotel.com
Temperatures in Mendoza for that time of year are in the 70s and normally there is no rain during Feast time. Nice summer clothing will be appropriate.
Those who choose to attend the Feast in Mendoza will have the opportunity to meet hundreds of your brethren from this part of the world and at the same time enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We will help you as much as possible with your reservations.
We look forward to receiving our visitors. We know this will be a great opportunity for all of us to be together in this part of the world and strengthen one another in God's Festival.
There will be translation into English for all of the services. This year we are asking our English-speaking brethren to bring a small portable radio to receive the translations into English.
Location of Services: Auditorium of the Hotel Ejercito de los Andes, Mendoza, Argentina.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m.
Reservations: You do not need to send money for your reservations now, but please confirm that you are coming as soon as you decide. You can e-mail us at slangarica@unidachile.org or write to us at Casilla 10384, Santiago, Chile.
—Saul Langarica
[back to top]The Feast site in Tasmania for 2006 will be the Riverfront Motel and Villas complex at Berriedale. Accessed from the Brooker Highway, it is located 10 kilometers north of Hobart, Australia's second oldest capital city.
This complex includes a number of self-contained one-, two- and three-bedroom villa units that overlook and have access to the beautiful Derwent River. Motel units are also available.
The price for a one-bedroom villa is $A115 per night (one queen and one single bed); two-bedroom (one queen and three single beds), $A139 per night; and three-bedroom coach house (one queen and seven single beds), $A185 per night.
Motel accommodations are also available at the following per night prices: single, $A85; double/twin, $A95; and triple, $A105.
Being close to Hobart makes this facility easily accessible from other accommodations. There is also a caravan park within a kilometer. A licensed restaurant is available in the complex.
Within easy driving distance are many historic sites associated with Tasmania's convict past, including Port Arthur, Richmond Village, Salamanca Place and Battery Point. Cadbury Chocolate Factory is a few minutes' drive from the complex. Hobart City Centre is less than 15 minutes' drive. Weather at Feast time should be fine and cool.
Location of Services: Riverfront Motel and Villas, 897 Brooker Highway, Berriedale 7011, Hobart, Tasmania.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Reservations: For those deciding on accommodations at the complex, bookings can be made by contacting: Riverfront Motel and Villas, 897 Brooker Highway, Berriedale 7011, Hobart, Tasmania; telephone +61 3 6272 6721; Web site: www.riverfronthobart.com.
Please note: Reservations are to be made directly with the Riverfront Motel and Villas. To receive the discounted rates, you will be required to contact their reception and advise them that you are with the United Church of God conference and refer to the prices quoted above. Because there are a number of other functions in the Hobart area around this time, it is advisable to make your bookings as soon as possible.
For further information, contact Bruce Dean by e-mail at bfjadean@bigpond.com or by telephone at +61 2 9545 5384.
— Bruce Dean
[australia] [back to top]
Caloundra, a tropical ocean resort, is our new location for the Feast of Tabernacles in Southeast Queensland. After 10 enjoyable years at Noosa, it is time to find a meeting venue that will accommodate the increasing attendance we have experienced in the past few years. At the new site there is no restriction on how many visitors we can have.
We have selected a new, fully air-conditioned facility—the Eastbank Community and Arts Centre. Eastbank is located 10 minutes from Caloundra and about the same from Mooloolaba. Both Caloundra and Mooloolaba have a wide range of beach resort type accommodations. Most of the accommodations are one- to three-bedroom self-contained units in high-rise apartments that overlook the ocean.
This area is the southern part of the Sunshine Coast and has all the same beach and ocean atmosphere that Noosa had on the northern end of the Sunshine Coast. It is closer, for instance, to one of the most popular tourist attractions, Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, complete with croc feedings. It is about an hour's drive from the Brisbane airport where many of our overseas travelers land in Australia. Car rental or shuttle service is available at the Brisbane Airport.
Weather will be, as always, sunny and warm and perfect for outdoor activities.
Activities will cater to all ages. We are planning a dinner dance during the Feast this year for which you will have to reserve a place if you would like to attend. The cost will be A$65 per person, and we can accept attendees from the age of 15. You need to reserve your place by sending an e-mail or letter to reach Bill Bradford no later than Sept. 11. We are limited to 150 for the dinner-dance, so early reservations will get you a place. Payment should be made after you arrive at the Feast.
We will also feature a young adults' beach party barbecue on the evening after the first Holy Day.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Reservations: To locate accommodations and learn about what the area offers, check out two Web sites: www.caloundratourism.com.au or www.mooloolababeach.com.
If you need assistance, feel free to contact Bill Bradford at billbradford@bigpond.com.au or call +61 7 3711 5599 or write him at P.O. Box 535, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia.
—Bill Bradford
[australia] [back to top]
The Feast for New South Wales and Victoria will once again be held in Merimbula at the newly renovated RSL Club. Members really appreciated the low-cost meals that were available in the club. This gave many opportunities for fellowshipping straight after services.
Merimbula is a coastal town situated on the south coast of New South Wales. It is approximately a six-hour drive from Sydney and a seven-hour drive from Melbourne. There are also air flights to Merimbula from both Sydney and Melbourne.
Merimbula is an unspoiled township with apartment buildings no higher than three floors. It is situated on a picturesque inlet and offers a relaxed time with delightful boardwalk cafes, restaurants and clubs. There are beaches, tours, fishing trips, secondhand shops, whale-watching trips, amusement centers for the young, first-class golf courses and sailing.
The weather is usually mild and sunny, with temperatures in the 20s Celsius (70s and even low 80s Fahrenheit)—great for walks and sightseeing!
Costs for accommodations are very reasonable, with plenty to choose from. Check the following Web site for more information on the area: www.sapphirecoast.com.au.
Activities will cater to the entire family, with youth activities, a seniors' activity, children's lessons, youth studies and a luncheon on the Last Great Day. After the first Holy Day service, there will be a get-acquainted activity with cheese platters and refreshments. As Merimbula is a small site, members host many other friends in homes for meals.
Location of Services: Merimbula RSL, 52-54 Main St., Merimbula.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Reservations: Accommodations at Merimbula can be organized through:
The Merimbula Tourist Information Centre, phone +61 2 6495 1129.
Fisk & Nagle Real Estate, Market St., Merimbula, NSW 2548, Australia; phone +61 2 6495 3222; fax +61 2 6495 3154 Web www.fisknagle.com.au.
Ray White Real Estate, 4 Merimbula Drive, Merimbula, NSW 2548, Australia; phone +61 2 6495 3200; fax +61 2 6495 3633; Web www.raywhite.com/nsw/merimbula.
Merimbula Lake Accommodation Centre, Market St., Merimbula, NSW 2548 Australia; phone +61 2 6495 3144; Web www.merimbulalake.com.au.
For further information, contact Barry Williams by e-mail at bjsmwilliams@bigpond.com or by phone at +61 3 9743 4341 or fax +61 3 9743 3381.
— Barry Williams
[australia] [back to top]
The Feast this year will be held at the Grand Barbados Beach Resort in St. Michael, Barbados. The hotel is situated along one of the most beautiful beaches on the island in the area known as Carlisle Bay.
Grand Barbados was the venue of the first Caribbean Feast in United Church of God 10 years ago. Since that time renovations have been made to the guest rooms and the conference room that will be used for services. The conference room can accommodate 150 people, so we are looking again at having a small, family-friendly Feast site. To get more details regarding the resort, go to www.grandbarbados.com.
The rates are as follows:
• Standard single: US$131.13 per room per night including full
breakfast and taxes.
• Standard double: US$160.38 per room per night including full breakfast
and taxes.
• Extra person rate: US$58.63 per night including full breakfast
and taxes.
• Children under 12 years of age are accommodated free and charged
for meals as taken. Children can select meals from the kids' menu
provided in the restaurant or they will be charged half price off the
à la carte menu or the buffet menu, whichever is applicable.
The rooms have two double beds. A king-size bed must be requested.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m.
Reservations: To make a room reservation, call the hotel direct at 1-246-426-4000. Go to the reservation extension and mention that you are with the United Church of God convention.
Registration: After making a reservation, contact Arnold Hampton to register for the Feast, which is different from the reservation. You will receive a registration form to fill out so that more detailed plans can be made for this year's Feast.
The contact information is: Arnold Hampton, P.O. Box 75, Randallstown, MD 21133; phone (410) 655-6265; fax (410) 655-9027; and e-mail arnold_hampton@ucg.org.
— Arnold Hampton
Once again we plan to have the Feast of Tabernacles in Maloca, Brazil. Maloca is about 50 miles north of the city of Boa Vista, which is the capital of the state of Roraima, Brazil. Roraima is in northern Brazil, bordering Guyana.
There are about 30 brethren in Maloca. The Feast is held in the normal Sabbath meeting hall. These members have very little contact with other members during the year.
Therefore, they very much appreciate the visit of brethren from other parts of the world.
The members speak Portuguese and English. Therefore, it would be necessary to know one of those languages in order to visit them.
Reservations: If anyone is considering attending Maloca for the Feast, please e-mail Saul Langarica at slangarica@unidachile.org or write to him at Casilla 10384, Santiago, Chile.
—Saul Langarica
The historic city of York is the venue for this year's Festival. York is located in the northeast of England and is served by Manchester International airport. Intercity express trains mean that both London and Edinburgh (Scotland) are within easy reach.
Come and enjoy a spiritually rich Feast coupled with a variety of social activities, fun events and enjoyable excursions in this part of England.
With planning help from the York Tourist Office, we are offering a variety of tours into the countryside, including the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales (James Herriot country, described in his books about life as a country veterinarian. This tour visits some of the places mentioned in his books).
There is also a trip to the splendid Castle Howard by coach and an option to take a steam train journey into the countryside. There will be activities for both old and young during your stay in York.
More information about these tours will be provided once you have notified us. (For the address, see below.) Those of you who have already shown an interest in coming will get that information automatically.
Some of the most interesting attractions are:
• The National Railway Museum, the world's largest and home
of some of the oldest steam locomotives.
• The Castle Museum, illustrating Yorkshire life during the past
400 years.
• York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps.
• Clifford's Tower, providing a fantastic panoramic view of
York from the 13th-century tower of 144 steps.
• The Jorvik experience, dealing with Viking life in York.
• The Merchant Adventurers' Hall, Europe's finest medieval
guildhall.
• The Richard III Museum.
• Walking tours of the (mostly) walled city of York.
Visit our Festival Web site to access information on accommodations in hotels, guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts. Some of these are at discounted rates arranged through the York Tourism Bureau (see www.ucg.org.uk/york2006).
We will also arrange officially guided walking tours of York's most important and interesting points. The city center of York has numerous restaurants, cafes, tearooms, pubs and many shops, all within walking distance from the Tempest Anderson Hall, where services will be held. There is a good variety of accommodations available, much within walking distance from the hall.
Reservations: If you are interesting in coming to York for the Feast, please visit www.ucg.org.uk/york2006 or e-mail us at feast@ucg.org.uk. You may also write to UCG-BI Festival, P.O. Box 705, Watford, Herts., WD19 6FZ, United Kingdom to request more information or contact the York Tourism Board directly.
—Gerhard Marx and Frank Jarvis
Douala, the principal port city of Cameroon in central Africa, will host the Feast of Tabernacles in 2006. Lodging is available at a number of hotels in the city including the Meridien, the Akwa Palace and the Ibis.
Approximately 50 people are expected to attend this site. This site is French-speaking only; any wishing to transfer in need to be fluent in the language. Services will be held at the Church hall on the outskirts of Douala, about 45 minutes by taxi from the city center. Activities will include a family games day and a talent show. A visa and a yellow fever vaccination are required for entry into Cameroon.
Registration: More information and registration forms may be received by contacting Joel Meeker by e-mail at joel_meeker@ucg.org; or by writing to French Department, United Church of God, an International Association, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027, USA; or by calling him at the home office at (513) 576-9796.
—Joel Meeker
Collingwood is a premier tourist destination located on the scenic southern shoreline of the deep blue waters of Georgian Bay and at the foot of Ontario's highest ski terrain. The spectacular view of fall colors of the Blue Mountain provides a gorgeous backdrop for this year's Feast of Tabernacles.
Only a 90-minute drive from Toronto, Collingwood will enable you to feast on delicious food at fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, bistros and cafés.
The Cranberry Resort and Conference Centre offers a wide variety of amenities including indoor pool, whirlpool, games room, exercise room, spa, horseback riding, hiking trails, mountain biking, golfing, tennis and much more. Check it all out at www.cranberry-resort.on.ca
This beautiful area also offers miles of scenic walking and driving trails, charter fishing, bowling, go-karting and shopping in the charming downtown area or in the quaint hamlets along Georgian Bay. Visit www.georgiantriangle.com for more information.
The following activities will be available: Georgian Bay boat cruise, scenic cave tour, seniors' brunch, variety show, teen outing and a family barbecue.
Location of Services: Cranberry Resort, 19 Keith Ave., R.R. # 4, Collingwood, Ontario.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Taxes: 12 percent on hotels, including the 7 percent GST. Visitors from outside Canada can apply for a rebate of their GST tax.
— Dennis Horlick
[ canada ] [back to top]
Among the many vacation destinations a visitor can consider in British Columbia, there is one travel constant that never fails to memorably reward visitors. It's a place where world-class amenities are always available to enjoy. It's a place where the climate is mild and sunshine is something to be expected. It's a spot blessed with spectacular mountain scenery and pristine lakes. It's a haven for recreation all year round—enjoy golfing, boating, windsurfing, swimming, fishing, hiking and camping. It's Kelowna, B.C.! It's often referred to as the Hawaii of Canada.
Kelowna is located in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. This is a major fruit-growing region and has lots of vineyards producing world-class wines. The settled area lies in the valley along the shores of Lake Okanagan, which is about 120 miles (nearly 200 kilometers) long and between 3 to 6 miles (5 to 10 kilometers) wide.
Kelowna has a metropolitan population of about 100,000. It offers a variety of recreational activities, has many fine restaurants and lots of shopping. There are unending miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, trail riding and family walks. There are about 18 golf courses within a short drive, and most will be open until the end of October.
There are centers for family outings, miniature golf and kids' attractions.
For Internet users, a local Web site (www.castanet.net/) provides current news, weather and local happenings. The climate in autumn is usually still fairly warm with crisp nights. Rain is not normally a problem as the area is arid. It is a good idea to bring clothing that is suitable for weather in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit (13 to 18 Celsius).
Motel prices are reasonable, with a selection to meet all budgets. An international airport just north of town serves the area with direct flights from Seattle.
Location of Services: Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St., Kelowna, B.C.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m. The following day's service will be at 1 p.m.
Taxes: There is a provincial sales tax of 7 percent (or 8 percent on hotels) as well as GST, which is 7 percent. Visitors from outside of Canada can apply for a GST rebate.
—Rainer Salomaa
[ canada ] [back to top]
Regina is a city named after a queen, and therefore it is appropriately called the "Queen City." Last year we were once again graced with a visit by Queen Elizabeth II and her husband to honor Saskatchewan's centennial.
Regina is the center of Canada's vast prairie, where the blue skies meet the endless horizons of autumn golden wheat fields. It averages over 2,300 hours of bright sunshine each year. Rich in history, one can visit the displays and artifacts of one of the world's most famous police forces, the RCMP. For the inquisitive mind, Regina has the Saskatchewan Science Centre, with over a hundred permanent, hands-on exhibits, live stage shows and one of the tallest climbing walls in Canada, plus the Kramer Imax Theatre.
Regina, having a population of 200,000, is also noted as a city in which to dine out, having many very fine dining establishments along with many ethnic cuisines. For a night out on the city, dine where the queen dined or overlooking Wascana Lake with Saskatchewan grown and raised food. For more information on the Regina area, call (800) 661-5099 or visit the Web site www.tourismregina.com.
It has been a treat to have the meeting room and hotel on the same premises, with other accommodations very close by. Motel prices vary. An international airport, on the west side of the city, is just a short drive from anywhere in Regina.
Location of Services: Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 1800 Prince of Wales Drive, Regina, Saskatchewan.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m. The next service is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7.
Taxes: 14 percent—a provincial sales tax of 7 percent as well as a GST of 7 percent. Visitors from outside of Canada can apply for a rebate of their GST tax.
— Lloyd Teetaert
[ canada ] [back to top]
We invite you to come and share in the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles 2006 in the beautiful city of St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
Newfoundland was first discovered by John Cabot in 1497 and claimed for the British Empire in 1583 by Sir Humphrey Gilbert. St. John's is the oldest and most easterly port city in North America, and today is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador.
St. John's has a rich and colorful history, unmatched by any other Canadian city. With a population of 175,000, St. John's is a thriving modern city with first-class facilities and services. St. John's offers an enticing combination of old world charm, unique architectural and historic landmarks, fine cuisine and access to spectacular coastlines, wildlife and many other choice attractions.
Shop or just stroll on Water Street, the oldest commercial street in North America, or visit Signal Hill for a panoramic view of the harbor and the city. Signal Hill, so named because the arrival of ships was announced from there by a series of flags, was also the site where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.
The people of Newfoundland and Labrador are among the most friendly and hospitable in the world and have retained many aspects of their European heritage, including their accents and humor.
For those who love to walk, St. John's has many scenic walking trails. If you love to eat, we have numerous fine restaurants. If you like to visit scenic or historic sites, you won't be disappointed.
Because of the small number of people at this site, St. John's tends to be a very family-type Feast. With only about 80 people in attendance, it is easy to get to know each other.
Rooms at Best Western are $79 Canadian for a double. Other accommodations are available as well.
For more information, contact David Smith at dave_smith@ucg.org or visit the Newfoundland and Labrador government home page at www.gov.nf.ca/.
Location of Services: Best Western Traveller's Inn on Kenmount Road.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Taxes: Newfoundland has a HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) of 15 percent. Hotels and motels also charge a 3 percent accommodation tax. For those who are not Canadian citizens, a rebate of 7 percent on purchases is available.
—David Smith
[ canada ] [back to top]
The site for the Feast of Tabernacles in Chile this year will be the Complejo Turistico El Conquistador. This site is located in the tourist town of Lican Ray, 480 miles south of Santiago. Transportation from Santiago to Lican Ray is readily available and the scenery all the way is breathtaking.
Lican Ray is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Calafquen, at the base of the Villarrrica volcano, which is snow-covered all year round. The area is beautiful.
The Feast site has five acres of land with 42 beautiful cabins, each equipped with the necessary items to be our "tabernacle" for eight days. There is a supermarket in the complex. Families will be able to cook their own meals in the cabins. The complex also has a restaurant.
Services will be in the same complex. We will be able to use the several meeting halls for the different activities we will have. There will be activities organized by the Church, but also there will be opportunities to visit the many beautiful places this area offers and to swim and fish in beautiful Lake Calafquen.
Unfortunately, we are not offering translation of services into English. However, we will be very happy to have Spanish-speaking visitors.
You do not have to send any money for your reservation, but we trust that your application to this site will be securing your attendance. The cost per person for the six-person shared cabins will be 5,000 Chilean pesos or about US$10 per day.
This price does not include any meals. Most of the members will be cooking their own meals. We have not contracted meals at the restaurant for the group. Each person would be making his own arrangements in the restaurant. However, the cost of meals will be very affordable: Breakfast will be the equivalent to US$3. Lunch or dinner will be about US$5.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m.
Information and Reservations: If you wish more information about the facilities, please see the following Web site: www.turismoelconquistador.cl.
If you want to have more information about the Feast site or want to apply to attend these Holy Days of God with us in the south of Chile, please contact Saul Langarica at slangarica@unidachile.org or write to Casilla 10384, Santiago, Chile.
We look forward to seeing some of our brethren from around the world!
— Saul Langarica
Collonges-la-Rouge is a medieval-period village built of pink sandstone in a bucolic region about 100 miles east of Bordeaux and 300 miles south of Paris. Services will be in French and English with simultaneous translation. We anticipate an attendance of 100 people.
The Feast will be held at the vacation center VAL "Les vignettes." This is an all-inclusive site: lodging, meals, church services and many leisure activities will all be at the VAL site. Prices are inexpensive, but rooms are rather simple since this is a family-oriented establishment, and there is no maid service.
Collonges-la-Rouge is a small village on the edge of the Perigord, Auvergne and Limousin regions, famous for their beautiful countryside and fine cuisine. Collonges was the first village to be named at the formation of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" association. It is near the medieval pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, and the wonderfully preserved historic city of Sarlat la Canéda with its medieval and Renaissance buildings still intact. Collonges is nestled in a region of medieval castles, and is not far from the world-famous Lascaux cave paintings. Coach excursions to some of these sites will be organized for those interested.
Easiest access for international visitors will be through the Bordeaux airport. An airport shuttle will be organized for Friday, Oct. 6, and Sunday Oct. 15.
Leisure activity facilities at the VAL include a children's playground, billiard and Ping-Pong tables, tennis courts and a pétanque court (pétanque is a typically southern-French outdoor game for people of all ages, easy to learn and fun to play).
Off the site but within a few miles, there are many other activities offered. These include many marked walking trails, horseback riding, a golf course and parasailing.
Autumn is a pleasant season in this part of France. This can be a rainy season (bring an umbrella), but daytime temperatures are usually between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Evenings can be cooler, dipping into the 40s, so a jacket or sweater is necessary.
If there is sufficient interest, we will organize a pre-Feast tour of Paris, the D-Day invasion beaches in Normandy and the Mont Saint Michel site in Brittany, also including coach transportation to the Festival site in Collonges.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 9 p.m.
Registration: More information and registration forms may be received by contacting Joel Meeker by e-mail at joel_meeker@ucg.org; or by writing to French Department, United Church of God, an International Association, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027, USA; or by calling him at the home office at (513) 576-9796.
— Joel Meeker
Set on Lake Schluchsee in southern Germany, in a beautiful area just 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Black Forest's highest mountain, the Feldberg (1,493 meters, 4,860 feet), is the picturesque town of Schluchsee.
Lake Titisee, with its scenic town of Titisee, is a 20-minute drive from Schluchsee, and the famous Rhine river waterfall in Schaffhausen/Neuhausen, Switzerland, is about 60 minutes by car.
Temperatures in October can still be mild, but the evenings can be chilly because of Schluchsee's altitude (900 meters, approximately 3,000 feet).
Accommodations for transfer guests are available in selected hotels and vacation apartments. Vacation apartments offer kitchenettes. Half-board arrangements are available in most hotels. Lodging costs range from $50 to $100 for a vacation apartment and from $40 upwards per person for hotel accommodations, which includes breakfast.
Transfer guests can make their own reservations if they wish; lodging information is available via the Schluchsee Web site, www.schluchsee.de.
The hall where services will be held is within walking distance of most lodging units within the main village area.
Direct German federal railway (Deutsche Bahn AG) service is available via Freiburg to Schluchsee. However, car rental is recommended for ease of transportation and sightseeing. Schluchsee is located approximately 180 miles (300 kilometers) south of the Frankfurt International Airport, or 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of the Zurich International Airport.
Expected attendance is approximately 200. Most services will be held in German, with a simultaneous translation into English.
Location of Services: Grosser Kursaal, Kurhaus Schluchsee (next to the Rathaus, behind the tourism office).
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Reservations: Visitors wishing to attend should register on the UCG-Germany Web site at www.vkg.org/fot.php. Registration is required and an e-mail address is needed for registration.
— Paul Kieffer
The Feast in Guatemala will once again be celebrated in the colonial and quiet surroundings of Antigua, 45 minutes from Guatemala City.
Antigua is a city where you can enjoy a period of calm surrounded by volcanoes, impressive views and a mild weather all year round. During the Feast period rain appears occasionally, refreshing the place, leaving a pleasant sensation of flowers and wet land.
Antigua has a large list of places to eat, for every taste and price range. You can find everything from gourmet food to economical local dishes.
The hotels we will be using vary in prices and comfort; but they are accessible to everyone. There are also five-star hotels, where you have to make your own arrangements. We don't work with those hotels, but if you want information about those hotels, we can provide you their e-mail addresses so you can contact them.
In 2005 we had an attendance of 522, including visitors. The activities at the Feast are planned to provide a family atmosphere and experiences that will make us enjoy on a small scale the world of tomorrow. To do this, we offer, of course, sermons and sermonettes every day, a ladies' night with the Spokesmen Club, a children's party with gifts and games, a talent afternoon, an seniors' breakfast, a dance for the youth and more. By the way, if you want to come, and if you are 60 years or over, please let us know.
If you decide to come, you will be our guest—we will be waiting for you!
Reservations: You can contact the Festival coordinator by e-mail at drmundotello@hotmail.com.
— Luis Mundo Tello
The Feast last year in Sabaudia was fabulous. We'll return and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles at that same beautiful seaside town near Rome, as our four-star hotel has kept prices as low as last year's prices. We can once again offer transportation from/to Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport before and after the Feast.
Church services will be held alternately in English and Italian, with simultaneous translation. Headphones will be provided on site. To give the overseas brethren the opportunity to rest on their arrival, there will be no church services on the evening of Oct. 6, but two services will be held on the first high day, Oct. 7. English is spoken and understood by a good number of Italian brethren who are looking forward to meeting and fellowshipping with you.
Our two Feast hotels have their own private beaches with sun umbrellas and sun beds. They are located almost next to each other, facing one of the most limpid and uncontaminated stretches of water in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This means that in your spare time, and especially during the Family Day, we can enjoy activities such as swimming, beach volleyball and table tennis, at no extra cost. Also, a brand-new beauty center, with gym and sauna, will be available to all Feast participants at a very affordable price.
The hotels' facilities provide opportunities for relaxation and fun for our children, young brethren, singles and families. It is surrounded by sunny dunes, lakes and the National Park of Circeo. The entire area is an incomparable witness of the perfect fusion of natural elements, which draws us closer to our Creator God, the greatest artist of all. Its climate is very mild: night and day temperatures range from 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Feast site is located very close to the fascinating and historical city of Rome, the Vatican City as well as Pompei (which was destroyed by volcanic eruption in 79 B.C.). Cultural tours to these places will be offered at very affordable prices. Famous historical sites in Rome, like the Coliseum, Imperial Forum, Christian catacombs, the Vatican museums and several other places, are a witness of the conquest of paganism over true Christianity.
Rooms are equipped with telephone, TV set, air conditioner and shower. The hotels are offering us very special prices, approximately U.S. $72 per adult in a double bedroom, inclusive of tax and full board (three meals a day). Discounts are offered to children who will be sharing a room with their relatives: 50 percent discount for children 3 to 6 years old; 30 percent discount for children 7 to 12 years old; no cost for children under 2.
In regard to food, the Italian cuisine is one of the richest, most delicious and exquisite in the world. The hotel staff can speak English, and its restaurant can host a large group of brethren so that we can enjoy our meals all together. The chef knows the distinction of clean and unclean foods, and the restaurant staff is looking forward to welcoming and serving us diligently.
Furthermore, our young Italian brethren will offer a talent show, an evening dance and a Family Day on the beach, by involving as many talented volunteers as possible. If you can either sing or play the piano or any other musical instrument, or if you have any other artistic talent that may entertain the brethren at the talent show, your talent will be most welcome. Choir singers and piano players are most welcome as well. We also need a music director for the English-speaking choir singers. Your involvement in making the Feast a greater success to God's glory will be appreciated with gratitude.
The small group of Italian brethren hope that you and your family can make it to Italy this year. We are looking very much forward to welcoming you and fellowshipping with you in Jesus Christ.
Reservations: Your Feast application/registration should be submitted as soon as possible, through the Italian Web site (http://www.labuonanotizia.org). From outside Italy you may also contact us by phone/fax (+39 35.452.35.73) or by e-mail (carmelo.anastasi@tin.it).
— Carmelo Anastasi
For the second year, there will be a United Church of God Feast of Tabernacles site in the West African nation of Côte d'Ivoire. The site will be in the rural village of La Mé, about one hour's drive out of the commercial capital of Abidjan. All services will be in French. La Mé has a rustic inn capable of receiving a few visitors. Attendance will be about 25 people.
There is an unresolved civil-war situation in Côte d'Ivoire. At the time of writing, there was a ceasefire and the situation was relatively calm, but there have been periodic outbreaks of civil unrest and occasional combat situations. There is a UN peacekeeping presence in parts of the country. The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning about Cote d'Ivoire on Aug. 25, 2005. Any potential visitors should take this situation into account before planning to attend the Feast in Côte d'Ivoire.
No visa is currently required from most Western countries for entry into Côte d'Ivoire. A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry.
Registration: More information and registration forms may be received by contacting Joel Meeker by e-mail at joel_meeker@ucg.org; or by writing to French Department, United Church of God, an International Association, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027, USA; or by calling him at the home office at (513) 576-9796.
— Joel Meeker
Jamaica, one of the Caribbean's brightest tropical jewels, is an island of intoxicating natural beauty—from lush rainforest and mountainous terrain to spectacular waterfalls, sun-drenched beaches and turquoise waters.
This year's Feast will be held at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Montego Bay. Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort is a 20-acre beachfront property, catering to singles, couples and families, with great emphasis placed on families.
One of the many benefits guests will enjoy is the ease of transportation from the Montego Bay Sangster International Airport. Being close to downtown Montego Bay and only 10-minutes travel via airport transfer allows guests to spend more time on the beach and less in the van.
Montego Bay area shopping, both downtown and across the street at the Holiday Village's shops, combined with other area attractions and on-site recreational opportunities ensure no one is left with nothing to do.
The Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort–Montego Bay offers 524 well-appointed rooms and suites. These accommodations are located within seven dedicated buildings that offer an intimate environment with the services possible from a large, full-service facility.
All accommodations offer a balcony or patio, cable television, a digital clock radio, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. All rooms have a full complement of guest amenities within the room or from Guest Services as part of the Holiday Inn Hospitality Program. The hotel's on-site Marketessen, duty-free shop and boutique and hair salon can also handle any personal needs guests may have.
The rates (all-inclusive, per room, per night) are as follows:
• Single (1 person over 12), US$135; suites, US$235.
• Double (2 persons over 12), US$180; suites, US$280.
• Triple (3 persons over 12), US$265; suites, US$365.
• Quad (4 persons over 12), US$340; suites US$440.
Children 12 and under are free, while 13 to 19 pay US$70 per child per night, when they share the room with an adult.
These rates include the following:
• Accommodations.
• Three meals daily—breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Snacks from morning until evening.
• Local brand beverages and cocktails.
• Large lagoon-shaped free-form swimming pool.
• Adult-only pool.
• Fully equipped fitness center.
• Four lighted tennis courts.
• Windsurfing, sailing.
• Day and night entertainment.
• Children 12 and under stay, play and eat free!
• Children's activity centers for kids from 6 months to 12
years.
• Teen Scene.
• One oceanfront whirlpool fits 12 people.
• Use of miniature golf course.
The above rates include gratuity.
Being the second-largest hotel in Jamaica, Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort has a wide expanse of beach, approximately a half mile long, offering guests plenty of room for walking or relaxing. Water sports, including Sunfish sailing, pedal boats and kayaks, are included in the price. Motorized water sports are, of course, additional.
The hotel has a fitness center with Exercycles and Nautilus equipment; and tennis, basketball and volleyball courts are all on the property. The latest addition is a nine-hole miniature golf course.
The resort provides a wide variety of food and beverage offerings, including the MoBay Festival Food Court, the Barefoot Bar & Grill, Casa Verandah, Vistas, Seabreeze and the Jerk Hut.
The hotel does not recommend that guests change a lot of their money into local currency.
We appreciate your prayers that God will grant us good weather before and during the Feast. We look forward to welcoming you to Holiday Inn Sunspree and the 2006 Feast of Tabernacles.
Location of Services: Rosehall Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort. The room is air-conditioned, so regular Sabbath attire as is worn in North American congregations is appropriate. Dress for all other activities is casual.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m.
Reservations: For those who are interested in attending the Jamaica Feast site, please request a Festival Transfer Application form from Kingsley Mather at kingsley_mather@ucg.org. This form should be completed and faxed to the Holiday Inn Sunspree Hotel Resort along with authorization to charge a credit card for two nights' deposit.
If you have questions about the hotel, please e-mail Ms. Lavern Johnson at Holiday Inn Sunspree at LJohnson@SunspreeJam.com or telephone her at (876) 953-2486.
If you have any questions about the site, please e-mail Kingsley Mather at kingsley_mather@ucg.org or phone him at (242) 364-5566
Please check the Caribbean Web site for further updates at www.ucgcaribbean.org.
— Kingsley O. Mather
Karibu Sana (a warm welcome) from your Kenyan, Tanzanian and Ugandan brethren who invite you to join us for God's Feast this year in Nairobi, Kenya. The Feast site complex is an upscale conference center located on the outskirts of the capital city, Nairobi.
Feast group activities will include a game-drive safari through Nairobi National Park, a visit to the zoo and Family Day activities. An optional post-Feast photo safari offers you an unparalleled experience of driving among Africa's fascinating wildlife, including all the "big five."
Hotel accommodations for international guests will be at a four-star resort that boasts several excellent restaurants. East Africa is treasured in the hearts of all who courageously come and experience her.
Reservations: For more information, send an e-mail to kenya@ucg.org and request the "Kenya Festival Information Packet."
—John Elliott
Malawi is called the "warm heart of Africa." If you are looking for a unique Feast experience by a beautiful lake, Malawi may be the place for you. Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa (362 miles long and 10 to 50 miles wide).
Malawi is a peaceful country with very friendly people. There are plenty of activities that you can participate in, like safaris to game parks, sailing, kayaking and snorkeling. Malawi is a landlocked country in Africa bordered by Tanzania to the north and Zambia to the west.
The climate is mild with high temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius (80 Fahrenheit) at that time of year. Entry to Malawi is easy, as an American passport is all that is necessary and visas are not required. An airport fee ($30 at the present time) must be paid before leaving the country.
Access by air is available to the lodge from Lilongwe, which is about 170 miles from the Feast site. British Airways and South African Airways have many flights to Malawi. Keep in mind that Malawi is in a malaria area and precautions should be taken. The Feast occurs during the dry season, which reduces the risk.
Housing is available at Nkopola Lodge in Malawi. All rooms at the lodge have air conditioning and digital satellite television. The lodge has gear available for the water sport of your choice, including waterskiing, snorkeling, windsurfing or canoeing.
Rates are about $90 per day per couple at the present exchange rate (subject to change). This includes breakfast. Other accommodations at a reduced price are also available in the area. The lodge is located within walking distance of the hall where services are held.
Lake Malawi offers the opportunity for a unique African experience. If you are interested, call Bill Jahns (27 11 868 1838) or send an e-mail to bill_jahns@ucg.org.
—Bill Jahns
One of Southeast Asia's newer Feast sites is located in Melaka on the shores of the Strait of Malacca. Melaka (Malacca in English) is a historical city, bearing a fascinating mixture of Chinese, Islamic and European culture.
Portuguese, Dutch, Islamic, Chinese and British architectural styles influence city structures. It was one of Asia's greatest trading ports and is still a major tourist destination in Malaysia. The area also highlights delicious Straits Chinese cooking, as well as chicken and beef satay, which originated in Malay cuisine.
Just a few of the local attractions include the Malacca Sultanate Palace, Malacca Reptile Park, Crocodile and Butterfly Farms, Malaysia-in-Miniature and a wide variety of historical sites and landmarks. Visitor information can be found at www.visitormalaysia.com/states_malacca.htm.
International visitors and local brethren from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore will meet for services in the newly renovated, modern City Bayview Hotel in central Melaka. All services are conducted in English. Group activities are being organized for attendees.
Many brethren plan to stay at the City Bayview Hotel www.bayviewintl.com. (Room rates in Malaysian ringgits [RM]; 10 percent service charge and 5 percent tax included.)
• Superior room (two persons, including buffet breakfast) RM160
(US$42) per night.
• Extra bed RM70 (US$19) per night.
• Deluxe room (two persons, including buffet breakfast) RM276 (US$73)
per night.
• Studio suite (one bedroom, two persons, including buffet breakfast)
RM368 (US$97) per night.
• Two-bedroom suites are available.
Room rates have been negotiated at a group discount. Please contact the
site coordinator, Jeff Caudle, regarding your accommodation needs at the
City Bayview Hotel in Melaka, rather than contacting the hotel directly.
The City Bayview Hotel offers two restaurants (Chinese and European), coffee bar, sports lounge, swimming pool, spa pool, exercise gym and sauna. Inexpensive wireless Internet access is available within the hotel. The hotel is within walking distance or short taxi ride of several cultural and historic sites in central Melaka. Bazaars, restaurants and shopping are also nearby. Sightseeing excursions are easily arranged through the hotel tour desk.
International visitors are advised to fly into Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, or Singapore. Taxis can be hired directly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and reach Melaka in about two hours. Visitors traveling by taxi from Singapore arrive in about four hours.
A wide variety of information is available on www.tourism.gov.my. If you are interested in joining us for the Feast in Melaka, please contact us as soon as possible. We very much look forward to welcoming you to Malaysia!
Location of Services: The City Bayview Hotel Melaka, Jalan Bendahara, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia; phone ++60-6-283 9888.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Reservations: For further information and registration, contact Jeff Caudle, P.O. Box 22, Shortland Street, Auckland 1015, New Zealand; phone +64-9-817 5496; e-mail jeff_caudle@ucg.org.
— Jeff Caudle
This year the Feast in Mexico will be celebrated once again, for the third time, with the folklore and beauty of San Miguel de Allende, a small town with the flavor of "a very Mexican village." San Miguel de Allende is located 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) north of Queretaro City, in the state of Guanajuato.
San Miguel was declared a national monument in 1926. It is a very beautiful and picturesque city of arched colonial mansions, flower-filled patios, plenty of fine hotels, restaurants and winding, terraced cobblestone streets. If you ever wanted to visit a typical safe and small city with the best Mexico has to offer in arts and crafts, San Miguel is the place.
An authentic Mexican town with international flair, San Miguel de Allende is centuries old and provides a relaxing, peaceful setting to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles 2006.
The Hotel Real de Minas will be the host hotel for the Feast. It is 10 minutes walking distance from downtown. Services in Spanish (with simultaneous translation into English) will be held in the hotel. You will find that it will be convenient to be close by so that you can fellowship and participate with us in the social events and activities.
This year Feast activities will include a family-grill get-together, a children's party, a singles' activity, a ladies' afternoon tea, a shopping tour to the city of Leon, a talent show and a family picnic at a thermal waters recreational site.
The hotel rate is US$60 dollars per adult per day (based on double occupancy). We are expecting about 350 people this year. Come down and celebrate the Feast with us in this beautiful, typical, quiet and safe small town.
Reservations: Call the hotel desk at: (52-415) 152-2626 to make your reservation, and mention that you are going to attend the convention with Iglesia de Dios Unida (United Church of God). You can also ask for information at: www.zonaturistica.com/sistReserva/reservacion.php?act=mna&id=7838.
—Lauro Roybal
Taupo has been selected as the new Feast of Tabernacles site for New Zealand in 2006. This beautiful town is located on the North Island, just four hours' drive south of Auckland International Airport. Taupo may be reached by rental car or bus, traveling through the green countryside of the lush Waikato farmland. Regular domestic air flights also service Taupo from the major cities.
The town of Taupo, population 22,000, is nestled on the northern end of beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Lake Taupo is internationally famous for its rainbow trout and offers a wide range of chartered fishing boats for hire. Other places of interest in the area include the Wairakei Geothermal Project, Aratiatia Rapids, Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon boiling mud pools. There are a number of thermal hot pools, and some accommodation units have private pools attached.
Within an hour's drive of Taupo is the city of Rotorua, with its many Maori and thermal attractions. Close by are areas for fly fishing, hunting and bush walking. Taupo offers visitors a wide range of attractions making this a truly marvelous Feast site.
Mount Ruapehu is a two-hour drive to the south of Lake Taupo. The mountain, an active volcano, is known for its excellent snow skiing. The ski fields are normally operating during the Feast period.
Services will be held at the Terraces Hotel, a few minutes drive from central Taupo. The hotel meeting room offers scenic views of Lake Taupo. Photos and other Terraces Hotel information can be found at www.terraceshotel.co.nz.
There is an excellent range of accommodation, from four-star hotels to motels, lodges, holiday rental homes and camping grounds. Prices range from NZ$40 to over $200 per night. Other less expensive accommodations are also available.
Two helpful New Zealand accommodation Web sites are www.aatravel.co.nz and www.jasons.com.
The weather is normally temperate, with cooler nights and warm sunny days. Visitors should bring warm clothing, as it can be cool in the evenings.
The New Zealand brethren look forward to welcoming you and the many overseas visitors who visit us each year. Attendance is expected to be about 100 people this year.
Location of Services: Terraces Hotel, Taupo, located about 1 kilometer away from the lakefront of Lake Taupo on the Napier Taupo Hwy. (SH5).
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Reservations: Visitors wishing to transfer to the Taupo site, please contact Feast coordinator Jeff Caudle, P.O. Box 22, Shortland St., Auckland 1015, New Zealand; e-mail jeff_caudle@ucg.org; phone +64-9-817 5496.
— Art Verschoor
It is expected that there will be just one Feast site in Nigeria this year and that the attendance will be about 150 members. The Nigerian members are very warm and enthusiastic.
Costs to attend are very low by Western standards, but at this point we have not confirmed a location for the Feast.
Warning: For many years, the U.S. State Department has strongly recommended against U.S. citizens traveling to Nigeria. Persons interested in attending should contact Fred Kellers by e-mail at fred_kellers@ucg.org or call (615) 591-4966.
— Fred Kellers
Once again we will be celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles in Huanchaco, a small town near Trujillo, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Trujillo is located 348 miles north from Lima. You can get to Trujillo either by bus or by plane. It takes eight hours by bus and 50 minutes by plane. A round-trip bus ticket is about US$50 per person and a round-trip plane ticket is about $300.
We expect warm weather during the days and a little windy weather during the evenings.
Hotel prices vary from $20 to $50 a night for a double bed room in Huanchaco. If you prefer to stay in Trujillo, prices vary from $30 to $80 a night. Also if you stay in Trujillo you will have to consider transportation costs.
Food is not expensive, and in Huanchaco there are several places where you can enjoy good meals.
We will be providing English translations this year, but have limited space for transfers.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m.
Reservations: For further details or to request an application form, contact Manuel Quijano, Apartado 18-0766, Lima, Peru; or by e-mail at smquija@terra.com.pe; or call his cell phone at 51-1-99633915.
If you want to stay in Hostal Huanchaco, where services and activities will take place, send an e-mail as soon as possible since there is very limited space. All reservations for Hostal Huanchaco have to be made through the Church since we have arranged a special price as a group.
— Manuel Quijano
Baguio is a city in the northern mountains of Luzon some 260 kilometers (160 miles) north of Manila. Being a temperate place in this predominantly warm and humid tropical country, it has been known as the summer capital of the Philippines.
As in the past five consecutive years, services will again be held at the conference hall of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Ang Ating Tahanan grounds. The hall where services will be held can easily accommodate as many as 150 Feastgoers.
The GSP grounds have cottages and dormitory-type accommodations where Feastgoers can lodge within walking distance of the meeting hall. Nearby hotels and inns are also available. Costs of accommodations range from US$4 per person per day for dormitory-type accommodations to US$60 per night for hotel room accommodations.
We are expecting some 100 to 120 Feastgoers, mainly brethren coming from the Luzon region of the country. But we are always looking forward to as many international brethren as possible coming to enjoy and celebrate the Feast with us.
Location of Services: Conference hall of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Ang Ating Tahanan grounds, along South Drive, Baguio City, Philippines.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m.
Reservations: Those interested may get in touch with Rey Evasco by e-mail at ucgmnl@pacific.net.ph or by phone at +63 (917) 814 7826 or by mail at MCPO Box 4774, Makati City 1287, Philippines.
— Rey Evasco
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Davao City is located just 1 1/2 hours by jet south of Manila (about US$60 airfare, one way), and is blessed to be outside the typhoon belt affecting most of the country yearly. Breezy and mild temperatures range from 26 to 32 Celsius at that time of the year.
Davao's international airport connects directly with flights to and from Singapore and other South Asian countries. Davao also connects to the rest of the country by land, sea and air transport. Davao City's approximately 2,000 taxis use two-way radio transceivers.
As the "fruit basket of the country," it has a wide assortment of fruits, including exotic ones. In addition, rare and beautiful tropical flowering plants flourish. Beautiful white sand beaches lined with coconut trees abound along the shores, lapped by clear waters reflecting warm blue skies. Such resorts maintain international standards.
The Festival venue this year will again be at the GSP Regional Training Camp in Toril, Davao City. It is about 15 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of downtown Davao and about a kilometer from the coast. All housing facilities have screened windows. In addition some rooms are air-conditioned. Meals will be served in the screened dining hall. Three meals plus accommodation is about US$6 per day. The camp facilities and ambience lends to enhanced fellowship and our being called out of this world.
A two-star beach resort one kilometer from the GSP Camp is also available. A room or cottage with six beds costs US$16 to $20 per day. It has cold and hot water with private toilet and bath. The cost of meals will depend on the type of order. Downtown five-star buffets costs about US$9 per person. Rates such as this already include taxes. Tips are not obligatory.
Services will be conducted in English (with translation into Cebuano).
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Reservations: For more information, please contact the Festival coordinator, Edmond Macaraeg, through any of the following: E-mail: ed_macaraeg@ucg.org; P.O. Box 81840, DCCPO 8000 Davao City, Philippines; telephone/fax: +(63 82) 241-0150; or mobile phone: +63 918 904 4444.
— Edmond D. Macaraeg
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One of the three Feast sites for UCG Philippines will be held once again in Punta Villa Beach Resort in Iloilo City, which is located in the Visayas Islands in the central part of the Philippines. About 283 miles from Manila, it is the gateway to the flourishing Western Visayas region. Iloilo's climate is tropical. The temperature ranges from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius (82 to 90 Fahrenheit) throughout the year. It has two main seasons—rainy (June to September) and dry (October to May).
You can travel to Iloilo from other parts of the Philippines in style. By air, there are jets daily from Manila, which take about an hour for a one-way fare ranging from US$45 to US$50. By sea, sailing time is about 20 hours from Manila for a one-way fare ranging from US$18 to US$30. Passenger jeepneys, metered taxis, buses and private cars regularly ply the city's road networks.
A visit to Iloilo is a trip back to the past, without losing touch with the present. One can still find scores of neoclassical structures dotting the streets. Most of these are ancestral homes, mansions built during the Spanish era, reminiscent of a glorious past. One can find a few surviving century-old homes and churches in the city and nearby municipalities, another facet of Iloilo's rich heritage.
Iloilo has stretches of seaside communities and beach resorts. One can scuba dive, swim and snorkel at Guimaras islands, a 15-minute ride on a motorized boat (banca). The underwater seascapes are some of the most undisturbed in the country.
Above all, you'll experience the love, warmth and hospitality of the wonderful brethren. Expected attendance is 130 or more.
Room rates are as follows: Executive rooms with hot/cold bath, TV and refrigerator—US$25; double queen-sized bed rooms with hot/cold bath, TV and refrigerator—US$20; standard double bed rooms with hot/cold bath and TV—US$16.
Morning services are a daily feature, balanced by a variety of afternoon social activities and sports except on the Holy Days. If anyone would like to take a side trip to one of the best beaches in the world, Boracay Island Resort is highly recommended.
Reservations: For more details, bookings or reservations, please contact the Iloilo Festival coordinator, Florante Siopan, at florante_siopan@ucg.org or check the following Web site www.ucg.org.ph/feast/iloilo.php.
— Florante Siopan
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The fishing village of Costa de Caparica, just outside Lisbon, will once again be the site for the United Church of God Feast in Portugal.
Services will be held at the Hotel Costa da Caparica (www.hotelcostacaparica.pt/), which is a four-star hotel on the seafront. It is serviced by restaurants and eating facilities with continental esplanades on the wide sidewalk just outside the hotel. The hotel is easily reached from Lisbon airport in about half an hour drive by taxi.
Costa de Caparica is a pleasant fishing village with a market literally around the corner, and various shops on the fisherman's street within walking distance from the hotel.
The region where Costa de Caparica is situated is called Almada in the "Costa Azul" (Blue Coast) and is a popular tourist destination.
Costa de Caparica is well known for its extensive sandy beaches (more than 16 miles—about 25 kilometers) with fine and white sand. The Atlantic, the Tagus (Rio Tejo) and the picturesque banks marry together to make a multitude of possibilities and diversities that make the Blue Coast a wonderful destination for the Feast in Portugal.
The river Tagus separates Lisbon downtown (in the north) from Almada (in the south). A large suspension bridge joins the two areas. There are frequent buses and ferries between Costa de Caparica and downtown Lisbon. Taxis are very popular in Portugal and well priced.
The proximity to Lisbon allows visits to historic sites, such as where the first navigators left to find the New World, castles, museums, etc. Special group tours with English-speaking tour guides will be organized during the Feast. Please use the following Web sites to get more information about the hotel and places to visit in Lisbon:
• www.hotelcostacaparica.pt/ for view of the hotel and conference
room where the Feast will be held.
• www.atl-turismolisboa.pt for Lisbon tourist information.
• www.portugalinsite.pt for general information about Portugal.
Services will be held mainly in English with translation into Portuguese. There will be some sermonettes in Portuguese, which will be translated into English.
Services will be held every day at 10 a.m. (from Oct. 8 to 13). On the first Holy Day (Oct. 7) there will be a Portuguese Bible study at 10 a.m. and the service will be at 3 p.m. On the Last Great Day (Oct. 14) there will be services at 10:30 a.m. and at 3 p.m.
Location of Services: 8th Floor, Hotel Costa da Caparica, Av. General Humberto Delgado, 47; 2829-506 Costa de Caparica, Portugal.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m.
Reservations: To register for the Feast, please download the "2006 Festival Registration–Portugal" form from the UCG Web site Festival pages, and submit your registration by either:
• E-mailing the completed registration form to the Festival coordinator
at jorge_decampos@ucg.org.
• Faxing the registration form to (513) 576-9795 to Jorge de Campos'
attention.
Please ensure you complete the information in the registration form with details about all the people that will make up your group, and for whom you will be paying. Please do not assume that you are registered to attend the Feast in Portugal by simply e-mailing or faxing the registration form. Please ensure you get confirmation of registration from the Festival coordinator.
Accommodation is available at the same hotel where the Feast will be held. Very special rates have been negotiated at the same price as last year. To get these special rates, you need to book through the Festival coordinator upon registration. Although no deposit is required, your early booking is appreciated for our planning.
The accommodation rates are:
• Single room: 55.50 euros per night (or 66 euros if sea view requested).
• Double room: 62 euros per night (that is, 31 euros per person
if you share), including two breakfasts.
• Double room with sea view: 78.50 euros per night (that is, 39.25
euros per person if you share), including two breakfasts.
• Children 3 years old and under: Free, if sharing room with two
adults.
• Children from 4 to 11 years old: 15 euros/night, including breakfast,
if sharing room with two adults. Maximum of one extra bed per room.
• Children in separate room: 25 percent discount over adult price.
• Suites are also available, but the hotel is not offering special
rates on the suites. Please ask the Festival coordinator for the pricing
details of the suites, should you be interested.
For further information visit the ucg.org Web site in the Festival section.
—Jorge de Campos
Beautiful Lake Muhazi in north central Rwanda will be the site of the Feast of Tabernacles for 2006. Attendance at this French and Kinyarwanda-speaking site is expected to be 60. Lodging, meals and services will be in a house and on its grounds on the lakeshore. Meals will be prepared by those attending this site. Visitors would need to stay in Kigali and commute to the site each day via a one-hour taxi ride. The situation is currently calm and stable in Rwanda.
Visitors can also arrange a trip to visit the mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park on a day trip from Kigali.
Festival activities will include a family activity day, a talent show and Bible studies.
At the time of writing, no visa was required for U.S. and most European citizens. Nationals of other countries should check with the Rwandan embassy in their country. A yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry.
Registration: More information and registration forms may be received by contacting Joel Meeker by e-mail at joel_meeker@ucg.org; or by writing to French Department, United Church of God, an International Association, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027, USA; or by calling him at the home office at (513) 576-9796.
— Joel Meeker
Once again the United Church of God will be keeping the Feast of Tabernacles in the beautiful town of George, South Africa. Situated at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, surrounded by natural lakes, forests and the warm Indian Ocean, the setting is truly millennial.
For the past two years services were held at the Civic Centre in the central business district. This year we have secured a beautiful hall at the George campus of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The university is situated within the natural forests some six kilometers outside of George.
There are many game parks and places of interest to visit, but perhaps the greatest attraction of all is the friendly and helpful local populace. The young Feastgoers are planning a visit to the forest canopy in the Tsitsikamma National Park where many species of wildlife may be viewed. In the same area there is an elephant park where you may even get to pet a baby elephant.
For those who enjoy steam trains, there is the Railway Museum with daily trips to the historic harbor town of Knysna via the sea, lakes and forests. Accommodation is available for all tastes and budgets.
George has an airport and is only 450 kilometers from Cape Town International Airport. Come and enjoy a wonderful Feast with us.
Location of Services: George campus of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Information/Reservations: It would be appreciated if international visitors would contact the Festival elder at stanbotha@xsinet.co.za.
For more information, please visit our Web site at www.fotrsa.co.za.
—Stan Botha
[ South Africa ] [back to top]
Africa is a continent blessed with a wide variety of animals and wildlife found in no other part of the world. South Africa has many miles of beautiful beaches and a mild climate that will enhance your Festival experience. Uvongo is located near the Indian Ocean and is a wonderful place to enjoy God's creation. The brethren are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxing. Situated about 120 kilometers (80 miles) south of Durban, on the edge of the Indian Ocean, the area is well known for its subtropical climate. United Church of God has celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles here each year since 1995.
Visitors will enjoy the small-town atmosphere that means you often meet other members by chance. If you have access to the Internet, check out the photos of previous Festival activities and the Festival schedule at www.ucgrsa.org, which also has links to other South African sites. Links include Web sites of the South African Tourism Board; a local Uvongo Web site and several others to help plan your visit and make your stay memorable.
Overseas visitors will find that excellent quality hotel accommodations and meals are very affordable. Lush tropical vegetation surrounds the area. Sugar cane fields and tea plantations are a few kilometers inland. A steam train takes passengers to a nearby restaurant for a cream tea after chugging an hour or so through the countryside.
Youngsters paddle down the river that runs into the sea near St. Michael's, a few minutes' drive from the hall.
Because there are so many areas to visit and enjoy, it is worthwhile for visitors arriving by plane to rent a car from the Durban airport. The Festival activities are all close to Uvongo, so if you can arrange transportation to the Feast site, a rental car is not absolutely essential.
Temperatures are from the lower 70s Fahrenheit (lower 20s Celsius) with a 10-degree variation. Feastgoers should take note that the Feast falls during the rainy season, though we often have just the right weather for activities!
Accommodations are mostly self-catering, with a wide variety of two- or three-bedroom holiday apartments available. The area is a premier tourist attraction, so there are many restaurants as well as shopping centers that cater to most needs.
Accommodation costs will range from $30 to $80 per day for self-catering units. Hotel rates fall into the same price range per person per day, inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast. Uvongo is situated close to a golf course and other sporting activities such as tennis, horse riding, swimming and surfing (the area enjoys a warm sea current).
There are also a number of scenic drives, such as the well-known Oribi Gorge. Another place of interest is the Zulu village near Durban. Attendance is expected to be about 220.
Location of Services: Uvongo Town Hall.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Taxes: There is a 14 percent VAT. Visitors may request a refund for the tax on souvenirs, etc., at the point of departure if they have receipts.
Reservations: Visitors interested in attending, or who need more information, should contact André van Belkum by e-mail at andre_van_belkum@ucg.org or by telephone at +27 (31) 267-1109. If dialing from within South Africa, the area code is 031. Festival accommodations are described in the Festival Brochure on www.ucgrsa.org.
—André van Belkum
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Sri Lanka is a small island of diversity off the southern coast of India. The climate is tropical, the people are wonderful and hospitable, and the food is delicious.
The location of the Feast site will be the Neptune Hotel located in Beruwela, which is 35 miles south of the capital city, Colombo. Beruwela is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, along the beautiful shoreline of the Indian Ocean. Visitors will enjoy some beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean. The weather will be warm and tropical with sunny skies tempered with the cooling effect of some tropical rains.
Services will be in English, and the expected attendance is 30 to 60 people. One of the highlights of the Feast will be the talent show. Short excursions can also be arranged during the Feast, and longer excursions to the hill country (tea-producing area) can be arranged before or after the Feast.
International guests will arrive at the Colombo International Airport and can hire a taxi to Beruwela for approximately $20 to $30. The trip normally takes about one or two hours, depending on the time of arrival and traffic.
The Neptune Hotel is a nice, all-inclusive beach resort with a friendly
and courteous staff offering Feastgoers a wonderful example of South Asian
hospitality. You will enjoy an abundance of delicious food featuring Sri
Lankan curries and international fare. Most dinners will feature entertainment
with a live band playing Western and Sri Lankan music.
Photos of the hotel can be viewed at www.aitkenspenceholidays.com/neptune/.
The rates are for full board and are as follows: single—US$55; double—US$65;
triple—US$87.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m.
Reservations: For additional information and reservations, please contact David Baker by e-mail at david_baker@ucg.org or call (585) 624-5166.
— David Baker
Members from Togo and Benin will celebrate the Feast at a private school complex in the town of Kpalimé about 75 miles north of the capital city of Lomé. About 60 people are expected to attend this French-speaking site. As this site is French-speaking only, anyone wishing to transfer in needs to be fluent in the language. Lodging, meals and services will be at the site and those attending the Feast will prepare the meals. Several rudimentary but adequate hotels are available to visitors in Kpalimé.
The situation is currently calm in Togo, and travel there is relatively safe, though there has been political unrest and some rioting in the past year, especially targeting French nationals, following a "controversial" election. Potential visitors should monitor the situation carefully.
Activities will include hikes, a family games day, soccer matches and a talent show. A visa and a yellow fever vaccination are required for entry into Togo.
Registration: More information and registration forms may be received by contacting Joel Meeker by e-mail at joel_meeker@ucg.org; or by writing to French Department, United Church of God, an International Association, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027, USA; or by calling him at the home office at (513) 576-9796.
—Joel Meeker
If you like a relaxing, enjoyable and friendly environment, Tonga will be one of the best Feast sites for you. The Feast will be held again in Mu'a, 12 miles from Nuku'alofa, the capital.
This year the attractions include scenic tours with wonderful views, as well as visits to historic sites. Coral reef tours and snorkeling will be available. In addition, traditional dancing and dinner at the Tonga National Cultural Center would also be interesting for visitors. There is a lot of beautiful beach that is safe for swimming, picnics or coastal walks.
The temperature usually ranges between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 Fahrenheit).
Nuku'alofa, the capital, offers a variety of good hotels and motels. The prices range from T$65 to around T$150 per night.
Accommodations available include: International Dateline Hotel, telephone +676 23-411, fax +675 23-410; Harbour View Motel, telephone +676 25-488, fax +675 25-490; Nuku'alofa Hotel, telephone +676 24-244, fax +675 23-154; and Seaview Lodge, telephone +676 23-709, fax +675 26-906.
Location of Services: The Church Building, Mu'a, Tonga.
Reservations: Visitors interested in attending or who need further information, please contact Heamasi Ta'ufo'ou by e-mail at htaufoou@kalianet.to, telephone at +676 29165 or mail at P.O. Box 2617, Nuku'alofa, Tonga.
—Heamasi Ta'ufo'ou
Brethren from around the world are invited to join the local brethren to celebrate the 2006 Feast of Tabernacles to be held on the beautiful island of Tobago, situated at the southern end of the Caribbean island chain. Tobago is the more peaceful and rustic, smaller partner of the twin-island state of Trinidad and Tobago and is just 28 miles from the coast of South America.
Tobago is the perfect getaway for many, including celebrities, and is the holiday home of Harrison Ford.
White sandy beaches washed by the warm, blue-green Caribbean Sea, coral reefs inhabited by colorful marine life, lush tropical vegetation and friendly people combine to make this a millennial setting for the Feast. Feastgoers can enjoy swimming at the many beaches, diving, fishing, water sports, nature walks, golfing and sampling the local cuisine.
This year's Feast will be held at the beautiful Kariwak Village Hotel, an ecotourism resort, which is just a five-minute walk from the airport. Services will be held in a thatched roof ajoupa located amidst lush tropical gardens and open to cool sea breezes.
Brethren can chose to stay at the Feast site itself or choose from a variety of luxury hotels and affordable guesthouses located in close proximity. Rates range from US$45 per night double occupancy to US$200 per night. There are many restaurants and eating places just minutes away where guests can have a taste of Tobago's local cuisine.
Reservations: For further information, please contact Kingsley Mather at kingsley_mather@ucg.org or telephone (242) 324-3169 or Steve Basant at steve_marsha@yahoo.com. Since space in the meeting hall is limited, visitors should contact Mr. Basant or Mr. Mather before making travel arrangements.
—Kingsley Mather
If you are still interested in applying for the Biblical Tour of Turkey announced earlier in the year, please contact USFestival@ucg.org or call (970) 484-5878. Applications will be accepted based upon availability.
—Charles Melear
The Bend-Redmond area is pleased to host the Feast of Tabernacles again in 2006. Nestled in the pines of Central Oregon, Bend is the hub of the resort area in the Cascade Mountains. The beautiful scenery of snowcapped mountains, towering Ponderosa pines, sparkling lakes and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls provides a millennial setting. Warm, sunny days and crisp, cool nights offer typical autumn weather for the Fall Festival season.
All types of housing are available from low-cost motel rooms (some with kitchenettes) to resort homes and condominiums with full kitchens, fireplaces and hot tubs near the meeting facility in Redmond. Other scenic resort housing accommodations are available in Bend and Sunriver.
Central Oregon offers a wide range of family-oriented activities—far more than could possibly be crammed into eight days. The nationally acclaimed High Desert Museum features impressive indoor natural history exhibits and live animal programs in an outdoor setting. Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers views of interesting features of the area's volcanic past, including a large lava cave that is open to explore on foot. Crater Lake is another well-known scenic attraction within driving distance.
Outdoor activities include hiking or biking on your choice of many miles of trails, horseback riding, hay rides, rock climbing, rock hounding, fishing, canoeing, boating and whitewater rafting on the world famous Deschutes River. Golfers will enjoy some of the nation's best courses with reasonable green fees. Other facilities include art galleries, nature centers, observatories and a nature center.
Bend has three shopping malls, including a factory outlet mall as well as the new award-winning Old Mill District on the banks of the Deschutes River. The small tourist town of Sisters is a must for window-shopping and souvenirs. Sunriver Resort offers a full range of activities, shopping, dining and housing. Several new businesses and restaurants have opened in the past year in Bend and surrounding areas.
Central Oregon offers a wide variety of restaurants. Special dining experiences include a dinner train and a unique dining facility that offers a steak the size of a small roast (or a whole chicken) with all the trimmings for a price you won't believe in the rustic atmosphere of a former cowboy shack.
Location of Services: Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center, Middle Sister conference room, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond. This state-of-the-art meeting facility is easy to find and conveniently located (less than a mile from the Bend-Redmond airport).
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Check our Web site (www.ucgbend.org) for more details as they become available.
—Larry J. Walker
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Branson will host the Feast of Tabernacles for the 11th time this year. Branson, located in the hardwood-forested hills of the Ozarks, is a beautiful area for the Feast. It sits astride two lakes, and is surrounded by clear flowing springs in one of the most beautiful areas of the Midwest. During the Feast the fall colors of the hardwood forests can be spectacular.
The area has something for everyone. There are plenty of first-class accommodations as well as an abundance of things to do. For those who want to sit back and enjoy the beauty of God's creation, the area is great.
For the more energetic, you can shop the outlet malls, go to some of the more than 70 live music shows, play golf on one of the many golf courses, take the kids to the lake or one of several amusement areas or simply "get lost" on the miles of hiking trails. Also, we will again plan an afternoon or evening of special seminars in addition to the regular services.
Branson has been one of the favorite "transfer" sites over the years, so you can visit with brethren from around the country and the world.
Accommodations range from kitchenettes to first-class hotels, most of which include a deluxe continental breakfast. If you prefer more space, you can enjoy a beautiful condominium overlooking the hills and lakes. Prices are reasonable.
Weather during the Feast is usually mild, with normal lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s.
Services will be held in a beautiful modern theater with plush theater seating for 1,600. We do have an allergy-free room for those who need it.
Location of Services: Baldknobbers Theater, 76 Country Blvd., Branson, Missouri.
First Service: Sabbath, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m.
Taxes: Vary from 6 to 12 percent.
—Michael Blackwell
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Now, for the first time since the United Church of God moved the home office to Cincinnati in 1998, you have the opportunity to keep the Feast in the same area as the office. This will allow those who are interested the opportunity to tour the home office and Ambassador Bible Center facilities.
Sample the uniqueness of the region by taking part in a special event that comes to the region once every three to four years. Slated for Oct. 4 to 8, 2006, the Tall Stacks Music, Arts and Heritage Festival will return with even more music, food, fun and riverboats to entertain and educate thousands (www.tallstacks.com).
Year-round activities include the Purple People Bridge Climb, the only attraction of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere. This 2½-hour experience provides participants with the best 360-degree view of the region. This 132-year-old span across the Ohio River is now a pedestrian bridge linking Kentucky and Ohio.
The adjoining Newport on the Levee and Newport Aquarium complex gives young and old alike indelible memories of their stay. The Zagat Survey selected Newport on the Levee as the #1 shopping mall attraction for families in the United States in 2004. The survey also listed the aquarium, home of "Sweet Pea," one of the world's only shark rays in captivity, as a top aquarium in the United States. The 100,000-square-foot aquarium houses 600 species. "Sleeping With the Sharks" and a behind-the-scenes tour for children will be available.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center highlights Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky's key role in the Underground Railroad's heroic efforts to help slaves secure safe passage across the Ohio River to freedom during the 19th century.
Other must-see locations include the Red's Baseball Hall of Fame, Behringer Crawford Museum in panoramic Devou Park, the Cincinnati Museum Center and the Cincinnati Zoo.
Fine diners and shoppers won't be disappointed either, with hundreds of nearby shops and eateries. The World of Sports family entertainment complex in Florence and Jillians in Covington also offer a wide range of family activities. So as you can see, there is something for everyone.
A variety of housing will be available. However, many will no doubt choose to stay at the site of services, the Drawbridge Inn just off I-75 in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, where we have secured some very affordable prices. The Drawbridge Inn offers three restaurants in-house, an indoor pool, physical fitness center, basketball half court and sand volleyball. All services, meetings and most Church-sponsored activities will take place at the Drawbridge.
Average October temperatures are highs of 68 and lows of 45.
Why not make plans to join us this year for a wonderfully inspiring and fun-filled Feast!
Location of Services: Drawbridge Inn just off I-75 in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Taxes: The hotel/motel tax rate is 11.24 percent.
— Mark Winner
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For the ninth consecutive year, the San Diego area will host the 2006 Feast at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, California, a beautiful concert auditorium with an adjoining museum and park.
Escondido is a suburb of San Diego, about 35 minutes' drive north of downtown and San Diego's Lindbergh International Airport. The airports in Ontario and Orange County are about one and a half hours away. Los Angeles International Airport is approximately two and a half hours away.
The Escondido area offers less traffic congestion than the busier downtown areas of San Diego. North San Diego County also offers a variety of housing options from homes and condos on the beach (25 to 30 minutes away) to economy properties near the meeting facility.
Available optional activities in the San Diego area include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, the maritime exhibitions in San Diego's harbor, Old Town San Diego, Sea World, the Wild Animal Park outside Escondido, Lego Land in nearby Carlsbad and the beautiful wine country of nearby Temecula.
We will host a number of special activities for all age groups, including a Family Day, teen activities, young adult activities and a seniors' lunch. We are expecting about 1,100 to attend. Average temperatures range from highs in the 80s to lows in the 60s.
For more information, see the Escondido Feast site Web page at www.ucgsd.org (the San Diego congregation's Web page).
Location of Services: California Center for the Arts Escondido, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido, California. Please be aware, there are many steps in the main facility. There is an elevator and full handicap access.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Taxes: 10 percent room tax and 8 percent sales tax.
—Robin Webber
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Located in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the southern coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island was once an exclusive resort area for American millionaires in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The state of Georgia now owns the island and has opened it to everyone.
Visitors come from around the world to enjoy the peaceful environment offering beautiful beaches, hiking, fishing (requires a license), golfing, tennis and wildlife viewing (65 percent of the island is a nature preserve). A tour of Millionaires' Village is one of the highlight attractions. Horseback riding is available on Jekyll Island and nearby St. Simons Island.
This year we intend to offer a bus tour to St. Simons Island. For more information on this world-renowned location, go to the Web site www.jekyllisland.com.
Temperatures range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 24 degrees
Celsius), with the possibility of rain. Major airports for arrival and
departure are Savannah, Georgia; Brunswick, Georgia; and Jacksonville,
Florida. A rental car is advised. There is a $3 toll per vehicle every
time one enters the island; one-week passes may also be purchased.
Expected attendance is 1,250.
For details about activities, see the Web site www.jekyllfeast.org.
Location of Services: Hartley Auditorium, 1 Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island, Georgia.
First Service: Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Taxes: Local tax is 5 percent; state tax is 6 percent.
—David Treybig
[ United States ] [