Serving at the Feast of Tabernacles Will Change You

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Serving at the Feast of Tabernacles Will Change You

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When my husband and I first started attending the Feast of Tabernacles, it was so new to us. That first year was snowy, cold and was held in a venue without much heat. We were there with good friends, and I was deeply moved by the services. The orchestra, the voices joined as one in hymns—it was all amazing. Even though things had been a bit rough, the whole Feast was an excellent experience.

The biggest change was in our attitude. For the following Feast of Tabernacles, we reset our priorities.

The following year, however, was different. We had gone to a new site far from home, which sounded exciting, but it felt all wrong. Daily services were fine, but didn't feel special. My mindset was not what it had been the first year and I found myself feeling a bit off. I didn't understand why it was such a let down from the year before. We were doing the same sort of things, but it just wasn't right.

It wasn't until later that I understood what had been off. First of all, we didn't know many people, we weren't interacting much, and we didn't serve. I knew something had to change, but I didn't know what would help.

The biggest change was in our attitude. For the following Feast of Tabernacles, we reset our priorities. Paul wrote: “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). We signed up to serve and tried to think of other things we could do to make it more special. My husband was accepted as an usher, but I did not get a position. I wasn't going to let that stop me. I was going to make this year different.

When we got to church each day I roamed the main hall and reception area. I find it difficult to approach people, but I greeted everyone I could and stopped to speak to whomever invited me. I made it a point to meet people and when services started each day I felt even more invigorated and a part of things. I loved being with these people in one place, taking in the messages together!

Then we realized some changes. People were interacting differently with us. We found we received invitations to share time with new acquaintances after church and some I had talked to the previous day actually made their way over to chat with me. My perspective had changed; I had a new mindset. The act of serving, even if not formally, had opened me up and allowed others in.

In the years since, I have continued to ask to serve when possible. If not, I make a point of doing something anyway. A couple of years ago, while attending the Feast in Missouri, I discovered there were no greeters due to another entity doing business. The first day I stood inside the door greeting others. On the second day I noticed a man greeting outside, so I joined him. We met every morning and stood on either side of the door greeting others. It was so enjoyable! I made lots of new friends, including my co-greeter. The simple act of serving in small ways changed my entire experience.

We have been doing an annual barbecue at the Feast for years now and we make sure to invite some people who we have just met at the Feast. We are not only meeting new people, but maybe are opening up the Feast for them as it once was for us. We have learned that serving others, inadvertently serves us as well.