Hi everyone,

After much anticipation, the Fall Feasts have arrived! This evening at sunset, we begin those Feasts with the Feast of Trumpets. In accordance with God’s commands, tonight at sunset we observe “a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation” (Leviticus 23:23–24).

Trumpets reminds us of God’s guidance and protection of physical Israel and of what lies ahead for us and all humanity. Daniel 2:44 details that amazing future: “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”

At precisely the right time, God the Father will send His Son back to this earth. At the sound of a trumpet, Jesus Christ will return in power and glory and establish God’s government on earth. He will then reign for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1–6). Those who have never known God will learn who He is and come to understand His ways.

Most people today have no idea that this Feast day exists or what it pictures—but we do! God has called us to understand His plan and live according to His Truth. What an extraordinary privilege—and one that carries with it great responsibility (1 Peter 4:17). As we observe the Feast of Trumpets and the remaining Fall Feasts, let us rejoice in the hope they bring. May this knowledge motivate us to grow as God’s future sons and daughters. Happy Feast!

In anticipation of our Holy Day service tomorrow in Atlanta, here are this week’s announcements.

1. Feast of Trumpets Service in Atlanta: 9/12. Tomorrow, we will have a combined service for the Feast of Trumpets at Unity Atlanta. Our start time is 2:30 PM. Since an offering will be collected during the service (Deuteronomy 16:16), please use the indexed offering envelopes sent to you by the Home Office for your offering.

After the service, we will have a covered-dish meal in the Fellowship Hall. As is our custom, we ask that families please bring enough food and drink for your family, plus one visitor. Visitors and guests are invited to stay and enjoy the food and fellowship.

Please label all dishes and utensils with your name. If bringing packaged items, transfer them to a labeled serving dish and bring an appropriate serving utensil. Please take home all dishes, utensils, containers, and leftovers after the meal.

2. Volunteers Needed for the Meal on Trumpets: 9/12. We need volunteers for our Trumpets covered-dish meal! Please visit https://tinyurl.com/ATL52426 to sign up to help with setup and/or cleanup. Thank you for your help—many hands make light work!

3. Feeling Ill This Week? Connect to Our Service via the Atlanta Webcast. If you are sick this week, please plan to watch the Atlanta webcast online. To view the service, enter the password treeoflife (with no spaces) in the channel password box. The webcast is available at: https://www.ucg.org/congregations/atlanta-ga

4. Please Do Not Use Unity Atlanta’s Envelopes. We’ve been asked by Unity Atlanta not to use their offering envelopes as scratch paper or to take their pens from the Sanctuary. It’s a small but important gesture—one that reflects the respect God expects from His people (Genesis 2:15; Matthew 25:14–30).

5. Excused Absence Form for the Feast Days. If you need an Excused Absence Form for the Fall Holy Days, please contact one of our elders: Mr. Jerold Aust, Mr. Charlie Graby, Dr. Steve Holladay, or me. We are happy to provide you with this form.

6. Sabbath of 9/19; Day of Atonement on 9/21. We will meet in our two local congregations for services on the Sabbath of 9/19. For the Day of Atonement, we will have combined services at Unity Atlanta. See your local congregation websites for further details about these services.

7. Sabbath School & Teen Bible Study Kickoff: 9/19. We will kick off the 2026–2027 Sabbath School and Teen Bible Study academic year on 9/19. Our coordinators this year are Sarah Aust and Philip Aust. I will be assisted by Brandon Graby. Questions regarding this year’s classes? Feel free to ask one of our academic coordinators.

8. Young Men’s Christian Club: 9/19. The next Young Men’s Christian Club is scheduled for September 19. It will begin 20 minutes after services in the Chapel. Questions regarding the club may be directed to Brian Scott.

Have a wonderful start to God’s Fall Feasts. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow in Atlanta. Travel safely.

In love,

Philip Aust
United Church of God, Pastor
Atlanta & Buford, Georgia