Letter to the Congregations: 21st March 2026

Our Dear Brethren,

“These are the feasts of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times” (Leviticus 23:4).

God has appointed specific times for us. These are times of official gathering. These are times when the scriptures are read and discussed. These times spell out God’s plan of salvation for mankind. These are specific times when God has commanded His people to gather. For all those who God has called and who have answered that calling, these days are not optional for us. With rare exceptions we are expected by God to come together at these appointed times. They are holy, set apart by God as special and unique from other days. Are we ready and willing to gather for the upcoming feasts of the Lord?

In recent weeks I’ve heard some very encouraging stories from some of my brethren that have shown me their faith in what God is doing in their life. Some involve the blessings that have come from refusing to work or go to school on the weekly Sabbath. In those cases God provided them another way to continue to have an income, or to complete their education without compromising their beliefs. Some involved a test of faith regarding tithing. In such cases, in the face of doubt and fear, brethren have put God to the test and trusted that if they save their tithes as instructed, He would provide for them. And He has provided for them and has given them an abundance beyond what they had before!

The feasts of God can be a test for His people in similar ways. Are we afraid we will miss out on work or school or some other opportunities because we will be keeping God’s feasts? I personally used to have some of those feelings as I was growing up, thinking that I would be missing time with my friends or opportunities to travel or further my education. But at a certain point I came to realize that if I put my life in God’s hands by coming together at His appointed times, then He would give me the opportunities I desired. I’ve been able to travel to places I only dreamed of because I save my second tithe and keep the Feast of Tabernacles. I’ve made countless friends in my brethren around the world who I wouldn’t have met had I not gathered with them for the feasts of God. I won’t even get into my education opportunities which were never inhibited by God’s holy time.

The physical blessings we experience because we obey God don’t mean our faith won’t further be tested. Sometimes people lose a job over the Sabbath or holy days. Sometimes people are forced to change their careers to accommodate their personal beliefs. Sometimes relationships with friends and family are broken because of disagreements about how we should live our lives and how we should worship God. But we should know and remember that we are seeking after future blessings which will be far greater than anything we might experience now!

Brethren, are we ready to come together and meet God and one another at these appointed times? They are not optional for God’s people. These days are important to our God. Are they important to us as well?

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe