United Church of God

2018 Feast of Tabernacles: Bend-Redmond, Oregon

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2018 Feast of Tabernacles

Bend-Redmond, Oregon

The weather was especially nice with sunny skies most of the week and temperatures climbing into the low 80s. This year we saw a lot of visitors from the eastern portion of the country, as well as locals who all had a wonderful time getting to know the many travelers. 

The messages focused on the Millennial reign of Christ while stressing family, fellowship and how to make the most of your Feast experience. There were three Bible studies this year: one for the teens, one for the young adults and a festival Bible study for all. The teens went on quite an adventure with a Bible study walk-and-talk through a mile-long lava river cave. The complete darkness gave an excellent opportunity to discuss light and darkness, and how with God there is just light, but with this world there are no absolutes, and what light you see is always followed by some darkness. 

The young adults also had a combined activity and Bible study where they had a pizza social while discussing the heavenly temple that exists in all to whom God gives His Spirit. The festival Bible study was a PowerPoint presentation of the Millennial temple that will be built on Mount Zion in Jerusalem and what it might look like.

There were a number of highlights this year. After enjoying the children’s choir and split sermons at services on family day, we went to the High Desert Museum, where we took part in a scavenger hunt as we visited this Smithsonian partner museum focused on the history of the region and its wildlife. We were treated to up-close views of bobcats, otters, reptiles and birds of prey, as well as many exhibits that let you experience life over the last few hundred years.  

There was even a working sawmill and a pioneer town to explore. Later that night, we enjoyed our 20th anniversary dance. 

On Friday, 80 people headed out on an excursion trip two hours south to have satellite services near Crater Lake. After services, the group took prepared box lunches, which nourished them for an afternoon of hiking and observing the deepest lake in North America, formed in the crater of an extinct volcano. 

Overall, the Feast was uplifting and inspiring for all.