Because of sudden and unexpected provincial legislation, Feast plans had to be revised significantly in time for the Feast beginning on Sept. 22. Prior to that date, vaccinated and unvaccinated people could meet together in a hotel conference center, and also eat in restaurants together. However, after that date, only vaccinated people would be allowed to enter a hotel meeting space or eat a meal inside a restaurant. Furthermore, a person would have to provide ID and proof of vaccination in order to be granted entry.  

This legislation was announced with only two weeks lead-time and created all kinds of organizational and planning complications for the Feast organizers and attendees. 

The new Provincial legislation thus only allowed everyone to meet in person in Midland on the opening night and on the first day. Zoom services were provided for those who opted to stay home for those occasions. Thereafter, only our vaccinated brethren could meet in person in the hotel ballroom while others watched online from hotel rooms or from homes. Some arranged to watch with a small group. All messages were handled through a combination of in-person and online speaking via Zoom. This worked remarkably well despite an occasional problem with bandwidth. Each church service was well prepared and well presented. 

We had live piano accompaniment for hymns on the opening night and on the afternoon of the first Holy Day. We also had live piano offertory music on the first Holy Day. Thereafter, all music was MP3-sourced, except for the offertory music on the Eighth Day which was the UCG virtual choir singing the magnificent “Hallelujah Chorus.”  

The welcome video from the home office and the webcast Sabbath sermon by Victor Kubik were both well-received. With only one child attending on site, we did not have a youth education program. Jim Lucas did conduct a teen Bible study, which was a fine success. 

During the week, strict protocols were followed to avoid an outbreak of  COVID-19. Everyone entering the main hall had a temperature check and filled out a questionnaire that included contact tracing information. A deacon from the Toronto congregation provided COVID-19 rapid tests for use onsite as needed. Several tests were conducted and all came back negative. To our knowledge, nobody was affected by the virus during the Feast. There were only a handful of anointings. 

This Feast was made possible because of a quick change of plans with many people providing their service to plan last-minute outdoor activities that everyone could attend. The vaccinated offered to help those who were unvaccinated in any way needed. What initially seemed to be a “disaster” actually turned into a very inspiring and enjoyable Feast. One fear was that the regulations that separated people into the “vaxed” and “unvaxed” categories might lead to a split in the group. That did not occur. Many of those attending had been unable to meet for church for months and were so happy to be together with others that they did whatever was needed to make the Feast work. Many mentioned how inspiring it was to be together as a group once again. 

The family day activity was a fitting finale for the Feast week. Although the forecast called for rain, the sun shone beautifully instead. Organizers had planned a Hawaiian theme with food and decorations to match. We had 83 people attend this event at a local park and participate enthusiastically in the meal and softball game, providing joyous fellowship. 

Feast coordinators all know that unexpected things occur during the Feast. This year certainly demonstrated that. It showed the need to remain flexible and positive. Once the provincial regulations were announced, all the scheduled Feast activities had to be re-visited. However, we learned that while planning ahead is important, a group of motivated people can put together fine activities even on short notice.