Feast of Tabernacles
Announcements about the upcoming Feast of Tabernacles, and reports from last year's Feast.
Volunteers Needed: Feast of Tabernacles Input Committee 2025
We are looking for volunteers to join the Feast of Tabernacles Input Committee for 2025. This is an opportunity for experienced professionals in meeting planning, conferences and hospitality to provide valuable input and ideas for enhancing the Feast of Tabernacles.
Purpose:
The committee will gather to exchange ideas and provide professional input on how we can continue to improve the Feast of Tabernacles each year. Your insights and experience will help guide planning efforts and ensure we provide an excellent experience for all attendees.
Experience:
We are looking for individuals who have professional experience in event planning, particularly in the corporate or association sectors, or in the hospitality industry, such as hotels and travel.
Requirements:
Applicants must be baptized members of the United Church of God. Please note that spouses of UCG members may apply, but applicants cannot be current employees of the United Church of God.
Expectations:
The committee will meet three times a year via web connection, and members may be tasked with specific research projects or other delegated
responsibilities. Each committee member will serve between 12 to 18 months, after which re-application will be required if you wish to continue serving.
Why Volunteer?
In light of the significant changes in event planning and hospitality that have taken place in the post-COVID world, we are looking to tap into the expertise of our members. Your professional insights will help us navigate challenges related to culture, technology and affordability as we continue to improve the Feast of Tabernacles.
Please note that this committee is not a decision-making body or site-selection team, but rather a group focused on offering input and suggestions to guide the planning process.
If you have the experience and passion to help shape the future of our Feast of Tabernacles celebrations, we encourage you to apply. Your contribution could make a real difference in how we plan for 2025.
To apply, please contact Charles Melear at: charles_melear@ucg.org
Join us for the Feast of Tabernacles 2025 in France!
Your French brothers and sisters in Christ are pleased to welcome you back to Club Miléade La Gaillarde for the Feast of Tabernacles in 2025. The Feast will be held on the beautiful French Riviera near the well-known tourist destinations of Saint-Tropez and Saint-Raphaël. We have enjoyed the Feast in this region of France for many years, and this will be our fourth time celebrating the Feast at this seaside location.
Located an hour south of the Nice airport, Club Miléade La Gaillarde is situated just across the street from the beautiful Mediterranean Sea with 180-degree ocean views and an underpass walkway to the well-known beach of La Gaillarde. The outdoor heated pool and children’s play area overlook the water and the hotel’s main building has a restaurant and bar, playroom for children and a spa where visitors can schedule a massage, enjoy a sauna or relax in the indoor jacuzzi overlooking the sea. The auditorium for church services is located next to the main building and the hotel accommodations, many with ocean views, are a short walk from the main complex. This site’s room and board package provides the opportunity to experience full-course buffet-style French meals while enjoying fellowship with other brethren from around the world. We plan to offer three afternoon excursions to nearby points of interest.
Registration is expected to begin in March. Keep an eye out for announcements with further details on ucg.org/members/feast-of-tabernacles and the 2025 UCG Feast of Tabernacles Locations Facebook page.
A Feast Full of Blessings: Feast of Tabernacles 2024 in Zambia
It was an amazing time for 206 members of the United Church of God from the northwest, central and the Copperbelt regions of Zambia who gathered at Mufulira for the Feast of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day. It was an amazing opportunity for reunion and friendship among the brethren. Special music was performed in local languages, with multiple ethnic/linguistic groups represented at the Feast site. We even needed two translators!
Messages pointed to the coming Kingdom when Christ's rule will take over mankind's reign of selfishness, hunger, sorrow, weeping and segregation as we notice today in this evil world.
When we consider the millennial age to come, what is it about that time “specifically” that makes it so wonderful and so desirable?
The millennial age that this Feast pictures will be such a wonderful time because 1) God’s Kingdom will reign supreme and 2) The peoples of the earth will desire to have it rule over their lives (Micah 4:1-4). And they will live in willing subjection to “the way” of God. As a result of the first two conditions, God’s blessings will flow out over the earth.
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). One of Jesus Christ’s titles is Prince of Peace. If the mind of Jesus Christ is truly in us, then peace will be a part of our nature as well.
The way of life we have been called to live today is a comparable reflection of the way of life we see portrayed during the Feast of Tabernacles.
On a beautiful Thursday five lovely babies were blessed during the blessing of little children. These kids are future disciples who have the opportunity to grow in this beautiful truth that is being laid before them.
On another wonderful and special day nine members were baptized. This was an amazing moment that was full of joy from those baptized and those close to them, not forgetting the entire group that stood to witness such an amazing activity take place.
People were reminded of the most important role they will take up in the Millennium and to do so there are certain things we need to do before we can take up the positions. #1 - They must know the way of God. #2 - They must go the way. #3 - They must show the way. A righteous priest of God, properly serving before Him, must know the way, go the way and show the way. A prime example of an individual carrying out this function in a proper way is found in the example of Ezra.
Ezra had set his heart to know, go and show the way (Ezra 7:10). And God was with him.
God’s way always works. It will work in the Millennium, and it works in our lives today.
Our calling is special to God. Even though we live in this world, we shouldn’t feel like we are somehow missing out on the blessings that God has to offer to His people. The reality is, He has poured them out on us in great abundance regardless of who we are or where we are.
God protected us from serious sickness and any major problems. He was so good to us in filling the festival site with the knowledge of God, and His hand was seen throughout the eight days people spent together to fellowship and learn His ways.
We are so grateful to our Father in heaven for being with everyone and making it possible for everyone to be part of the Feast of Tabernacles and Eighth Day.
Rodrick Epomba
A Joyful Celebration: Feast of Tabernacles 2024 in Italy
Over 300 brethren gathered in unity and joy to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles on the beautiful, sunny shores of Marina di Grosseto in Tuscany, Italy.
This year’s Feast took place at the stunning Hotel Terme Marine Leopoldo II, nestled within a lush pine forest and overlooking the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It marked the first time this sacred occasion was hosted at this particular venue, and the setting proved to be the perfect backdrop for a week filled with fellowship, inspiration, and spiritual renewal.
Warm Hospitality Across Borders
The event was a true international celebration, with attendees traveling from countries such as the United States, Canada, Zambia, and beyond. The Italian brethren provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making all feel at home as we gathered to worship and reflect on the meaning of the Feast.
It was an incredible experience to see so many from different corners of the world united in faith, all looking forward to the coming Kingdom of God and the millennial reign of Jesus Christ.
Inspirational Messages and Uplifting Music
The messages delivered throughout the Feast inspired us to look forward with hope and anticipation to the fulfillment of God's promises. Each sermon helped us deepen our understanding of God’s Kingdom and the role we all play in His divine plan.
One of the highlights of the Feast was the exceptional special music, which included powerful performances by the festival choir, as well as a talent show that showcased the diverse gifts and talents of the brethren. A particularly memorable moment came with a stunning performance by the Italian choir, which presented an excerpt from Nabucco, Giuseppe Verdi's famous opera that depicts the exile of ancient Israel from their homeland. The choir's rendition was not only musically impressive but deeply moving, connecting the themes of exile and hope to the biblical story of God’s people.
Building Connections and Making Memories
Beyond the uplifting messages and music, the Feast also provided many opportunities for brethren to grow closer and deepen their relationships with one another. Through various group activities, everyone had the chance to forge new friendships and strengthen existing bonds within the spiritual family.
Cultural excursions to the historic cities of Siena, Florence, and Pisa provided a beautiful way for attendees to explore Italy’s rich heritage while enjoying the fellowship of their brethren. These trips offered unforgettable moments of discovery and connection, and the brethren relished the chance to experience Italy's art, history and culture.
For those with a taste for the finer things in life, a wine and olive oil tasting event was also a highlight of the Feast. The flavors of Tuscany were savored by all, and the experience was a wonderful opportunity to relax, share a laugh, and enjoy the company of fellow feastgoers.
A Spirit of Participation and Cooperation
From the youngest to the oldest, everyone participated with enthusiasm and a spirit of cooperation. It was clear that, whether through singing, sharing meals, or simply being present, every individual contributed to the joyous atmosphere that defined this year's Feast. The spirit of unity, love and joy was palpable, and a sense of community was felt throughout the eight days of the Feast.
As we look back on this unforgettable Feast of Tabernacles, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunities to celebrate together and for the inspiration we received. It was a time of deep reflection, meaningful connections, and above all, a reminder of the hope we share in the coming Kingdom of God.
We look forward to gathering again in a new location next year, knowing that the bonds we have formed and the memories we have made will continue to strengthen us as we eagerly anticipate the fulfillment of God's promises.
Jim and Rose Anne Pastor
Stay tuned by visiting feast.ucg.org to receive announcements on where the Feast will be held in Italy this year!
