2025 Feast of Tabernacles: Midland, Ontario, Canada

Appreciative brethren gathered to keep the Feast of Tabernacles in the quaint town of Midland, Ontario, situated on the shores of Lake Huron’s lovely Georgian Bay. An oft-repeated refrain was that the crowd this year was definitely more joyous and expressive than usual. The stage decor was typically fall-themed and featured the return of Lambert the Lion and Lionel the Lamb. The information table was similarly adorned in fall colors with much-appreciated Feast treats of fresh apples and delicately hand-folded colorful paper flowers and lovely hand-made colorful wash cloths.

We’ve met at the same hotel resort location for multiple years, so the hotel staff recognize returnees and they often hug each other effusively. The staff is very accommodating to our many needs and typically give us permission to use various areas of the hotel for fellowshipping, functions and get-togethers.

Messages were meaty, inspiring and motivating as was the interactive Bible study. Our high attendance was on the weekly Sabbath with 140 present; each service had a good number of connections via Zoom. Highly musical brethren made special music possible most days. We were also blessed to have live piano accompaniment for hymns for most services. 

Activities were strongly supported, starting with a meet and greet with assorted snacks, beverages and even American peanut brittle. On the Sabbath, our seniors were honored with a lunch featuring roast chicken and delectable trimmings. The family day activity was held at a local five-pin bowling alley, followed by a pizza supper. The variety show entertained and inspired the brethren with interesting presentations moderated by organizers Gary and Cindy Ridi. Our concluding activity was a farewell luncheon between services on the Eighth Day and provided members a final opportunity to break bread collectively by partaking of a Thanksgiving roast turkey buffet with all the trimmings.

At the end of the week, many remarked on how well everything had gone as we observed the wonderful Feast of Tabernacles, a dress-rehearsal for the age which is soon to come!