United News Weekly
What an exciting week it’s been so far!
In today’s news, we have a new Jelly video for you to watch! And with the Feast of Trumpets about a month away, we include two important Feast reminders for the upcoming Holy Days. You’ll be excited to learn that the time has come for team captains to register for Winter Family Weekend!
Be sure to read the whole email—we have a fun behind-the-scenes photo to share from this week’s Council of Elders meeting.
Heidi Braun, Managing Editor, Internal Publications
Jelly Learns to Follow Jesus
Watch the new Jelly video, “Jelly Learns to Follow Jesus,” and sing along with a new song that fits perfectly with this year’s summer camp theme!
Download the free family teaching supplement, designed to be used along with the new Jelly video.
Activities and discussion prompts will help your family get the most out of this year’s United Youth Camps theme: “Follow Me.”
Feast of Tabernacles
Prepare Your Heart for the Feast
Steve Myers, Operation Manager, Ministerial and Member Services
For a few special days each year, God gives you an opportunity to step away from the pressures, distractions and discouragements of this present world and focus more clearly on the world He is preparing to establish. The Feast of Tabernacles lifts your eyes beyond today’s troubles and reminds you that Jesus Christ will return, that righteous government will fill the earth, and that humanity will finally learn the way to peace.
Perhaps you’re coming to the Feast this year with burdens that others can’t see. You may be tired, grieving, discouraged or uncertain about what lies ahead. Bring those concerns with you—but come expecting God to renew your faith, strengthen you through His Word and remind you that the trials of this present age can’t compare with the wonderful future He has promised.
The Feast is much more than a trip, a vacation or a change of routine. God calls you to gather before Him at the place where He has placed His name. You come to worship, learn, fellowship, rejoice and strengthen your vision of the coming Kingdom of God. Think about what that means for you.
Every troubling headline reminds you how desperately this world needs the government of God. Every war, broken family, injustice and human tragedy points to mankind’s inability to govern itself apart from its Creator. Yet the Feast reminds you that today’s world is not all there is. Jesus Christ is returning. His Kingdom is real, and God is preparing you to serve in it. That vision should change the way you approach the Feast.
Of course, you look forward to activities, meals and time with friends. Those are enjoyable parts of the experience. But the Feast offers you something far greater. It gives you focused time to draw closer to God, hear His Word and experience the unity, generosity, service and fellowship that reflect His coming Kingdom.
God commands you to rejoice before Him. That joy is more than entertainment or temporary excitement. It comes from knowing that God is working out a purpose far greater than anything you see around you. It grows as you recognize His blessings, share them with others and help others experience the joy of the Feast.
As you continue preparing financially and physically, ensure that you also give special attention to your spiritual preparation. Pray that God will prepare your heart. Pray for the speakers, musicians, coordinators and volunteers. Pray for safe travel and for those facing illness, loss or other difficulties. Ask God to help you recognize someone who needs encouragement, companionship or practical help. Then, make sure you are ready to take part.
Go to services with an open Bible and an open heart. Listen for the lessons God would like you to take away with you. Spend time with brethren beyond your usual circle of friends. Say hello to someone you don’t know. Ask someone who is sitting alone to come and have a meal with you. Offer help before being asked. A small act of kindness could become another person’s most significant Feast memory.
Don’t underestimate what God may do in your life. A sermon may provide the answer you’ve been seeking. A conversation may offer the encouragement you need. An unexpected new friendship may remind you that you are not alone. God can use the Feast to renew your courage, restore your spiritual focus, and strengthen your confidence in His promises.
The Feast isn’t simply an escape from the present world. It’s a rehearsal for the world to come. You should return home with more than photographs and pleasant memories. Return with stronger faith, deeper love for others and a renewed commitment to live by the values of God’s Kingdom today.
As you travel to the place where God has placed His name, go with gladness of heart, renewed faith, and genuine anticipation. The Kingdom that God envisions is coming. May this Feast refresh you when you are weary, encourage you when you are struggling, and inspire you to live as a faithful citizen of the coming Kingdom of God.
Connected, Even If You Can’t Attend the Feast—Register Now!
Steven Britt, Senior Manager, Member Services
The Feast of Tabernacles is another week closer! It really helps our festival coordinators to know who plans to attend, so if you have not registered yet, please do so as soon as possible.
Each year, we look forward to celebrating God’s Feast according to His command, coming together “in the place which the LORD chooses” (Deuteronomy 16:15). As stated in our Fundamental Beliefs booklet, “This festival is observed today through regional gatherings throughout the world, with Church members living in temporary dwellings for the entire period, in line with the Bible’s instructions.”
Our festival planning team works to identify those places where God chooses to put His name each year, designating the Feast sites where we will gather. We should all strive to observe God’s Feast of Tabernacles by traveling to one of our designated festival locations and staying in temporary dwellings.
But there are also times when we cannot do so—it can be disappointing when situations outside of our control, such as health trials, affect our ability to travel to keep the Feast at the appointed sites. That’s why I wanted to remind everyone that we have a way for those unable to attend this year to remain connected and engaged!
At the bottom of the Feast site list, you can select the “Unable to Attend” option and register. During the Feast, you will receive daily emails with webcast instructions, personal greetings from fellow members and other helpful materials designed to encourage you and help you rejoice during the Feast.
Even if difficult circumstances prevent you from traveling, these materials can help you participate in and enjoy God’s Feast of Tabernacles. Some who are unable to attend may be elderly or may need help registering. Please check with members of your congregation who may be in this situation—you can either help them register or contact your pastor or festival adviser to assist them. Another important way that you can serve is to send a message during the Feast to greet and encourage them! Even a quick personal note to ask how they are doing and let them know that you are thinking about them can make a big difference.
Winter Family Weekend
Team Captain Registration Is Now Open!
The first phase of registration for Winter Family Weekend 2026, December 22–27, is now open! As we prepare to gather under this year’s theme, “Household of Faith,” here are the latest updates on registration and hotels:
Registration Timeline
- August 10–16: Sports Team Captain Registration is open. Team captains can go to wfw.ucg.org now to begin registering their teams. You don’t need to complete your entire roster by August 16. Your access will remain open, but this early registration period gives captains a head start on building their teams.
- August 17: Accessibility/Special Accommodation Registration opens.
- August 19: General Registration opens for everyone.
Pickleball Tournament Update
Due to strong interest in pickleball, tournament teams are now included in Team Captain Registration. Pickleball captains can register now and form their Doubles or Mixed Doubles teams. When general registration opens, individual players will be able to select and join a pickleball team during their registration.
Not interested in tournament competition? Pickleball Open Play will also be available as a free activity Wednesday through Friday.
Important Hotel Booking Information
Hotel reservations are not yet open. We want everyone to have an equal opportunity to reserve rooms at the WFW group rate. Please do not call the hotels directly to make reservations.
Registered attendees will receive an email with dedicated booking links for both WFW host hotels when reservations open. Hotel reservations will open for everyone at the same time through those links. The discounted WFW group rates will only be available through the official booking links.
We’re looking forward to another outstanding Winter Family Weekend filled with faith, fellowship and fun! Visit wfw.ucg.org to access the official event registration portal and stay up to date on WFW 2026.
Dave PerMar, Winter Family Weekend Coordinator
UCG: Behind the Scenes
The Council of Elders poses with Jelly on the film set from this year’s Jelly video [cover photo]. Next week, we’ll include a report from this week’s Council of Elders meetings, which concluded today.
