When the original site in Lake Junaluska had to be canceled, the Rocky Top Sports World venue was chosen as the alternate site to hold this year’s Feast. Although the venue is an indoor and outdoor sport facility, it served as an ideal place to keep the Feast. Our high attendance was 640 and most of the usual Feast activities were held. The senior luncheon and annual dance had to be canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions, but we were able to have many enjoyable activities for the various age groups. 

A singles’ dinner, a teen activity at Ober Gatlinburg, family day and youth lessons highlighted daily activities along with services each day. On Friday evening we held three Bible studies: one for teens, one for young adults and one general Bible study for others.

We also had a service project for a local food bank where a significant number of non-perishable items were donated to the Gatlinburg community. The members stepped up to support the various activities, with many smiling faces despite the requirement to wear masks while attending services. There was also a section upstairs for those with medical conditions, which made the site inclusive for certain ones who could not wear a mask.

We had many speakers giving encouraging and inspiring messages. Many expressed appreciation for the support of the staff at the Rocky Top Sports World. I feel that almost everyone who attended Gatlinburg for the Feast this year returned to their various homes with positive and encouraging memories. The Feast in Gatlinburg was an uplifting time as we remembered God’s promise to never leave or forsake us.