The Feast of Tabernacles is one of the most orderly and peaceful conventions of its size and scope.

The main reason is the converted minds and hearts of the membership. The positive feedback we have long received from the communities where the Feast has been observed is a testimony of this fact and a well-deserved tribute to our members.

Another important factor in the successful observance of the Feast is expressed in principle in 1 Corinthians 14:40, "Let all things be done decently and in order." In a word, this passage speaks to the concept of organization. Over the period of many decades of Feast observance, the Church has learned and implemented policies and procedures to help the Feast run smoothly so that everyone can rejoice as God intends for us to do at the Feast.

The combination of time-tested policies and procedures combined with the commitment and cooperative spirit of Feastgoers results in the outstanding track record of success that we have experienced over the many years of keeping the Feast.

Registration

Why is it so important to register for the site you plan to attend? A great deal of advance planning is necessary long before the Feast begins. Hall selection, housing, chair setup, sound equipment needs, selection and planning of recreational and social activities, number of hymnals to order and how many announcement bulletins to print, to name a few, all require knowing how many people plan to attend a particular Feast site.

Attendance has far exceeded registration figures at many of our Feast sites the past few years. While on the surface this seems exciting, it also poses organizational challenges in many of the planning areas mentioned above. Part of the reason for the attendance increase is people attending that are not United Church of God members, perhaps even people from the local community who have no Church of God background. Of course we do not expect them to register. But when attendance overages include United Church of God members who did not register, we feel it is important to remind everyone of the importance of registration.

There are always some people who have to change plans for a wide variety of reasons beyond their control. So we don't expect that registration figures will be totally accurate. However, when the figures are off by hundreds of people, it can become a problem that can adversely affect all in attendance.

You can help us greatly by being sure to fill out the 2004 Festival Registration form (page 8 of the print or PDF versions) and turn it in to the Festival advisor in your local congregation April 3, 10 or 17.

A Note of Appreciation

I'm sure that I speak for all Festival coordinators and home office personnel by expressing my sincere, heartfelt appreciation to all of you for your part in making the Feast the joyous and edifying occasion that it has always been. The apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:16 speaks of the part each member plays in this edification process, that "the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

Thank you for doing your part! UN