The Feast was blessed with mostly gorgeous sunny weather, good food and warm family fellowship. With no COVID-19 restrictions required, it was a joy to welcome our first international guests from overseas after two years. There were 148 guests in attendance from nine different countries.

On the first Holy Day we welcomed friends from Ukraine who are supporting refugees from Eastern Ukraine. During the Feast brethren donated US$2,130 to support their efforts in cooperation with LifeNets. Afterwards, we had time to fellowship with Vlad Yurishko and his family over coffee and Black Forest cherry cake. Heinrich Bergmann, a member of the Dormagen congregation, speaks fluent Russian and was able to translate during the afternoon.

Activities during the Feast included children’s lessons, a ladies’ Bible study on agape love, adult discussions on Biblical topics, a senior afternoon, a family-style hymn-sing out in nature and a fun children’s afternoon at a water park.

A special highlight was a concert evening with the Hebrew Melody Trio from Zurich. The three internationally renowned musicians delighted their audience with an exquisite program of classical music at the highest level.

Julie Zutz Brown from Philadelphia conducted a ladies’ tea afternoon. The topic of the afternoon’s activity was “Silent Affirmation” which left all women very encouraged, motivated and cheerful. Afterwards everyone was invited to bond over apfelstrudel, tea and coffee.

For the first time we conducted a mystery dinner in which hosts and guests enjoyed a surprise dinner evening. This activity was a lot of fun and a great success.

Three people were baptized and welcomed into the family of God.

Many commented that this year’s Feast of Tabernacles was blessed with inspired spiritual food through the sermons. It was amazing how God guided the spiritual theme at the Feast to be: “Partnership with God: Do what you are capable of doing and God will help you with the things you need but can’t accomplish on your own.”