FEAST ADVANCE: OSOYOOS, July 20, 2021
GREETINGS FROM THE OKANAGAN!
Hello fellow registrants of the Feast of Tabernacles 2021 in beautiful Osoyoos, British Columbia. Welcome to the first Feast Advance e-Newsletter. As we are now just two months from the start of this observance, I want to begin communications with everyone and express how much I share with you the excitement of anticipating the Feast this year. My name is Wayne Ward, the assistant pastor of the Southern British Columbia region, and I am your host and coordinator for this year’s occasion.
Two months from today we will be gathering from our various areas to observe this wonderful time created by God. What a delight it is to have such an event to look forward to. Anticipating it is much like anticipating the Kingdom of God itself – the time when our Messiah will take the reins to move the world to finally be at rest after millennia of suffering and sorrow. So the Feast then is a type of that millennial event, as we look forward to a rest from the world and the stresses of this life.
This year, after months of lockdown in many areas, the need to stretch out is very desirable by everyone. With that said, we need to remember we are not in the Kingdom yet and are not unaffected by global events of this age. So I appeal to everyone to, yes, look forward to a wonderful spiritual feast experience, though to also please remain guarded about the well being of all our brothers and sisters in attendance. COVID-19 is still a threat in the world. Just recently, members and children of members have been infected at various summer camps. So, we must remain mindful of our situation and be cautious of our potential exposure so that we can do our best to keep everyone from harm’s way. If you feel sick just prior to the feast, please consider staying home and join us remotely via Zoom or by the webcast services provided UCG.
Sowing Peace
We are coming together to celebrate a time when Jesus will cause the nations to beat their swords into plowshares. As such, sowing peace at this time is right and good. We acknowledge the many strongly held points of view regarding issues like vaccines and masks. Let’s be respectful. And let’s not get ourselves embroiled in contentions with brethren that cause hurt and animosity. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren” (1 John 3:14). And, while it’s not currently mandated, many will still feel the need to continue wearing masks while in gatherings. Let’s be respectful of their decision to do so.
Further to our peaceful assembly: There may be varying opinions regarding various doctrines. The United Church of God welcomes those who desire to worship and fellowship with us as long as they do so peacefully. We ask everyone to be respectful of the teachings of the United Church of God while in attendance with us; that no arguments or contentions are raised, which can sow discord among the brethren – which God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). As per UCG–Canada Church Attendance Policy: The Church is not obliged to tolerate disruptive, antagonistic, or contentious behaviour.
We desire nothing but rejoicing and being joined in the love of Christ during the Feast of Tabernacles. It is a wonderful gift God has given to us to understand His awesome plan of the restoration of all things, when “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9). Let’s be focused on that as we come together to observe the Feast of Tabernacles this year in the beautiful Okanagan.
Further information about services and activities will be posted very soon.