We were admonished to be careful about the things that are important and rejoice, always ready to give the gift of peace. A hospitality hour preceded the service on the first holy day. The sermon prepared everyone’s heart and mind to keep the Feast as God commanded, seeking to learn throughout the eight days. With that jump-start, everyone was ready to help make this the best Feast ever.

The second day offered a webcast from Bend, Oregon, and was set aside for family day at Jakes Unlimited, an arcade that included various rides for the children. After a hospitality hour and morning services, the third day provided one of the activity highlights of the week: a dinner cruise on the Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake. Everyone loaded onto the bus, rode the winding trail to the canyon, boarded the Dolly Steamboat and cruised around the beautiful, peaceful lake with high, colorful canyon walls. Several bald eagles and bighorn sheep were spotted along the way and, of course, the view was exhilarating and the sunset exhibited the glory of God’s creation!

Stars could actually be seen in the night sky! More inspiring sermons on day four, now already halfway through the festival! Day five included morning services followed by the seniors’ luncheon served by the youth of the Church, with Bible trivia questions that challenged the mind.

Brethren were united all around the globe on the sixth day to hear uplifting messages given by Donald Ward and Victor Kubik. On day seven, a hospitality hour provided one more opportunity to fellowship with newly made friends. And, of course, for the children, we had the grand stuffed animal giveaway! Where, oh where, do we pack our new, furry friend!

On the Last Great Day of hope, there were morning services followed by a catered buffet luncheon. And then our last spiritual meal before going to our various homes and trying to honor God by living by every word fed to us during one of the best feasts ever!