The Continuing Church of God observes God's Holy Days (click here for you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days), sometimes called festival or feast days, throughout the world.
Services will begin the evening of September 18th and continue until the Last Great Day which is September 26, 2013.
Some website links to outside sources are in this post, but this does not mean that they are endorsed by the Continuing Church of God. They are provided as additional sources of information–and hopefully some of that information may be helpful to you and your family as you begin to make plans for the 2013 Feast of Tabernacles.
For North America, our site is on the West Coast in California (USA). Santa Maria is about 160 miles north of Los Angeles Airport (LAX) and is near the California Coast. There is also a small airport in Santa Maria itself. We plan one service per day, beginning with 7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 18th, followed by 2:00 pm on September 19th, 3:30 pm September 20th, 2:00 pm September 21st, 10:00 am September 22, 3:30 pm September 23rd, 3:30 pm September 24th, 3:30 pm September 25th, 3:30 pm September 26th.
Services are scheduled to be held in the Ranchero room at the Santa Maria Inn. Santa Maria Inn has family-friendly surroundings with a heated pool, spa, beautiful landscaping, restaurant and pub.
The Historic Santa Maria Inn
Address: 801 S Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Phone:(805) 928-7777 or Toll Free (800) 462-4276
Hotel class: 3 stars
http://www.santamariainn.com/
Here is information about an available room rate from the Santa Maria Inn:
We have set up a block of rooms under Continuing Church of God with check-in on September 18 and check-out on September 27. The individuals can decide what dates they would like to stay. The room rate is $109 and these rooms will be in the Original section of the Hotel. The cutoff date for the guests to request a room with this rate is September 3, 2013.
If you wish to stay there, you can get the reduced room rate if you mention the Continuing Church of God when you make reservations. There are also a lot ocheaper accommodations in the Santa Maria area. The Continuing Church of God DOES NOT get any financial benefit or discounts if you stay at the Santa Maria Inn, so do not feel obligated to stay there. But since services are scheduled for there, it will be convenient for Feast goers.
As far as information about Santa Maria itself, its Chamber of Commerce & Visitor and Convention Bureau states:
The Santa Maria Valley is nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara County wine country. Located in the heart of California’s Central Coast, here you will discover beautiful scenery, championship golf courses, nationally recognized live theater productions, bird watching, pristine beaches, performing arts, world famous barbecue, our succulent strawberries, nearby missions, hiking, festivals, special events, and award winning wineries. http://santamariavisitor.com/cm/Home.html
I would add that Santa Maria is not too far from the ocean or Pismo Beach (which has other activities) or the ‘Danish” town of Solvang. Although Santa Maria does have its own (small) airport, many will probably find that it is easier and/or more cost effective to drive to Santa Maria, either from their homes or from the Los Angeles or Santa Barbara, California airports.
The closest beach would be in Guadalupe, but understand that the water in the Pacific Ocean tends to be cold, and the waves tend to be rough in Guadalupe. Pismo Beach tends to be calmer and many like to 'skim board' in areas of it. Most who like to surf or boogie board will want to wear a wet suit--and surfing/boogies boarding is done more in the Pismo area than Guadalupe.
Some may enjoy ATVs near Pismo Beach at the famous Oceano Sand Dunes Park or Lake Lopez (fresh water) Lake Recreation Area which is east of Arroyo Grande. These will not be organized CCOG sponsored activities, but are some of the many area attractions.
We do plan to have a guided tour to the Danish community of Solvang, with a date to be determined.
As far as other activities, Santa Maria itself has shopping, an aviation museum, parks, and a family amusement park called Boomers. There are many wineries and some breweries within a 40 minute drive from Santa Maria.
For Family Day, we are planning on having that at Boomers. Boomers has minature golf, go-karts (including the option of doubles, as well as a separate track for children, bumper boats, batting cages, a type of rock climbing, and an arcade.
Just outside of Solvang there is a waterfall near a park called Nojoqui Falls. The waterfall is variable in how much it flows, from a very thin trickle to a full waterfall. Even the thin trickle, though, is pretty because of the way it flows down bright green mossy walls into a misty pool below.
There are numerous restaurants in Santa Maria itself, as well as, nearby communities such as Orcutt, Solvang, Nipomo, and Pismo Beach.
There are also numerous hotels and motels. While there is camping in the areas of Lopez Lake (east of Arroyo Grande) and Pismo Beach, both areas are a bit out-of-the-way to drive to services each day, but some may wish to do that.
Here is some information that is expected to be in the Festival brochure for this site:
DAILY SCHEDULE
Wednesday, September 18, 2013. Services: 7:30 pm.
Thursday, September 19, 2013. Services: 2:00 pm.
Possible Activity: Thursday evening San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market. This is about 35 miles north of Santa Maria. There is no admission price. Those who wish to eat meals from items they get from street restaurant vendors, may wish to head to San Luis Obispo (SLO) for their weekly Farmer’s Market. SLO shuts down a portion of Higuera Street Thursday evening from about 5:30 pm. The food is available from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. And yes, after sunset, you could purchase fruits and vegetables here if you wish.
Friday, September 20, 2013.
Possible Activity: Tour of Santa Maria Museum of Flight: 10:30 am. 3015 Airpark Drive, Santa Maria, California, (805) 922-8758 (Hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Friday-Sunday only).
$5.00 for adults, $4.00 seniors, children 7-11 $2.00; 13-17 $3.00.
Friday Services: 3:30 pm.
Saturday, September 21, 2013. Services: 2:00 pm.
Sunday, September 22, 2013. Services: 10:00 am.
Possible activity: Beach. The beaches are free and are located in Guadalupe—waves are rough, Grover Beach—windy, Pismo Beach, and Avila Beach (normally the warmest of the beaches in the area, but it is 28 miles away— about a half hour drive). Sometimes, there are also free docent led tours at Lake Oso Flaco (it is not a fishing lake), which is just north of Guadalupe.
Some may wish to tour wine country and/or participate in wine tasting. There are many places in the general area of Santa Maria, Solvang, and Arroyo Grande to do that.
Note: Various tours and tastings can be done other days of the week—they are normally available on days other than Sunday, etc.
Monday, September 23, 2013.
Possible Activity: Bowling. Rancho Bowl, 128 E. Donavan Rd., Santa Maria, California. (805) 925-2405.
Monday Services: 3:30 pm.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013.
Possible Activity: Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum. Free. 616 South Broadway, Santa Maria. (805) 922-33210 (Open 12:00 – 5:00 pm; Tuesday to Saturday).
Tuesday Services: 3:30 pm.
Possible Activity: After dinner, evening at Boomers. 2250 N. Preisker Lane, Santa Maria. (805) 928-4942. They have miniature golf, go carts, bumper boats, video games, and more.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013.
Possible Activity: Solvang Walking Tour (free) 10:00 am. Free maps available at the Solvang Visitors and Conference Bureau Office at 1638 Copenhagen, Solvang, California. There are ostriches on the drive to Solvang.
Wednesday Services: 3:30 pm.
Thursday, September 26, 2013.
Possible Activity: Visiting one of the local free parks, like Waller Park or Preisker Park.
Thursday Services: 3:30 pm.
Possible Activity: Thursday evening San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market. For details, see Thursday, September 19, 2013 possible activities.
Saturday, September 28, 2013. Services: 2:00 pm. Weekly services for those still in area. This will either be in Santa Maria or Arroyo Grande, depending upon how many wish to attend.
For more information, contact Dr. Bob Thiel, email cogwriter@aol.com
In New Zealand, the city of Whangarei has been chosen. Whangarei is the northernmost city in New Zealand (though there are towns north of it. Whangarei is the regional capital of Northland Region of New Zealand. It is surrounded by some of the region’s most spectacular beaches and scenery, and is a relatively short drive from Auckland.
Here is some of what one website says about Whangarei:
From sand dunes to volcanic cones, from rolling pasture to craggy headlands fringed by picturesque Pacific beaches, our environment supports people producing fine foods and wide ranging art works, busy professionals and talented youth, all in a classic kiwi lifestyle. http://www.whangareinz.com/about
For outsiders, you will want to fly into the airport in Auckland.
Here is some information from John Hickey:
The name of the place is Cheviot Park Motor Lodge and their website is http://www.cheviot-park.co.nz/ . They are prepared to offer a 10% discount on accommodation to any of our members who are attending so long as they mention it when booking.Whangarei District will pleasantly surprise you. Unspoilt landscapes, truly spectacular coastline and variety plus. A space to experience adventure, warmth, culture, excitement and peace. The perfect place to revive, to breathe, to reconnect. That's why we love it here.
Just two hours from Auckland, our sub tropical region is the perfect base to explore the rest of Northland - you may never want to leave.
For more information, contact John Hickey, email john.h@vodafone.net.nz
If you are not from Africa and decide to attend here, please realize that this is not a wealthy area and is not a site for those who expect various Western comforts. However, this will be a unique experience for any who do decide to attend here.
Here is what one website says about the Ndhiwa area:
Western Kenya is a beautiful region of great geographical, agricultural, cultural and natural diversity, with many tourist activities to be explored.
The people of Ndhiwa belong to the Luo tribe, a warm welcoming community with a strong spirit despite the challenges they face. Many lack things that we take for granted such as electricity, running water, sanitation, labour-saving devices, easy transport, medical care and educational opportunities. http://www.karibunicottages.com/
This site is expected to have people from Kenya and Tanzania.
Silay is a city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. A 'DVD' Feast of Tabernacles is somewhat planned for there. This would be in a member's home. For details, contact Oscar Meidavilla via email hansmeidavilla@rocketmail.com.
If you plan to go there and have internet access and/or computer expertise, your skills could be helpful.
We do expect to have some type of services available via the internet for those who cannot get to Santa Maria or Whangarei or Silay. Sermons, offertories, and some other items are expected to be at the Sermons link at the www.ccog.org website and probably more will be in this article.
There is a group in India that claims some affiliation with CCOG and it is planning the following:
26 Sept we have the Last Great Day in B C Colony22- 25 Sept we have our Feast of Tabernacle in our Church in JaggampetaHappy Feast of Tabernacles from 19- 26 September 201319- 21 Sept we have our Feast of Tabernacle in our Church in Ramavaram
Contact Bob Thiel for more details.
The Bible teaches that the "word of the law" needs to be preached as part of the Feast of Tabernacles every seven years (Deuteronomy 31:10-13; cf. Nehemiah 6:73;7:1-3,8,13-17; Joshua 8:34; see also The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law).
This instruction about covering the law, especially through the light of the New Testament, has been conveyed to those givings sermons at the CCOG sites for 2013.
Why 2013?
Well, Dr. Thiel long felt that this needed to be done, but had been overlooked by most COG groups. In 2006, when he was first asked to give full sermons at the Feast of Tabernacles, Dr. Thiel decided that he would try to do this himself, so he did just that in Antigua, Guatemala then.
As it turns out, 2013 is seven years later. Dr. Thiel believes that this was God's timing, and perhaps one of many reasons that God wanted the Continuing Church of God to form prior to the start of the Feast of Tabernacles in 2013. It is not that other subjects also will not be covered, but reading and explaning the law needs to be part of the Feast of the Tabernacles at least once every seven years.
The Feast of Tabernacles will be coming soon! Remember to prepare and save your second tithe for it.
Since the book of the law will be read this year at the CCOG Feast of Tabernacles' sites, the following YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel may be appropriate for sermonettes this year as they all have some relationship to statutes, laws, and precepts that are expected to be read in 2013:
Offertories: Here is a link to an offertory: Feast of Tabernacles Offertory.
Sermons: It is hoped that some sermons given during the Feast of Tabernacles will be posted here. Some were also pre-recorded and are posted here.
Here are links to them:
Other Sermons: There are also other sermons at http://www.ccog.org/category/sermons/ which could be appropriate at the Feast of Tabernacles, though they were not specifically prepared for it. Here are a few that some might wish to view:
Again, there are others at the http://www.ccog.org/category/sermons/ website.
May you have a great Feast of Tabernacles and learn what God would have you learn from this Feast.
Some articles of possibly related interest may include:
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement--Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians "The Day of Atonement". Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
Tithing Questions and Some Answers Addresses some non-biblical arguments against tithing. Should people tithe?
Are Second and Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct? This article also discusses second tithe.
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today's Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law The Bible teaches that every seven years that the law should be read at the Feast of Tabernacles. This is what I did at the first Feast site were I gave an actual sermon (as opposed to a sermonette) in 2006.
COGwriter 2013