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 October 8th and continue until the Last Great Day which is October 16, 2014.
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 2014 Feast of Tabernacles.
For North America, our site is planned for Orlando, Florida for 2014 (a West Coast site was used in 2013). We plan one service per day, beginning with 7:30 pm on Wednesday, October 8th. The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Edgewood room, which is on the third (top) floor.
Here is some information from Orlando's tourism office:
Whether it’s a trip for families, couples, single travelers or friends, you’ll find so many things to do in Orlando. Orlando offers unique experiences for every visitor to ensure an unforgettable vacation. Whether that means a week spent at theme parks or a weekend on the golf course, an Orlando getaway is whatever you want it to be. Search from theme parks, attractions, arts and culture, shopping, spas, golf, dining, outdoor adventures and nightlife to build your perfect itinerary.
Start planning your dream vacation to Orlando. Find theme parks from Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Orlando® Resort to SeaWorld® Orlando and Legoland® Florida.
Services are scheduled to be held in a hotel in the city of Orlando, Florida. We made arrangements with the Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport • 7550 Augusta National Drive • Orlando, Florida 32822, which is near the Orlando, Florida airport.
Here is some of what its website says about it:
Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport offers the classic charm of an exclusive home away from home with our newly renovated guest rooms, all featuring separate living areas and the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed. Conveniently located at Orlando International Airport, our all-suite hotel provides you easy access to all of Orlando.
Here are links to a discounted rate:
https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/continuingchurchofgod
OR
https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/res?id=1407183614&key=9C77F1F
We picked this particular hotel because they offered the best meeting room rate and they have free parking available for guests and visitors. You do not need to stay at this facility to attend the Feast of Tabernacles nor book it through the links that they provided us. They also have valet parking which they charge for.
As far as other accommodations go, TripAdvisor lists 328 hotels and 9,922 vacation rentals (houses, condos) in Orlando. There are also several camping sites in or near Orlando. TripAdvisor lists 3,102 restaurants in Orlando.
Here is the expected schedule for services for this site:
DAILY SCHEDULE
Wednesday, October 8, 2014. Services: 7:30 pm.
Thursday, October 9, 2014. Services: 2:00 pm.
Friday, October 10, 2014. Services: 9:30 am.
Saturday, October 11, 2014. Services: 2:00 pm.
Sunday, October 12, 2014. Services: 9:30 am.
Monday, October 13, 2014. Services: 9:30 am.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014. Services: 9:30 am.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014. Services: 9:30 am.
Thursday, October 16, 2014. Services: 2:00 pm.
We expect to add some possible group activities as we get closer to the Feast itself. There is a place called 'The Holy Land' experience that might be interesting to visit:
The Holy Land Experience brings together the sights and sounds of the world of the Bible in a unique and interactive way unlike anywhere else.
It is a living, biblical museum that takes you 7000 miles away and 2000 years back in time to the land of the Bible. Its combination of sights, sounds, and tastes will stimulate your senses and blend together to create a spectacular new experience.
But above all, beyond the fun and excitement, we hope that you will see God and His Word exalted and that you will be encouraged in your search for enduring truth and the ultimate meaning of life.
It's Educational
There are many wonderful things to learn at The Holy Land Experience. From the moment you pass through the gates of our walled city, you will be immersed in ancient Jerusalem. The structures and exhibits characterize the style, architecture, and settings that existed in the Holy Land 2000 years ago. The Garden Tomb, Qumran Dead Sea Caves, Great Temple and Plaza, Jerusalem Model, and Wilderness Tabernacle are all intricately detailed, both inside and out, to provide you with a clearer understanding of their biblical significance.
It's Inspirational
Imagine entering an exact replica of the Garden Tomb where the body of the Lord Jesus Christ was buried. In reverence, you approach the tomb where He emerged victorious over death. Then at the grand entrance to the Temple Plaza, walk under a massive archway and behold the gleaming white stone plaza surrounding you with its thirty Roman columns crowned with gold capitals. All this grandeur majestically frames the imposing Great Temple, the place held in highest reverence among the Jewish people. It is a truly breathtaking representation of the Temple that once stood on hallowed Mount Moriah in 1st century Jerusalem.
While I do not know how accurate or inspirational it might be, it may be an interesting place to visit. It is located at 4655 Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32811. My family and I plan to visit it on October 10th.
Gate Price |
|
Adult (13+) One-Day Ticket: |
$50 |
Youth (6-12) One-Day Ticket: |
$35 |
Pre-K (3-5) One-Day Ticket: |
$20 |
Another possibility possible activity after services on Sunday, October 12: Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando
Adult |
$10 |
Child (Grades K–12) |
$3 |
Children (4 and younger) |
Free |
Leu Gardens is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
There are many other activities for children and families in the Orlando area.
Note: Services are NOT planned in the Orlando area for October 18th.
We have a small group in Wichita, Kansas that is has offered to host a video Feast site. If you are interested, contact R.H. Brown, email rhbrown@live.com.
In New Zealand, in 2013 its northernmost city, Whangarei, was chosen as a site. For 2014, a more southern location has been selected: Tawa near Wellington. The location there is the Bucket Tree Lodge, 1 Boscobel Lane (PO Box 51009), Tawa, Wellington.
Here is information on the city of Wellington from NewZealand.com:
Nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, New Zealand's capital city is renowned for its arts, heritage, culture and native beauty.
Things to do
Relax at Oriental Bay, Wellington’s golden-sand inner-city beach and delve into the many museums, art galleries and theatre shows that make up the city’s pulsing cultural scene. If you’re into the outdoors, Wellington has action-packed adventure activities like mountain biking and sea-water kayaking, as well as beautiful walks around the harbor and surrounding hills. Try the visually stunning Makara Peak track, as well as the City to Sea walk where you can experience the best of Wellington's waterfront. Ride the cable car up the hill to Kelburn for amazing views over the city and enjoy an ice cream at the top.
On the waterfront itself you’ll find Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand’s national museum. Te Papa, as it’s colloquially known, means ‘our place’ and is one of the best interactive museums in the world.
A gourmet food experience
Wellington buzzes with delicatessens, cafes and restaurants – it’s a city that enjoys gourmet food and fine wine. Known as the culinary capital of New Zealand, Wellington is famous for its tucked-away bars, quirky cafes, award-winning restaurants and great coffee. Head to Courtenay Place or Cuba Street to get amongst the good stuff. http://www.newzealand.com/us/wellington/?cid=p:sem:us:google
TripAdvisor listed 618 restaurants in the Wellington area when I checked on April 16, 2014. TripAdvisor also listed 50 hotels in Wellington. Google Maps listed 5 campgrounds in the area as well. Tawa is fairly close and there are some accommodations in Tawa itself as well.
For more information, contact John Hickey, email john.h@vodafone.net.nz; his mobile phone number is 021 519 441.
In Kenya, Ndhiwa is planned to be used as the primary Feast of Tabernacles' site, but there is another planned for Kisii.
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. Also, African food is normally acceptable to Westerners, as long as it does not have microbes.
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 hundreds of people from Kenya, Tanzania, and possibly other parts of Africa. It is expected to be the largest Feast of Tabernacles' site for CCOG in 2014. For more information, contact Evans Ochieng, email evochieng74@gmail.com
A second site in Kenya is planned in Kisii for those who cannot make it to Ndhiwa. For more information, contact Evans Ochieng, email evochieng74@gmail.com
A third site in Kenya is possible for Nairobi for those who cannot make it to Ndhiwa. For more information, contact Evans Ochieng, email evochieng74@gmail.com
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 Mediavilla 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 have some type of services available via the internet for those who cannot get to Florida, New Zealand, Kenya, or the Philippines 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 something for 2014. Last year they had services in Ramavaram, Jaggampeta, and B C Colony during the Fall holy day season.
For more information, contact Dr. Bob Thiel, email cogwriter@aol.com
Here are some sermonettes that might be watched during the Feast of Tabernacles in 2014:
Offertories: Here is a link to two offertories Tabernacles Offertory: Sojourning Now for the Kingdom to Come and Last Great Day Offertory: Render to Caesar, Render to God.
Sermons: It is hoped that some sermons given during the Feast of Tabernacles in 2014 will be posted here, but not immediately.
Here are some messages newly prepared for 2014:
For opening night, you could watch the short message that was prepared for this: Feast of Tabernacles Opening Night Message.
Feast of Tabernacles from Israel This was videoed in Israel to be played at the Feast of Tabernacles and is on the Feast of Tabernacles.
Behind the Work: Go Therefore and Make Disciples Highlights what has been happening in the Continuing Church of God and showing what it has been doing since the last Feast of Tabernacles.
Christian Pilgrims This was given in Orlando, Florida in 2014.
Messianic Jewish Beliefs This was given in Orlando, Florida in 2014.
The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work This was given in Orlando, Florida in 2014.
Human Nature: Where Did it Come From? This was given in Orlando, Florida in 2014.
The Future Kingdom of God This was given in Orlando, Florida in 2014.
Tradition and Scripture This was given in Orlando, Florida in 2014.
For the Last Great Day (which ends at October 16 at sunset this year), we recommend that you watch the sermon given last year on that date (which only those in Santa Maria, California heard on the Last Great Day in 2013): Last Great Day.
Others are expected to be loaded during the Feast of Tabernacles and be placed at the ContinuingCOG channel.
Here are links to some sermons given at the Feast of Tabernacles last year:
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 2014 1015