Living Church of God Announced Feast Sites, 2010
The Living Church of God holds Feast sites throughout the world. Here are the statistics for 2009:
Official Attendance Figures for Feast of Tabernacles 2009
* 44 Feast sites in 30 countries
* 7,612 attendees at our Feast sites around the world (9% increase worldwide over 2008)
* 3,991 attendees in the United States (14% increase over 2008)
* 3,621 attendees in International areas (4% increase over 2008)
* 376 shut-ins received FOT CDs (284 in USA, 45 in Canada, 47 in International areas)
* Overall attendance (including shut-ins) was a grand total of 7,988 (Source: LCG Weekly Update, 11/12/09)
Here is some information about those that have been announced from LCG itself (I simply have compiled the information) for the Feast of Tabernacles in 2010:
In 2010, the Feast of Tabernacles will begin at sundown on Wednesday evening, September 22, with the first Holy Day on Thursday, September 23. The Last Great Day will be on Thursday, September 30.
Feast of Tabernacles 2010
Feast preparation is once again hitting high gear! USA sites have been finalized and contracts signed, and the Festival Office will be having an organizational Web meeting with coordinators next week on January 27. We are planning to have early International registration in February for brethren in International areas and for those who might want to transfer to an International site this year. We will announce the early International registration date soon.
In the meantime, we wanted to announce the Feast sites that have been finalized for 2010:
USA Sites
Anchorage, AK
Branson, MO
Cobleskill, NY
Helen, GA
New Braunfels, Texas,
Newport, OR
Panama City, FL
Prescott, AZ
Wisconsin Dells, WI
Canadian Sites
Rocky Harbor, Newfoundland
Mount Orford, Quebec
Penticton, British Columbia
International Sites (this list is not exhaustive—other sites not on this list are still being finalized)
Argentina, Islas del Delta
Australia, Victor Harbor (South Australia)
Barbados
Chile, El Quisco
France, Hyères (Provence d’Azur)
Georgetown, Guyana
Guatemala, Quetzaltenango
Indonesia, Batu
Jamaica, Montego Bay
Malaysia, Penang
Martinique (French West Indies)
Mexico, Tolantongo (Hidalgo)
New Zealand, Nelson (South Island)
Papua New Guinea, Wewak
Philippines, Baguio City
Philippines, Davao City
South Africa, Still Bay (Western Cape)
Sri Lanka
Tobago, Crown Point
United Kingdom, Llangollen (Wales)
Vanuatu, Orap
Experienced Interpreters Needed
Experienced Spanish-English simultaneous interpreters are needed to serve at the Argentina and Guatemala Feast of Tabernacles sites this year. If you are able and willing to volunteer to serve in this capacity at either of these two sites, please contact Madeleine Lincoln-Strange at mlincoln@lcg.org or call 704-844-1960, ext. 217.—Mario Hernandez
There will probably also be sites, as there were in previous years, in places such as India, Myanmar, Nigeria, Kenya, Peru, and possibly Thailand and elsewhere.
Here are some other updates:
Festival Coordinators Web-Meeting and International Registration
We had a profitable web-meeting last Wednesday, January 27, through the Internet. It was exciting to see technology bring together in a meeting at least 18 of our coordinators from such diverse places as Australia, Malaysia, the Caribbean, United Kingdom, and Belgium. We discussed festival contracts and budget issues, early International registration, plans for this year’s festival brochure, using the Internet to disseminate information about the Feast, and lessons learned from 2009. We will be announcing the early (International) registration date soon. Please note that our Feast site in Anchorage, Alaska will also open for early registration, along with the international sites.
Importance of Booking Through Church Channels: From time to time, members are able to find less expensive room rates when booking with a consolidator or travel agent. This is certainly acceptable. However we would request that, if at all possible, you book directly through the hotel using the specified contact and our pre-negotiated room rates. By doing this, it allows the Church to receive proper credit for our brethren who stay at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort. Additionally, the more rooms we book this way, the more “free nights” we are awarded. These free room nights are then used to provide housing for several of our Jamaican brethren. Thank you very much for considering this option. For those booking through the Church, you might consider signing up for Holiday Inn’s Priority Club rewards program. With the number of room-nights you will accumulate at the Feast, you may qualify for a free room in a future Holiday Inn stay. For more information visit: www.ichotelsgroup.com, where you can sign up for the Priority Club Rewards program. For more information, contact Mr. Lascelles Fraser at +1-876-969-5673 or +1-876-969-0746 or +1-876-878-1288 (mobile). Or, you can email him at kingstonlivingcog@hotmail.com.
For information on the sites that LCG had in 2009, please go to LCG 2009 Feast of Tabernacles' Information.
Here is information on some sites for 2010 (and sometimes comments from me in italics):
Anchorage, Alaska
Come picture the millennium at the Millennium! The Millennium Alaskan Hotel (
www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumanchorage) is the venue for the 2010 Feast of Tabernacles in Anchorage, Alaska. Our 49th state is the largest in land area and the least densely populated. It is known for its magnificent glaciers, abundant wildlife, majestic mountains, and numerous state parks. Set on the eastern shore of Lake Spenard—the world’s largest floatplane lake—the Millennium Alaskan Hotel is conveniently located one mile from Anchorage International Airport and four miles from downtown Anchorage. From its spacious guest rooms featuring Alaskan décor, to the Flying Machine restaurant overlooking the lake, to the well-appointed conference room where services will be held, the hotel will provide comfort and convenience for Feastgoers.
Temperatures in September are generally in the 40s and 50s during the day and 30s at night. Activities may include biking along paved bike trails in Anchorage, fishing, hiking, a tram ride at the Alyeska Resort set amid the Chugach Mountains, a bus or train trip along Turnagain Arm to the Kenai Peninsula and a boat trip to a glacier. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to experience some of the natural beauty of Alaska while spending an inspiring Feast with brethren in Anchorage! The site does have a limited amount of space, so if you really want to go to Alaska, make sure you register early. Further details will forthcoming.
UPDATE 03/04/10 In last week’s write-up on Alaska, we published the incorrect e-mail address of the Festival Coordinator. If you need to contact Mr. Jim Meredith, the Festival Coordinator for Anchorage, please write to him at the following address: fotalaska@aol.com. Reminder: Registration for Anchorage, Alaska will be open beginning March 14, along with International sites.
UPDATE 03/11/10 Registration for the Alaska Feast site will begin on Sunday, March 14. We hope that everyone attending the Feast in Alaska will stay at the Millennium Hotel, where services will be held, as we have guaranteed a minimum number of rooms. We have negotiated a rate of $79 plus tax per room, per night, for members. This is a substantial discount from their regular rate of $249 per night, but we need a minimum number of rooms to keep our discount. Please do not make hotel reservations until you have received confirmation that your transfer request has been approved. When you do call the Millennium Hotel for reservations, tell them you are with the Living Church of God. More information on the Alaska Feast site will be available at www.fotalaska.com, beginning March 14.
My wife and I have been to Anchorage twice for the Feast and we do highly recommend it.
Delta Tigre (Islas del Delta), Argentina
The Argentinean brethren invite you to enjoy the Feast of Tabernacles in Delta Tigre (Islas del Delta), only 30 minutes from Buenos Aires. Feast services and accommodations will be at Aires del Delta (www.airesdeldelta.com.ar), a tourist complex on the shore of the Sarmiento River—located just 30 minutes from Buenos Aires and 90 minutes from the Ezeiza (Buenos Aires) International Airport. A 15-minute boat ride from the river station will take you to Aires del Delta.
Clean air and peace prevail in this ideal island nature. Aires del Delta offers sixteen cottages for two, four and six people. The cottages are equipped with central heating, air conditioner, full kitchen with microwave, sheets and towels. Housekeeping service is provided. The complex has an open terrace and a conference hall, and is within walking distance of a minimarket, a beautiful park next to the Sarmiento River, and a boat station offering transportation between islands (taxi boats, catamaran and boat trips, etc.). Tigre offers tourist attractions such as museums, Park de la Costa, and the Puerto de Frutos market.
Lodging cost for the entire Feast is USD$220 and it includes three separate meals (a meal on the first day of the Feast, on the Sabbath and on the Last Great Day). Come and enjoy asado—the typical Argentinean grill! Please note that, due to the state of the Argentinean economy, the lodging cost could increase. Confirmation of availability of simultaneous translation into English during Feast services is pending. If you would like to attend the Feast in Argentina, register online via MyLCG (www.cogl.org) once international Feast registration commences, and contact Madeleine Lincoln-Strange at mlincoln@lcg.org or at 704-844-1960, ext. 2217.
This site sounds quite interesting. Our family has discussed the possibility of going to Argentina for the FOT many times and expects to do so some year.
Anchorage, Alaska
Plans for the Feast of Tabernacles in Alaska are moving forward and most of the activity information is now posted on the
www.fotalaska.com website. If you plan to attend the Feast in Alaska, check this website regularly, as it has all of the information regarding Feast activities and schedules, as well as other helpful information. Earlier this week, I sent an e-mail to all households registered for the Alaska site, asking for them to reply to it so that I could verify that everyone was receiving e-mail from
fotalaska@aol.com. As of this morning, less then half of the recipients have responded. If you have not received any e-mails from
fotalaska@aol.com, please check your spam or junk mail folders for e-mails from
fotalaska@aol.com and reply to them. Be sure to add
fotalaska@aol.com to your address book so that you will receive all future e-mails. This is important, since all correspondence for the Feast will be done via e-mail. We are looking forward to a great Feast in Alaska, so keep in touch by checking the
www.alaska.com website.—
James MeredithMy wife and I have attended the Feast in Anchorage twice and do recommend it.
Prescott, Arizona
The Feast of Tabernacles in Prescott, Arizona will be held in the same location as last year’s Feast; however, it is now under new management and has a new name. Please be aware that the Festival Brochure lists the site under the old name. Below is the corrected information for the Feast venue in Prescott:
Wyndham Garden Hotel—Prescott
4499 East State Route 69
Prescott, AZ 86301
+1-928-777-0770
+1-877-515-5118
An updated description of the site, and full details, are available at the MyLCG section of the Members Resources website (www.cogl.org).
Victor Bay, Australia
G’day! Victor Harbor is located in the southern state of South Australia and has been chosen as the site for the 2010 Feast of Tabernacles in Australia. If you are looking for a millennial setting to keep the Feast this year, then Victor Harbor is what you are looking for! This quiet, seaside town with a population of 11,500 is tucked on the shores of Encounter Bay, providing a perfect environment for God’s people to focus on what these days picture. The Feast will be held in the new conference facilities at the McCracken Country Club Resort, surrounded by an 18-hole championship golf course. Accommodation is available at the resort, only a few metres from the conference hall. For more information, visit its website:
www.countryclubs.com.au/mccracken/home/. If you prefer a self-contained apartment, unit or house in a nearby area, you can find links from the Church’s MyLCG website (
www.cogl.org).
There are loads of things to do and see in and around the area. Local natural attractions include Granite Island, Rosetta Head (The Bluff), surf beaches, whale watching and penguin colonies. In addition, there are a number of developed attractions including the Horse Drawn Tram to Granite Island, Greenhills Adventure Park, the South Australian Whale Centre, Encounter Coast Discovery Centre, the Steamranger Cockle Train, Urimbirra Wildlife Park, Wild Rose Garden & Miniature Village, Magawooka Flora Reserve and the Dunes Mini Golf Park. Did we mention wineries? Check out
www.tourismvictorharbor.com.au for more information. We will also be opening up the Australian offices, which are in two historic buildings in the town of Clarendon. Formerly used as the old post office, the “Norman Hellyer House,” and the original blacksmith’s house, now known as “Hartley House,” are both used by the Church today. Both were built in the 1800’s, but have been renovated to suit the needs of the Work. You will also see where some Living University students are able to study while working part-time to help the Work in this region of the world. The office is located only 45 minutes from Victor Harbor. For more information, contact Mr. Robert Tyler (+61 8 83836266;
rtyler@living.org.au).
When the eastern Australia Feast site was quite a bit further north, our family was there and it was one of our favorite sites of all time.
Christ Church, Barbados
Fellowship and rejoice in 2010 at the Feast of Tabernacles in Barbados! Cruise the tranquil blue waters of the Caribbean along the beautiful west coast, taste exquisite cuisine or just enjoy the sun on the warm, white sandy beaches. The friendliness of the local brethren will encourage you to rejoice beyond your expectations!
Located on the scenic Maxwell Coast Road in Christ Church, the Barbados Beach Club offers us an all-inclusive package unmatched on the Island. Air-conditioned double occupancy rate is US$95 per night, per person. Single occupancy for an unrestricted beach view is US$165 per night. Cost covers breakfast, lunch and dinner with an open bar throughout the day. Hired vehicles are not necessary. To reserve directly, call Deborah Ifill or Maxine Weir at +1-246-428-9900, or you can visit the website
www.barbadosbeachclub.com. If you would like to attend the Feast of Tabernacles in Barbados this year, register at MyLCG (
www.cogl.org), beginning March 14. For further details on this site, contact the Barbados Living Church of God office at
livcogbb@sunbeach.net.
Our family attended the FOT here years ago and would recommend it.
El Quisco, Chile
The brethren in Chile extend a warm invitation to enjoy the Feast of Tabernacles in the South American city of El Quisco—a peaceful, coastal city located some 80 miles west of Santiago, the nation’s capital, and 93 miles from the airport. The city offers a millennial view, outdoor activities, and cultural sites. Feast services and lodging will be at the Puertas del Sol complex. Its hall has a capacity of 90 people. The complex offers indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi, games areas for children, and wireless internet. At Puertas del Sol, the daily cost per person, including lunch and dinner, is approximately USD$42 or $20,000 Chilean pesos. Rooms are equipped with a kitchenette and television. Housekeeping service is provided. For more information on the complex, visit www.turismopuertasdelsol.cl. If you would like to attend the Feast in Chile, register online via MyLCG (www.cogl.org) once international Feast registration commences, and contact Madeleine Lincoln-Strange at mlincoln@lcg.org or at 704-844-1960, ext. 2217.
Chile is a place that I would like to visit.
UPDATE 06/17/10 Panama City, Florida: We do not yet have a Choir Director for the Festival Choir at the Panama City Feast Site. If you plan to attend this Feast Site and would be willing to serve in this capacity, please contact the Site Coordinator, Mr. Jack Lowe, at jlowe@lcg.org. We have also finalized the activity schedule and request that all who have registered for this site return to the Feast of Tabernacles portion of the Members Resources website (the MyLCG section of www.cogl.org) to sign up for the activities they would like to attend. We need to determine if we have enough interest in the cruises to determine the number of boats to book.
UPDATE 6/24/10 Panama City, Florida
The ongoing saga of the oil spill on the Gulf Coast is of concern to many people, including those registered to go to Panama City, Florida for the Feast of Tabernacles. News media have reported tar balls are coming ashore on Panama City Beach. While this is disturbing news, it turns out to be very minor at this point. Jason Koertge of PCB Daily reports, “The oil that has reached Panama City Beaches up to this point is in the form of ‘Tar Balls’ and has been insignificant, really. They have been easily cleaned up within a matter of 6 hours leaving no trace and at no inconvenience to our visitors.”
Dan Rowe, Director of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau stated on June 24, 2010, “The Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau is working in close contact with local, state and federal officials to ensure the fastest, safest and most effective clean-up of the local beaches and water impacted by the off-shore oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.”
If you are interested in monitoring this situation you can go to www.pcbdaily.com for the latest updates and live video feed from the beach. Please pray fervently that God will intervene so that our Feast site in Panama City and the Gulf Coast Feast sites of other Churches of God will not be damaged by the ongoing oil spill.
Our family attended the Feast in Florida, though not Panama City, and would recommend it.
Hyeres, France
The Feast of Tabernacles in France will be held this year in Hyères at the Riviera Beach Club. The Riviera Beach Club is situated on the beautiful Côte d’Azur, part of the French Riviera. Convenient access is via the North/South and East/West motorways. The Toulon/Hyères International Airport is very close to the Feast site and the Nice International Airport is about an hour away. Besides the beach there are two heated swimming pools and a paddling pool, volleyball and basketball courts, a boulodrome and mini-golf. Refreshments are available at a bar near the pool, and a snack bar near the beach sells salads, sandwiches, and beverages. Two deck chairs and a parasol are available per room. You must bring your own beach towels. Also available for an extra fee are wind surfing, surfboarding, scuba diving and renting catamarans. Discover the fabulous depths surrounding the Giens peninsula and nearby islands. There are shipwrecks and underwater flora and fauna to be explored.
The meeting hall is centrally located at the site. Lodging is in bungalows. Rooms have a desk and chair, private bathroom with shower, and either a balcony or patio. Daily rates are 61 euros per person in full room and board; 49 euros per person in half room and board (breakfast and dinner). Bed linens and towels are provided and included in the price. Children 16 and under are allowed to stay in their parents’ room and eat free of charge, or they may have their own room for half the listed price. The same rates apply if you wish to extend your stay before or after the Feast dates, if there is room available. Meals are served buffet-style and a wide selection of foods is available. There is also a children’s corner with their own buffet service.
For further details on rates and a complete description of the site, please visit the MyLCG section of
www.cogl.org and contact the Festival Coordinator, Mr. Rees Ellis, at
rellis@lcg.org or, by phone, at +32-71-36-88-25. If you would like to attend the Feast in France this year, contact Mr. Ellis and register online at MyLCG (
www.cogl.org) beginning March 14.
Our family has been the the FOT in France and this is one of many sites we are considering for 2010.
Helen, Georgia
Some have inquired about space at the Helen, Georgia Feast site. There is no room for additional transfers at this site.
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
This year the Feast of Tabernacles in Guatemala will be celebrated in the city of Quetzaltenango. The city is located 7,650 ft. above sea level and enjoys comfortable cool temperatures throughout the year. Quetzaltenango is about three hours from the La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City. Among the site’s attractions are the El Baúl and Tecún Umán volcanic domes, east of the city, providing oak forests hosting a wide variety of birds, squirrels, and other animals. With, easily-accessed trails, at the top you can enjoy a marvelous view and Chicabal lagoon, a beautiful clear forest pool and a true gift from God. From this area you can also hike up to the volcano.
In Quetzaltenango there are plenty of lodging choices. Most brethren will stay in the Arizona Hotel, where rooms can be rented for USD$35 (single), USD$50 (double) or USD$60 (triple). There are many restaurants available. Guatemala is open to international transfers. If you would like to attend the Feast in Guatemala, register online via MyLCG (www.cogl.org) once international Feast registration commences, and contact Madeleine Lincoln-Strange at mlincoln@lcg.org or at 704-844-1960, ext. 2217.
Our family attended the Feast in Guatemala once and highly recommend it (though it was in Antigua the year we attended).
Georgetown, Guyana
Come fellowship with about 30 of your Guyanese brethren in Guyana’s capital city of Georgetown. Guyana, a country of exceptional natural beauty, is a splendid combination of the Caribbean and South America, with fascinating touches of a sometimes turbulent past. Perched on the north-east corner of the South American continent, Guyana stretches 450 miles from its long Atlantic coastline into dense equatorial forest and the broad savannah of the Rupununi. The picturesque capital and primary port is Georgetown, a city of comfortable, modern hotels, fine colonial buildings, and broad, tree-lined boulevards. The striking wooden architecture is reminiscent of Guyana’s centuries as a Dutch, and then a British colony. Georgetown offers an evocative introduction to the land of Guyana.
Georgetown is about a 45-minute taxi ride from the international airport. Room rates are comparable to city hotel rates in the U.S., and usually include breakfast. When making hotel reservations you should correspond with the hotel manager and ask about a rate reduction or discount for your “extended” stay. Meal prices in Georgetown restaurants are affordable as is taxi service. One-way taxi fare in town is often less than USD$5. Rental vehicles are available for hire, however taxi transport will likely be sufficient. Festival services will be held at the Tower Hotel in downtown Georgetown. This and other recommended hotels’ contact information is available at the MyLCG section of
www.cogl.org.
For further details on rates and a complete description of this site, please visit the MyLCG section of www.cogl.org and contact the Festival Coordinator, Mr. Fitzroy Greeman, at rgreeman@hotmail.com or, by phone, at +1-868-672-5251 or +1-868-672-5033. If you would like to attend the Feast in Georgetown, Guyana this year register online at MyLCG (www.cogl.org).
Batu, Indonesia
The Feast of Tabernacles will once again be held in Batu, Indonesia. Local attractions nearby include theme parks, waterfalls, fruit gardens, zoos and a museum. Gastronomy in Batu is mostly Asian (Western food is not available in most restaurants nearby). The language spoken is Indonesian (with some English). Foreign visitors should understand Indonesian, at least in the intermediate level. The airport is approximately 88 kilometers away (about a 2 ½-hour drive). Temperatures during Feast time are typically 17-20°Cs (60-70°F) at night, and 27-30°C (80-85°F) during the day. Accommodations will be in a villa complex. Rooms accommodate two to three people. The price is USD$50/day (not including food). This site is open to foreign visitors, but on a limited basis. If you would like to attend the Feast in Indonesia this year, please register at the MyLCG section of www.cogl.org. For further information on this site, contact the coordinator, Mr. Arius Nusantara, at +62-341-365-630 or at mrariusnusantara@yahoo.com.
For the past couple of years we have considered Indonesia, but we do not speak the language.
Isibania, Kenya
In 2010, Living Church of God brethren from all parts of East Africa will, for the second time, keep the Feast of Tabernacles at Border Point Hotel in Isibania, Kenya. Border Point Hotel, built in a private compound, has a well-maintained and picturesque garden of green grass, contrasting a forest of bright flowers, characterizing a friendly atmosphere. It is situated along Kisii-Migori Road, on the Border of Kenya and Tanzania. It is in a small town and a popular trade destination for East African residents. Feastgoers will have the opportunity to see large sugarcane farms, Sony Sugar Factory, and small-scale farmers growing varieties of crops and indigenous livestock. International transfer applicants should be adventurous adults in good health. Vaccination and malarial medication are recommended.
Accommodation for East African residents and international guests will be available at Isibania Border Point Hotel (international guests: bed and breakfast at a cost of US$22 per person per night. Meals for international guests: a la carte menu at a cost of US$5 per person per meal). International guests will fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). A reliable transport from JKIA to Isibania Border Point Hotel will be available on request. On the way to Isibania, you might see giraffes as you pass through the plains of the Rift Valley.
For further details on this site, please visit the MyLCG section of
www.cogl.org and contact Mr. Rod King at
rking@lcg.org or, by phone, at +44-1480-880-172. If you would like to attend the Feast in Kenya this year, register online at MyLCG (
www.cogl.org).
Our family has discussed the possibility of going to Kenya for the FOT and may some year.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
For the second consecutive year, the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort in Jamaica’s second largest city, Montego Bay, is the site of the Feast of Tabernacles. Situated on Jamaica’s North Coast, it is the island’s premier tourist destination. The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort is six miles from the Sangster’s International Airport and eight miles from downtown Montego Bay. The resort boasts 524 spacious guest rooms and suites with balconies or patios. It also has three specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room and grill, a state-of-the-art fitness center, lighted tennis courts, nine-hole mini-golf course, children’s activity centers and complimentary self-service laundry facilities with washers and dryers. All rooms have one king bed or two double beds. Children 12 years and under stay for free with an accompanying adult (maximum two per room). When you come to Jamaica, enjoy rafting on the Martha Brae River, viewing the “glistening waters,” or cruising along the Montego Bay coastline. Feastgoers may enjoy snorkelling in the Montego Bay marine park, enjoy one of the many Chukka Adventure Tours, visit local points of interest or take a gentle tour of the craft and souvenir shops on Gloucester Avenue. Housing rates can be found on the Church’s MyLCG website (
www.cogl.org).
Our family attended the Feast in Montego Bay about 9 years ago. We did enjoy the rafting (did that twice) and the beaches.
Penang, Malaysia
This year the Feast of Tabernacles in Malaysia will be held in the Flamingo Hotel Penang. It is a beautiful beach hotel situated on the northern coastline of Penang. It is a place where you can take a swim in the sea, stroll along the beach and enjoy a luxurious stay in a comfortable room. The Komtar Shopping Complex, Island Plaza and Gurney Plaza, the fantastic hawker food at Gurney Drive, and the Botanical Gardens are all only 15 minutes away. The Flamingo Hotel is strategically located and is an idyllic getaway. Penang possesses a unique charm of old and new, perfectly blended! It is an island in full bloom and beckons you to harvest your dream of a wonderful Feast.
For hotel rates and further details on this site, please visit the MyLCG section of
www.cogl.org and contact Mr. Rajan Moses at
rmoses@lcg.org or, by phone, at +60-3-9200-8176. If you would like to attend the Feast in Malaysia this year, register online at MyLCG (
www.cogl.org).
Our family attended the Feast in Penang Malaysia many years ago and would recommend it.
Sainte-Luce, Martinique
For the first time in the Living Church of God, the French Martinique Feast site will be open to international (English-speaking) transfers and will be conducted by Mr. Dibar Apartian. The Feast will be celebrated in the picturesque village of Sainte-Luce in Martinique. Known as the flower of the Caribbean, Martinique is one of the Windward Islands, benefiting from cooler breezes and a variety of spectacular landscapes, such as long white sand beaches, calm turquoise-blue ocean, breathtaking views of mountains and cliffs, abundant rivers and beautiful waterfalls, and lush, green forests adorned with colorful tropical flowers. Martinique is both an overseas department and an administrative region of France.
Feast of Tabernacles services will be held at the Amyris hotel (part of the Karibea resort chain). However, most Feastgoers will stay at Les Cayalines residence, a sister establishment only 500 meters away (about 1/3 of a mile). Les Cayalines offers studio-type accommodations and provides easy access to a magnificent palm tree-lined beach. All the studios are air-conditioned and are equipped with a kitchenette, television and wireless Internet (WIFI). Les Cayalines also has a tropical garden on its grounds, and a winding pontoon bridge that takes you directly to the beach. Lodging only rates per night at Les Cayalines are approximately 47 euros for single occupancy, 52 euros for double, 61 euros for triple and 69 euros for quadruple. These rates include taxes. Breakfast is 6 euros. Catered meals for lunch and dinner are being negotiated for about 10 euros each. Reduced meal rates for children are expected to be available. The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the euro (as of February 1) is approximately USD$1.45 per euro. Additional accommodations are available at the other Karibea chain establishments: the Amyris, Amandiers and Caribea hotels. Rates at these hotels can be provided upon request. Please note that reservations should be made through the French department at Headquarters. Simultaneous translation into English will be provided during all Feast services. Spanish translation will also be available, if need be. Further details on the site are available at the MyLCG section of
www.cogl.org.
This is a limited-capacity site and can only hold 100 attendees, so if you want to experience Martinique in 2010, don’t delay to contact the Festival Coordinator, Mr. Dibar Apartian at 704-844-1970, or by e-mail at
dapartian@lcg.org and
register at MyLCG (www.cogl.org) beginning March 14.
Although our family has been to many sites in the Caribbean (at least 4), we have not been to Martinique. And Martinique is one of several sites we are considering for 2010.
San Miguel Regla, Mexico
The Feast of Tabernacles in Mexico will be celebrated at the Hacienda San Miguel Regla in the state of Hidalgo. The town of San Miguel Regla dates back to the 18th Century and is famous for its historical and architectural value. The Hacienda is surrounded by 34 acres of woods and gardens and enjoys a lake for canoeing and fishing. The complex has 150 rooms equipped with television and a fireplace. It also provides a karaoke bar and lounge, outdoor pools and Jacuzzi, free wireless Internet, mountain bike rental, horseback riding, volleyball and basketball courts, mini golf, etc. The Hacienda’s website is
www.sanmiguelregla.com.
The price per night, per person, is USD$65 in a double room. Children 13 years of age and over pay USD$55, children under 13 years of age pay USD$33 and there is no charge for children under 6 years of age. Lodging prices include three meals a day, welcome cocktail, medieval dinner, coffee break, round trip transportation from Mexico City to San Miguel Regla and transportation to the basaltic prisms—a wonderful site of God’s creation.
If you would like to attend the Feast in Mexico this year, please register at the MyLCG section of
www.cogl.org and contact Madeleine Lincoln-Strange at
mlincoln@lcg.org or, by phone, at +1-704-844-1960, ext. 2217. Simultaneous translation into English will be available at this site.
Our family has considered going to this site several times. Perhaps some day.
Wewak, Papua New Guinea
The Feast of Tabernacles will once again be held at Wewak, Papua New Guinea. A fitting place to have a foretaste of Christ’s peaceful Millennium, this area was one of the major battlefields of World War II in the Pacific. A war memorial today sits on the site where Japanese forces surrendered, to end that bloody campaign. The names of Allied soldiers who died here are written as a reminder of their sacrifice, and of the horrible tragedy of war. Today, Feastgoers can enjoy sight-seeing, including diving off the islands. English is spoken, and international transfers are welcome. Today, Feast-goers can enjoy sight-seeing, including diving off the islands. English is spoken and international transfers are welcome. Accommodation prices vary, with some being very reasonable—contact Mr. Peter Devis for details at
pdevis@datec.net.pg or call +67-5-856-2743. If you would like to attend the Feast in Papua New Guinea this year, please register at the MyLCG section of
www.cogl.org.
I have long been fascinated by New Guinea and hope some day to visit it.
Nelson, New Zealand
Nelson is a new site for the Feast in New Zealand. This is a small city at the top of the South Island and presents itself as the “sunshine capital.” It is situated on beautiful Tasman Bay, close to the Marlborough Sounds, with a backdrop of mountains and within a half-day’s drive of several national parks. Airport, restaurants, shopping and entertainment are close at hand. We will be meeting at the Tahuna Conference Centre which will have ample room for many visitors. We look forward to having you with us.
Visitors to New Zealand would likely fly into Auckland or Christchurch. From Auckland, Nelson is accessible by a direct flight or by road. A road trip would take you down the beautiful North Island with a car-ferry trip from Wellington across to the South Island. From Christchurch, Nelson is an easy drive directly up the east coast or across the Southern Alps and up the west coast. Either drive is spectacular along very good roads. Allow half a day for the coast route and a full day for the mountain route. For more information, contact the Festival coordinator, Mr. Kinnear Penman, at
kpenman@lcg.org.nz (+64 9 268 8985).
Our family attended the Feast in the North Island a long time ago and have considered returning.
Huancayo, Peru
The Peruvian brethren invite you to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles 2010 in Huancayo, the capital of the Junin Region, located in the Peruvian central mountain range, more than 10,000 feet above sea level. The Feast of Tabernacles will be held in the La Colombina complex, ten minutes from Huancayo. The complex is one of the most important Haciendas in Valle Mantaro, built between 1905 and 1910, restored and preserved in its entirety. You can check out its website at
www.conafovicer.com/centro_recreo_huancayo.php. The complex provides comfortable rooms furnished with a private bathroom and cable television, a dining area, sports center for volleyball, badminton, soccer fields and large pools. There are also pleasant rest areas in a peaceful country-side landscape similar to the Swiss Alps, due its proximity to the snow-capped mountain El Sapallanga.
The very affordable cost for eight nights, including meals, is USD$98 or 280 Peruvian soles. The brethren in Lima will rent a bus travelling to the Feast site (approximately a seven-hour trip) for a cost of USD$7 or 20 Peruvian soles. There is also a nearby airport to Huancayo. The flight is 45 minutes and costs US$95.
If you would like to attend the Feast in Peru this year, please register at the MyLCG section of
www.cogl.org and contact Madeleine Lincoln-Strange at
mlincoln@lcg.org or, by phone, at +1-704-844-1960, ext. 2217. Simultaneous translation into English has not been confirmed yet.
Our family almost went here once, but did not because of translation issues. That might be different for others this year, however.
Baguio City, Philippines
Baguio City has been a Feast site since 1967 and is known as the “city of pines.” Nestled in the Cordillera mountain ranges at 1,500 meters above sea level, it is the summer capital of the Philippines because of its year-round cool climate. During the Feast, the weather is usually very pleasant, a welcome change from the heat in Manila. Most people attending enjoy the opportunity to wear something warmer in the evening, and to be able to pull up the covers in bed at night. Established by the Americans in 1909, this city will turn 101 years old on September 1, 2010. Baguio may be reached by land—a five to six hours drive from Manila—or by air in 45 minutes, whenever there is no cloud cover. It is a very safe place for foreigners to visit.
The Feast site venue is at the Teacher’s Camp, where there are a number of dormitories and cottages with cooking facilities. The Camp is also very accessible from various lodging houses and three-plus-star hotels situated within the city proper, most of them no more than five minutes away from the hall by taxi, car or jeepney. Overseas guests are well-catered for, and can enjoy five-star treatment at The Manor Hotel at Camp John Hay, which is also very close to the Teacher’s Camp where services are held. Overseas visitors would fly into Manila, and then travel up to Baguio by air (depending on the weather in Baguio) or by road. Brethren from the local area will meet visitors at the airport and escort them to their accommodations in Manila, and then assist them in their journey up to Baguio.
At this Feast site, the sermons are in English. It is a tradition to have a Festival Show, and this year will be no exception, so bring your contributions with you: musical items—vocal or instrumental—funny skits, etc.
For further details on this site, please visit the MyLCG section of www.cogl.org and contact Mr. Basilio Osillos at bosillos@lcg.org or, by phone, at +63-2-994-9424. If you would like to attend the Feast in Baguio City in the Philippines this year, register online at MyLCG (www.cogl.org).
Davao, Philippines
This year, brethren in Eastern-Southern Mindanao, Philippines, will once again be attending the Feast of Tabernacles at Hope Mountain, in Davao City. Hope Mountain lies on a hilly site 400 meters from Ulas, on the national highway connecting Davao with Bukidnon. The area around Hope Mountain is surrounded by beautiful lush green trees, fruits and plants. One can look down and enjoy beautiful views of a flowing river on the slopes and the surrounding countryside, where cool breezes blow very soothingly, freshening one’s senses. The location is ideal for brethren to dwell together in peace and unity, and we have exclusive use of the facility, which caters for 100 people or more. The messages are given in the local dialect, mixed with English. An English-speaking person will have no difficulty understanding what is said.
Accommodations for visitors are plentiful in Davao, with many fine hotels and motels offering good accommodations, all the way up to five-star level. From overseas, one would fly into Manila, and then by air to Davao City. The local brethren would meet you at the airport to guide you to your accommodations in Davao City, and the Feast site. Access to the Hope Mountain site is easy, only a short drive from the city center. Take a taxi, car, or charter a Jeepney at minimal cost, or contact Festival services for an escort in your own vehicle. We may even be able to give you a free ride to the Feast site each day from your lodgings. If you would like to attend the Feast in Davao, Philippines, this year, please register at the MyLCG section of www.cogl.org. For further information on this site, contact the coordinator, Mr. Felipe Casing, at felipecasing@yahoo.com.
Sri Lanka
Come and enjoy a Feast of Tabernacles with a difference on the tropical island of Sri Lanka. Here the sea breezes greet the palm-studded sandy beaches, while the inland mountains provide a refreshing atmosphere that even the ruling kings sought after. Each year God has placed his name at a resort, comfortably housing all the brethren in one place, creating a wonderful atmosphere of continual fellowship and learning from morning to evening. The world outside, including parking and traffic problems, can all be forgotten so there will be an excellent opportunity to focus on the meaning of the Feast. The brethren will travel together to the Feast site in an air-conditioned, chartered bus from Colombo, with lots of singing as they look forward to the enjoyable time together. So, bring a healthy appetite and a happy disposition!
Accommodation for all of the brethren is in one hotel and services are held in the same venue. Sumptuous food, local and international cuisine, are served buffet style—breakfast, lunch and dinner, with tasty bites for morning and afternoon tea—all for approximately USD$60/person/night. The shared-meals setting provides plenty of opportunity for fine fellowship, caring and sharing. If you would like to attend the Feast in Sri Lanka this year, please register at the MyLCG section of www.cogl.org. For further information on this site, contact the coordinator, Mr. Zig Svalbe, at zsvalbe@lcg.org.
Still Bay (Western Cape), South Africa
Still Bay (or Stilbaai, meaning “Peaceful Bay” in Afrikaans), in the Western Cape of South Africa, is part of the Garden Route and will be the site for the Feast of Tabernacles in 2010. It is situated 26 km away from the N2 main road between Mossel Bay and Riversdale at an estuary where the Goukou river meets the Indian Ocean. The nearest national airport is at George, 150 km from Stilbaai. The nearest international airport is at Cape Town, 350 km away. International visitors will be able to rent a car at either airport. Good quality accommodation is available at competitive prices. Although there are no hotels in Still Bay, holiday homes are available to rent from between R400 to R800 per day on average. Bed and breakfast and guest house accommodation is also available at between R250 and R350 per person per day. All the necessary services such as medical and supply services, which include three franchised grocery shops, many excellent restaurants and take-away food providers, are available. Services will be conducted in English.
For further details on rates and a complete description of this site, please visit the MyLCG section of
www.cogl.org and contact the Festival Coordinator, Mr. Pieter van der Byl, at
wyndover@wiapsa.net or, by phone, at +27-21-572-1002. If you would like to attend the Feast in South Africa this year register online at MyLCG (
www.cogl.org).
My wife and I visited South Africa once for the FOT and hope to come back some time.
Crown Point, Tobago
The Feast of Tabernacles for Trinidad and Tobago will be held at The Trim’s Meeting Hall, Crown Point, Tobago. The Meeting Hall is situated within walking distance of the airport.
Tobago lies just 22 miles off Trinidad’s north-eastern tip and measures only 41 by 14 kilometers. Rolling hills contrast with wave-beaten shores to create a stunning backdrop for the island’s unparalleled beauty. The South (Windward) Coast is washed by the dark green, wave-whipped Atlantic and is lined with vibrant fishing villages, while the North (Leeward) Coast provides Tobago with some of its finest beaches.
You will find a number of excellent and reasonably priced restaurants on the island. The wonderful seafood, superbly seasoned, make the cuisine “out of this world,” simply the best local food that you will find anywhere in the Caribbean.
For a list of hotels and further details on this site, please visit the MyLCG section of
www.cogl.org or contact Mr. Fitzroy Greeman at
rgreeman@lcg.org or, by phone, at +1-868-672-5251. If you would like to attend the Feast in Tobago this year, register online at MyLCG (
www.cogl.org).
My family attended the Feast at Crown Point Tobago and would recommend it to others.
Llangollen (Wales), United Kingdom
This year’s Feast in the United Kingdom will be held for the third consecutive time at Llangollen in the Northeast corner of Wales. Nestled on the banks of the beautiful River Dee and surrounded by the magnificent scenery of the Berwyn Mountains, the area is famous for its outstanding beauty. The town has earned an international reputation as the Festival Capital of Wales. It is home to the International Musical Eisteddfod and numerous other festivals throughout the year. The Dee Valley has become an outstanding outdoor activity centre for kayaking, white water rafting, climbing and mountain biking.
There is a wide selection of varied accommodation in the area and good quality places in which to eat. Services will be held at the Bryn Howel Hotel, situated some two miles east of town on three acres of secluded, landscaped grounds. We have negotiated room rates with this and the sister hotel, The Wild Pheasant, situated west of town, and our guests at both hotels will have access to the relaxing spa facilities available at The Wild Pheasant. Please be sure to mention when booking that you are part of the LCG Convention (rates and contact information for these hotels are available at the MyLCG section of
www.cogl.org). A wide variety of other accommodation is available in the area. For more information, you may contact the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre at +44 (0) 1 978 860 828,
Llangollen@nwtic.com, or “Visit Wales” at +44 (0) 870 121 1251. The town website,
www.llangollen.org.uk, is a mine of information relating to accommodation, restaurants, activities and travel information.
If you are requesting a transfer to the U.K., please contact Mr. John Meakin, the Festival Coordinator at +44-(0)-1-460-54240 or at
jmeakin@lcg.org, if you require additional information. We regret that capacity at this Feast site is limited by the size of the meeting hall to 220, and we anticipate considerable demand for places available to international applicants. It is therefore essential, after registering at
www.cogl.org, to also apply at the 2010 UK Feast website and
be accepted as a transfer
before making travel and housing arrangements. The Feast site’s website address is
http://fot.lcog.eu (
username: member;
password: feast2010).
Orap, Vanuatu
The Feast of Tabernacles will again be held near Orap Village, which is home to the majority of members in the country. This is on the island of Malekula, an hour’s flight north of Port Vila, the capital. There is good air-service to Vanuatu from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji and there are daily flights from Port Vila to Norsup (the airport on Malekula). Visitors will be met at Norsup and transported to the Feast site. Vanuatu is a safe destination. It is suitable for all ages and would be an enjoyable and educational experience for children. Our members welcome guests. Most speak French with also an ability to understand English. Several speak English. Services will be held in the Church’s tabernacle. The few “live” sermons during the Feast will be in Bislama, which is the local pidgin. It is reasonably understandable by English speakers. Those sermons presented by DVD will be in either French or English, with translation provided where necessary.
This site is not a “tourist destination.” It is a natural local village peopled by subsistence farmers. There is no television. Radio and cell-phone coverage is limited. There are no supermarkets, though local markets, village stores and what grows on the land will provide necessities and plenty of organic fruits and vegetables. Fresh fish and meat will round out the menu. Does this sound Millennial? For more information, contact Festival coordinator, Mr. Kinnear Penman, at
kpenman@lcg.org.nz (+64 9 268 8985).
Vanuatu is a place that I would like to visit sometime.
The
www.cogl.org website will eventually have some additional Feast Site information that is not in this article. It is another source that you should visit.
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?
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?
COGwriter 2010
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