United Church of God Celebrates Annual Fall Global Festival
News related to:United Church of God · 2 min read
The United Church of God is set to assemble for its annual fall global festival, celebrating the anticipated Kingdom of God, a biblical event foretold by Jesus Christ. The festival, which will take place from September 25 to October 3, is expected to draw about 14,000 members and families from around the world to more than 55 festival sites.
The theme of the festival, observed since the first century, is centered on the coming Kingdom of God, a world at peace under Jesus' reign. This year, the church is welcoming visitors to its various sites, including locations in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, China, India, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Turkey.
The festival, known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a contemporary Christian application of the biblical ancient Hebrew Holy Days. According to church teachings, the fall festival illustrates the capstone of God's plan for humanity.
The observance of these days and seasons, outlined in the 23rd chapter of the book of Leviticus, offers a sure hope and marvelous understanding of the purpose of humanity, including the incredible human potential that God desires to be fulfilled for all.
In the United States, members will gather at 14 sites, including Aransas Pass, Texas; Branson, Missouri; Cincinnati, Ohio; Daytona Beach, Florida; Glacier Country, Montana; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Lake Junaluska, North Carolina; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Morehead City, North Carolina; Panama City Beach, Florida; Redmond, Oregon; Sturgis, South Dakota; Temecula, California; and Walnut Creek, Ohio.
The Church will also conduct the festival at three Canadian sites: Calgary, Alberta; Midland, Ontario; and St. John's, Newfoundland. The observance of these days and seasons involves daily worship services, powerful sermons, and Bible studies that magnify and explain these spiritual principles. The eight-day period also features many family activities and opportunities for fellowship.
Church members are encouraged to save about a 10th of their income for attending the Feast of Tabernacles, allowing them to fully celebrate the eight-day biblical event and "rejoice before the Lord your God" during this season (see Leviticus 23:40 for details). This element of the festival's observance foretells the coming abundance that humanity will enjoy under Jesus' 1000-year reign over the earth (Amos 9:13-14, Isaiah 35).