2009 Feast of Tabernacles Feedback from Utica, IL
10/31/09
This was our first
feast. Jeff Ledy joked that it would be our best for sure, and it
was!!! We had a wonderful time. Russell and I learned a lot.
We felt very welcome. Our daughters had a blast. Whereever you have
the feast next year, we will be there. We thank you for all the hard work
and will pray for your attempts to do this again in 2010.
10/28/09
Blessings to you all for the work put into making this
Feast a success! Truly the best feast ever, Thank You.
I am also looking for a copy of the fun show video. Please let me know who I can
contact and again thank you!
10/28/09
Positive:
1) Much warmth and love among the
brethren. The most important aspect.
2) Beautiful area
3) The seminars and presentations were really great, interactive and covering
many different topics
4) Plenty of activities
5) Eating several meals together
6) Collecting enough donations to pay for everything
Negative:
1) The very biased choice of only one kind of music for servcies (CCM) as
opposed to the great wealth of other sacred music which is available. Plus, the
instrumentation was also biased (whatever happened to the piano?) and way
too loud. This was a real turnoff.
2) The lack of some kind of a minimum dress code for services. This was rather
disturbing.
Overall, it was the best Feast we have observed in almost 10 years. All our
best to you both and your families!
10/27/09
1)
Make seminars 50 minutes long, giving 10 minutes to change rooms.
2)
Shorten church services to 1 1/2 hours. Sermons of 40 to 45 minutes are
plenty long. If it can't be communicated in 45 minutes (or less,
preferably) it probably won't be effectively communicated in more time. I
don't recall hearing a sermon that wouldn't have been improved by being
shortened (sorry).
3)
The Family Fun Show was a bit long. A soloist or group of performers
should probably be limited to one or two numbers. Some did three.
4)
The food at the dance wasn't as good as the food at the resort.
5)
A larger dance floor would be nice. Dance was a hit!
6)
Distribute a list of who's staying where so we can contact folks by
telephone at the resort.
10/22/09
I enjoyed this year Feast site.
This year Yahweh has blessed me with the desire of my heart. Early in
2009 around March or April I had began to search for a feast site and went to
Feastgoer.org. where I found Utica, Illinois, Church of God Fellowship.
I was not familiar with this congregation so I called Aaron Baker for
research. There I got to meet his wife over the phone and begin to
express my concerns and where I first began my fellowship with part of the
Michigan congregation. After my chat I prayed to Yahweh with faith that I
would have a villa and my church family would stay with us.
Yahweh blessed us, Whitney and I in
our villa N2. Our guests were Sis. Esmilyn, Sis. Jeannette, Sis. Lisa ?,
Sis. Ruby ? and Rayna, Bro. Pastor Wendall Wiese and Bro. and Sis Calderon.
Some came and went.
I also have a disability so I did
not want to feel I was limited to coming to the feast. I am on kidney
hemo-dialysis and have treatments 3 times a week for 3:45 hours. The
facility was in nearby town, Ottawa. Its new a Fresnius facility, 2 years
old with modern technology and new TVs and new lounge chairs. Note: there is
two concession machine in the foyer. The staff was very pleasant and willing
to take me back to Grand Bear when it seem my transportation was taking too
long.
I was able to attend all sermons and
as many seminars as I could exception for my my visits to dialysis. However,
I had missed the luncheon and was famished when I returned. However, one
of the brothers, ( I'm sorry your name slipped my mind), took me to their
villa and fed me a tuna fish sandwich. However, for next year I suggest
for anyone who may have to leave before or during a meal try to make
arrangements if possible for a meal to be saved.
I felt welcome here with all my
brothers and sisters. If you are not familiar with the title brother and
sister it is a good habit from the Sunday-keeping church I was born in.
Aren't we all brothers and sisters if Christ Jesus, Yashua is our brother
and God, Yahweh is our father.
I want to make a comment I do not
want to offend anyone but I want to address this point as loving as I
can.
My first encounter to
worshiping with other brothers and sisters who were not my race was in high
school (class of 1979). In my high school we had a prayer group that met
20 minutes before class. There I study with whoever came, race,
denomination, or creed. My friend, Sonnie and I were only black, negroes,
African-American young ladies. Our prayer group fellowshipped, and played
together. This was my first and sometimes I found myself in other Christian
groups the alone race. But I never let this stop me from worshipping Yahweh
Elokim and where I wanted to be with other people worshiping. I hope that
point was mentioned appropriately.
If there are any committees next
year that are to be formed to help situations move along smoothly where we can
help, myself and children I think the list should be posted before hand so we
and others can sign-up ahead of time. This can be part of our family planning
for next year.
One more point, I was thinking
in age of technology. Since I had to leave for dialysis and missed a
seminar is it possible to have podcast of a seminar so I could take it on my
next session?
Wow!! I hope God sets his name on
Grizzly Jack Grand Bear, in Utica, Illinois next year. I will begin to
save with the next month check.
Praise Yahweh, Elokim to the highest,
he is worthy to be praised.
10/22/09
My family shared a Villa … during
this past Feast, and had a wonderful and Spiritually uplifting Feast. We
wanted you to add our group to your list for people who may be passing through
our area.
10/21/09
My thoughts on the Feast:
#1. No Internet Access at the Villas - At first, not having the Internet in the villas was a negative in my mind because I had homework to do. But, after talking to one of the brethren and thinking about it some more, not having the Internet was a blessing. It helped me redeem the time from the electronic world so I was able to focus more on fellowshipping. It helped me stay in the Feast mode better. When I needed to email an assignment, I just went to the Lodge and did what I had to do and then went back to my villa and put my laptop away.
#2. The Dance – Great fun! Suggestions for improvement next year included: possibly having some “live music,” more slower songs so the “older” people could dance more, and limbo award for those 40 years old and older
#3. Feast Extravaganza 2009 – I was amazed, but not surprised, at how much talent we had at the show and I hope we continue to have it.. Norm and the crew did a great job doing their best to move things along.. The brochure was a nice touch. Some suggestions for improvement:
Keep it down to two hours. As they say, “leave them wanting
more, rather than wishing it would end.” It simply went too long – more than
three hours if I remembered correctly. Many individuals had gone after the
first two hours or so – too bad because they missed some outstanding performances
towards the end. Maybe, the length can be kept down by just having each
person/group perform only one number. If someone is talented enough that the
brethren wanted them to perform more, maybe a “mini-concert” could be scheduled
at a different time.
#4. Song Service – a later starting time would increase attendance and as a benefit of that, more people would be able to hear the daily announcements and prayer requests. I realize that not everyone is into the praise and worship music as evidenced by the attendance but I believe that more people would have participated if it was held later in the morning. Late nights and early services do not go well together. I agree with one of the comments I read that maybe we can have the seminars start at 9am and then have the song service about 11am or so.
#5. Suggested Study Time – I heard from several parents and young people that they liked the idea of having the suggested study time. It appeared to accomplish what it was intended to do which was to make those who wanted to study not feel like they were missing something fun while they were studying. Those who wanted to study did and those who did not want to or need to did something else.
#6. An Activity Board – For impromptu activities, maybe we can have a white board (with water erasable markers) sitting on the church services announcements table where people who have planned an impromptu activity can write down what activity, when, where, and the contact person. It could be a supplement to announcement at services. For example, if a group decides to have a pick-up football game or basketball game, someone can write that on the “Announcements” white board so those who are looking for an activity to do would be able to read it and decide if they want to participate. Announcements can be for golf, bowling, or taking a walk, or whatever.
#7. The Young People – I was glad to see the young people, (especially the college age and older teens) setting the right example in their service and their conduct and their participation in just about everything. That bodes well for the future of God’s church. I liked the energy they brought to the Feast but I have one suggestion for them: Get enough rest and sleep! They will enjoy their fun more and not be worn down at the end of the Feast.
#8. The Location – I personally loved the setting. I liked that the brethren were able to “take over” villas very close to each other. It made it ideal for fellowshipping. It gave me a picture of what the Kingdom, or at least the Millennium, might be like. I don’t know where God wants us to observe the Feast next year, but this place has my vote – a repeat! Just my opinion.
10/17/09
The word is getting out "all
over " about Utica, and how everyone enjoyed it . I hear that if the site
is held there next year, even people from CA. will be attending .
You guys did a great
job of organizing .
10/16/09
“So
I don't know if you've seen this already, but there has been a group created
for next year's feast with about 78 people joined already. The feast website is
even advertised (http://www.facebook.com/l/bea6e;www.feast2010.org),
even though it doesn't exist yet... “
10/14/09
Dear Church of God Fellowship,
By the awesome providence of our
Father in heaven working through the hearts and generosity of my sister and
brother-in-law just one short week before the Feast, my family and I had the
privilege of spending the Feast with all of you in Utica this year.
I am writing you today as a
life-long member of the Body of Christ - schooled in the Church(es) of
God. I have been to many feast sites over the years, however, I
have never sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit more strongly than I did in
this fellowship. You received us as family, having never met us
before, and welcomed us at the last minute with open arms. I want you
and anyone else who may read this letter to know that my family and I
experienced the heart of our Father in Utica this year!
I never learned throughout the
entire festival who the pastors, elders or deacons were or even
whether there were any holding those positions there at all. ALL of you
appeared to us as mere servants - working together for the greater good in
a spirit of humility and love that I have not witnessed in too many years. We
know how much planning, hard work and detail goes into such an
undertaking, but the festival was so well organized and balanced that
those serving and giving messages seemed to do so naturally - with
joy and ease. Only a people filled with love can serve their brothers and
sisters with such passion and sincerity.
Your schedule
was remarkably planned and exceeded any expectation I could have
imagined or wanted - including the prayer circle, music services, scripture
readings/studies for each age group, child and teen rooms, singles seminars,
marriage and family videos and a wide range of messages and
topics of every variety - in addition to traditional sermon time
scheduled intermittently throughout the festival. I was very impressed by
the number of young people and children in attendance and by how the older
teens and young adults added so much enthusiasm to the praise and worship
during the song service with their musical abilities and heart for worship. It
was truly inspirational to come together in heart-felt worship at
each song service. Regrettably, I was not in the first prayer circle
- thinking there were others scheduled, however, I believe prayer is
vital as our life-line to The Father and the heart of our
relationship with Him. There is much power in our collective prayers for one
another. I would love to see this practice implemented throughout our
fellowships and utilized all the more during our festivals.
From start to finish the festival
was a beautiful banquet of spiritual food and fellowship. From messages to
dinners and dances and from family day to the fun show where
we enjoyed many professional performances, there was something to
fill everyone. The progressive dinner was a nice touch and innovative way
to meet new people and fellowship around cozy villa fireplaces
before moving on to the next course and more new friends. You left nothing
undone - from keeping us well fed to blocking out some quiet
time for all of our youngsters to do homework without missing out on
anything else. My only regret is that I couldn't be in more than
one place at a time to take in every single message and activity
planned! I hope you will post all of the messages on your website so we
can benefit from them throughout the year and have available the messages
and any video of activities that we missed.
I feel compelled to comment on the
spiritual maturity with which the subject of giving was handled. Having no
formal message or offering taken up at any time during the festival I believe
you gave proper place and authority to the leading and conviction of the
Holy Spirit in each individual's heart to give as he or she was able
and blessed. Your generous hearts did not go unnoticed when
you stepped out in a beautiful expression of faith and offered
several free meals and activities to one and all so that none would
be left out - accepting donations only towards there success. It came as no
surprise to me when you announced that ALL of the Feast expenses had been met
by the end of the week with the free will offerings that had been placed
in a box.
We were so richly blessed by
every message and every activity we participated in, but the
highlight of the Feast for us occurred after I asked one man
serving on the anointing team to anoint my immediate
family for various health problems and to pray for
some very difficult circumstances which have plagued my
extended family for generations. He asked for some time to
gather a prayer team and for us to meet him the next morning. Meanwhile, I
prayed over-night for our Father to burden the hearts of faithful prayer
warriors and send them to us - and so He did. The next morning
we gathered in a room with more than ten complete strangers filled
with the Holy Spirit who, in an act of complete selflessness wrapped
their loving arms around us and for more than one hour anointed,
prayed and shared in our sorrows. I don't believe there was a dry eye
in the room as our collective attention turned to the anointing and
prayer of one of them. I am sad to say that this was the first experience we've
had of the kind in all my years in the Church of God, but I am so very
grateful to have finally found the heart of our Father beating strongly in
Utica and to know that His love journeys onward in all of
these. I will not name any of you here for God knows who you
are, however, I do want to express our gratitude and
love for each one of you for your prayers on our behalf and for
the love shown to us this Feast.
I usually leave the Feast depressed
at the prospect of facing another year in this dying world, but not this year.
This year I left feeling spiritually fed and renewed - full of new hope and
ready to fight the good fight of faith in the coming year.
We thank each and every one of you
for your part and heart in making this Feast happen in Utica under God's
good graces. You are vessels most glorifying to God as you go about
humbly serving your brother's and sister's in
Christ. May God's favor and every blessing be with all of you and
bring us together again next year.
10/14/09
"Thanks
so much for what you and your family did for us to make the Feast
wonderful! Your tireless efforts are so
greatly appreciated! May God bless you
all!"
10/12/09
Hey guys! First I just want to thank you ALL for an
awesome job organizing and putting together the Feast in Utica. As my
first real feast, I just have to say, I loved, loved, loved it!!!!
Second, we absolutely LOVED the Grand Bear Resort. We are 110% in favor
of having the Feast there again! The kids had an awesome time at the
water park, amusement park etc. The setup with the villas were great too,
with the big grassy area in the middle it was very convenient for all the kids
to play! A great big hooray to the worship team also. God definitely
blessed all those young people with amazing talent.
The only suggestion I have is in the future maybe starting the music
service a little later. I know that was one thing I heard from
a few different people including myself. I personally only made it
to one of the music services because of the time. It's hard
when you have little people who are busy all day and then take
forever to calm down and go to sleep at night to have them up, eating and
to a service by 9:00. Jessy and I were talking earlier today and we
thought a way to solve that would be to start some of the bible study sessions
at 9:00 and then do a music service around 11:00 or 11:30 then break for
lunch. I think there would be a bigger turnout and then more people
would be around to hear announcements. Just a suggestion!
Otherwise, I thought it was a huge success and I am looking forward to next
year already!
God bless all of you and may He continue to guide you every day!
10/12/09
Hi Aaron,
Thank you for
taking care of the reservation of my room for me. I think all who had a hand in
taking care of all the necessary things for the site this year did a great job.
It was a pleasure. It was even better than last year and I was impressed last
year. What a work of love. And it showed. For a non church sponsored it was
much better. But then of course it was church sponsored wasn't it. God's church
sponsored it for all who would come. Was just great. It grew from last year and
probably will this next year as well. God is working with this group of people.
That is plain to see.
Thank you Arron
for all the work you did. And please thank everyone on my behalf also. You all
did a great job.
Take Care And God Bless
Love To All 
10/11/09
I'm not given to hyperbole, but the
FOT in Utica this year was a home run. I liked the welcoming spirit of
those with those of differing perspectives, and the way the younger adults were
involved was a joy to see. If I have one quibble it would be that
speakers at the seminars especially didn't seem to pay any attention to the
clock. It's not good to go overtime, thereby taking time and people away
from the following sessions.