2020 Feast of Tabernacles Announcement
As we look ahead to the upcoming Fall Holy Day Season, we are providing this announcement which reflects our recommendations for observing the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles/Last Great Day.
Due to the fluctuating uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the possibility of additional restrictions being placed on travel, lodging, and entertainment, plus the potential health and safety risks to brethren, we are canceling all CGI "destination" Feast sites in the United States this year. Specifically, this includes Land Between the Lakes, KY, Myrtle Beach, SC, Harrison, AR, and St. Petersburg, FL. We did not come to this decision lightly. We looked for every opportunity and waited as long as we believed we could, for official guidance and confirmations, in order to proceed with our normal festival plans. Unfortunately, we have been beset with unworkable levels of restrictive variances, compounded by mandates and legislation from governors and additional limitations from local authorities.
Because of those concerns, we believe the safest thing for everyone to do this year, is keep the Feast "locally" or "in state." We know our elected officials can unexpectedly mandate quarantine regulations, and shut down or severely limit group meetings, as they presently continue to do. We also recognize the potential for brethren testing positive for the Covid-19 virus increases where larger numbers of people are assembled. If someone were to test positive for the virus during this eight-day Festival, would the "requirement" to quarantine leave families in untenable situations? Would those traveling out of state, be able to get back home? Would contact tracing force everyone in the meeting to be quarantined? Can attendees afford extra costs associated with motels, food and medicine? Would quarantined members have access to their family doctor? Are attendees willing and able to comply with the requirements of social distancing and the wearing of face masks?
We expect circumstances will continue to change between now and the Fall Holy Days, from state to state, and even from county to county. With this potential, and based upon individual vulnerabilities (age, underlying health conditions), we cannot in good conscience make the decision to assemble and risk brethren getting sick or expose them to all these possibilities.
Though we have made the decision to cancel our destination sites, we will be providing various ways to observe the Feast of Tabernacles this year through online sources, with webcasts, interactive Bible studies, and fellowship opportunities every day via GoToMeeting. There will be web links available for streaming messages from groups that are able to meet at their local locations. Notifications will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead with updates, upcoming schedule of events, speakers, and online fellowship meetings.
We are all disappointed, having to make this decision.... but with the ongoing pandemic and its consequences, plus the violent chaos that has broken out across the country.... we hope you understand our concern for not wanting to risk anyone’s safety or health at this tumultuous time.
It is in conditions like these that we are reminded to keep looking to God for direction, and to continue looking out for one another.
We will all keep the Feast this year, and we will learn how to make lemonade out of lemons.
The Festival Department and Executive Committee