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A Short History of the Sunriver Feast of Tabernacles:
In 1986 it became obvious to many of us who had been attending various Feasts of Tabernacles around the West and Northwest and noting various administrative and doctrinal conflicts, that we needed a site sponsored by an independent board where, freed from the dominance or promotion of only one group, people from all organized groups could gather to share in the Feast of Tabernacles and its meaning as provided by our Heavenly Father. We heard from one organization who had sponsored a Feast of Tabernacles at Sunriver, a vacation community centrally situated in Oregon. The group mentioned a church building that could be available for the eight-day Feast, so four of us went up to look it over, and if we found it as described, to rent the church building for the following year's Feast. We liked the area very much, but learned the church building was under construction and would not be available. Local residents told us of another building under construction just outside Sunriver. Possibly we could rent that. We checked, but that building had not been started, so, running out of possibilities, we returned to Sunriver. A large complex caught our eye, and we decided to investigate. The structure turned out to be the Thousand Trails multi-purpose building and it seemed perfect for our needs. We talked with the people in charge and discovered it would be available for the time we needed it. Thus, 22 years ago the independent Feast site at Sunriver was born. What we do there and what makes it special: We work hard to make every feast an outstanding one. Dedicated servants of Jesus Christ provide uplifting sermons to help you in your journey toward the Kingdom of God. Many attendees are talented people who offer special music to enhance the worship services, and if you are one of these, we encourage you to participate. Also, there are capable teachers to entertain and instruct the children and provide a rounded experience for the entire family. Other highlights include an opening day reception, a group meal or two by our own gourmet chefs, Bible Studies, and usually one big event for everyone which will be announced at that time. In brief, the running of the feast is undertaken by the five directors, but the events happen because of the people who show up to participate and to volunteer their services for the group. Sermons are helpful Christian living messages, lasting no more than 45 minutes. Two Holy Day offerings are taken, and these donations fund the present feast as well as helping to plan the next year's feast. No one is on the payroll; all, including the speakers, are volunteers. The five directors have each pledged to be good stewards of both the finances and the operations at this feast site. God Bless~ The Sunriver Feast of Tabernacles Planning Committee George, Pete, Jim, Bruce & Steve |