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PASTOR GENERAL'S
REPORT
TO THE MINISTRY OF THE
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
VOL.5, N0.31
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
Helping the Brethren Prepare for the Feast of Tabernacles
AUGUST 5, 1983
Excitement is growing in Pasadena and around the world as the Feast of Tab
ernacles draws near. As this time fast approaches, pastors can help ensure
that the brethren will have a well-planned, safe and happy Feast free from
illness or other major problems by giving certain reminders and instruction
in advance. Bible studies, sermonettes, sermons and announcement time can
be used to mention a number of areas of importance. These would include the
following:
(1) Traveling When Tired Mr. Armstrong has repeatedly admonished us to
avoid driving all night or late into the night. A common-sense rule of the
road is to pull off and rest or sleep anytime you feel drowsy while driving.
This is not only a matter of safety for one's own family or passengers, but
also for other drivers on the road. This is a specific application of God's
law of love--of outgoing _concern and consideration for others. The same
applies'tc>""driving over the speed limit. Not only are we as Christians to
be considerate of the safety and welfare of others, God also instructs us to
� the laws of the land. Highway laws, as all laws that do not prevent u�
1roiii obeying God, should be carefully observed by God's people.
(2)
Plannin � Ahead Thought and planning should go into the Feast trip so
that potential problems can be avoided. Vehicles should be checked out and
made ready before the trip to help prevent problems from coming up at the
Feast where parts, repairs, etc. may be far more expensive and difficult to
find. A budget should be prepared so that funds are regulated throughout
the Feast, with no surprises in the middle. All articles and suggestions
pertaining to Feast preparations in the WORLDWIDE NEWS and other publica
tions should be read well ahead of time so that all bases are covered.
(3)
Plan Ahead to Serve Others There is no surer way to have a miserable
Feast than to go with the idea of having a good time for yourself as the
only or main goal.
Deuteronomy 16: 14 shows us that our rejoicing is to
include far more than just ourselves. In fact, unless we do have the atti
tude of helping others have a wonderful Feast, we simply will not be able to
properly and truly rejoice as God intends. The Feast points us to the time
when true happiness, based upon God's law of love, will prevail. That is
the attitude we must carry with us to the Feast:Trwe hope to fully observe
it.
A sermonette on ways to serve at the Feast would be of value. This would be
especially good for singles and teen-agers.
By involving themselves in
Church activities and seeking ways to serve others, their Feast can be much
more meaningful than it would be if their minds are focused only on "singles
activities" or "youth activities."
Being a p f rt of the whole Church
through service and active participation instead o becoming part of separ
ate, special interest groups, should be of paramount importance to our
singles and older teen-agers.