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PASTOR GENERAL'S
REPORT
TO THE MINISTRY OF THE
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
VOL.6, N0.11
PASADENA. CALIFORNIA
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
Guidelines for the Night to Be Much Observed
MARCH 16, 1984
The Night to Be Much Observed should again follow the same format as in the
past several years. Groups of two or three families should eat and fellow
ship together in an attitude of thankfulness and rejoicing for the de
liverance from sin which we as New Testament Christians experience. The
host or leading man should ask God's blessing on the meal and the occasion,
but no further "sermonizing" should be done.
The meaning of the Night to Be Much Observed should be carefully explained
on the preceding Sabbath, and the brethren should be encouraged to bear
that meaning in mind as the background and focus of the spiritual fellow
ship through the course of this special evening. Also point out how en
joyable it is to open our homes to one another--to plan and serve together,
helping and fellowshipping with one another even in cleanup. And make sure
that no widows or other single people are left out on this very important
occasion.
Some have asked about the use of restaurants on this night. Although eating
in a restaurant is not prohibited, experience has shown that it is much more
preferable to have the meal for the Night to Be Much Observed in homes
rather than in restaurants. The opportunity for quality fellowship is far
greater in a home than in a restaurant. And since the Night to Be Much
Observed does celebrate coming out of the sin of this world, observing it
with brethren in an intimate, home atmosphere is much more meaningful.
A restaurant, even in a private room, provides too many possibilities for
things to go wrong which might spoil or put a damper on the evening. Plans
or reservations can be fouled up in many ways.
There could be too few
seats,
wrong food served, improperly prepared food, poor service,
unexpected noise ("music'') or other distractions, last-minute cancellations
due to sick children or auto problems, difficulties or sensitivities in
computing each family's share of the bill, etc. These things have actually
happened to various brethren at one time or another when they ate in
restaurants on the Night to Be Much Observed. Many who have observed this
very special evening in restaurants £elt they missed the spirit of the
occasion.
On the other hand, we realize that there may be the rare
situation where some may find a restaurant setting appropriate.
Be sure to also remind the brethren to plan and prepare well in advance for
this spring festival period so they won't come up short�the last minute
because of meal needs on the first holy day. There should be two services
on that day as on all holy days except Atonement.