United Church of God members to observe Christian focus of ancient biblical festivals in global gathering

CINCINNATI, Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Following the historic example of Jesus Christ and the first century church, the United Church of God will celebrate the biblically prophesied coming Kingdom of God beginning on the evening of October 16.  More than 12,000 members will gather and observe the annual eight-day Festival of Tabernacles season October 17-24, according to Victor Kubik, church president. Church members will assemble at more than 55 sites worldwide to take part in a contemporary Christian application of the ancient Hebrew Holy Days.

The ancient Holy Days outline a powerful arc of salvation history that pulls together the entire Bible, Kubik explained.

In the United States, members with gather at 14 sites at Bend, Oregon; Bigfork, Montana; Branson, Missouri; Cincinnati, Ohio; Galveston, Texas; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Kohala, Hawaii; Jeykll Island, Georgia; Ocean City, Maryland; Oceanside, California; Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; Panama City Beach, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona; and Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The Church will conduct the festival at four Canadian sites (Canmore, Alberta; Midland, Ontario; Sait-Adele, Quebec; and Victoria, B.C.) as well as sites in the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the British Isles, Africa and Asia.

"Scholars point out that the early Christian church, whose members originally were mostly of a Jewish background, continued to observe the ancient Holy Days in a new spirit and with a new understanding of their meaning," said Kubik. "Today we have the marvelous understanding of how these ancient Holy Days outline God's incredible plan for all humanity."

The church president continued: "Showing how this impacts all peoples, Paul described Jesus as our Passover lamb to a group of gentile Christians in ancient Corinth, calling on members there to respect, understand, and observe what constitutes the first season of the annual Holy Days: the Christian Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread."

"The Holy Day seasons which follow the Passover chronicle the establishment of the church and the giving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost," he said. "We understand from many biblical references that the fall Holy Day seasons – basically outlined in the 23^rd chapter of the book of Leviticus – actually prophetically picture forthcoming global events that will completely transform the world as we know it today."

Church members typically save a 10^th of their income for personal use at the festival (also called the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Booths in various English translations). This allows them a temporary higher standard of living in celebration of the biblical event, which helps picture the coming prosperous and peaceful time of the future Kingdom of God. "Reflecting their spiritual status as sojourners on this earth, members stay in area hotels or other facilities," Kubik noted.

Church members attend the festival with their families, and the Church provides many opportunities for family time together. The worldwide nature of the festival also gives rise to global fellowship, and many friendships are made or renewed each season.  Church member typically describe the season as a joyous time.

Visitors who would like to join the church in observance of these days are welcome to attend, the church president said. "We are striving to become disciples of Jesus Christ, and we welcome the opportunity to share our understanding and experiences with others," Kubik noted.

About the United Church of God, an International Association -- More information about the United Church of God is available at www.ucg.org. The Church publishes a Bible study guide titled "God's Holy Day Plan – The Promise of Hope for All Mankind," which describes the biblical foundation for the ancient Hebrew Holy Days in detail. It is also available online at https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/gods-holy-day-plan-the-promise-of-hope-for-all-mankind  The Church publishes the Beyond Today magazine and sponsors the weekly television program of the same name: Beyond Today.

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Media Contact: Peter Eddington, United Church of God, 513-576-9796, media1@ucg.org

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SOURCE United Church of God