As we look ahead to the upcoming Fall Holy Days, we are providing this announcement reflecting our recommendations for observing the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles/Last Great Day.

Due to so many fluctuating uncertainties attached to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the very serious possibilities attached to travel restrictions, especially across state lines, and the potential health risks to brethren, we are canceling all “destination” Feast sites in the United States this year. That would include 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 felt we could for official guidance and confirmations to be able to proceed with our festival plans to host the Feast in our “destination” locations. Unfortunately, we have been beset with unworkable levels of uncertainty and now face limitations imposed by edicts from governors and restrictions from local authorities.

Because of those concerns we feel everyone is well advised to keep the Feast “locally” or “in state.” We know our elected officials can unexpectedly mandate quarantine regulations, as well as shut down or severely limit group meetings, as they have just done in KY. We also know the likelihood of someone contracting the Covid-19 virus increases when there are large gatherings of people. If, during the Feast, someone were to test positive the “requirement” to quarantine would likely place families in untenable situations. If they were out of state, would they be able to get back home? Are members prepared to be away from home for up to fourteen days or longer? 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 changing between now and the Fall Holy Days from state to state, even from county to county. With this potential, and based upon individual vulnerabilities (age, underlying health conditions), we cannot in good conscience live with the decision to gather together and risk someone getting sick due to our assembly.

While we have made the decision to cancel physically gathering together in large numbers at our destination sights, we will be providing the Feast of Tabernacles online this year with webcasts, interactive Bible studies, and fellowship opportunities every single day via GoToMeeting and with links that will be provided so we can stream messages from groups that are able to meet at their locations. Be watching in the weeks ahead for updates on this and the upcoming schedule of events, speakers, and online fellowship meetings.

We are truly heartbroken to have had to make this decision—but with the ongoing pandemic and its consequences, plus the violent chaos that has broken out across the country—we do not wish to risk anyone’s safety or health at this tumultuous time. It is in trying times like these that we look to God as we look out for one another.

The Festival Department and Executive Committee

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