If you would like to experience a Feast of Tabernacles that's a little "different" than the "standard" COG format, try one of the "Hebraic Roots" oriented sites. I have found these to be uniquely inspiring, uplifting, and even challenging. Presenters are often invited from outside the COG tradition to discuss topics in their area of expertise (such as the Temple, First Century history, culture, and archeology, and other subjects dealing with the early Hebraic roots of the faith). The sessions are sometimes more like a seminar, often with opportunities for interactive discussions or questions. Some presenters may be from the Messianic Jewish community, adding interesting cultural and historical perspectives. Special activities might include: An "Israel Night" thematic banquet, for a chance to fellowship and try some of the regional foods of Israel. Educational re-enactments of some of the special events and ceremonies that took place during the FOT in the 2^nd Temple Period (during the time of Christ). Lively classes in "Davidic Dance" (Hebrew Folk (circle) dancing) may be offered. And some sites have even offered optional language classes in "beginning Hebrew" during the week.

Several of these sites are planned for this year. The one that I am most familiar with, and would highly recommend, is located in Lake Murray, OK.

More information on the Lake Murray "Season of Our Joy" site can be found on the website at: http://www.season-of-our-joy.com/ , additional questions and requests for more information can be directed to Tim Kelley, one of the principle coordinators for the site (e-mail: N55154@aol.com ).

The following letter is from Tim Kelley, and provides some additional information about the Lake Murray site:

The Festival at Lake Murray is a "Hebrew Roots" feast site. Though we are not into rabbinic Judaism, most topics will be taught with the understanding that the Bible is a Hebrew book, written by the Hebrew people, and written about the Hebrew people. Yeshua was a first century Jew, and so were the writers of the New Testament. Therefore we study to try and understand the first century Jewish culture, liturgy, and services that Yeshua and His disciples would be familiar with. You can find more information about us and the Season Of Our Joy festival on our website - http://www.season-of-our-joy.com/

The theme of this year's Festival is "You shall Worship and Rejoice". The two morning teaching seminars each day will center around this theme and will hopefully enlighten us as to how we will have a part in restoring the Kingdom to Israel and fulfilling the Promise God made with Abraham. Each morning we will again read from the book of Deuteronomy together for all those ‘interested early birds. Each afternoon we will be having "break-out" sessions where you can choose from a variety of speakers on differing subjects. On some of the evenings we plan to have organized campfire bible study sessions down in the Succah area. Along with these teachings on the weekdays, there will be sermons and group Torah studies on the Sabbath.

When you couple all the various teaching opportunities along with rehearsals of the first century temple services at Succot, daily worship through song with Lee Miller and his festival band (that's all you talented musicians), an evening talent show, Davidic dance w/ Dan and Sylvia Calderon, an "Israeli Night" dinner, and various other activities, we feel this Feast site will offer a tremendous opportunity to learn what the Bible teaches about the Festival.

This year's speakers tentatively include Joseph Good of Hatikva Ministries, Charles Green, Tim and Angie Kelley of the Ami Yisrael Torah Study, Ron McKown of the Fellowship Church of God, John Merritt of Friends of the Sabbath and the Berean Fellowship, Lee Miller of House of David School of Biblical Studies, Daniel Payton of Beit Tefila Home Fellowship, and Dean Wheelock of Hebrew Roots.

We know that many of you are dedicated Bible students and have something to offer or teach as a result of your studies.. If you would like to present some of your findings in one of our break-out sessions, or evening sessions please let us know. Your presentation would not have to necessarily fit the theme of the festival. You will need to send us a summary of what you'd like to talk about. We'll submit it to our Speaking Committee for approval.

Just as we believe that all of God's people will play a part in making the millennial Kingdom of God a time of rejoicing for everyone, we want everyone who attends the Season of Our Joy feast site to participate in making the festival a time of worshiping and rejoicing for all who attend. We are asking each of you to sign up to help in one or more areas of responsibility. There are many "behind the scenes" tasks and services that have to be taken care of for all who attend to be able to take part in hearing the teachings, enjoying the dancing, and partaking of the various congregational meals and get-togethers. You will find on our website a listing some of the areas of need along with the phone numbers of those you can contact who will be responsible for those areas. We hope you will contact these people and offer your assistance. Your participation in these areas will be greatly appreciated and will help to enhance the joy of the festival not only for yourself, but for all those who attend. You will also find on the website a "tentative" activity schedule as well as a description of some of the activities we have planned in order to make this a more joyful festival. Please take a moment to read about each activity in order to familiarize yourself with what will be happening during each time slot. Pay special attention to the Hamburger / Ice Cream Social as well as the Israeli Night Dinner as we have made some changes. For further information, check our website.

Housing information is again on the website. Accommodations at the Lake Murray Lodge are nice and convenient to the various activities that will be taking place. Remember, even though you may have made reservations with the Lake Murray Lodge or one of the other hotel /camping establishments in the area, we still need you to register with us. Unless you register with us, we have no way of knowing how many to expect for the festival and that makes it very hard to make plans. Therefore, please take a few moments to fill out the Registration Form and send it back to us at the address listed below. We've attached a .pdf copy of the registration form in case you would like to download it and pass it around.

We are very excited about the festival this year. We hope you plan on attending the Festival with us as we come together to worship and rejoice and learn more about our Creator, His Son, and His plan to restore The Kingdom of God! If not, we do hope you will have a joyous Festival of Sukkot where ever you attend.

Shalom -
Tim and Angie Kelley and Ron and Donna McKown
Ami Yisrael Torah Study
www.season-of-our-joy.com

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Whatever your plans for this upcoming FOT, may you find it to be inspiring, uplifting, and rejuvenating.

Shalom!

-- Mike Styer

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