So, what does a Feast of Tabernacles look like?  Well, it's difficult to explain unless you've been to one, but mostly it is a time of enjoyment for God's people centered on Bible study and fun.  God commanded Isreal (and Gentiles grafted into Isreal) to attend three feasts per year.  These were appointed times that God promised to meet with His people.  Tabernacles is a time of joyful celebration and yet a somber reminder that like the Isrealites in bondage who had to live in "booths" or temporary dwellings, that we also live in temporary dwellings in our bodies, awaiting the time when Jesus will return establishing his government here on earth, where all will learn His ways and our bodies transformed into eternal beings.  It's a beautiful picture when you meditate on the future and the freedom from sin that we will have from the bondage during this present age.  As Christians we have a taste of heaven on earth, because our hearts desire to be with our Father and by obeying His laws we are spared from unneccessary suffering and pain that inflicts people who do not know Him personally.

Joe and Phil at it again...studying that is!

Teenage helper and friend, Gracie who the children ADORE!

A succoth or "booth" that the men built above the worship center which symbolizes the Feast of Tabernacles as the Isrealites lived in them when set free from their bondage in Egypt.  Just as Jesus has set us free from our bondage of sin for those who believe in Him we will also no longer be in temporary housing...mortal bodies when he dwells within us.

 Georgeous flower...mom (my plant expert), what would you call this?

Before every service, the children gather under the prayer shawl to recieve their blessing prayer, which is song asking for God's blessings, safety and happiness over their lives...and for them to grow up to be good husbands and wives.  This is a beautiful and powerful time of asking for God's presence in their lives and to protect them from evil influences that can curse generations.

Even little Sarah has the songs down pat.

A beautiful fruit arrangment made by the children during one of their classes during the week.  Our pastor's wife, Mary and the teenage helpers Sarah and Gracie did a marvelous job coordinating activities and thematic lessons.  A great time for all!

Noah and friend Hannah from Michigan.  They really hit it off and were inseperable for a time...uh oh...have to watch those kiddos as they grow at future feasts.  :)

Course lots of fun in the sun and fellowship with friends.  This is friend Jennifer and one of her four children Abby who attends our Knoxville congregation.

Anna and Noah with Kaitlyn, Jennifer and husband Armondo's oldest child.

Love this photo of Lilly and Johnny from our church.  They are good buddies as Lilly likes to dish it out and Johnny dishes it right back...very sweet!

Course more critter watching at the beach...a huge jellyfish that had washed up on a sand bar.

We all love Mike from Michigan (and Hannah's dad), he entertained us all on the beach with his wind parachute surfing.

One night several of us went out for some fun on the town.

So disappointed my flash didn't go off on this one to capture our pastor on roller skates...Mark, this one should be front and center on the church website, ha!

Folks traveled all over to be at this Feast location...keep in mind that we're not the only group in the world meeting at these times, as God said these are "My Feasts" and not ours so people from all over will meet at various places as God commanded. 

Good friends Patty and Jeff from South Dakota became our pals, and Jeff was quite the skating king...a real throw back to the 80's...ahhh good memories.