Christian Biblical Church of God

Post Office Box 1442

Hollister, California 95024-1442

(831)-637-1875

Fred R. Coulter

Minister

June 30, 2008

Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day, 2008

October 14-October 21

Feast of Tabernacles & The Last Great Day 2008 - Printer-Friendly Version (Updated)

Dear Brethren,

This packet contains important information concerning the Feast of Tabernacles, 2008. Because of the high price of gasoline, the cost of meals and the increased cost of lodging, we have deleted Flagstaff, Arizona, as a festival site and added Tucson, Arizona, and Cincinnati, Ohio, and Palm Springs, California. In addition to these major sites, there will be numerous smaller feast sites scattered across the United States. Please carefully follow the instructions below.

• For feast sites in Canada, please contact the Canadian CBCG office at 613-348-1118.

• Please be sure to return the Feast Information Sheet as soon as possible.

Each person attending is responsible for making his or her own reservations. In all locations, please mention that you are with the Christian Biblical Church of God, as in most cases we have been given special rates. Remember that the Feasts of God are as important as the weekly Sabbath. Moreover, by keeping them year by year, we are able to learn and understand more about God’s plan as revealed in the Bible. We pray that this year’s Feast will be the best ever for you and your family.

General Feast Information:

We need your help. Over the years it has been our policy to let people attend wherever they desired—and to change their mind as often as they like. Some even wait until a few days before opening night of the Feast before making housing reservations.

This flexibility, however, now has its drawbacks. Because hotels and motels are focusing more and more on "bottom line" profit than on service, they are becoming quite strict when it comes to meeting the conditions of a particular contract. In order to negotiate special room rates and to obtain meeting rooms at no (or a reduced) cost, we have to guarantee a minimum number of rooms. In the past, they would often give us the same rates for the guestrooms and the meeting room even when our numbers dropped below what we had guaranteed. But with today’s inflation and sluggish economy, there is increased focus on profit. Thus, establishments are no longer as willing to overlook even minor discrepancies between the actual number of rooms booked and the number of rooms contracted.

At the larger feast sites, meeting our contractual guarantee has never been a problem because we always exceed the guaranteed minimum. At smaller sites, however, this can be a problem. Some have begun charging extra fees when we drop below the contractual requirement. For example, two years ago at one location, we dropped below the minimum contracted number of rooms and the management increased the cost of the rooms. Rather than pass that increase on to those attending the Feast and possibly have them exceed their budgets, the church picked up the difference. We would like to avoid having this extra cost at any of the sites this year. So please make every effort to confirm your Feast plans early.

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Virginia Beach, VA

We hope you will join us for the Feast of Tabernacles 2008 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Glenn Daniel will be festival elder. We will again be meeting at the Howard Johnson’s located at 1801 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451 (757-437-9100).

The area features a wide variety of restaurants, along with many activities within a short driving distance. These include: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia Marine Science Museum and Motor World (both are great for kids), Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Deep Sea Fishing, Virginia Air and Space Museum, Nautilus Maritime Center and the USS Wisconsin, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, and the Chrysler Museum of Art.

Opening night will be Monday, October 13th, at 7:30 p.m. On Day 1, October 14, we will meet at 1:30 p.m. Services for the duration of the Feast will be at 11:00 a.m.

This year, the Feast is after the area’s busy season—so rates are cheaper. Please call to verify rates. Housing for the Feast of Tabernacles is as follows:

Howard Johnson’s located at 1801 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451 (757-437-9100). Meeting Room and restaurant are on-site. All rooms are Oceanfront. These rooms are ideal for a family with one or two small children. All units have cable TV, telephone, coffee maker, and a small refrigerator is available upon request. There is an indoor pool available to all guests. Rates are $54.95 per night plus tax. The deadline for reservations is September 11th.

Barclay Towers located at 809 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451 (800-344-4473), www.vbeach.com. Located 5 blocks from the Meeting Hall .All rooms are Oceanfront suites with kitchenettes and private balcony. 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Sleeper, sofa. Each unit accommodates a maximum of five people. Amenities include: cable TV, coffee maker, indoor heated pool, fitness room, whirlpool, game room, sunroof, and free continental breakfast. Rates are $676.96 plus tax for eight days. The deadline for reservations is September 12th. They only have four rooms left that run through the whole week.

Houses/Condos at Sandbridge Beach (no discounted rates). Many choices of individually owned homes and condos for large groups/families; 2BR-12BR, 20-30 minutes from Meeting Hall (depending on traffic), many located on beachfront; amenities vary. Most rentals run from Sat. to Sat., but exceptions may be made with the individual homeowners. Most of the brethren have been using these facilities; usually rented on an individual basis.

800-933-4800 www.sandbridge.com or 877-422-2200 www.siebert-realty.com.

When making reservations, be sure to mention Christian Biblical Church of God and that we have been there for the past 5-6 years. You can also check many other hotels at: www.vabeach.com.  However, please make an effort to patronize the above facilities. This year’s Feast falls outside of their busiest time of the year and rates are lower.

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Cartersville, GA

The Lodge at Red Top Mountain State Park

50 Lodge Road, Cartersville, GA 30121

770-975-0055 or 1-800-573-9658 and 1-800-864-7275; fax 770-975-3299

A newly added site, we will be meeting at the Red Top Mountain State Park. Darl E. Abrogast will host the site this year. At the Lodge we have reserved 16 rooms for the CBCG. Ten rooms have double beds, six rooms have king. All are handicap accessible. The rates are $79.00 a night for week days and $89.00 a night for Friday and Saturday. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check out time is 11 a.m.

Cottages are also available at the park. We were, however, unable to reserve them. They are full most of the time, but cancellations are always possible. If you are interested, you may inquire by calling 1-800-573-9658 to see if one is available. Cottages, 2 BR, 1 bath, are $104.00 per night (weekdays), $114.00 (Friday and Saturday). Cottages, 2 BR and 2 bath, are $114 per night (weekdays) and $124.00 (Friday and Saturday).

No pets are allowed in the cottages. Drivers need a $3.00 vehicle pass (available at the front desk).

When making reservations at the Lodge, use the CBCG name. Please make your reservations as soon as possible. After your reservations are confirmed, please contact Darl so we will have an estimate of how many will be attending (770-428-5719).

Accommodations are available in Cartersville—located within 6 miles of the meeting hall. Everyone must call and make their own reservations.

Prices vary from $50 to $100 per night; all are located on or near I-75:

Sleep Inn 770-387-1357

Holiday Inn 1-800-465-4329

Best Western Garden Inn and Suites 770-386-1569

Comfort Inn 770-387-1800

Country Inn & Suites (indoor pool) 770-386-5888

Days Inn 770-382-1824

Hampton Inn 770-382-8999

Ramada Limited 770-382-1515

Knights Inn 770-386-7263

Quality Inn 770-386-0510

To fax your reservation directly to Red Top Mountain Lodge, please use the fax form at the end of the letter.

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Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio, is noted for its attractive hillside setting overlooking the Ohio River. The city enjoys a rich cultural history, particularly in choral and orchestral music. It was founded in 1789 and incorporated in 1819. Cincinnati has many exciting sites to visit and enjoy. Marlin Fannin will be our festival elder.

The feast will be held at Receptions Conference Center located at 4450 East Gate Blvd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45245 (located on the east side of Cincinnati). Accommodations:

Holiday Inn East Gate

4501 East Gate Blvd.

Cincinnati, Ohio 45245

513-752-4400

Rates $119.00 per night + tax

Indoor pool

Located 1.5 miles from site

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Hampton Inn Cincinnati East Gate

858 East Gate North Drive

Cincinnati, Ohio 45245

513-752-8584

$94.00 per night + tax

Indoor pool, Breakfast Bar

Ask about weekly rates and save

Located 1.5 miles from site

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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

4521 East Gate Blvd.

Cincinnati, Ohio 45245

513-947-9402

Rates $89.99 per night + tax

Indoor pool, Breakfast Bar

No weekly rates

Located 1.5 miles from site

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Comfort Inn and Suites

4421 Aicholtz Road

Cincinnati, Ohio 45245

 513-947-0100

 Rates $89.99 per night + tax

Weekly rates approx. $65.00 per night + tax

Indoor Pool, Breakfast Bar

Located 1 mile from site

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Best Western

4004 Williams Drive

Cincinnati, Ohio 45255

513-528-7702

Rates $79.95 per night + tax

Weekly rates approx. $59.95 per night + tax

Breakfast bar; rooms have microwave and refrigerator

Located 4 miles from site

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Goshen, Indiana

Travelodge & Conference Center

1375 Lincoln Way East (US 33)

Goshen, IN 46526

Reservations: 1-574-533-9551

Most conveniently, we will be staying in the same motel where the festival meetings will be held—the Travelodge & Conference Room. The Hotel has a huge family Fun Dome Center with an indoor pool.

A block of rooms has been reserved until October 1, 2008. Afterwards, rooms are "as available." Rooms are $62.05 plus tax. Be sure to mention that you are with CBCG.

Services will be located at the Travelodge & Conference Center in the Oak Ballroom. The opening service will start at 7:30 p.m. Monday night, October 13; on Tuesday, October 14, services will be at 10:30 a.m. There will be a choir for those wishing to participate.

For those interested in having dinner as a group and attending the musical stage show "Kiss Me Kate" at Amish Acres (October 16th at 8 p.m.), please call Dennis & Gloria Thome at 304-273-5545 so arrangements can be made. The price for the dinner and show is $44.25 per adult, $13.50 per child.

In addition, we have reserved seats for the "Parade Of Pianos" show in Shipshewana, IN, on Saturday night, October 18th, at the city’s new Convention Center. The show features five grand pianos on stage, a comedy act, and four singing groups. This should be an event to remember. The show will soon be sold out, as three-fourths of the seats are already sold. Because of the popularity of this show, all seats must be paid for by August 14th, and are $40 each. Those interested in either show should contact Dennis & Gloria Thome at 304-273-5545; please send your checks to P. O. Box 727, Ravenswood, WV 26164.

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Tulsa, Oklahoma

Meeting hall location change. This year we will hold festival services in Tulsa at the Church of God 7th Day meeting hall, built 6 years ago. It is located at 13902 East 11th St. The meeting hall is located on the south side of the street between 129th and 145th on 11th St. Services will be between 10 a.m. and 12 noon—October 14-21.

Tulsa is a great feast site, with many excellent restaurants. There are no previously made housing arrangements; each member is responsible for make his or her own reservations. For more information, please call Lawrence Burchfield at 918-733-4175.

The CBCG Tulsa fellowship group looks forward to seeing you!

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Waco, Texas

Once again, we were able to obtain the Redmen Hall for the entire Feast in Waco, Texas. This is a wonderful hall, as many of you know. I will be in Waco on days 3 and 4. Contrary to a misunderstanding, the Baylor football team will not be playing in Waco at any time during the Feast.

Jack Thomas has located some motels close to the hall (see below) and gathered other information concerning the area There are many attractions and activities in Waco that make it a wonderful feast site: Ranger Museum, Baylor Discovery Center, Dr. Pepper, Sports Hall of Fame, Baylor’s Armstrong Browning Library, a great city Zoo, and the new, huge Central Texas Marketplace with its many stores and eating places. All of these are easily accessible.

The Riverwalk runs from I-35 to Cameron Park and the Zoo (sounds like a great place for a picnic—and a chance brethren to get better acquainted)! We will have all the maps and information available from the Tourist Center by Ranger Museum. You may obtain additional information from the Waco Tourist Information Center (254-750-8696).

Jay and Gerrie Whitlow will be glad to help make this a most enjoyable and profitable Feast for everyone—call them at 254-859-5538.

Waco Area Motels:

We have negotiated a block of at least 15 rooms with Extended Stay America (this is the best price of all the motels listed here). All are nonsmoking rooms. We have 10 plus queen sized beds and 5 king sized beds. Please make your reservations by September 15, 2008. Best price of all!

EXTENDED STAY AMERICA

5903 Woodway Dr

Waco TX 76712

254-399-8836; fax 254-399-8931

Group rates (not including taxes):

Queen—$47.99 per night

King—$52.99 per night

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SUPER 8 MOTEL

1320 S. Jack Kultgen & Freeway 35

Waco, TX 76706

Double Beds—$64.99 a night

CBCG special rates:

Queen—$49.99 a night

King—$54.99 a night

At Super 8, we can have as many rooms as needed. Rooms include complementary breakfast, microwaves, refrigerator, hair dryer, coffee maker, recliners, Wi-Fi service, cable TV, gym access, and other services at no charge.

Here are some other motels we have not contacted, but are close by:

QUALITY INN & SUITES

1-304-273-5545

Reservations: (254) 296-0550

2410 S. New Road (I-35 at Exit 331)

Waco, Texas 76711

$85.00 + 13% tax

We have a block of 3-4 rooms

1 mile from feast site

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FAIRFIELD INN

(254) 776-7821

5805 N Woodway Dr. (Hwy 84 W)

Waco, Texas 76712

$69.00 + 13% tax

2.8 miles from feast site

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For upscale lodging, there is the Hilton Hotel and the Marriott Residency on University Parks Dr. in downtown Waco. There are also campgrounds in the area. All of these motels feature a Continental Breakfast and many other amenities. Waco has many motels—some more expensive and some less. Many are convenient to Redmen.

WACO Meeting Hall:

Redmen Hall

4521 Speight Ave

Waco, Texas

Directions: From I-35 take New Road exit, go west on New Road to Speight Ave, turn right. Redmen Hall will be in the first block on the left on Speight.

Opening Services will be on October 13, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.; other meeting times TBA.

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Houston, Texas

As we have for the past 8 years, we will have a festival site in Houston. The brethren were so happy to have a site close to them that we decided to hold the feast there this year. Frank Penny will host the Feast; meetings will take place at the regular Sabbath meeting hall. To attend, please call Frank at 936-228-0376. Meeting location:

Best Western Hotel

11611 NW Freeway (Hwy 290 & Antonio)

Houston, Texas

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Tucson, Arizona

The Feast of Tabernacles for 2008 will be held at the Windmill Suites at St. Philip’s Plaza, 4250 North Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ. All rooms are suites with refrigerator, microwave, TVs. Amenities include a heated pool, lending library, complementary use of bicycles, access to local health club, and guest laundry. Pets are free of charge. A Continental Breakfast is included. The area has numerous shops and quality restaurants within walking distance. A block of guest rooms have been set aside for $85 per night. First floor suites with a patio are also available for an additional $20. Call Windmill Suites at (800) 547-4747 or (520) 577-0007. Please use Code 10/13CBC when you make your reservation to secure the special rate. Reservations need to be made by August 15, 2008 in order to guarantee this rate.

Norbert Bohnert will be our festival elder

Our first meeting will be at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2008. We will have the Introductory and First Day sermons the first day with a furnished brunch in between meetings. All other meetings will be held at 10:00 a.m.

If you need help with reservations, please contact Todd Dragger at 1-520-883-6211 or e-mail him at imadrag@gmail.com.

 

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Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho

We will again have a CBCG festival site in Coeur D’ Alene. Opening services will be October 13, 2007 at 7 p.m. Other times TBA. Gerald Grosskreger will host the Feast.

Shilo Inn Suites

702 West Appleway

Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho 83814

We have blocked ten rooms; reservations need to be made by September 13, 2008 (208-664-2300; fax 208-667-2863). The room rate is $73 a night. Please let them know that you are with CBCG.

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Bozeman, Montana

Once again, we are pleased to announce the festival site in beautiful Bozeman, Montana. Bozeman is located in the Gallatin Valley, surrounded in every direction by the majestic Rocky Mountains, and is just 90 minutes north of the 2 million-acre Yellowstone National Park. There are many rivers, lakes and streams, as well as endless hiking opportunities.

We will be having meetings at the Bozeman Comfort Inn Convention Center, and have reserved a block of rooms there for the brethren. The rates are $69 for rooms with 2 queen beds, and $89 for suites with either 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds plus a hide-a-bed. Please book by September 12th and tell them you are with CBCG. Comfort Inn is newly renovated and within easy walking distance of shopping areas and several nice eating establishments.

Bozeman Comfort Inn

1370 North 7th Avenue

Bozeman, MT 59715

(406) 587-2322

For those interested in participating in the festival choir or needing further information about this feast site, please contact John and Hiedi Vogele at (406) 266-9988 or mtchild@acedialup.com.

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Palm Springs, CA (Updated information below)

Homewood Suites La Quinta Hotel

45-200 Washington St

La Quinta California 92253

Phone number: 1-760-391-4600

Homewood Suites La Quinta Hotel is located east of Palm Springs in the city of La Quinta, known as the "Gem of the Desert." Nestled at the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta is a vibrant community featuring enchanting scenery and perfect weather.

The Homewood Suites La Quinta is just across the street from Indian Wells Tennis Garden and less than one mile from numerous restaurants and shops. Several world class golf courses are nearby.

Spacious Rooms & Suites:

• Two-Room Suites with separate living and sleeping areas

• Spacious Studio Suites

• Each hotel suite is fully equipped with: kitchen, full-size refrigerator, range

• Two TVs, Video Cassette Player or On-Demand movies

• Microwave

• Coffee maker

• Two telephones with voicemail and data ports

• High-speed Internet access

• Cribs and highchairs

• Check-in: 3:00 p.m.; Check-out: Noon

Special Services:

• Complimentary hot breakfast daily

• Fitness Center, Pool, Putting Green

• ATM

• Baggage Storage

• Coin Laundry

• Elevators

• Gift Shop

Be sure that you mention that you are with the CBCG when you make your reservations.

Meeting times will be October 13, 2008 at 7:30 PM; October 14 at 10:30 AM, other times to be announced

Palm Springs, CA – additional information

Our contract is for two different sized rooms - the studio suite and the one-bedroom suite. The price for the Studio Suite is $109/night + tax and for the One-bedroom Suite is $119/night + tax. They do have a few two-bedroom suites, which they will discount as long as they are available.

In addition to the daily complimentary hot breakfast which is served M-F 6:30 – 9:30 and Sat & Sun 7:00 – 10:00 they also provide a Welcome Home Reception® featuring a complimentary light meal and beverages served from 5:30 – 7:30 Monday through Thursday evenings.

The Homewood Suites La Quinta Hotel is a little over one year old and very nice.

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Hollister, California

This the third year that we will host the Feast in Hollister, California, which is located 35 miles inland from the Central California Coast. It is about 55 miles from the San Jose Airport, 48 miles from Monterey and Santa Cruz, and about 135 miles from San Simeon, the location of the Hearst Castle. There are many attractions for children as well as adults within the areas mentioned above. For those who enjoy history, San Juan Bautista is just 10 miles away. It is the location of the Old Mission San Juan Bautista built in 1797. Monterey City and Monterey County has the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a number of nature walks, skin diving, wine tasting, Museums, Missions, and facilities featuring Steinbeck. Twenty miles away, Gilroy has Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park. Approximately 55 miles away is the Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad. Check the Internet for a complete list of attractions and sites within easy driving distance of Hollister.

The Feast of Tabernacles will be observed at the Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, 3800 Airline Highway, Hollister, CA 95023. The rooms have 1 king bed, a microwave, and a small refrigerator. The room rate is $81 per day including tax. To make reservations, call 831-637-8151 and tell them you are with Christian Biblical Church of God. Check-in time is 3 p.m. and check out time is 11 a.m. If you need to check out later, you MUST make prior arrangement or there will be a $50 late-check-out charge added to your account.

Additional lodging is available at the Posada de San Juan. It is located at 310 Forth Street, San Juan Bautista—about 11 miles from the festival site. Most of the rooms have fireplaces, an oversized spa tub, and a choice of one or two beds. The price is $102.60 per day including tax. Check in time is 4 p.m. and check out time is 11 a.m. To make reservations, call 831-623-4030 and tell them you are with Christian Biblical Church of God.

Both the Ridgemark and the Posada de San Juan are holding blocks of rooms for us until 30 days prior to the check-in date, so you should make your reservations by September 14th.

We will be meeting in the fellowship hall (w/kitchen and no crosses in fellowship room) of the Trinity Lutheran Church at 2300 Airline Highway, just north of Ridgemark Country Club.

The first Holy Day service will in the same room at 10:30 a.m. The times and locations for the subsequent days will be announced on the first Holy Day.

I will be in Hollister days 5, 6, 7 & 8.

Other Hotel/Motels available—we have not checked for special pricing:

Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy

6070 Monterey St

Gilroy, CA 95020

The Hilton Garden Inn is located only 12 miles from Hollister, which is a pleasant drive through farming and grazing land. They have double queen and king sized beds. The rooms are available for $129 a night. Phone 408-840-7000; fax 408-840-7022.

Motel 6

6110 Monterey St

Gilroy CA 95020

408-842-6061

The Motel 6 is located directly behind the Hilton Garden Inn. They have discount rooms available. However, we have not set aside a block of rooms. For one adult, the rate is $45.99 week days and $55.99 weekends. For two adults the rate is $51.99 for week days and $61.99 for weekends.

May God bless you in your plans for a wonderful Fall Festival!

With love in Christ Jesus,

Fred R. Coulter

FRC

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