The members of the CFN Feast Planning Team have been hard at work in preparation for Feast 2020. The planning effort is usually both a joy and a challenge. However, this year, with the addition of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, it has proven to be even more challenging.

We want you to be aware of how the COVID health issue is affecting the planning and execution of the Feast of Tabernacles, and the changes that are in store for us all as we gather to worship our heavenly Father and His Son, our Savior. Some of the changes are directly related to the COVID pandemic; others are as a result of the change in venue for the meetings and activities. Of course, as the situation is subject to change, we may need to make modifications to our plans.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

We at Common Faith Network recommend that everyone take personal responsibility for their own health. We hold to the long-standing traditional practice of the Sabbatarian Churches of God – for individuals to stay away from church meetings if they are experiencing symptoms of ill-health. We ask everyone to be mindful of the health and welfare of the other members of our family of faith.

HEALTH MEASURES AT THE CFN FEAST

Common Faith Network will seek to be compliant with applicable governmental regulations relative to how we conduct our feast site. We encourage attendees to provide any desired PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for themselves, but we plan to provide hand-sanitizing stations on-site and will have a limited supply of face masks available for those who would like to use them but did not bring their own. At this time, we will not require face masks to be worn during Feast services and programs. However, individuals are welcome to wear masks if desired.

The ballroom will be setup with fewer seats than we have been able to provide in previous venues. Seating will likely be limited to between 500 – 600 people and will be available daily on a first-come, first-served basis. For those considered to be within “at-risk” groups, or those who may simply wish to practice personal “social-distancing” during the Feast, we will have three rooms set aside with about 40 seats each. These rooms will have video and audio connections to the main ballroom where the worship services will be held and will provide an opportunity for attendees to achieve space between themselves and others. Of course, we will provide live-streaming of worship services for those who are unable to attend in person.

FLORIDA AS A “HOTSPOT”

News media outlets portray the state of Florida as a “hotspot” for COVID-19 cases. There are areas of the state of Florida that are experiencing “spikes” in numbers of reported COVID cases. But it is good to realize that Florida is a large state and COVID cases are most prevalent in major metropolitan areas like Miami and Tampa. As of Monday, July 20th Walton County Florida (the location of Sandestin Resort and Miramar Beach, and our 2020 Feast site) has the 10th lowest number of COVID cases of all of Florida’s 67 counties [only 822 total cases since the pandemic began]. It also has the lowest fatality rate among Florida counties that have major tourist beach/resort areas.

We will continue to monitor the health situation and will modify plans as needed in our efforts to provide a safe and comfortable Feast experience during these uncertain times.