United Church of God members to gather worldwide at more than 55 festival sites September 25 to October 3 to celebrate the coming Kingdom of God, a biblical event foretold by Jesus Christ. Visitors are welcome.
CINCINNATI, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A future world at peace under Jesus' reign signifies the exciting theme observed by about 14,000 members and families of the United Church of God Sept. 25 through Oct. 3, as the church celebrates the anticipated and biblically prophesied Kingdom of God outlined in the Bible. Observed in 55 sites around the world, the eight-day festival continues its observance since the first century by Jesus Christ and the early Church.
This annual festival, referred to in the Bible as the Feast of Tabernacles, begins on the evening of September 25, where church members take part in a contemporary Christian application of the biblical ancient Hebrew Holy Days. According to church teachings, the fall festival illustrates the capstone of God's plan for humanity.
John Elliott, Church president, notes that within the autumn festivals are elements relating to the life-long spiritual journey of Christians, who are taught by Jesus from the Bible to "seek first the Kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33). "The New Testament generally describes those who followed Jesus in the first century as disciples, representing committed people who dedicate their lives to learning and practicing the ways of Jesus Christ," explained Mr. Elliott. "The Bible clearly teaches that human life on earth is temporary, with disciples looking forward to eternal life in peace and harmony in this coming Kingdom that He preached."
"Given the state of conflict and upheaval across the globe today, this biblically prophesied Kingdom of God stands in sharp contrast to a future time when peace is prophesied to break out across the world," the Church President noted.
Continuing, Mr. Elliott explained: "As confirmed by scholars, it is important to remember that the early Christian church continued to observe the biblical Holy Days as Jesus did, but in a new covenant and with deeper understanding of their meanings."
As an example, that contemporary understanding includes how the apostle Paul later wrote to the 1st century Corinthian congregation to reveal how Jesus was to be understood as the true Passover Lamb, sacrificed for all of humanity. As Paul wrote, "Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7). The biblical concept of the Passover lamb was first presented in Exodus 12.
The observance of these days and seasons—outlined in the 23rd chapter of the book of Leviticus—offer a sure hope and marvelous understanding of the purpose of humanity, including the incredible human potential that God desires to be fulfilled for all, according to church teachings of biblical passages.
"Many biblical references demonstrate that the fall Holy Day season prophetically portrays future events that will utterly transform the world from what it is today," Mr. Elliott added.
The book of Hebrews in the New Testament explains how disciples consider themselves but "strangers and pilgrims" on the earth (Hebrews 11:13). The contemporary observance of the Festival of Tabernacles offers rich spiritual parallels as members journey to festival sites to reside in temporary dwellings during the Feast.
What takes place during the eight-day observance? Daily worship services (typically in the morning) present powerful sermons and Bible studies that magnify and explain these spiritual principles. The eight-day period also features many family activities and opportunities for fellowship, Mr. Elliott noted.
In the United States, members will gather at 14 sites: Aransas Pass, Texas; Branson, Missouri; Cincinnati, Ohio; Daytona Beach, Florida; Glacier Country, Montana; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Lake Junaluska, North Carolina; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Morehead City, North Carolina; Panama City Beach, Florida; Redmond, Oregon; Sturgis, South Dakota; Temecula, California; and Walnut Creek, Ohio.
The Church will conduct the festival at three Canadian sites (Calgary, Alberta; Midland, Ontario; and St. John's, Newfoundland) as well as sites in the Caribbean, China, India, Latin America, Europe and Scotland, Africa, Australia, India, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Turkey.
How do New Testament disciples observe these days? Following the biblical directive, church members save about a 10th of their income for attending the Feast of Tabernacles (or, the Feast of Booths in various English translations). Those funds allow members to fully celebrate the eight-day biblical event, and to "rejoice before the Lord your God" during this season (see Leviticus 23:40 for details). This element of the festival's observance foretells the coming abundance that humanity will enjoy under Jesus' 1000 year reign over the earth (Amos 9:13-14, Isaiah 35).
Church members will attend the festival with their families, and the Church provides many opportunities for family time together. The worldwide nature of the festival also gives rise to global fellowship, and many friendships are made or renewed each season.
To learn more about these autumn events and other annual holy days, the Church has produced a video series, Rediscovering the Feasts of the Lord. Those interested in observing the Feast of Tabernacles can view livestream services at https://www.ucg.org/webcast/2026-feast-tabernacles-webcast-panama-city-beach and https://www.ucg.org/webcast/2026-feast-tabernacles-webcast-glacier-country, or email [email protected] for more information.
About the United Church of God, an International Association -- More information about the United Church of God is available at www.ucg.org. The Church publishes a Bible study guide titled "God's Holy Day Plan – The Promise of Hope for All Mankind," which describes the biblical foundation for the ancient Hebrew Holy Days in detail. It is also available online at https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/gods-holy-day-plan-the-promise-of-hope-for-all-mankind. The Church publishes the Beyond Today magazine and sponsors the television program of the same name: Beyond Today.
Media Contact
Scott Delamater, United Church of God, 1 (513) 576-9796, [email protected], https://www.ucg.org/
Michael Snyder, MEK Group, 1 3178054870, [email protected], https://themekgroup.com/
SOURCE United Church of God
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