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The 2017 Feast of Tabernacles in Jamaica is shaping up to be epic. We are excited
that so many members have chosen Jamaica this year. We could have over 500 in
attendance.
The Activity schedule is still being tweaked but the Speaking/Song Leading
Schedule has been sent out. The Choir, Teen, Pre-Teen, and Children Choir
schedules are nearing completion. We are going to have 2 full days of fellowship
with the Jamaican brethren at the hotel and this is a highlight every year, so make
sure to plan on being at the hotel those days. (October 6 and 11)
There is still room for participation in the Fun Show. Hurry and email
[email protected] to reserve your spot.
2017 Jamaica Tours
Many of you have contacted us
concerning the tours during the Feast.
We recommend Jamaica Tours Limited
for all of your tours. We have a long history with them and they take really good
care of the brethren. They do their upmost to keep us safe and on-time, and they
are flexible to our schedule. They assist the ministry all year long in getting around
the Island. You are not required to use them, but you are helping the Work when
you do so.
Airport Transfers must be arranged before the Feast.
All other tours can be booked at the Feast site.
Airport Transfers First, for transportation to and from the airport, the charge is $15 cash per person.
You will need to email your flight itinerary as follows:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: United Church of God – HRH Transportation
You will pay this fee in person, Sunday, October 8th at 6:00 pm in our meeting hall.
Cash only.
Once you arrive at the airport and after you leave the customs desk, you will pass
through double doors into the transportation area. Generally, you will find
someone with a placard saying United Church of God or UCG. If you do NOT see
them, go to Booth #21, Jamaica Tours Limited, and identify yourself. THEIR
BUSINESS BOOTH IS IN THE TRANSPORTATION HALL on the left side at the far
corner. They will take care of you. DO NOT GO OUTSIDE THE BUILDING AND
LOOK FOR THEM, YOU CANNOT GET BACK IN!!
Before/After Feast Tours There are some tours that can’t be completed during the Feast due to time
limitations. However, if you have extra time before or after the Feast, you may be
interested in the following:
• Negril (the cliff diving from Rick’s Café is popular) From web site:
Facing directly west, Negril's Seven-Mile Beach has been voted many times over as one of the best in the world. Legendary for its dramatic sunsets, silky white sands, clear turquoise waters, and spontaneous island spirit, the natural attributes of this phenomenal beach are alluring. Sheltered by one of the Caribbean's great reefs, Negril Bay is always tranquil. And because Jamaica itself does not have high tides, the entire protected beachfront is nearly level with the gently lapping waters, creating a seamless entry from sand to sea.
• Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour From web site:
On this trip, you will learn about Jamaican culture and enjoy leisure downhill bicycle ride
through lush tropical rain forest, home to over hundreds of species of birds and blossoming
plant life. Guests will be able to view Blue Mountain Plantations, home of the famous Blue
Mountain coffee, one of the world's most rare and expensive. The conclusion of the tour will be
an exhilarating dip at a cool cascading waterfall. A simply exciting way to end a dynamic and
educational tour.
Check out the website for more ideas: https://jamaicatoursltd.com
Feast Tour Prices and suggested times ❖ Luminous Lagoon $57.26 Saturday night
❖ Snorkeling $88 Sunday morning
❖ Dunns River $60 Sunday morning (Out by 8:00 return by 1:00)
❖ Zipline $89 Based on availability
❖ ATV $115 Based on availability
❖ Golf $119 (Available on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday)
❖ Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting. $147 per couple or $125 single
Watch: https://youtu.be/MEcER9xbH6Y (Available on Sunday, Monday, or
Tuesday)
❖ Outdoor activities are subject to weather delays and cancellations.
❖ This is only a partial list of activities, check out the web site for more
details.
❖ There will be tour representatives at the hotel daily to assist you in making
your tour plans. Other than the airport transfers, they do take all major
credit cards. Remember that your credit card may charge foreign currency
transaction fees.
❖ Finally, have you seen the hotel? Why would you want to leave?
USEFUL INFORMATION – JAMAICA FEAST SITE
JAMAICA CURRENCY Currently, one US dollar = 127.91 Jamaican dollars. Virtually all vendors will
accept US dollars, but you will likely receive change in Jamaican dollars. For
reference, if you see something priced at $2,000 Jamaican, that is about $15.64
USD.
CREDIT CARD FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEES Many U.S. credit card companies/banks charge a foreign transaction fee (usually
3% of transaction amount) for purchases made in currency other than U.S.
dollars. Check with your credit card company or bank.
JAMAICA—A SUNNY TROPICAL ISLAND
Jamaica is a beautiful tropical island with lush vegetation, swaying palms,
beautiful flowers, and wide beaches. Enjoy it to the fullest degree! We don’t
want anything to detract from your enjoyment, so remember your sunscreen and
bug repellent to keep away those less than desirable things that go along with a
tropical environment.
Daytime temperatures should be in the upper 80’s/low 90’s with quite a bit of
humidity. Hotel rooms, meeting hall and some restaurants are air-conditioned;
some of the other restaurants, bars, and lobby areas are not.
TAXI SERVICE If you plan to use a taxi service while on the island, please plan to pay with cash.
Most taxi drivers cannot accept credit cards. Negotiating a rate before you get in
the Taxi is best and saves time, money, and feelings.
HILTON RESORT INFORMATION
Electrical Outlets in Hotel Rooms Hotel rooms are outfitted with U.S.-type 110 electrical outlets. Adapters will not
be needed.
UCG GROUP ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION
We will be using PowerPoint to display the hymns; however, if you require a
hymnal, you will need to bring your own personal copy.
Dress for Services Dress for services is Sabbath-wear as is the custom in the US and Canada. For
men who are speaking, song-leading or giving a prayer, a suit or sports coat and
tie is appropriate; otherwise, slacks with a dress shirt and tie are fine.
Location for Services All services, the Bible Study, and the Seminars will be held in the ballroom below
the lobby in the Hilton Rose Hall. The ballroom is on the ground floor in the West
wing of the Hilton.
Opening Night Service The opening service will take place Wednesday, October 4, at 7:30 PM.
Holy Day Offerings Holy Day offerings will be collected on the first and last days of the Feast. Checks
can be made out to “UCGIA - Jamaica Limited.” Your offering will help finance
congregational expenses for our three Jamaica congregations for the rest of the
year. We humbly ask you to invest in God’s work in Jamaica.
Family/Youth Days – Friday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 11 Friday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 11 are designated as Family/Youth
Days. During these days “Day Passes” to the Hilton will be provided to all the
Jamaican brethren, so they can join us for meals, activities, and fellowship; they
will have access to all Hilton facilities for the day (except for guest rooms). There
are no off-site activities planned for these days so that we can maximize the
fellowship and really get to know the Jamaican brethren.
Family Fun Night – Sunday, October 8, 7:00 - 9:00 PM In conjunction with Youth Day, a Family Fun Night is scheduled and will be held in
the Hilton ballroom. Some activities include skits, music, dancing and more.
Bible Study – Friday, October 21, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM This will be an interactive study conducted by Chuck Smith, Festival Coordinator.
Seminars – Tuesday, October 10, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM There will be 2 seminars held in the Hilton Ballroom on Tuesday night conducted
simultaneously -- one by Mr. Gary Antion, a long-time minister and former
Instructor at Ambassador Bible College, and the other by Jeff Lockhart, Assistant
Festival Coordinator.
Families Helping Families Each year, many overseas brethren ask how they can assist the local brethren in
Jamaica. Families Helping Families was designed to provide an outlet for those
who do want to assist. This year, donations to this program will go toward the
cost of housing for brethren at the Feast as well as the day passes for local
brethren. Donations can be made through the business office.
Use Wisdom and Stay Safe Like every country, Jamaica has its fair share of crime. Overall, we will be located
in a safe area, but please follow the same safety precautions you would follow in
any other country. Some safety tips:
• Never leave the resort property alone.
• If approached with dubious offers, utter a polite but firm “no-thank you” without stopping or slowing down. Ignore catcalls; keep walking briskly and with purpose.
• Stick to public areas, out in the open where you can be seen by many people.
• Never go off with any unfamiliar person outside of our group—especially alone.
T-shirts for sale at the Feast We will have a limited number of T-shirts available for sale at the Feast.
We will have two colors, sea blue and sand (shown), and the following
adult sizes: Sm, Med, Lg, XL. The price will be $18.00 per shirt. The T-
shirts will go on sale Friday, October 6, after services and will be sold on
a “first come/first served” basis. The picture here is not correct, the
actual T-shirt has a small logo on the front and the big design is on the
back of the shirt. You will be able to pay using cash or credit card.