1825 Mountain Laurel Lane
Allen, Texas, 75002 * 972-491-5332
E:mail: doug_horchak@ucg.org
Douglas R. Horchak PASTOR
June 11, 2007
To: Brethren attending the Anchorage Feast Site,
Greetings from Dallas—
I hope all of you are excited about attending the Feast of Tabernacles in the unique setting of Anchorage, Alaska. It is my understanding that most of you have not been to this beautiful state before, and I am sure you will find it a most inspiring experience. My family and I had the privilege of attending the Feast in Alaska in 1991 and 2004—and had a wonderful time. I know that the brethren in Alaska are also very anxious to host God’s Feast in their part of the world this year.
The purpose of this letter is to get information to all of you regarding activities, the schedule, and volunteering to serve at the Feast. I hope this information will prove helpful in making your Feast plans.
Web site: To make things quick and easy (for those that have internet access) – we have designed a web page for all of you to access information on the Festival schedule, activities and serving at the Feast. In particular—those of you that would like to volunteer serving at the Feast can sign up on the web page—rather than mailing in the attached form. The URL for the website is:http://www.ucg-akfot.org Be sure to check the site now and then, since any updates will be posted on the website. Another plus of the website is the listing of many suggested activities, restaurants, and other destinations you may choose to take advantage of before and during the Feast this year.
Serving at the Feast: Since over 95% of the attendees in Anchorage are transferring in, we need to recruit individuals to help with duties at the Feast. We will need help in the Auditorium (ushering, security, setup), Mother’s Room, Special Music, PA/Sound System, Festival Youth Instruction, Business Office/HDO, serving the handicapped, etc. We would like to hear from those that want to serve in Anchorage no later than July 6th. Having your email address for us to respond to you would be very helpful.
Service Schedule: The attached schedule should help all of you to make plans for any personal activities or attractions you would like to see while in Alaska. You will note that on most mornings, services will be at 10:00am. The only exception is on Monday, October 1st when we will have services at 9:00am to accommodate the Alaska Railroad Trip to the Portage Glacier that afternoon.
Church-Arranged Activities: While many of the attractions in Alaska are still available during and around the Feast time (some close the end of September)—the Church is arranging a few activities that should prove enjoyable for all attendees. Please note some of the activities arranged or sponsored by the Church below (others will be announced in the Feast Brochure at the Feast). Some require advance purchase or commitment, so please read through the entire listing:
ANCHORAGE FAMILY DANCE: On Saturday night, September 29th, we will be having the Family Dance at the ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel (main property where services are held). The Dance will begin at 7:30pm.—and will be for the entire family—young and old alike! There will be no meal served; however we plan to have snacks and drinks available. A slide show on the wonders of Alaska will accompany the dance. The cost is $5/person $15/family/max. We would like to encourage all planning to attend to purchase tickets for the dance in advance. Advance ticket purchase suggested. Please complete the Ticket Order Form.
|
ALASKA RAILROAD TOUR/MEAL: We have arranged a very special train trip on the Alaska Railroad on the afternoon of Monday, October 1st. This scenic trip on the AKRR will go from Anchorage, through the beautiful the Turnagain Arm, to the glacial mountains area near Portage Glacier. An excellent box lunch meal will be included as well. Cash bar also available on train. The trip will be about 5+ hours long—from 1-6:30pm. The cost for the trip/meal/person is $65. Those 4-12 are $55/person. Children 3 and under are free. Advance reservations are necessary. Please make checks payable to Garden Grove—United Church of God. Reservations should be made no later than July 6th. Please see/use attached Ticket Order Form.
|
MARTIN BUSER - HAPPY TRAILS IDITAROD SLED DOG KENNEL TOUR: Go to the dogs while meeting 4 time Iditarod Champion and world record holder, Martin Buser. The tour begins with a DVD trip from Anchorage to Nome narrated by Buser and includes his unique anecdotal stories gathered over 23 Iditarods. Visitors are offered a glimpse of a mock up of the Cripple Checkpoint complete with campfire and wall tent. Veterinary and dog care topics are discussed and of course, there's the cuddling of puppies. The tour ends with a riotous symphony of dogs barking as a team is hooked up and taken on a demo run to show folks the dogs in action. Martin shares his personal stories while showing viewers a glimpse of the the grandeur Alaska has to offer along the Iditarod trail. He has presented for The National Geographic Society (NGS) in Washington, DC to a sold out crowd. Because of the demand for that show, the NGS added an additional show which was also sold out! The cost is $31.50 and there is room for only 50 people on each day (4 days total) - so book early! To read more, visit their website at www.buserdog.com. Advanced ticket purchase suggested. To purchase tickets, email Martin & Kathy at martin@buserdog.com
|
YOUNG ADULTS--TASTE OF ALASKA RESTAURANT: On Sunday evening, September 30th—the Sour Dough Mining Company restaurant featuring Alaskan atmosphere and fare will be the location of a dinner/social for all Young Adults (H.S. grads—30’s). Gift shops and an eye-popping movie afterwards on the wonders of Alaska. All young adults are welcome to this special Anchorage, Alaska attraction! The evening will end with a large screen video viewing of a “Tour of Alaska”. The evening (meal and video) will cost about $28/person. All interested should REGISTER in advance. Advance Registration is Requested ($10 deposit required). Reservations should be made on the Ticket Order Form attached and submitted by July 6th .
|
TEEN HOSPITALITY ROOM: On The Holy Day—Thursday, September 27th, and Friday, September 28th we will be hosting a Hospitality Room at the Sheraton Hotel for all of our teens. The Hospitality Room will be open one hour before services (1:00pm). Name/location of the room will be announced on opening night services.
|
YOUNG ADULTS HOSPITALITY ROOM: On Friday, September 28th we will be hosting a Hospitality Room at the Sheraton Hotel for all young adults. The Hospitality Room will be open on hour before services (9:00am). Name/location of the room will be announced on opening night services.
|
KENAI FJORDS TOURS--SEWARD, AK: For pre and post Feast tours, The Kenai Fjords Tours are offering their National Park Tour. This 6 hour tour ventures into Kenai Fjords National Park in search of wildlife and glaciers. This is a time of year when the Orcas are really active. The rate for this is $129.00 retail plus 6% tax and $3.50 per person port fee. Round Trip Transportation is $59.00 per person (for those that desire--otherwise a 2 1/4 hour drive from Anchorage). They are offering a group discount of 20% on these tours. Check their website link - www.kenaifjords.com for an idea of what the tour entails. To recieve the discount--Call 1-888-4-PUFFIN and be sure you mention you are with United Church of God, and would like the 20% discount on the Kenai Fjords National Park Tour.
|
Tickets: We do need to have those planning for the Alaska Railroad Trip to reserve space by July 6th (see attached form). However, all tickets/reservations for both the Alaska Railroad Trip, the Festival Family Dance, and Young Adult evening can be picked up at the Information Table during the Feast.
Other Sites/Attractions in Alaska: While the Church is only arranging a few activities, there are many attractions and activities to enjoy in Alaska. Some of you may be coming 2-3 days prior to the Feast—and will want to take advantage of glacier tours from Whittier or Seward, Alaska. One tour—The 26 Glacier Tour out of Whittier, Alaska—likely has space left for their September 25th and 26th tour (they close at the end of September). You can get further information about this tour online at http://www.26glaciers.com/index.htm In any event, many other suggestions from local attractions to restaurants can be viewed on our http://www.ucg-akfot.org website. Be sure to visit it soon!
We are looking forward to a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles in the beautiful state of Alaska this fall. Since the weather could be wet and chilly that time of year (Highs in the 40s and 50s, lows in the 30s)—be sure to plan appropriately for clothing.
Please let me know if we can do anything to help. We’ll look forward to seeing you all in The Last Frontier—Alaska for the Feast of Tabernacles—2007.
Sincerely,
Douglas Horchak
Festival Coordinator
***CLICK HERE to download a printable ticket request form*** |
