Herbert W Armstrong

The Night to Be Much Observed should again follow the same format as in the past several years. Groups of two or three families should eat and fellowship together in an attitude of thankfulness and rejoicing for the deliverance from sin which we as New Testament Christians experience. The host or leading man should ask God's blessing on the meal and the occasion, but no further "sermonizing" should be done.

The meaning of the Night to Be Much Observed should be carefully explained on the preceding Sabbath, and the brethren should be encouraged to bear that meaning in mind as the background and focus of the spiritual fellowship through the course of this special evening. Also point out how enjoyable it is to open our homes to one another — to plan and serve together, helping and fellowshipping with one another even in cleanup. And make sure that no widows or other single people are left out on this very important occasion.

Some have asked about the use of restaurants on this night. Although eating in a restaurant is not prohibited, experience has shown that it is much more preferable to have the meal for the Night to Be Much Observed in homes rather than in restaurants. The opportunity for quality fellowship is far greater in a home than in a restaurant. And since the Night to Be Much Observed does celebrate coming out of the sin of this world, observing it with brethren in an intimate, home atmosphere is much more meaningful.

A restaurant, even in a private room, provides too many possibilities for things to go wrong which might spoil or put a damper on the evening. Plans or reservations can be fouled up in many ways. There could be too few seats, wrong food served, improperly prepared food, poor service, unexpected noise ("music") or other distractions, last-minute cancellations due to sick children or auto problems, difficulties or sensitivities in computing each family's share of the bill, etc. These things have actually happened to various brethren at one time or another when they ate in restaurants on the Night to Be Much Observed. Many who have observed this very special evening in restaurants felt they missed the spirit of the occasion. On the other hand, we realize that there may be the rare situation where some may find a restaurant setting appropriate.

Be sure to also remind the brethren to plan and prepare well in advance for this spring festival period so they won't come up short at the last minute because of meal needs on the first holy day. There should be two services on that day as on all holy days except Atonement.