JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

May 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning observance of the new moon.

Although there are scriptures which show that some in ancient times did assemble on the occasion of each new moon, the Bible does not command us to do the same today.

Calendars were not available to everyone in ancient Israel the way they are today. Instead, the knowledge of the calendar and its computations was entrusted to the priesthood. It was their responsibility to compute the beginning of each month, the new moon, and make it known to the congregation.

Some form of ceremony took place on the day of the new moon to let the people know that a new month had begun. In this manner, the general populace was kept aware of God's calendar so they could prepare for any approaching seasons, festivals, annual Sabbaths, and the like.

Today, it is not necessary to mark the beginning of each new month with an assembly. Calendars are widely distributed, and anyone can determine the beginning of a new month simply by looking on a calendar having that information.

Thank you again for your question. If we may be of further service, please let us know.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT