ACLC Ends Year with Programs Nationwide
In the last week of 2015 local American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) chapters held programs nationwide, closing December with celebrations and new connections across the country.
In Los Angeles, California, Susan Munsell and the ACLC team held their 15th Annual International Celebration of Christmas on Sunday, December 13. This one-hour program involved pastors from 13 churches, and included a live nativity with angels played by participants from 89 years of age to 4 years old. Held in the Old World German Village, a highlight of the program was “Silent Night” sung in 14 languages. There was also a variety of music and dance from all around the world. A collection was taken by Dr. Nicolas Benson, and over 200 people gave a total of $1000 to donate to WorldVision, a charity that helps needy people internationally.
A video of the 2015 program can be viewed here.
In East Orange, New Jersey, Rev. Onishi held an ACLC Pastors’ Forum for ten ministers on Friday, December 18. Rev. Michael Sykes and Minister Zena Sykes taught an advanced presentation on the Mission of the Messiah. Two new ministers from the Filipino community participated and heard a summary of the Creation and Fall lectures for the first time.
On Saturday, December 19, In Atlanta, Georgia, Bishop William Sheals of the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church and dear friend of ACLC who has spoken at local, national and international ACLC events held a dinner/theater program for 300 participants. Hopewell has 18,000 members, and about 30 other churches were represented in the audience. The theater presentation was a four act play entitled, “Matrimony.”Many good connections were made that will allow for future collaboration and education.
In Stratford, Connecticut, 18 clergy participated in a Pastor’s’ Forum led by Antonio Battalocchi in the Parish Hall of Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church. Ambroise Katundu presented the Divine Principle Creation and Fall lectures which was well received. The host priest, Father Nicholas was very interested, and plans to invite other priests to the next session.
In Fairfax, Virginia the NOVA church held a one-day True Family Values program for clergy with keynote speaker Archbishop Stallings. One of Archbishop Stallings’ pastors attended the workshop and wants to hold an ACLC program at his training facility in West Virginia. District One is planning three TFV and Blessing trainings in January. On January 9th there will be another program at NOVA church in Fairfax. On January 16th there will be training at the New Hope Academy in Maryland, and on January 23rd there will be an advanced training at the Imani Cathedral in Suitland, Maryland.
In Lakeland, Florida, Sarah Isabel Davati continues to lead the way in witnessing. She meets pastors and other spiritual children while fundraising. In the mall she shares with them the Divine Principle using her laptop computer. She also introduces the Marriage Blessing to them. On October 3rd and 4th, she organized Marriage Blessings in two Christian churches.
In Detroit, Michigan, the impact of the Peace Declaration between Religions is still being realized. The Peace Declaration, written by David Kasbow, includes True Parents teaching about the purpose of religion. ACLC pastor Dr. Michael Ross helped organize the interfaith event where 40 clergy signed the document. He received a call from his State Senator, who did not realize that Dr. Ross was involved. The State Senator had seen the report, and forwarded it to Dr. Ross thinking he would be interested.
With so much investment in only a few months, it is clear that a tremendous foundation has been set for major growth in 2016. All of the local chapters share enthusiasm and hope for the new year ahead.