New Jersey Community Holds East-West New Year Celebration

Kodan celebrated New Year’s Day together with the Clifton Family Church in New Jersey. Rev. Hiroshi Inose, Itinerant Worker to the United States and Director of Kodan, began the two-part program with a speech where he reflected on 2015 and talked about how to make clear goals for the year ahead.

He spoke about 2016 as a year where God can work in profound ways together with True Parents and Unificationist families. He also spoke of the central role that America plays in bringing about God’s providence. Rev. Inose encouraged the congregation to look at their personal goals as well and instructed them on how to make New Year’s resolutions that actually last. Some of his tips included:

• Write down specifically what you would like to do in 2016, as an individual and as a family.
• Make a weekly goal.
• Make a practical action plan.
• Express your plan with determination to others.
• Make a plan that you will definitely do in one week, one month, three months and six months.
• Goals should be something you can see the result of and should include numbers.

After the talk, participants were treated to a Japanese drum performance by a Japanese society organization, live music and a raffle. Over 140 people gathered for the exciting event.

“We wanted to share our special oriental new year culture with western Unificationists and guests since we are living in the United States, while also sharing the Heavenly Parent’s culture of heart, through this cross cultural festival,” said Mr. Takino. “This year, to further advance our program, we took the opportunity to invite a Japanese traditional drum performance group. All of the participants felt the spirit of Japanese culture through their performance and thoroughly enjoyed it. I strongly believe if we follow our dreams and imagination for what we want to accomplish, we can make anything possible.”

It was a wonderful day to spend in celebration with wonderful food and friends new and old. A new guest commented, “My heart felt at home with such an international church family. At the New Year’s party, I tried on a kimono and sang karaoke. It was a wonderful experience. I also invited my friend to come along with me to the party. He enjoyed it very much as well, and is now attending Divine Principle lectures at the Demott Family Church.”

Thanks to all who helped make the New Year’s Day program a wonderful event. We look forward to following through with new goals and making 2016 the best year yet.