Unificationists Create New Initiatives and Traditions

Around the nation, Unificationist communities have initiated new programs, weekly gatherings and exciting opportunities to connect with their local community. Each region brings its own spin to community fellowship and outreach through their unique programs and initiatives. Take a look at just a few of the things going on around the country:

Ministry Work and Fellowship in Virginia

Unificationists in Maryland and Virginia have been busy with numerous events this summer. The Northern Virginia (NOVA) Family Church Learning Center in Fairfax, VA was the site of the quarterly district council meeting for District One Pastors on Saturday, August 1, 2015. Local pastors from Baltimore to Norfolk as well as national representatives Rev. Hiroshi Inose and Rev. Michael Jenkins, made up the 26 participants.

For those gathered, it was an important time to talk about challenges, brainstorm solutions and reaffirm their commitment to ministry. Those at the meeting reinforced True Mother’s desire for educated leadership, authentic dialogue and empowerment on the local level. Those present all expressed a desire to organize outreach and to evangelize the Divine Principle and the power of the Holy Marriage Blessing. It was a chance to make new goals as well as reaffirm their roots in True Parents’ teachings.

Then, on Sunday, August 2, the Richmond, VA community welcomed young Unificationist couple Brian and Clareen Eberly who gave a talk at the Sunday gathering of “Family Centered Devotional Study.” Also gathered were the NOVA and Richmond congregations, Richmond IFC co-pastor Ayano Ishii-Adrien and Father Bayo Adrien. The young couple’s presence brought a bright spirit as they were able to share fellowship with other young adults, and share their experiences.

The community had two more events on the weekend as well, a Divine Principle Education at the NOVA Family Church on Saturday, August 8, and a potluck lunch including a presentation on the topic “Repentance, Reconciliation, Revival and Restorative Relationship-Remembering Together”, on August 9, 2015.

Spreading True Parents Word through Soccer

A friendly game of soccer at a public park soon turned into an outreach tool for Columbus Unificationists. It began two years ago when a few local Unificationists began playing soccer together for fun and exercise. They soon realized it was a great way to meet new people, as complete strangers often approached them wanting to play. Rev. Frank Sanchez then decided that soccer could be used as a purposeful outreach tool.

The goal initially was to unite people of all ages and backgrounds, and to provide a space for people to connect to the community especially if they are not able to come to Sunday services. In the long term, they hope to create a fully organized team capable of entering leagues and competitions.

So far the UC Columbus team consists of 18 committed players with uniforms, and about six people who join in practices and scrimmages, a total of roughly 24 participants. Players are young and elder Unificationists, as well as non-Unificationists. In the near future 30+ committed participants will make it possible to split up into two teams, with one for children aged 12-17 and one for adults ages 18 and up.

The soccer team has initiated gatherings off the field as well. Once a year around springtime, UC Columbus Soccer hosts a potluck barbeque for players and their families and friends. Families prepare food as the team plays a scrimmage game. After soccer, everyone gathers to enjoy the food and company. This year’s cookout took place in June with beautiful weather and great attendance. 

The team continues to face the obstacles of entering a league and hopes that they can eventually host a tournament. Despite the difficulties, the soccer team has been a source of tremendous joy and fellowship.  The team has participated in scrimmages against other local teams, and have had guest players from other teams join them for scrimmages. The program continues to grow in interest and participation, and organizers say it’s only a matter of time before the program expands again. As one local participant said, “We believe that we have the potential of developing this program and reaching out to many people with the message of our True Parents”

New Jersey Celebrates its International Culture

On August 1, 2015, the Elizabeth Family Church organized the cultural event called “International Family Culture of Peace Festival 2015”. The event focused on showcasing the diverse heritage and culture of the community. Song and dance performances represented a wide range of countries including Thailand, Japan, Costa Rica, America, Philippines and Lebanon.

The event was held at the Peterstown Community Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was sponsored by Elizabeth Family Church. The event encouraged families to share their rich cultural heritage while asserting at the same time that “we are one under God.”

Food and delicacies from around the world was a delight to participants. Families prepared native cuisine to share among guests, laid out on tables displaying their country’s flag. The international feast was certainly a highlight of the event.

Many families and friends attended from the local community and just outside of the city of Elizabeth. Mrs. Sarah Franklin organized the event along with staff and created a truly joyful environment from which participants could enjoy the food, entertainment and fellowship.