Unificationists Fill Summer with Community Events

The Southern States have been busy this summer, balancing outreach efforts, youth education and regular meetings and services. Unificationists in Florida recently celebrated the Grand Opening of the Miami Church, several home church events and a youth education weekend, just to name a few. Here are the latest happenings in the Southeast:

First True Love Club Gathering

On Saturday, July 11th, Rev. Robert Herring and his family participated in an event called, “True Love Club” in Jacksonville, Florida hosted by Jacques Merville. Jacque considers himself a Unificationist, and is also a pastor of the United Church of Christ. He has participated in American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) events where he has brought other pastors, and hopes this gathering can become a successful local outreach. Five guests participated, including Pastor Bonaparte, who participated in the Chicago ACLC event in 2011. Participants were treated to a movie presentation of “Flywheel” a movie made by a church in Albany, Georgia using only church members as actors. They then enjoyed free pizza and lively discussion.

Jacksonville Sunday Service

On Sunday, July 12, Rev. Robert Herring hosted an informal Sunday Service at his house. His wife, Kimie, prepared a lovely breakfast for all of the guests before Rev. Herring began with reading the Pyeong Hwa Gyeong (Peace Messages), followed by showing the national weekly update, and the iPeace TV weekly report. The group closed the service with a song and prayer, and discussed having similar gatherings with a different host family every week as a way to share the blessing and responsibility of home church. The local families are invested in many ways in the community and are eager for consistent programs and ways to connect their friends and family.

2-Day Youth Workshop, Atlanta Family Church

Young Unificationists in Atlanta enjoyed a two-day workshop from June 26-28 at the local church. Eighteen middle and high school students participated in scripture study as well as other fun activities. Coordinators Choongkwon Yang and Caroline Koko did a wonderful job, and Erika Gordon, a recent graduate of GPA, contributed a great deal of inspiration and high energy in her role on staff. It was an enlightening weekend for all.