Words of Thanks for Rev. Chris Hempowicz
On Sunday, March 16, 2015, the Bridgeport Family Church celebrated their longtime pastor, Rev. Chris Hempowicz, on his last day as pastor. After 20 years of dedication and service, Rev. Chris and Dr. Christine Hempowicz were given a warm farewell as they retire from their leading role. The community gathered for Sunday service at the University of Bridgeport, where Dr. Michael Balcomb, President of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA, gave a Sunday sermon and a message of gratitude to the Hempowiczes. Members of the community shared their memories of Rev. and Dr. Hempowicz’s leadership, celebrated their great contribution and presented them with a plaque of appreciation. Below is a video with words of thanks from the Bridgeport Family Church.
Dr. Balcomb shared a springtime message in which he compared our spiritual growth to that of trees developing from a strong foundation, and he encouraged the community to work together to build upon the foundation that was laid before them.
“Today we’re going to wish farewell and a next step to Chris and Christine Hempowicz, and we thank them for their service,” he said. “The most important thing is not who will be the new pastor, but will each of us take the task and the mission seriously? If all of us take it on, then that will bring the success that God and True Parents want.”
Warm wishes and many thanks to a dedicated, serving and gracious couple!
Bruce Sutchar
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In the words of the immortal President David S.C. Kim, President of the Unification Theological Seminary, “Forget It!”
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Joshua Cotter
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Congratulations Chris and Christine! Thank you for all of your love and investment for the Bridgeport community and beyond. We love you!
Joshua
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Malinda Vogel
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Wow, Christine, thank you for your service. I worked with you in CARP in New York. All the best, Malinda Vogel.
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Lilly
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Christine, you were the church leader in Eugene, Oregon, when I arrived from Australia in October 1986. You were highly pregnant, your husband had a mission somewhere else and Dr Pak wanted to send you off on another mission, without your husband, because you were a leader. I was amazed at your dedication to the mission. Now I am again amazed to see this testimony to your unity. Thank you. God Bless you.
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Angelika Selle
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Congrats to both of you, Chris and Christine!
Angelika
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Beatrice Clyburn
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Dear Chris and Christine, Over here in Poland we are very moved by your example of heart and dedication. We congratulate you both on such love offering.. We are proud of you, and grateful. With love from your homeland.. Bea (Bumble)
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