The 20th Annual True Family Values Ministry Awards Banquet
The 20th anniversary celebration of the True Family Values Ministry kicked off with its annual awards banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chicago, Illinois on December 5, 2015. For 20 years, the True Family Values Ministry of Chicago has sponsored this prestigious event to honor individuals and families for their exemplary service to the betterment of society as a testament to the ideal of living for the sake of others. The ministry hosted its first awards banquet in 1996 and proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.
A morning America at a Turning Point forum was held on Saturday, drawing over 200 guests to participate in this two-hour educational session which provided an important opportunity to consider the principles and values needed to address the political, cultural, social and spiritual challenges facing our nation and world today. It featured interactive presentations and panel discussions in three key areas: “Interfaith and Peace-Building”, “Family: The Cornerstone for Peace” and “The Significant Role of Youth for Sustainable Peace”.
Then, the afternoon banquet featured an awards ceremony and a variety of entertainment and key speeches which celebrated the 20 years of the ministry and were also geared at looking forward at all the work that remains to be done in building strong families across America. Though there are still countless difficulties happening in the world in terms of family breakdown and violence, this banquet exuded a clear hope and anticipation for the future. Over 700 attendees, primarily from eight states surrounding Chicago, participated, making this year’s banquet a regional affair with a larger scope than in recent years. Participants included a number of prominent pastors from the Chicago area, including major leaders from many different faith traditions, as well as a large presence of young people, which pleased and inspired the program sponsors who desire to include young people in the development of the True Family Values Ministry going forward.
The Rev. Cornelius Clark Ensemble opened the event with music and praise, after which event host and ACLC Midwest Co-Chairman, Pastor Johnny Porter, shared a warm greeting with the group. Dr. Michael Jenkins, Chairman Emeritus of ACLC, was the emcee, and Pastor T.L. Barrett, Pastor of the Life Center Church of God in Christ offered the invocation. After each speaker discussed key aspects of the purpose and history of the True Family Values Ministry, Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Continental Chair of FFWPU North America, then gave a welcome message, which is available to read at the link below.
After a delicious luncheon, the Apple Heaven musical group gave a lively presentation of song and dance. The atmosphere was very uplifting and festive as people ate, talked, clapped along to the music and were happy simply to be together. Everyone then observed a video presentation titled, “True Family Values Ministry: 20 Years of Faith and Service” which reviewed past banquets including those attended by True Parents. Following this presentation, Rev. George Augustus Stallings, ACLC Co-Chairman, gave an introduction to the keynote speaker, Mrs. Sun Jin Moon, President of FFWPU International, who shared personal remarks prior to delivering the keynote message on behalf of True Mother. Both her and True Mother’s messages are available to read at the link below.
The program ended with the much-anticipated awards ceremony. This year there were 10 recipients of the True Family Values awards, more than the three or four of previous years’ events. These awards were divided into three groups: those for religious leaders, civic leaders, and political and business leaders. Awards were presented by Dr. Michael Balcomb, President of FFWPU USA, eliciting loud applause, and the festive afternoon closed with the two musical groups of the day, the Rev. Cornelius Clark Ensemble and Apple Heaven, offering a musical finale.
As usual, the success of the banquet and program was based on the unified effort of volunteers who invested themselves with great enthusiasm to create a meaningful and enjoyable event. There was also great cooperation between local and national leadership in sharing resources to make this banquet possible.
The following day, on December 6, the Chicago Family Church held a victory celebration during their Sunday Service and Sun Jin Moon shared True Mother’s message with the local community.
These photos were taken at the Chicago Family Church December 6th Sunday Service where the local Unification community celebrated a successful 20th annual True Family Values Ministry Awards Banquet one day prior.
Stay tuned for more coverage of the True Family Values Ministry 20th Anniversary this week and watch the latest Weekly Update for more information on this weekend’s events.