True Parents’ Day Celebrated Across America
On April 7, 2016, we celebrated the 57th True Parents’ Day. Families and communities around the nation took the time to start their day in prayer and reflect upon the meaning of True Parents’ Day and how to come true parents ourselves.
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East Garden
A special celebration was held in New York at East Garden, a place close to True Parents’ heart especially during their ministry in America, which is significant this year because it is the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking Yankee Stadium Rally and Washington Monument Rally of 1976.
Over 100 local Unificationists, local leaders and members of the National Ministry Team gathered to celebrate the Holy Day, as well as the upcoming 56th anniversary of True Parents’ Holy Wedding. They started the morning early with the traditional offering table, prayer, cake cutting ceremony and Hook Dok Hwe (scripture) reading, which described True Parents’ behind-the-scenes experience organizing the 1976 rallies. They also had the pleasure of watching upbeat historical footage of True Parents’ singing on True Parents’ Day in the early days of the Unification movement.
Afterward, FFWPU North America Continental Chairman, Dr. Ki Hoon Him, shared a message about the significance of True Parents’ foundation in America, and what that means for the next four years of moving Cheon Il Guk forward.
Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, Nevada, brothers and sisters gathered at the Cheon Hwa Gung to share their appreciation for Heavenly Parent and True Parents in giving us this wonderful Holy Day tradition. The ceremony started at 7:00am, and for those who could not attend, a Holy Day Home Kit was provided, including readings, a Holy Day banner, information on the significance of True Parents’ Day, and instructions for preparing an offering table. As a community, Unificationists in Las Vegas prepared for this Holy Day for days in advance, and felt the closeness of True Parents as they met together to celebrate on April 7.
Alabama
The 57th True Parents’ Day in Alabama was celebrated beneath the oak trees of the Blakely Historical State Park on Sunday, April 3, 2016. It’s a pleasant time of the year on the Gulf Coast, and an especially wonderful time of the year to enjoy an outdoor Sunday Service, fellowship and BBQ. Amid the fresh green growth, the Alabama Family Church community celebrated the Holy Day and at the end of the day took home the message that God embraces each one of us.
Louisiana
The Louisiana Family Church was happy and inspired to commemorate together the 57th True Parents’ Day and Anniversary of True Parents’ Holy Wedding. They began by Skype call with Isamu and Peggy Matsuya of Walker, LA for the main reading by Pastor Monestere (True Parents’ Day by True Father, April 18, 1977). They also watched the True Parents’ Day message given by Dr. Ki Hoon Him from East Garden on April 7, 2016. John and Helenita Thomas of Baton Rouge cut the cake and led everyone in three thunderous cheers to end the ceremony.
Clifton, NJ
On Thursday night, over 100 families gathered at the Clifton Family Church for True Parents’ Day. The chapel was set up nicely with the offering food placed in front, which was prepared earlier by the mothers in the community. During the observation, Pastor Manoj Jacob strongly expressed True Parents’ heart for America, especially its role as a leading nation in the world. The service was led with song and ended with fellowship.
Check back here in the upcoming days for more Holy Day stories from around the nation. You can share about your Holy Day celebration here. Families are also encouraged to offer a Holy Day donation, which you can make online if you haven’t already.
Happy True Parents’ Day!