29 Nov2017

Unificationists Give Thanks in Interfaith Concert

Americans all over the nation celebrated Thanksgiving last Thursday to come together, eat delicious food, and be grateful for all they have received throughout the year. Here are how a few of the Unificationist communities in America celebrated their Thanksgiving. 

Kona Family Church

  • 001 Mary Ellen Legay On Piano
  • 002 Hule Dancers
  • 003 Hindu Music
  • 004 Kona Family Church Choir
  • 006 Unity Church Choir
  • 007 Methodist Church
The 16th Annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Concert was held at the beautiful St. Michael’s Catholic Church on the Big Island of Hawaii. With over 350 people in attendance, the concert also boasted a great diversity of faith traditions, featuring dancing and singing performances from 12 different faith groups.
 
Rev. Chuck Frumin of the Kona Family Church emceed the event, while the Unificationist community in Kona helped organize it. Those who believe in Hinduism, Protestantism, Sufism, Judaism, and more were delighted to give thanks through their musical performances in this interfaith concert. Unificationists of the Kona Family Church continued the spirit of love and unity with their rendition of “Grace of the Holy Garden” and “Amazing Grace” to represent the Unificationist faith. The audience of 350 people cheered in awe during third-generation Unificationist Mana Matsuzaki’s verse of “Amazing Grace.” 
 
The concert was also a fundraiser for the local Hawaii Food Bank. Over 400 pounds of canned food and over $300 in cash were donated by those attending the concert.

New York City Family Church

The New York City Family Church held a special Thanksgiving Sunday service on November 26.  Instead of their usual program, they had a “Church Improvement Meeting” in which Unificationists had the chance to share their honest ideas, concerns, and inspirations in a round table discussion. Topics such as church goals and growth were discussed along with how to care for families by visiting them and showing love.

The service started off with Pastor Tanya Edwards sharing about how happy she was to be back after an absence due to illness and giving sermons at other local churches. Her husband, Bishop Jesse Edwards, then took the stage to speak about his experiences participating in the Interreligious Leaders Conference and the Global Rally for the Reunification of Korea earlier this month. So delighted by his time in Korea, he gifted those in the audience with souvenirs.  

One Unificationist expressed her gratitude for attending the recent 7 day workshop at IPEC, Las Vegas, NV.  She shared how inspired she was to attend service in True Parents home and the power of music in outreach, especially to young people.  Another discussed the importance of visiting Unificationists that have not come to service in a while.  There was an overall feeling of unity and family as everyone had a desire to improve the local community and the movement worldwide. 

After service, the Unificationists held their annual Thanksgiving luncheon. “Food, family, fun, sharing…there was so much to be thankful for!” said Tina Zelada. “Most of all, we are thankful for our Heavenly Parent and True Parents!  It is their love that brings us together and the reason why we are the Family Church!”

Las Vegas Family Church

The Las Vegas Young Adult Ministry (LV YAM)  hosted a Thanksgiving potluck and talent show on Saturday, November 18. This was LV YAM’s first gathering for youth and young adults that was organized and hosted completely by six young Unificationists in the ministry. 

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  • Bob Gauper

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    Great stories. The interfaith musical event in Hawaii was especially inspiring. We’ve been organizing a similar event on a smaller scale in my hometown. Thank you for some new ideas and encouragement.

    Reply

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