Special Retreat and Resources from BFM
A new resource is available from the Blessing and Family Ministry (BFM). BFM is excited to announce that the long awaited matching handbook for single Unificationists has arrived. There is also an upcoming retreat (though not hosted by BFM, BFM supports this initiative), designed to support men and women who experience same-sex attraction or sexual orientation concerns in a safe and welcoming environment.
1. New Matching Handbook Available
Finding the One: A Guide to Matching and Blessing in the Unification Tradition is for single Unificationists and close friends of this faith community who are interested in the matching and marriage blessing process. This matching handbook is designed to assist individuals and their families in developing a healthy, God-centered approach to finding an eternal partner and provide prospective couples with the confidence to take ownership of their commitment. It provides step-by-step guidance for navigating the matching and marriage blessing process, and is full of useful tools and resources. For anyone who wishes to clearly understand and inherit the Unification tradition of the matching and the Marriage Blessing, Finding the One will guide you there.
Finding the One is available at HSAbooks.com for only $10, plus shipping and handling. Local pastors can also arrange to buy a case of books for a reduced price by contacting the National Blessing and Family Ministry team at BFMadmin@unification.org or at 212-997-0050 ext 447.
2. Love, Understanding, Acceptance: A Weekend of Support for Those Who Experience Same-Sex Attraction
A special weekend retreat on December 12-14, 2014 will feature guest facilitator Richard Cohen, M.A., psychotherapist, author and founder of the International Healing Foundation (IHF). The weekend is designed to support men and women who experience same-sex attraction, gender confusion and/or sexual orientation concerns in a safe and welcoming environment.
The commitment of the retreat organizers is to “love each and every participant for who they are, not based upon what anyone else wants them to be.”
The retreat will be a safe environment for participants to openly share about issues, struggles and dreams. Throughout this experiential weekend, organizers hope that participants will discover a path of healing to fulfill their potential. In a non-judgmental atmosphere, they will experience acceptance and love on their journey.
This private program is organized and hosted by Phillip Schanker, former director of the family department of the Unification Community in the United States. It is open to any individuals from the Unificationist community, as well as others seeking personal and/or relational healing.
Facilitator Richard Cohen, M.A., has helped thousands experience radical healing and freedom over the past 27 years. To learn more about IHF and Richard’s personal journey, visit his website. You can find out more about the weekend and how to register here.