National Council Meets in New York
Dr. Ki Hoon Kim leads a discussion at the National Council Meeting
On April 29 – May 1, 2016, the National Council held its semi-annual meeting at the New Yorker Hotel in New York City. In attendance were Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Continental Chair of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) North America, Dr. Michael Balcomb, FFWPU USA President, Mari Curry, FFWPU USA Vice President, Crescentia DeGoede, Director of the Blessing & Family Ministry (BFM), and the National Council representatives from the following districts:
District 1: Libby Henkin
District 2: Noah Ross
District 3: Atsushi Takino
District 4: Catherine Ono
District 5: Terry Yamane
District 6: Lucy Park
District 7: Bruce Sutchar
District 8: Alan Jessen
District 10: David Burgess
District 11: Michael Allen
District 12: Mark Tengan
Young Unificationist, Kiyomi Schmidt, takes notes at the meeting
In this meeting, the National Council held an internal election for new Council Executive Officers. Terry Yamane of District 5 was elected as Chair of the Council, Catherine Ono of District 4 was elected to the position of Vice Chair, and Alan Jessen to that of Council Secretary.
The Council also reviewed significant events of 2015, exchanged reports on finances, grants, recommendations, judicial issues, and the Council’s charter, and created corresponding committees that are eager to hear communities’ needs in order to convey them to the National Ministry Team.
Crescentia DeGoede gives a presentation at the National Council Meeting
The Council meeting began with an amiable dinner on the evening of April 29. Mari Curry commented, “There was a lot of laughter and conversation as participants exchanged stories, remembering the past and sharing excitement about the future. Dr. Kim shared his heart about the importance of unity and True Mother’s vision, remarking on how far we have come as an American movement. He emphasized how just one change or just one person can make a difference and encouraged us to think and act creatively centered on True Parents.”
Dr. Ki Hoon Kim shares a message
The following day, Dr. Kim and Dr. Balcomb offered welcoming remarks to commence the official business of the meeting. Business began with a presentation on the vision and mission of FFWPU by Dr. Balcomb. Shortly afterward, the Council elected their new executive officials and conducted the review of significant events in 2015.
Dr. Michael Balcomb shares a message
The weekend’s conversations were dynamic and full of energy, featuring substantial reflection on representatives’ communities—their present concerns and future hopes. There was also much heartfelt exchange and an opportunity to refocus in preparation for the year ahead. On Saturday afternoon, Dr. Balcomb led a discussion on the state of the Unification movement. After taking stock of the needs of the nationwide community, the Council transitioned into committee meetings and a question-and-answer session to conclude the day.
On Sunday, May 1, the Council began the day with discussion and committee reports, before attending church at the Family Church of New York City in Manhattan. The National Council meeting closed after a final discussion over lunch with Dr. Balcomb.
The National Council is welcomed at the Family Church of New York City
This is a general overview of significant events at the most recent National Council Meeting. The Council is currently processing a more detailed report that will soon be made available on their official web page.
The National Council representatives