Imani Temple Celebrates True Parents’ Birthday

Brothers and sisters of the Imani Temple, a Christian church in Maryland, gathered together on Sunday, February 7 to celebrate True Parents’ Birthday a week early. Nearly 200 people gathered in the temple before a beautiful offering table in what Rev. George Augustus Stallings refers to as “the first celebration of True Parents’ Birthday as Christmas in a Christian Church.” As this year we mark a renewed emphasis on True Parents’ Birthday, likening it to Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus or Muslims celebrating the birth of Mohammed, True Parents’ birthday was a wonderful opportunity for the Imani Temple to celebrate the life, teachings and legacy of True Parents.

Several Unificationists joined in the Sunday Service, at which Rev. Stallings gave the sermon. 

“God’s original plan was that man and woman would the visible, the tangible, substantial manifestation of God on earth,” he said. “Why am I such a true son of what we call True Parents? It’s because they are teaching principles, spiritual principles, that I know will change this world, such as fidelity, living for the sake of others, loving your enemy, and working for a world of true and lasting peace. The divinity is within our reach; it’s in us, but it needs to be perfected. Until it is perfected, we cannot do the things that only God can do. If you live in the rhythm of the God within, you can do the things only God can do. When I’m in the rhythm, all things are possible, but when I’m out of sync nothing prospers. We don’t want to trim back; we want to live the fast life in the fast lane. We get caught up in all of the physical, material things that are supposed to be the sign of our worth or value when what is most important is what’s on the inside.”

After Rev. Stallings message, a few members of the community shared words and prayers. They sang “Happy Birthday” to True Parents and cut a cake, which was shared over a lunch gathering after the service.

We expect many more celebrations to take place around the country this week and over the extended weekend of February 12-14, as well as the following week leading up to Foundation Day. Exciting local programs are in store with an emphasis on outreach, and some locations plan to hold banquets, seminars, entertainment programs and other special events. Connect with your local area and use this time as a way to honor True Parents by spreading their message. Don’t forget to share your True Parents’ Birthday stories here.