60th True Children’s Day Celebrations Near and Far
Unificationists all over the country celebrated the 60th True Children’s Day and the 32nd Foundation Day of the United Nation of Heaven and Earth on October 27 and 28, 2019. Here’s how communities observed the holy day:
Elizabeth, New Jersey
More than 60 members of the Elizabeth Family Church in New Jersey celebrated True Children’s Day on Monday, October 28. The evening program began with a few readings on the significance of holy days from the Chambumo Gyeong and the Cheon Seong Gyeong, followed by Rev. Emiljun Rapada, pastor of the Elizabeth Family Church, who spoke on the importance of becoming filial sons and daughters of True Parents. True Parents is an affectionate term used by Unificationists when referring to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her late husband Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon.
Rev. Rapada reminded the congregation that the best and most important role one can fill is becoming children of Heavenly Parent. The program concluded with a representative prayer, a cake-cutting and three cheers of Eog Mansei. Guests were then treated to a potluck dinner while receiving updates on the December 28 rally.
Bowie, Maryland
The New Hope Family Church in Bowie, Maryland celebrated the two holy days at Sunday service on October 27.
Dr. Michael Jenkins, chairman of Universal Peace Federation (UPF) gave the sermon which stressed True Parents’ perspective that God has not given up on America because of the presence of blessed central families and Christians who still love God and Jesus.
Afterwards, the community participated in an Offering Table ceremony and luncheon.
Durham, North Carolina
The Triangle Family Church community in Durham, North Carolina, gathered to celebrate True Children’s Day on Sunday, October 27. Together, they read a message from Rev. and Dr. Moon and enjoyed a beautiful offering table, a banner, and cake. The celebration concluded with three cheers of Eog Mansei for Dr. Moon in Albania.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
On Sunday, October 27, the Louisiana Family Church celebrated True Children’s Day at the home of John and Helenita Thomas in Baton Rouge. Mrs. Thomas gave a moving sermon on the meaning of True Children’s Day, stressing the importance of the relationship between a parent and child. Her message was followed by comments and testimonies.
The Thomas family prepared a beautiful offering table including sugar-free Brazilian treats and a heart-shaped cake. October birthdays were also celebrated and the community shared a delicious lunch.
Salt Lake City, Utah
The Salt Lake Family Church held a joyous True Children’s Day on Sunday, October 27. Many friends and families gathered to enjoy the holy day and a Marriage Blessing Ceremony for a newly married couple.
Pastors Mike and Wendy Stovall spoke about the origin of True Children’s Day and how the Blessing is integral to having a relationship with Heavenly Parent and True Parents. The Stovall’s then officiated the Blessing, inviting other couples to join in and renew their vows as a string trio performed. The celebration concluded with a cake cutting and a ramen lunch.
Los Angeles, California
The Los Angeles Family Church celebrated True Children’s Day on October 27 with a Sunday service, lunch and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Bay Area, California
Hundreds of Unificationists from the Bay Area Family Church gathered for a pledge service and a True Children’s Day celebration.
Tempe, Arizona
Families from the Tempe Family Church collaborated ideas to celebrate the two holy days. While some families brought goodies, others brought heartfelt prayers and offerings.
Washington, D.C.
On Sunday October 27, the Washington, D.C. Family Church celebrated the 60th Anniversary of True Children’s Day and the 32nd Foundation Day for the Unified Nation of Heaven and Earth. It was a joyful celebration where the community came together to express their gratitude to Heavenly Parent and True Parents for celebrating these important holy days. It was also an opportunity for the Washington, D.C. Family Church community to welcome the Hyojeong Won with a deep heart of sincerity, devotion and gratitude.