WestRock Family News for June 13, 2013
2013-06-13 · Source: tparents.org
Era of the Victory, Liberation, and Completion of June 13, 2013 the True Parents of Heaven, Earth, and Humankind
Weekly Greeting Table of Contents . Weekly greeting Dear Brothers and Sisters and Testimonies . Sermon Notes I pray that you had a wonderful Father’s Day – if you are a Dad, or together with . Light Thought for your Dad. the day . Testimony At the WestRock service 8 members shared short testimonies – on what they learned . Providential News from their father. A few of them brought members to tears. One daughter, Sunhwa . Quote for the Reiner, wrote a beautiful poem (see below). Week . Announcements As you may have seen in the emails sent out – we begin a special 40-Day witnessing campaign from this Saturday. One thing is for sure, if we approach this as a duty, it’s not going to accomplish very much. But I am confident that, if we take time to use this opportunity to reflect and ask ourselves, “What is it that I can testify to, as a member of the family of our Heavenly Parent? What is it that has made me truly happy and grateful?” – we will realize what a great blessing we have to share with others.
Please take time to reflect on your life, and then take time to look at others, and ask the question in your heart, “Do I want this person to find true happiness?” It’s from that point that we can sincerely reach out to others and share our faith with them. One opportunity to invite our friends and neighbors (or anyone we happen to meet), is the upcoming “Bookmarks for Peace” program on Sunday June 30 at Belvedere. It’s going to be fun, It’s going to be doing something (not just listening to a speech), and there will be music and taste snacks. And, it’s something that everyone can do, young and old, even someone like me. And, it will be a good way to introduce others to our community and the vision that we have inherited from our True Parents. (See the announcements below for details).
In addition, every Monday evening (7:30 pm) we are conducting a DP/Bible study small group at the White House. Last week we had a new guest (she had attended
several of our cultural programs).
As for a goal – I heard one suggestion from Dr. Balcomb that I liked – to bring 120 new guests (the average number of adults and young adults that attend Sunday Service) to hear an introduction to the Divine Principle. This is not about the numbers, but it is good to have something to reach for.
I am happy to share that this past Sunday I held the membership class for David Rowland and he signed membership. I plan to introduce him to our community this Sunday.
Finally, don’t forget that this Saturday (June 22) Rev Yong will be giving some special content concerning True Mother’s course as well as some guidance for our life of faith. I hope to see you there (43rd street, 9:00 am) And there will be translation for our Japanese members.
Let’s make it a great week! God Bless You! Andrew Compton
What I Learned From My Father” By Sunhwa Reiner [A Spoken Word Poem]
When I was just a few years old When life was simple and the hardest decision to make was what color crayon to pick I remember that my father would sing me to sleep every night. My favorite song was the “Song of the Garden”. And one night, when my eyes were sleepy with charm of the speckled night sky And with the blanket that weighed me down So that I wouldn’t go jumping into my wild imagination and dreams, My dad finished the song with the words, “when we arrive at home.” I paused to think about the song before I asked, “Appa, what does ‘arrive’ mean?” And with a chuckle and a smile, he replied, “It means to get somewhere.”
And now, more than a decade and a half later, I realize that without him, I would have never arrived to where I am now. “And where are you?” you might ask. Well, I’ll tell you where I am: I am standing on the second most beautiful creation God has ever made – Planet Earth. The first most beautiful creation? Each and every one of you. And I would have not been able to see that without my father.
My dad is someone… actually pretty corny. It’s a good thing I like those kind of jokes, or else He wouldn’t have an audience every time he chuckles and says,
“Let’s make like a tree and leave,” Or “let’s make like Vincent Van and Gogh,” Or his newest creation, “Let’s make like what a nuclear physicist does to an atom And split.” I’m surprised my eyes haven’t fallen out from the amount of times I rolled them, But I laugh along because it reminds me why I love him so much. Even though he ends his texts with a thanks spelled “T-H-X” And his cell phone ringtone is the introduction to “Sweet Home Alabama” And he sends out emails with links to cute cat videos (yes, I learned that even dads like cute cat videos) And he would fist-bump all my friends when they came over And he would say “that’s pretty groovy” to something he thought was pretty groovy. Even though corn would be jealous about how corny he is, I was never embarrassed by him. I was and am always proud to call him my father.
This is because he is a man who has this immense faith, So strong it could be a wrecking crane of love And from above It could knock down the monsters that are underneath my bed every night. His indisputable devotion To what he believes in And who he loves Is something I wish I will have half of one day. He taught me true love Through tough love And yes, I was a troublemaker And I was stubborn and I disobeyed But when my father taught me how angry someone can really be I learned my lesson for good. I learned that respecting my parents and elders is not just some old tradition But something that the youth need to do a little more Because our dads, they may be old, But, (man!) they know a heck of a lot more than we do. And I learned that nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know. And because of that, I know that my father will never go away, Because I will always be learning from him.
You can’t pick your dad when you are born into this world. But if there was a Dad Vending Machine, I would take out my wallet and look for the shiniest quarter, And I would put it in and press the button to the one I have today.
I love you Appa, and Happy Father’s Day.
Here is the audio from Sunday at WestRock – testimonies about Fathers and a beautiful poem
soundcloud.com/pastor-andrew/tascam-0112
Light Thought for the Day:
Refrigerator Snack The husband had an annoying habit of searching through the refrigerator for a snack, usually while his wife was preparing a meal.
Once, after he had gone through this routine for the third time in as many minutes, she snapped, “Nothing’s any different than it was a minute ago.”
“I know that,” he assured her. “It’s just that this time I’ve lowered my standards.”
Testimonies/reports
If you have a testimony or report to share please send it to me
Providential News
True Mother is in Hawaii. There is a Divine Principle Workshop taking place that includes members of the True Family
The 20-20 Providence has begun! We are now in a 100 day period of devotion leading up the anniversary of True Father’s ascension, to share the DP with others – and to inspire them to work with us to build God’s Kingdom! o From Saturday June 22 we begin a special 40-Day of Sharing the Blessing! Everyone is invited to make special effort during this time to reach out to others with an invitation to learn more about our movement and the Divine Principle
Quote for the Week
“To love another person is to see the face of God.” ~Victor Hugo (Les Miserables)
Announcements Announcements
Outreach There is a new Website being prepared by National HQ for guests that you can check out – it’s: www.dplife.info Bookmarks for Peace: Help create 1,000 bookmarks to raise funds for the children of Haiti Join in an afternoon of CREATIVITY, MUSIC, SNACKS, and….the JOY of building a better world by living for the sake of others! Sunday, June 30 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Location: the Belvedere Estate 723 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Special Lectures on True Father and True Mother’s Course: True Mother sent Rev Yong to visit America and present this content. Saturday June 22, at 43rd St, Manhattan from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. No fee, but we will ask for an offering to give to the translators. (There will be translation from Korean to Japanese – but you need an fm radio). Everyone will need to buy their own lunch (or bring a bag lunch).
Camp Sunrise Summer Camps Are Back! That’s right, Camp Sunrise will re-open this summer with a complete program of sleep-over summer camps for elementary, junior high, and high school age children as well as weekly Day Camps. To register and/or obtain more information about these camps, go to the BFA website found at www.blessedfamilies.org and click on “sponsored programs.” Please try to register early! The Early Bird Rate expires on May 15th!
Other We need an Apartment. The Ferrantellos are looking for a Bright, 1 BR apt. LR, DR, and/or large LR, washer/dryer, parking and possibly H/HW included. Move-in for June/July (negotiable). Call Dr. Ferrantello
‘GOP’ 2013-2014… is accepting applications NOW!! Learn Korean! Experience the Unification tradition and life style! Inherit the Culture of Heart! Take an Adventure! The Institute of Korean Studies for Foreign Students
[An Affiliated Organization of Sun Moon University] You can apply online at http://www.sunmoonbcschool.com
workshop July 26-28 exploring Intentional Community living. Camp Shehaqua, located in the beautiful Poconos, will be offering a 2½ day workshop When: July 26, 27 & 28 Where: Camp Shehaqua (115 miles west of NYC) Cost: $125. By 6/1 For more information and to register: www.live4joy.org or contact Gregg Noll
Prayer Conference Call Prayer for Outreach: All are welcome, Sunday 7:45 to 8:10 am Phone Number: 712-432-1699, Access Code: 736416#. Conference Call to pray for the Sick: Please join us in prayer at 9:45pm on Wednesdays Conference Call number: 712-432-1699, Access Code 736416#
Next Ahn Shi Il: Sunday June 23, 2013
MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!