WestRock Family News for December 28, 2014
2014-12-28 · Source: tparents.org
Motto of the year: Let us become true owners of Cheon il Guk who practice true love in resemblance to our Creator, the Heavenly Parent!
Important Happenings Around the World Be sure to visit (click on this link) www.familyfed.org to check on the most recent recording of True Mother and the latest messages from Dr Kim and Dr Balcomb (the WEEKLY UPDATE)
SPECIAL DAYS FOR THE FAMILY FEDERATION WORLDWIDE:
Next Ahn Shi Il is on Saturday, Dec 27
HERE IN AMERICA:
Please make an offering towards building the International Peace Education Center in Las Vegas. This facility, once completed, will be the central location for Divine Principle education in America. It will also house conferences and meetings to promote peace globally. Our support for this precious educational resource will demonstrate our sincere desire to fulfill the 2020 Motto as ‘true owners of Cheon Il Guk’.
NY DISTRICT:
High School Winter Break Seminar: Dec 27 – Jan 1 (for details see the announcements below)
AND IN WESTROCK:
Middle School DP Workshop: Dec 30 – 31 (for details see announcement below) Divine Principle 1-Day workshop: Saturday, January 17, at the White House, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
The Sermon this Week Andy Compton gave the sermon at Belvedere this week. This was the Christmas Service. To hear a recording of the WestRock Choir singing the Christmas Medley go to: http://vimeo.com/115639447
To view the sermon go to: http://vimeo.com/115637564
Pastor’s Weekly Greeting Dear Brothers & Sisters,
HAPPY SOLAR NEW YEAR 2015!
This Sunday at Belvedere we had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful Christmas service together. From Justin’s opening remarks to the singing and dancing – we could feel God’s presence. But most amazing was True Mother’s message from Dec 21 that we watched. Nowhere else in this world can one find the heart that our True Mother shared with us.
We are blessed because God is our Heavenly Parent and True Parents are our substantial cosmic parents. When we go astray, their hearts are heavy and they weep. When we live as sons and daughters who find happiness in attending our parents – they are filled with joy and hope for the future. That is amazing. It gives us good reason to rejoice and be happy.
In the message I shared – I concluded by speaking about our mission as Tribal Messiahs. It may seem like a difficult task and we may be tempted to come up with a lot of reasons – why it seems we are sure to not succeed. But in reality, if we take a few simple steps, if we purchase a better than
average binder, and then sit down with our family and begin to put down the names of all the people we know in that binder, and if we start to list their ages, and addresses, and email, and their birthdays, and so on, before long we will see our tribe manifest in that binder. It’s true, most of those people may be far from receiving the Blessing, but at least they are being claimed by someone, and prayers are being offered on their behalf.
I want to encourage us all to resolve that we will begin the new year 2015 with a simple commitment to purchase a binder, to making a list, and to pray for those whom we know, all of whom are people that God loves. If we do that much, I know good things will follow
Let’s get ourselves ready to make a great start for 2015 God Bless you! (And check out the poem below, by Jim Stinard)
Andrew Compton
Blessing & Family Ministry Corner
Marriage Blessing: March 3, 2015! Blessing Travel Grant: True Mother has encouraged couples to make every effort to attend the main Blessing Ceremony in Korea. To make the trip more affordable the National BFM will be offering a special Korea Travel Grant. Check the national BFM website for more information at bfm@familyfed.org.
Developing a Local Blessing Committee: WestRock is planning to have a local celebration for our couples who are getting Blessed. We are looking for volunteers to help make it festive and meaningful. If you are interested in helping with decorations, music, or any aspect of the preparation, contact Debby at debbygullery@yahoo.com.
Level 3 Blessing Workshops: Two will be held in January; one in San Leandro on Jan. 10 – 11, and one at UTS on Jan 24- 25th. These are mandatory! And awesome!
Prayer Request Jiau-Lan Weinstein continues to fight lung cancer.
Testimonies/Reports Here is a New Year Poem by Jim Stinard, enjoy!
Resolution for Renewal
Our Heavenly Parent, we are grateful for this precious fresh beginning. We thank you for this new year. May we renew our hearts and minds with a spirit bright and clear May we value this time of Cheon Il Guk and unite with True Parents who undertook this mission to liberate all humankind to impart the word that brings us life and vision. Let this be our resolute goal to deeply touch your eternal soul. Fill us with your holy love to walk the path that Parents are treading, never forgetting what has been done and moving forward, Yes! Let us run! 2020 is just ahead let us treasure this time and work to build your providence sublime. We are one in Your spirit, one in heart and mind. One with True Parents and each other as we build your Kingdom divine.
Light Thought for the Day:
Violin for Christmas When my daughter was three, she wanted a violin for Christmas more than anything in the world, and we were successful in finding one just the right size for her.
She unwrapped the instrument with great pleasure, then tucked it under her tiny chin, serious and solemn. She slowly ran the bow across the strings, and there was a squeal of discord.
She looked up at us in surprise: “Where’s the music?”
Announcements:
Announcements Outreach
DP Monday night study at the White House: 7:30 pm
1-Day, DP introductory Seminar: Saturday Jan 17, 2015 Location: White House, Time: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, $20
ICE SKATING: Jan 1, 2015. 4:30 – 6:00 pm. Invite your friends! Bring $2.50 for skate rental. Location: Ice Skating Academy, 91 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford NY
Cheon Seong Gyeong and Pyeong Hwa Gyeong sets are now available. They can be ordered directly from national HQ or through Rev. Compton.
Other Dance & Yoga After Service: everyone is invited to join Rose Cho of dancing and yoga after service. It’s great fun and it’s healthy!
Prayer Jiau-Lan Weinstein – is fighting Lung Cancer
Make it a Great Week! Ahn Shi Il is Sunday, January 4