Information for Matched Couples and Potential Cheon Il Guk Matching Candidates

Our Marriage Blessings are one of the most precious and holy sacraments of our faith tradition, established by our True Parents. With the next annual Cosmic Blessing Ceremony just around the corner, there are many important internal and external preparations to be made. As you prepare to receive the gift of the Holy Marriage Blessing from our beloved True Parents, consider these words from True Father:

“The purpose of your marriage is to synchronize the man’s heart and the woman’s heart to perfect your love. Your wedding ceremony is a proclamation of your couple’s determination toward that goal. If you start with the goal to perfect your love and heart through your married life, you are on the way to fulfilling the ideal of the family… Marriage blends men and women into the semblance of the divine unity, so that human beings might fully become the image of God. God created human beings and all things for the purpose of consummating His love. Where do you consummate this love? It is while you live on earth, in the relationship between husband and wife, in the family. That is why your wedding day is the most joyful day in your lives.”

As you are most likely aware by now, the date and time for the upcoming Cosmic Blessing Ceremony in Korea has been changed to 9 AM on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 (1.13 by the Heavenly Calendar). For more details about all the events in Korea scheduled on that day click HERE: bfm.familyfed.org/matching-2/cheon-il-guk-matching/

As you make preparations to attend the upcoming Cosmic Blessing Ceremony, please regularly visit the NEW Blessing and Family Ministry (BFM) website at http://bfm.familyfed.org/. For general inquiries about the Blessing, contact our National Blessing and Family Ministry Team at bfmadmin@ unification.org. We are more than happy to support you in your preparations!

Information on the 2014 Cheon Il Guk Matching Ceremony

On February 8, 2014 at the Cheon Jeong Gung in Korea, True Mother will preside over a matching ceremony for Blessed Children aged 20-30, who meet the qualifications of the “Cheon Il Guk standard.” For a detailed explanation of the Cheon Il Guk (CIG) Matching process and requirements click HERE: bfm.familyfed.org/wp-content/uploads/Schedule-of-Major-Events-to-be-Celebrated-on-the-First- Anniversary-of-Foundation-Day.pdf

All CIG Matching candidates are required to participate in a three-day educational workshop on February 7-9, 2014. Those considering participating in the Cheon Il Guk Matching should take the following action:

A) Register for and attend the Cheon Il Guk Matching Orientation Seminar

In preparation for the Cheon Il Guk Matching, a one-day orientation seminar will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM EST (8:00 AM-6:00 PM PST) for all those interested to learn more about the CIG matching, and those who plan to participate.

This seminar is a requirement for Americans to participate in the CIG Matching Ceremony. The orientation seminar will take place at the Learning Center at 4 W. 43rd Street in New York City, and will be broadcast live via the Internet. The registration fee for attending in NY is $50. The fee for attendance by Internet is $30. Click HERE for more information, and to register: events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e8hp7l2r8289e014&llr=butvqyeab

B) Apply for the Cheon Il Guk Matching and Blessing

Make sure to select the “Cheon Il Guk bfmMtechsupport@ unification.org.

Information for Matched Couples Planning to Attend the 2014 Cosmic Blessing Ceremony

To attend the upcoming Blessing, matched individuals need to take the following action:

A) Report your match

Fill out a Matching Report Form, (bfm.familyfed.org/wp-content/uploads/Matching-Report-Form.pdf) and upload it with a photo of your couple, as a part of your online Application for Unificationist Matching and Blessing. fs6.formsite.com/hsauwc/matching_blessing_app/form_login.html For questions regarding the online application contact bfmtechsupport@ unification.org. Each matched individual should report the match to their local pastor, and give their local pastor a copy of their matching report form.

B) Make arrangements to attend the Blessing Ceremony in Korea

We understand that it is not possible for every matched couple to attend the Blessing in Korea. For matched couples who cannot attend the Blessing in Korea, details about how to participate in the Blessing Ceremony at your local church, via broadcast, on the evening of Tuesday, February 11, 2014, will be coming later. However, as our True Mother is looking forward to welcoming many matched couples from America to the Cosmic Blessing Ceremony in Korea, we are strongly encouraging each couple to make their best effort to attend the Blessing in Korea, if at all possible.

To prepare to attend the Blessing in Korea, we recommend the following.

1. Buy your plane tickets now! Currently, round trip plane tickets to and from Seoul, Korea for mid- February are averaging $1000 on www.kayak.com. You can also make arrangements with Lee Travel Agency by contacting Mrs. Sonia Lee.

To fully enjoy the pre-and post-celebratory activities, plan to arrive in Seoul no later than Monday, February 10, 2014 and depart no earlier than Thursday, February, 13. All accommodations, food and activities in Korea will be covered by your Blessing fee. More detailed information about what will be provided in Korea will be made available on the BFM website as soon as we receive it from Korea.

2. Apply for the Blessing in Korea Travel Grant. To support matched couples in making the trip to Korea for the Blessing Ceremony, our FFWPU-USA headquarters is offering the opportunity for matched, American residents, planning to attend the Blessing in Korea, to apply for a grant of $500 towards their travel expenses. Click HERE to learn more and apply: bfm.familyfed.org/blessing/participating-in-the-blessing/apply-for-a-grant-to-attend-the-blessing-in-

korea/ The deadline to apply is Sunday, December 22. With this grant, you will have nearly the same Blessing related expenses whether you attend the Blessing in Korea or in America, especially if you buy your plane tickets soon.

3. Request time off from work/school for the dates you will be away. The sooner you make the request, the better. Be sure to mention to your employers/professors that you will be attending a religious ceremony, with a set date and location.

C) Complete the Level 3 Blessing Education for engaged couples

In order to attend the Blessing: matched individuals, residing in America, must complete Level 3 Blessing Education, and receive a certificate of completion. The Level 3 Blessing Education can be completed by attending a workshop or studying the material online at the BFM website.

There are two Level 3 Blessing Workshops coming up: a small group style workshop at the Denver, Colorado church on Dec. 13-15, 2013 and a larger, retreat style workshop with live presenters at Ayres Suites in Ontario, California on Jan. 10-12, 2014. Click HERE for more information about these workshops and to register, bfm.familyfed.org/blessing/level-3-education-2/wkshp-registration/ or HERE to learn more about the online self-study option: bfm.familyfed.org/blessing/level-3-education- 2/self-study-resources/

D) Apply for the Blessing

In order to attend the Blessing ceremony, matched individuals need to apply using the online Application for Unificationist Matching and Blessing: fs6.formsite.com/hsauwc/matching_blessing_app/form_login.html. The application involves registering for the event, uploading one’s Level 3 Blessing Education certificate, submitting travel information (for Korea), and paying the Blessing fee. For questions regarding the online application contact bfmtechsupport@ unification.org.

Our National Blessing and Family Ministry Team looks forward to supporting you as you prepare to participate in the 2014 Cosmic Blessing Ceremony. Please contact bfmadmin@ unification.org with any questions or concerns you may have.

May God be with you and your family!

Dr. Michael Balcomb President

Crescentia DeGoede Director, Blessing and Family Ministry