Resources for the Marriage Blessing Ceremony on October 3, 2015

In preparation for the Marriage Blessing Ceremony on October 3 (or Oct. 4), there is a lot of important information and resources we would like to share to support your efforts. First, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the opportunity and significance that the Marriage Blessing Movement brings to our nation.

What is the Marriage Blessing Movement?

Essentially, it is an initiative to give more couples throughout America the opportunity to receive the Marriage Blessing from True Parents by having Marriage Blessing Ceremonies occur more frequently in more locations throughout America.

Why a Marriage Blessing Movement?

True Parents have made it clear that all of God’s children need to receive the Marriage Blessing and become Blessed Families. By hosting Marriage Blessing Ceremonies more frequently and inviting married couples to participate, we are directly responding to True Parents’ vision as Tribal Messiahs.

Through the Marriage Blessing Movement, we can easily promote God’s original intention for marriage and families in our society in a very natural way.

Desired Outcome

The desired outcome from the Marriage Blessing Movement is to establish God-centered marriages and families in America, rooted in God’s lineage, that practice true love and contribute to building the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.

Who can host a Marriage Blessing Ceremony?

Any community that wishes to (no matter the size or number of couples that will participate) can host a Blessing Ceremony, so long as they:

a) register their community with the Blessing and Family Ministry, and

b) secure an approved Blessing Ceremony officiating couple.

Each community that registers as a Blessing Ceremony host community will receive a Blessing Ceremony Support packet. Below are important resources to help prepare for your local Marriage Blessing Ceremony.

Please visit our FAQ page [bfm.familyfed.org/marriage-blessing-movement-faq/] for more clarification on the Marriage Blessing Movement.

Participation in the Marriage Blessing Ceremony

The most important preparation a couple can make is internal. It is important that couples participating in these Blessing Ceremonies understand and appreciate the meaning and value of the Blessing and the messianic role of True Parents. They do not necessarily have to be ready to change their blood lineage or become FFWPU members. However, they should have a sense that it is beneficial for their couple to receive the Blessing, and be willing to offer conditions of gratitude for what they are receiving through the Blessing.

Couples that would like to complete all five steps to change their blood lineage and participate in the October 3 (or Oct. 4) Marriage Blessing Ceremony need to register online at blessingamerica.org by September 27, 2015. All other couples should register locally.

The process for a married couple to receive the Blessing and become a Blessed Couple is explained here. This document also clarifies the process for a married couple that is not yet ready to take all the necessary steps to become a Blessed Couple, but would like to receive the Blessing as an initial step towards eventually becoming a Blessed Couple.

At this time, True Parents have asked that all matched couples participate in the Blessing Ceremony at Foundation Day, which will be celebrated in the U.S. on February 19, 2016. Matched couples who have special circumstances that make it difficult for them to participate at Foundation Day, and would like to take part in the upcoming Blessing Ceremony on October 3rd (or 4th), please contact Crescentia DeGoede at: cdegoede@unification.org.

All Blessing Ceremony support resources are available on the Ministry Leaders Resources section of the BFM website

Local Marriage Blessing Ceremony Resources

Printable Invitational Handouts

You can edit and print these invitational cards locally or through a print shop.

Still Store Graphic

Note: you can type in your own program details and then print.

Printable backdrop for photos

Recording of the 2014 Foundation Day Blessing (if needed)

You may choose to show certain parts of the recording simultaneously during your local ceremony (e.g. show True Father’s prayer or show True Mother Holy Water Ceremony)

Community Presentation

A PowerPoint presentation for ministry leaders about the Marriage Blessing Movement. This scripted and easy-to-use presentation is helpful for ministry leaders to convey to the community and ministry team members the value of this Marriage Blessing Movement in the USA. Completely scripted and easy to use.

Local Marriage Blessing Ceremony Guide & Guide to Five Steps

Please read this entire document, as it will help you understand each part of the ceremony and change of blood lineage process.

Couple Registration

This is the official registration for married couples to attend the Marriage Blessing Ceremony. Registration is required in order to become a Blessed Couple and complete the change of blood lineage process.

BlessingAmerica.org

Public-friendly informational website about the Marriage Blessing. Included is the registration, FAQ, and options to connect locally to a pastor.

We look forward to supporting you in giving the Marriage Blessing to your friends, neighbors, relatives, and community members throughout America. Please do not hesitate to contact our national BFM team at: bfmadmin@ unification.org with any questions or concerns.

We invite you to contribute to the success of this Marriage Blessing Movement, and wish you the very best as you prepare for the upcoming Marriage Blessing Ceremony and future ceremonies. May Heaven’s blessings be with you and your communities!

Dr. Michael Balcomb President

Crescentia DeGoede Director, Blessing & Family Ministry