Clifton, NJ Family Church: I will be resigning as the pastor of District 3 and our Clifton Family Church

I hope this letter finds you and your family well, in good health and surrounded with love and blessings. I have some important news to share, and I believe this is the most appropriate way to convey it, so no one is missed in the communication.

For those who have not yet heard, Leighton and I have some very happy news: we will be bringing our fourth child into the world at the end of June of this year. We are very excited for this added blessing to our family. However, this is also the main reason that it is time for our family to make a change. It has not been an easy decision to come to, but I will be resigning as the pastor of District 3 and our Clifton Family Church community by the end of May in order to focus on caring for my growing family. We will also be moving to Reading, PA in March to live closer to my family and relatives there, and continue to pursue our Tribal Messiahship.

Though I will be moving on from the pastor position, I deeply appreciate our faith community, and will continue to be of service in other ways. I will maintain my involvement in the Blessed Marriage Project and Shehaqua Family Camp, and will continue to offer matching support to those who need it. I remain committed to bringing joy and comfort to God and True Parents in the ways I am able.

Dr. Yong and President Naokimi have been informed of my plan, and although sad to see me move on from this position, are ready to support our community in finding an appropriate person to serve as the next pastor. They have encouraged us to conduct a pastor search and make recommendations for candidates for the position. As such, we will be creating a pastor search committee and launching a formal pastor search very soon. You will receive updates from that committee as they become available, so please pay attention to your inbox for more information coming soon.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your love and support, and the trust

you have placed in me as your pastor. Also, thank you for your resilience and dedication to our community despite the obstacles presented by Covid-19. This is an amazing community full of wonderful brothers and sisters. It has been my honor and privilege to serve this community as your pastor these last two years.

With the support of all of you and our incredible ministry leaders, I was able to lead our community in achieving many important accomplishments: • Welcoming True Mother to NJ at the end of 2019 • Offering well attended childrens, youth, young adult, CARP and young family ministry activities all year through • Matching education and support programs • Consistent online and in-person Sunday gatherings, Holy day services, and Seonghwa and memorial services • Establishment of a community care group system that is active in every county • Newly planted Holy Grounds in Belleville, Clifton, Hackensack, Princeton and Nutley • Many outreach efforts, educational programs and Blessing activities in partnership with Tribal Messiahs, ethnic ministries, WFWP and ACLC

Most importantly though, the members of this community, each one of you, are the ones that make this community what it is. Getting to know you more deeply over these last two years has made my experience of being your pastor so meaningful and fulfilling. With your continued participation and support, I am confident that the next pastor will have a strong foundation to build upon and invest into the ongoing development of our faith community. May God continue to abundantly bless this community.

Pastor Crescentia DeGoede