Family Church of Connecticut: - March 5th

Hi, from Denthew, I am very excited to meet all of you and to support our family as we continue growing into a beautiful and vibrant community together. It has been a few years since I’ve been able to focus closely on the local level, as much of my time has been spent working within the national-level providence. Because of that, this opportunity is especially meaningful to me.

I’m truly looking forward to helping create the kind of environment that True Mother has been calling for, one where people can deeply understand their identity as Heavenly Parent’s children and experience His love in a real and tangible way. A place anyone and everyone, our brothers and sisters, can turn to and find spiritual guidance, love, and ultimately a home.

Please give me a little time to settle in and integrate into the community. I would genuinely love to get to know each and every one of you and to hear where you are in your life of faith, as well as what you hope to see and experience in our community moving forward.

I’m grateful to begin this journey together with all of you.

In case you missed it, A message from Rev. Demian Dunkley to the FFWPU Members Dear Family,

Yesterday the Tokyo High Court upheld a decision by the Japanese government to dissolve the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification as a religious corporation in Japan.

Through this ruling, the religious corporation immediately loses its legal status under Japan’s Religious Corporations Act. Compulsory liquidation of its assets may now proceed even while a possible appeal to Japan’s Supreme Court remains under consideration.

This represents a grave challenge to religious freedom. For the first time in modern Japan, a major religious organization has effectively been erased as a

legal entity without any criminal conviction against the organization itself.

This is not a routine administrative action. It is the most severe sanction available under Japanese law, removing the institutional existence of a faith community. In rule-of-law democracies, such an action normally requires the highest possible threshold of evidence and justification.

However, many legal scholars, human rights advocates, and international observers have already raised serious concerns that this threshold has not been met and that the grounds for dissolution remain deeply contested.

When a government can dissolve one faith community without criminal conviction, the religious freedom of every faith community is put at risk.

The freedom to believe, worship, and gather in faith is not a privilege granted by governments. It is a fundamental human right. When that freedom weakens for one community, its protection weakens for all.

The consequences for our brothers and sisters in Japan began unfolding immediately.

The court’s decision took immediate effect. Rev. Masaichi Hori, who had been serving as the representative director of the Family Federation, was immediately removed from that position. Authority over the corporation was transferred to a court-appointed liquidator, Mr. Hisashi Ito, who now bears responsibility for administering the liquidation process.

At 11:00 a.m., when the Tokyo High Court’s decision was announced, the transition began almost instantly. Within minutes, the liquidator notified legal representatives that teams would begin visiting churches across the country that same day to initiate liquidation procedures.

About an hour later, teams of lawyers accompanied by police began arriving at churches nationwide. Their purpose was to explain the liquidation procedures, seize corporate assets, and confiscate church keys.

At the headquarters church in Shibuya, approximately twenty liquidators arrived and ordered the building closed. Employees were informed that they would no longer be allowed to enter the church and were instructed to remain at home until further notice.

Within hours, representatives had been dispatched across the country and access to church facilities had effectively been shut down.

Despite previous assurances that religious freedom would remain protected even after the dissolution of the corporation, members quickly found themselves in a situation where they could no longer gather in their places of worship.

These actions are already dismantling the daily worship, pastoral care, and community life of thousands of ordinary families across Japan.

Beloved members, this is not a distant scenario. It is happening right now. Our hearts are naturally pulled toward our Japanese family.

For decades, the Japanese movement has carried an extraordinary responsibility in serving True Parents, Korea, and the worldwide family of faith. Their devotion, sacrifice, discipline, and quiet dignity have shaped the history of our global community.

Few communities in modern religious history have invested themselves more faithfully for the sake of others than the members of the Japanese church.

Their offering deserves deep respect and sincere gratitude from all of us.

As the representative of the elder son nation, this moment also invites reflection. Looking back, one cannot help but wish that we could have carried more of that sacrificial burden earlier so that our mother nation might have had more space to care for its own members internally. The providence placed immense weight on Japan’s shoulders, and their offering has been truly historic. For that offering, the worldwide family will always remain deeply grateful.

No matter what happens next, they have already achieved a monumental victory that will be anchored throughout human history as among the most respected ancestors of the future world of peace.

Yet what stands out most today is not just the incredible offering they have made to Heaven, but the spirit with which they continue to stand.

Japanese members remain among the most faithful, resilient, and organized in our worldwide movement. Even under years of intense public scrutiny and social pressure, their families remain strong, their faith steady, and their communities deeply united.

I believe with confidence that our Japanese brothers and sisters will continue to find ways to gather, support one another, and preserve the life of faith through their families, their Blessing, and their devotion to God. We should be the same.

Moments like this test what we truly believe about freedom and faith. They also test our resolve to defend those values by the way we live them.

History has a way of revealing whether the values we cherish are defended only when convenient, or upheld even when difficult.

This moment therefore calls for prayer, wisdom, and moral clarity from believers everywhere.

As American members, we should speak with clarity about what is taking place. But even more importantly, we must remember who we are.

Through continued prayer and relationships built across society, we are continuing to work at the highest levels with partners, legal experts, and advocates to protect the rights and well-being of our Japanese members.

Justice is not only a matter of law. It is also a matter of conscience.

As children of our Heavenly Parent and True Parents, even in the face of painful news from Japan and while our True Mother continues to endure unjust detention in Korea, this is not a time for discouragement. It is a time for courage and unity.

True Mother’s course has never been an easy path. Throughout her life she has faced misunderstanding, opposition, and hardship from all directions. Yet she has never wavered in her determination to fulfill Heaven’s providence and realize the dream of one human family under God.

For us, the path forward is clear.

Our strength comes from God, our Heavenly Parent, from Jesus, and from our victorious True Parents. While True Mother remains with us on this earth, our unity with her is more than emotional support. It is a providential force. The deeper our unity becomes, the stronger our ability becomes to protect God’s sovereignty and advance Heaven’s providence in this time.

Our movement was founded on the truth that peace begins in the heart, grows in the family, and expands outward into society. This remains our mission. We must continue to expand the Blessing and confidently share who we are and who True Mother is.

Let us pray for our brothers and sisters in Japan, for their leaders and communities, for the legal advocates working on their behalf, and for the people and leaders of Japan that they may recognize the seriousness of this moment.

Finally, let us remember the essential.

Governments may dissolve corporations. Buildings may be taken. Institutions may be dismantled.

But faith cannot be dissolved. Devotion cannot be confiscated. And the living bond between God and God’s children cannot be erased.

We are far more than an organization. We are families bound together by the Blessing of True Parents and by the dream of one human family under God.

Let us stand with dignity, unity, and love so that the world may clearly see the living fruit of True Parents through our lives.

Rev. Demian Dunkley Continental Director, FFWPU North America

Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Begins This Sunday (the 8th) We will be losing one hour of sleep as the clocks “spring forward.” Be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night. Try going to bed a little earlier so the time change doesn’t catch you by surprise. That way you can come to service on Sunday morning with a pep in your step and a smile on your face!

We look forward to seeing everyone there.

What’s Coming Up? • March 6th - 2026 Blessing Registration Deadline • March 7th - PSWM Songwriter’s Workshop • March 8th - Pastor Denthew Inauguration ceremony • March 15th - Amazing sermon by Denthew • March 20/21 - BIA play Hitchhiker’’s Guide to the Galaxy

I am looking for a loving family interested in adopting my dog, Mocha. She is a sweet and smart 4-year-old Mini Australian Shepherd mix, weighing approximately 30 lbs.

Mocha is very active and enjoys walks, playing, and jogging. She is best suited for a home with a backyard and owners who have plenty of time to play with her. While she loves human attention and gets along well with other dogs, she does tend to bark and pull at her leash when she sees cars or other animals. This behavior is not aggressive, and she generally listens well, knows several tricks, and has excellent recall when off-leash.

Mocha is up to date on all vaccinations, though she is not spayed.

My cellphone number: 614-935-1509 Or email Colombritoj@ gmail,com

Please help support the youth in our community attend the blessing in 2026! Every dollar is being matched to help provide assistance to those in our community who are trying to achieve the blessing this year. Thank you for your support!

Please use this link on Sunday at 10:30 to participate in our live stream Sunday Service: us06web.zoom,us/j/82629866496?pwd=q67akiVpz4L6t 9t9Pz1HFYCOTzP3Bi.1

2026 Blessing Registration Deadline is Now March 6 For the Korea Blessing, the registration deadline has been moved earlier to March 6, 2026 to support preparation logistics. Registration is now open for both participants and guests. Please complete your registration promptly.

Register Here

Home Base This Friday Friday, March 6 | New Jersey Family Church

Home Base warmly welcomes youth who want to experience God, meet like-minded people with God-centered values, and be spiritually revived. Come for a lively worship session, ice breakers, and a talk by Junghae Joo on the theme “Connecting Career with Providence.” Questions? Reach out to Eva Schneider at 978-304-9267

Don’t Panic!

Join us for a wildly entertaining journey through space and time with our production of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy! Get ready for eccentric aliens, intergalactic adventures, and plenty of laughs as we bring this sci-fi comedy classic to life on stage.

Mark your Calendars! March 20th at 7:00 PM March 21st at 2:00 PM

University of Bridgeport – Mertens Theater 84 Iranistan Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604

Ticket sales begin soon! Ticket Prices: • $7 Students • $12 Adults • $30 Family

Come out, bring your friends and family, and support our talented cast and crew for an out-of-this-world night (or afternoon!) of theatre. We can’t wait to see you there!

Reach out to Matthew Evans, our Executive Producer, with any questions at mevans@ bridgeportacademy,org

Bridgeport International Academy, a small private high school in Bridgeport, is proud to bring the arts to life through our Drama Program. As we prepare for our upcoming production of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, we’re inviting our amazing community to help make this out-of-this-world adventure possible by becoming a Playbill Sponsor! From costumes and sets to lighting and sound, every detail of our production is made possible through your generosity and support of our talented students.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Bronze Sponsor – Up to $25 Your name listed in our Playbill in appreciation of your support.

Silver Sponsor – $25 to $49 Your name listed + a Half-Page Ad (optional) in our Playbill to promote your business, event, online class, or special message.

Gold Sponsor – Over $50 or more Your name listed + a Full-Page Ad (optional) in our Playbill to promote your business, event, online class, or special message.

This is a wonderful way to advertise to our audience while directly investing in our talented cast and crew. We are truly grateful for any amount donated. Thank you for helping us make theatre magic happen! To become a sponsor, reach out to Matthew Evans, our Executive Producer, at mevans@ bridgeportacademy,org

ACLC Prayer Breakfast at Belvedere Estate Join PSWM Alliance for an ACLC Prayer Breakfast on Saturday March 14th at 8:30 AM.

This ACLC Prayer Breakfast hosted by PSWM Alliance will feature a keynote address by Dr. Achille Acolaste, Chairman of ACLC, on the theme “United to Rebuild the Family God,” an Ambassador for Peace Award Ceremony, and guest speaker by Rev. John Enyetu of the Tabernacle of Faith Uganda.

March 14 | Registration and Breakfast 9:00 AM | Program begins 9:30 AM

Belvedere Estate 723 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY

Suggested Donation: $15

Come and learn useful and practical skills with Ocean Tribe! Become a person who can help your family, neighbors, and the world! Anyone 15+ is welcome, even if you’re a beginner.

Register Here

Previous Sermons are Available on our Website We are now posting recordings of Sunday Sermons on our Family Church of CT Website

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