Minneapolis, Minnesota Family Church held Special Grace Holy Wine Ceremony

Minneapolis Family Church held our Special Grace Holy Wine Ceremony on August 14 at 10 AM during Sunday Service. 97 people from 40 families attended the ceremony. The ceremony was well planned and prepared in advance by the Holy Day Care team led by a young and older Unificationists. The ceremony was started as a usual Sunday Service with a short sermon by District Pastor Hyungtae Ha, who spoke about “God’s Dream and My Dream,” which reflected the time when our elder brothers and sisters joined the movement 40-50 years ago, and where we are now, and where we are going.

Right after the sermon, Rev. Ha continued to lead the Holy Wine Ceremony, which was emceed by Pastor Denise To. The Invocation Prayer was offered by Rev. Keith Anderson and the program was concluded with three cheers of Eog Mansei led by Rev. James Gavin.

Many members have been preparing themselves for this time with a 40-day period of devotion, and preparation of resolution paper.

Most participants expressed their inspiration for seeing True Mother’s tearful but encouraging prayer for Blessed Central Families. Through hearing her voice directly, we were able to connect to her heart and True Parents’ wish for the people of Cheon Il Guk.

Here are a few reflections from Minneapolis communities:

“Based on the education and encouragement provided by our regional and state pastors, we had excellent and high-spirited participation in our Minnesota Special Grace Ceremony. Released from the heaviness caused by my past short-comings, failings and sins of omission, as well as commission, I truly feel lighter. I have entered into a lighter realm–the realm of positivity–and I am anxious to take on greater responsibility for nurturing our members.”

“I was very happy to see the many second-generations Unificationists who were in attendance, especially young people who had difficulty in their life, but decided to receive the Special Grace. I believe that they are determined to change their life through the Special Grace Ceremony. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to repent myself and have a new determination to be our Heavenly Parent’s daughter and position of a Blessed Central Family member and tribal messiah.”

“I prepared really well for the Resolution Form. Everyday for one month, I wrote a diary, thinking and trying to erase past painful memories. I could shed many tears as time went by. I realized many things that I did that were on my shoulders where I have failed and I repented for my ancestors, too.”

“I wanted this day to be a new beginning for me. I was really grateful for all the preparatory workshop and Holy Wine Ceremony. I felt that it was prepared well. I am also extremely grateful to God and True Parents that my whole family could attend. The ceremony was very beautiful, it felt so sincere.”