North Thames News

North North Thames Thames News News Issue 26, 16 Jan 2026

Table of Contents Page 2 Pastor’s message Page 4 Artificial Intelligence Page 5 Postcard from Portugal Page 6 7-day workshop Page 7 Korean Embassy Page 8 1275 Blessing Page 9 Christmas card Page 10 Past, Present and Future National service location

D Page 11 ear readers, Children’s page As the picture above indicates, this NT newsletter presents events, issues and Page 12 ideas from the past, present and future. Christmas service “The past is valued as a source of learning, identity, Page 14 and memory. The present is the only time in which we can take action, make decisions, and experience Financial report life with explicit awareness. The future is valued for its potential, possibilities, and as the domain of goals Page 15 and planning.” [AI] Announcements Enjoy! Page 16 Tail Lights  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 2

Message from Pastor William Haines

A t the end of last year, pikareum (blood purification) theories. That is why many of Michael Breen, a where a woman and her the faithful – including his British blessed subsequent lineage would be own children – accept Pak’s member, gave a talk about the purified if she had a sexual story.” alleged sexual rituals of True relationship with a messianic This was repeated in the book Father or as is more often figure. This was practiced in by Nan Sook, who was known The Six Maries. some Korean Christian sects. Hyojin’s first wife. And Stories about such activities Mr Pak himself wrote a later recently I was sent videos of have swirled around in the book denying that what he speeches by Sean (Sanctuary) movement for decades. When had written was true. Breen Moon in which he not only I joined in 1975 they were also interviewed Pak many accepts that Father engaged called rumours, based on the times and it was clear that in sexual rituals but that fact that after the Korean War what he had originally written ideally he should have had the many people who came to was based on supposition for sex with ALL the women in listen to lectures late into the which he had no evidence. It the world, as that was the evening were not able to go was also never something I only way for their womb and home because of the curfew. thought was true and I have lineage to be purified and that So, they had to stay overnight never taught this. we should all be proud of that in the church centre and And yet what I find curious, and tell the world about it. rumours emerged that the as does Breen in his talk, is young men and women who It was also taught at some that “Unification believers, lectures I attended some years were staying overnight were steeped in their theology, engaged in sexual activities. I ago at a European Assembly believe this [that Father by a church theologian who remember hearing that one engaged in sexual rituals].” Christian professor wore half again explained that these He goes on to say “I think the things happened and there a dozen layers of clothing in reason is – with all due case she had to escape before was a providential reason for respect to UC members – them to happen. And now anything happened to her. because of the complexity of there are allegations coming Then a book was published the Divine Principle and Rev. from the True Parents by Pak Chung-hwa called The Moon’s interminable and Theology lecturers that Father Six Maries which alleged that complicated speeches and had a ‘tail’ because he had True Father engaged in way of talking. It has led them committed sexual sins such as sexual rituals with women for to see Cains and Abels, getting married in 1944. providential reasons related to Jacobs, Adams, and Eves the change of blood lineage. everywhere and made them I think all these notions are This was based on the idea of suckers for biblical based false.  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 3

Firstly, they are factually other women were Principle, If the function of false. In the 1980s, Breen ‘providential’ and that one the conscience were absent in interviewed all the early should not judge them from a fallen people, God’s members, nearly all of whom ‘humanistic’ or secular point providence of restoration are dead now, about these of view but see them from would be impossible EDP 36 issues and couldn’t find a ‘God’s point of view’. So, I think people who single piece of evidence to And yet restoration is not believe that True Father verify them. As a journalist in repetition. Restoration occurs ‘misused his sexual organ’ Korea (for The Washington when you find yourself in a and had sex with women to Times and The Guardian), he similar position to Adam, whom he was not married are wasn’t prepared to accept Eve, the archangel, Cain or seriously mistaken. There is rumours but wanted to find Abel, or one of your no evidence for this, as primary sources – people who ancestors. And you face the attested by both a British had participated in or temptation to make the same scholar and a journalist, for observed such things. This mistake that they did, which whom their reputation for was also the conclusion of the would continue the pattern of telling the truth is more British religious scholar fallen history. But you choose precious than anything. George Chryssides, who went not to do so and, instead of Secondly, I think that people to Korea to investigate these acting out of your fallen who believe that True Father things and published them in nature, you act according to made a mistake or committed his 1992 book The Advent of your original nature and a sin by getting married to his Sun Myung Moon: The follow your conscience. And first two wives are also Origins, Beliefs and Practices thus you break the cycle of mistaken. True Father always of the Unification Church. abuse and pattern of fallen followed his conscience. Won So why is it that so many history. Pil Kim and the other very members believe such things? early members testified that And as Father said over and I think it is because of True Father had a Christian over again, we have to follow wedding to his first wife misunderstanding the our conscience, as it is higher Principle and the Bible stories which was blessed by God than a parent, a teacher, a and, as Father himself said, connected to the lineage of king or even God. Shocking. Jesus. It is not unusual in our was God’s will. Thirdly, I But who established this idea think that people who believe community for people to of standing against God? It that True Father engaged in think that restoration is the was Abraham - when he sexual rituals for providential same as repetition - that when argued with God about the reasons are mistaken because something happens that has destruction of Sodom and restoration is not repetition happened before it is Gomorrah because his but is achieved by following restoration – the same act conscience told him that it one’s conscience, which being committed with a ‘pure was wrong even if God should be formed by the motivation’. So that the wanted it "Shall not the Judge Word of God. relationships Father is of all the earth do what is supposed to have had with just?” Gen 18:25. And in the Breen’s complete talk is on NT chat Jan 16th or email William  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 4

Understanding internet. It refers to the Internet computer systems and Artificial designed to Intelligence perform tasks that normally A gentle guide for require everyday users human In its earliest form, the intelligence, such as Gianni Raineri recognising patterns, internet functioned like a large electronic responding to questions,

M any readers noticeboard. People could or organising information. will remember read information, but Artificial intelligence does a time when interaction was limited. not think, believe, or communication was Over time, the internet understand, in the way slower and more became more social and people do. It works by deliberate. Letters arrived participatory. Ordinary analysing large amounts by post, news came people could write posts, of data and calculating through newspapers or the share photographs, likely responses based on evening television, and comment on stories, and patterns it has seen before. photographs were printed upload videos. This stage In this sense, it is best and placed into albums. of the internet made understood as a tool rather Today, much of daily life communication easier and than a mind. happens through the helped families, churches, For the faithful, this internet, whether by and communities stay distinction is important. sending email, watching connected across long People are created with videos on YouTube, or distances. Most readers conscience, moral keeping in touch with today are familiar with responsibility, and friends and family on this form of the internet, spiritual awareness. Facebook. To understand because it is the one used Artificial intelligence has artificial intelligence, it for email, social media, none of these qualities. It helps first to understand and video platforms. cannot pray, love, repent, how the internet itself has Artificial intelligence or exercise wisdom. It changed over time. developed within this simply follows modern interactive mathematical processes  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 5

designed by humans. faithful approach newspapers, television, or When used carefully, it technology without fear radio. can assist with everyday but also without blind Further reading and tasks, communication, and trust. These tools can references: learning. When trusted too serve community and Wikipedia overview of the deeply, it can give the communication, but they modern interactive internet: false impression of must always remain en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ authority or insight that it servants rather than Web_2.0 does not possess. guides. Discernment GCU article on faith and artificial intelligence: www Understanding both the remains essential, just as gcu edu blog theology internet and artificial it always has been when ministry ai and Christianity intelligence helps the engaging with

A city in Portugal Peter Schroder Tomar. It’s a small city in Portugal, two hours north of Lisbon. The crusades made the town famous. It has a castle on the hill and, nowadays, many coffee shops. Why are we here? Why mention it? A stroke of luck brought two groups of people together: two sisters (group 1) and a young family of five (group 2). At first, neither group realised that they lived so close together. Just before Christmas, Benvinda and her sister Manuela (group 1) invited the family (group 2) for afternoon tea. Both sisters had moved back to their original homeland, Portugal, not so long ago; Benvinda from UK, Manuela from USA. Both moved in together and they own a flat. In Tomar. Benvinda says she is still asking herself why Tomar? Well before the arrival of Benvinda, the young family lived in the same city for about two years, originally coming from Japan. But they had to move by the end of last year. Once they met, Benvinda and her sister were able to offer them some land belonging to their ancestors, close to the Spanish border, a beautiful spot. My son Michael and his family of five, group 2, are now living there. And both groups live happily connected ever after. It sounds like a fairy tale. But it isn’t. That’s the beauty of it.  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 6

7-day workshop, Livingstone House, January 2026 MunHee Lee

S ince this was my first time organizing a seven-day workshop after coming to the UK, I began it with a great sense of nervousness. However, the workshop turned out to be truly remarkable. Through Dr. David Hanna’s professional lectures on the Principle, I was able to build a much stronger foundation for understanding it. In addition, by participating in enjoyable activities such as sports activities, volunteer work, and Family Night, we were able to spend the week joyfully in a warm, family- like atmosphere. The testimonies were also very impressive. Listening to the vivid testimonies of first- and second-generation members allowed us to glimpse the earnestness of their lives and understand how they came to decide to be part of this community. This became a meaningful opportunity, especially for newly attending guests. Above all, the members treated the guests with warmth and hospitality, which I believe brought them great joy and deep emotion. I would like to express my sincere gratitude, not only to the lecturers who gave the talks, but also to everyone who worked hard behind the scenes, including the kitchen staff and activity staff.

Correction for NT News 25: In an article about Nasko and Noémi Todorov, page 12, a reference to a “best friend” who died was actually her sister-in-law. Apologies. P.S.  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 7

Interview with NTN: How would you describe the embassy: is it Bruno Klotz an old building or a very modern area here? Peter Schroder Bruno: The building is quite modern, and the area

W is a quite posh. e are standing here in front of NTN: Do you speak the South Korean? Korean Embassy building. Bruno: A little bit. Bruno Klotz, our German Annyeonghasseyo (안녕하 national messiah to the 세요) - Hello. UK, is demonstrating for the release of True Mother Bruno with Kaoru Chen from NTN: Ah, fantastic. South London, who came to Excellent! from detention in South support him, on Thursday 8th Korea. We just spoke about peace January 2026 NTN*: Bruno, nice to today, and you mentioned meet you. Where are we NTN: Did you meet on the word peace in Korean. exactly in London here? such occasions some Bruno: Yes. Bruno: 5 minutes from people from the embassy? Annyeong (안녕) and Victoria Station. Bruno: Yes. Sometimes Pyeonghwa (평화). There NTN: Do you come here we had a chat with them. I are two words for peace in often? greet them and they greet the Korean language. back, and we smile at each NTN: And, your personal Bruno: Twice a week. The other. slogan while plan is to come every NTN: A friendly demonstrating? Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00pm to 1:40pm. relationship then? Bruno: “Release the Bruno: Yes. Mother of Peace!” NTN: Why exactly at that time of the day? NTN: Have you met the NTN: Thank you, Bruno. ambassador of the South Much success! Bruno: It’s lunch time. The Korean Embassy staff Korean Embassy yet? go out and in for their Bruno: I don’t know. I *NTN = North Thames lunch break. might have met him, but I Newsletter correspondent don’t know who he is.  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 8

1275 Couples Blessing Anniversary, January 12th A romantic afternoon. First, with Fish 'n' Chips at Chigwell, a place in the outer loop of the Central Line east, then, a leisurely coffee and cake. It was all good. We liked our company. It turned out to be a very memorable day. P.S.

Chris & Chiyo, Robin & Agneta, Graham & Kimie, with mango and melon bars An enjoyable celebration shared with local friends at a super little Korean restaurant in Harrow Weald*. When we told the young Korean waitress that we were all celebrating our 37th wedding anniversary, having been married at the same time in Korea, she was stunned. We had to explain a bit more after that! C.L.B. *Banju Restaurant - 07400996063 - recommended! Peter & Gillian

1275 Blessing Paul Werner was the made a gesture that we coordinator at the time. He should smile more in front 12/01/1989 woke us up from our of True Father. I was A testimony slumber in the morning of heeding his advice. Soon, I Peter Schroder our blessing day. Many of us stood in front of Father, four

A were already matched two metres away. ‘Finally, I round the 8th Jan years earlier in New York. made it. I am here. Father, 1989 we arrived in But I was not yet. When you can match me with the McCol factory Father started matching a anybody you’d like,’ I told near Seoul. The brothers few days before our him in the spirit, believing tried our luck resting and blessing, I clearly remember that Father can read my sleeping on stacks of large Paul Werner standing a few mind. He smiled back - so barley bags before we found metres away, behind True he must have read our places on the floor of a Father. At some point, Paul something - and he very large hall.  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 9

immediately went into the Father and left the room … at the same time, you are crowd to look for my ideal She went back to New also wrong; we are also partner. And there she was, York; I went back to Berlin. similar. Is this true, Gillian? the unbeknownst lady … Those, who think we are We bowed before True quite different are right, but

Christmas Card Françoise Murphy

I n 1990, as encompassed in we were a Christmas approaching wreath. I Christmas, True designed and Father was painted the card looking for an and True Father artist to design liked it and his Christmas proceeded with card. At that the printing. The time, I was card was sent to living with my all True Father’s family in New contacts. York city at 43rd Unfortunately, I Street and I was lost True called to help Father’s original True Father. It sketch, but I still was a real privilege to be not need to think about a have the painting I did at able to assist True Father in motif. True Father already that time and also some of producing his card. I did knew what he wanted on the printed cards. the card. He even gave me r,// c,, ,/(a;; o/;; o"I' l,/e be fl/er/ (/,p JeaJ011J a basic sketch to follow. He u,r//, ::i'oue, ,~are r11,rl C'Jfojte wanted two birds next to each other guarding a nest original artwork by Fran co is Murphy

with an egg representing © 1990 HSA-UWC REVE REN D and MRS . SUN MYUNG MOON

the world. He also wanted Wording inside the card the picture to be Credit on the back  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 10

February 22nd National Service location: London Academy of Excellence Tottenham Upcoming Events Event: Na ·onal Service Date: 22 Feb 2026 Location: London Academy of Excellence To enham

This special service will be he perfec way o s art he new year ogether-wi h upli ing music, heortfel worship, delicious food, a church bookshop. and a dedico ed children's ministry program.

There 's some hing for everyone!

Let's come oge her as one family o celebra e, connec . and be inspired.

How to get there ... By car: A huge car park for Sainsburys is available on the Peacock ground floor of the event Industrial Estate S1tn1bury's building. The entrance is from U\ywtllte House Northumberland Park (see the “P” sign on the map). The car park also provides good toilet To ttenham Hotspur facilities near the pedestrian Stadium Tottenharifllots pur exit towards the stadium. :n Footb all Club \ Parking fees may apply. Also check about ULEZ charges.

By public transport: Overground (Weaver Line) from Liverpool Street to White Hart Lane Station (Zone 3). Then a 5-10 min walk to Tottenham Hotspur This report is based on a personal Stadium. The entrance is through a ramp between the visit to the location. The streets stadium and the event building (Lilywhite House - have a lot of coffee shops and orange rectangle above stadium on the map). other shops - a perfect location! ~ ~u· .,.,,. ·1111· ·1111· ·uw ·nu•-·11u·-·11,.. ·11u·- ·nu·- ·111 1• •11

~b \ Table of Contents North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 11  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 12

Reflections on channels through which that UPF, WFWP and the world of True Parents other associations are not the Christmas might be received by my like this, which is why family (meaning my they thrive, but the tension Carol Service brothers, cousins and other with the core church December 21st relatives). I have sought remains a difficulty. (unsuccessfully) over 2025 many decades to find ways Anyway, back to Christmas – it seems to be to open conversations and the one time we can speak interest – the Little Angels’ with the same language as Chris Le Bas visit, positive articles in the wider society. It is a the press, pictures of

W time when the strange hen I think summer camp activities or theology behind the back on the good church publications – nativity story is exposed recent but there always seems to and discussions about Christmas service at Hatch be a move to further virgin birth, angels and End, I think of an event separate ourselves from predestination that was a bridge linking social norms: the use of occasionally appear in our Unificationist ‘club’ Korean terms, shifting mainstream newspapers. with the wider world. I God’s Day away from new year’s day, saying aju With all of this at the back was so happy to see instead of amen and now of my mind, I took the families I had not seen for trying to defend a broken opportunity to draw some time, especially “true family”. FFWPU together a few young those representing three easily retreats into being musicians to form our generations. The an inward-looking social Christmas wind quintet to celebration of Christmas is club, unable to relate with play some carols at the something that is the outside world. I know service and, beyond that, recognised by a huge to play at some other proportion of the world and an even bigger proportion of British society so it is great for us also to participate. I realise it has long been in the background of my thinking and motivation that I am looking for  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 13

recognition purpose and of Jesus’ response life in from the the residents. midst of For the instance, at political Joshua’s realities respite of his venues afterwards. centre one disabled time, we Together with Reamonn resident, who regularly had the on his trumpet, Angelica walks around in a rather great performance of the mythical Santa Claus, on flute and Victor on zombie-like fashion, giving delight to children bassoon was Clara, a knocked over a music and parents, which was clarinettist associate of stand while we were ably taken up this year by mine at the Harrow playing and even grabbed Ajay Rai. To complete the Symphony Orchestra, who the top of Victor’s bassoon image (with more of a also invited her mother at one point in the middle Principle base) we should (who was over from of a carol. Victor managed really have a Mrs Claus France). We enjoyed it very well, retrieving his beside him (closer to the playing together and they balance quickly and Russian tradition of Ded were both deeply touched rejoining the music. Moroz and Snegurochka – by the community and Finally, after William’s though in their story she is spirit of the service. Our Christmas message his grand-daughter) – further carol performances reminding us of the another little bridge that the next day, at a serious down-to-earth could be built. residential care home and a second care home for disabled adults (where our son Joshua stays sometimes), were a great opportunity to connect with the wider society in Pinner. It was quite a challenge to play at these places where there was only a small degree of  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 14

North Thames FFWPU Quarterly Report October-December 2025 OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Quarter totals

Balance brought forward £126,524.85 £126,350.41 £126,166.52 £126,524.85 INCOME Tithes & donations £3,859.11 £3,408.78 £2,660.37 £9,928.26 Gift Aid refund £0.00 Calendar sales £304.77 £304.77 Savings acoount interest £58.12 £62.03 £56.25 £176.40

Total income £3,917.23 £3,470.81 £3,021.39 £10,409.43

OUTGOINGS Education project "Be the Change” £400.00 see note £400.00 £800.00 Grants for projects £1,000.00 £1,000.00 HTG missionary team support see note £93.00 £140.45 £233.45 HARP project support (Yumi) £50.00 £80.00 £130.00 T/F to HQ (NT Tithe) £202.62 £279.06 £0.00 £481.68 Pastor's salary (Oct 2025) £1,500.00 £1,500.00 £1,500.00 £4,500.00 Payroll costs T/F to HQ £182.35 £182.35 £182.35 £547.05 Service Coordinators £670.00 £50.00 £220.00 £940.00 Bookkeeping £240.00 £240.00 £240.00 £720.00 Meeting costs £641.21 £217.59 £143.89 £1,002.69 Hall hire (HAC and Romford) £147.00 £147.00 £294.00 Travel reimbursements £28.00 £15.00 £43.00 Admin costs £30.49 £12.70 £10.45 £53.64 Calendar costs £365.70 £365.70 Total Outgoings £4,091.67 £3,654.70 £3,364.84 £11,111.21

Balance carried forward £126,350.41 £126,166.52 £125,823.07 £125,823.07

Important note: There are some significant payments that were not completed, which means that the final balance should be £6000 lower than shown. At the start of 2025, we agreed to contribute £800 per month for the UPA missionary team's accommodation for their first year (until March 2026). This was done up to May, but we now owe £5600 to HQ for the last 7 months. Also, a payment of £400 to Patrick and Yebuny's work was missed in November. These payments will be completed this month.  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 15

Announcements A joint Blessing event is planned at LG with UPF on April 18th, with a preparatory seminar on March 21st. Please consider how you might bring an individual or couple (previously married or planning for marriage) to these events.

Upcoming North Thames worship services: January February March April th st st th 4 HAC 10.15 1 HAC 10.15 1 HAC 10.15 5 HAC 10.15 11th LG cancelled 8th LG 11.00 8th LG 11.00 12th LG 11.00 18th HAC 10.15 15th HAC 10.15 15th HAC 10.15 19th HAC 10.15 25th LG 11.00 22nd UK service 22nd LG 11.00 26th LG 11.00 & ELEA 11.00 For details see page 10 29th ELEA 11.00 & ELEA 11.00 (no LG or ELEA service)

Further information, including bank details, is on our North Thames Community noticeboard at https://sites.google.com/view/north-thames-holy-community

Faith in Action (FIA) is a community service initiative brought to you by YSP UK. It will connect young people (30 and under) with members of our local church communities RSC and NOTT through service allowing our participants to practice faith through action.

Young people will respond to the request put in by members of the community

We are now open to new participants and requests for support.

more information avaliable on the google forms

FOR PARTICPANTS FOR REQUESTS Programme length: 5 month We are taking requests but they will only Programme start: 02/ 02/ 26 be assigned by 02 / 02 / 26 and afterwards Programe end: TBA (late June) Age Range of particpants: 80 and under

FOR QUESTIONS A D COMMENTS VIA WBATSAPP MESSAGE: GRACE MVIKA - 0742S052S66 SOPHIA ICHOLLS - 07436621049  North Thames News, 16 Jan 2026, page 16

Editorial Happy 80th Editors Birthday, Peter Schroder Françoise Murphy David! Chris Le Bas

Email norththamesnews@gmail.com Letters to the editor norththamesnews@gmail.com

The next issue is due on 20 Feb 2026 The spirit of Christmas at the ELEA service

“Get the design in your head before you start [baking]”

Advice to competitors Paul Hollywood Judge on the panel of The Great British Bake-off Series 9, Episode 1 (2018) Find your way in 2026!