Family Reunion: Clifton Service Honoring True Father Draws Huge Turnout
Photo courtesy of Graeme Carmichael
“To me, Father Moon was the greatest father,” said Dr. Chung Sik Yong, Regional President, FFWPU North America, during a recent Sunday sermon. “He loved and raised me more than my own physical parents ... He told me that God does exist, and this is one of the greatest teachings; that God is a living God, [and] your parent.”
Dr. Yong and FFWPU USA President, Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda, pastors of the Clifton Family Church in New Jersey, delivered inspiring messages during a special “Family Reunion” service Oct. 2 — drawing more than 800 Unificationists and guests. “This was to align with True Mother’s desire to really reach out to our membership and reconnect,” said Rev. Naokimi.
The reunion theme spurred members to get in touch with their family and friends in the community, as New Jersey leadership aimed to have some 600 people join the service. Rev. Naokimi described it as a“team effort” involving both KEA and the Elizabeth Family Church. “The purpose is local church development,” he said. “We reached the goal—and surpassed it.”
Photo courtesy of Graeme Carmichael
Reaching some 800 registrants the night before the service meant closing seating due to capacity, Rev. Naokimi said. About 650 people filled the main hall, while another 150 were in the children’s room. More than 60 people also joined the service online. “It was a beautiful experience,” said Rev. Naokimi. “I really felt we accomplished the purpose of creating this family atmosphere.”
The huge turnout is among the top goals of the movement’s national leadership, who seek to expand their communities and empower families. Various performances during the service honored True Father’s legacy and the recent 10th anniversary of his seonghwa. “There were really moving videos and testimonies,” said Rev. Naokimi. “It felt like a revival for our community to be proud of who we are and the culture that we have.”
Clifton is home to the largest community of Unificationists in the country, and is often a model church for the movement’s programs and activities in other regions. With renewed hope, Rev. Naokimi is encouraging big family-style service gatherings in other communities. “I saw a lot of faces that I haven’t seen in a long time,” he said, “and they were really happy to be there.”
Members and guests alike were touched by the sermon and captivating entertainment. Rev. Hiroshi Inose said his guest, after hearing the sermon, felt “confident” that the church can inherit True Father’s legacy. “I feel True Parents and the spirit world love America very much and want to bless us substantially,” he said.
Min. Reiko Jenkins of Women in Ministry (WIM) also noted the powerful messages and heartfelt performances. “[Our guest] really loved the beautiful dance by Japanese sisters,” she said. “I deeply appreciated all the [Clifton] leadership working together for their church as an example for the nation.”
Clifton leaders said they plan to organize more family reunion services in the coming months.
You can watch the full Clifton Sunday service from October 2 here.