New Pastors Inaugurated in New Jersey and Across the Nation
“The vision of the Clifton Family Church is more than a church,” says Dr. Chung Sik Yong. “We want to show the world a model church based on True Mother’s direction.”
On May 8, two new pastors were inaugurated at the Clifton Family Church in New Jersey. Dr. Yong, Regional President, FFWPU North America, and Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda, President, FFWPU USA, have filled the roles of senior pastor and pastor, respectively. Inaugural celebrations were also held simultaneously across the nation in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
“So many people attended our inauguration as new pastors, even from different churches,” marveled Dr. Yong. “The church was overflowing with people. We celebrated with an inauguration ceremony, and I had a really beautiful time there.”
Hundreds of people came to the Sunday service, where a special cake was presented as the new pastors were welcomed by the community. Pastor Crescentia DeGoede, who was appointed as Clifton Pastor in October 2019 after serving as the national director of BFM, is stepping down to focus on caring for her growing family.
“Crescentia really laid an incredible foundation in Clifton already,” says Dr. Yong. “She’s about to have her fourth child and has been working very hard, so I really appreciate her great effort and devotion.”
Clifton has long been home to the largest number of Unificationists in the U.S., with some 400 families in the area. “We’re determined to revive our movement in America and the world,” says Dr. Yong, who began a national tour in March to revive the faith of young Unificationists. “Clifton is really an important part of this [revival] goal.”
“I am very honored to pastor our Clifton community,” added President Naokimi, who is also part of the revival tour. The twosome delivered messages of hope and inspiration to the congregation, as well as prayers, as they began their new roles.
In a letter to the community, Pastor Crescentia, who is relocating to Pennsylvania, shared her gratitude for the enriching experience and opportunity to serve so many families in New Jersey.
“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,” she said. “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.”
“This is an amazing community full of wonderful brothers and sisters,” she continued. “Thank you for the resilience and dedication of our community despite the obstacles presented by Covid-19. It has been my honor and privilege to serve this community as pastor for these last two years.”
Dr. Yong and President Naokimi have personally connected with a number of community members while on the national tour, including New Jersey youth from CARP and GO ministry.
Across the nation, the other subregional directors were inaugurated as senior pastors, following True Mother’s recent guidance for American regional, national, and subregional leaders to focus on local church growth. Rev. Ernest Patton and Rev. Kazuo Takami were inaugurated as senior pastors of Capital Family Church and Chicago Family Church, respectively. Rev. John Jackson remains the Senior Pastor of the DFW Family Church, and the community held a special inaugural prayer for a new determination. Rev. Kevin Thompson remains the Pastor of the Bay Area Family Church and was inaugurated as the senior pastor of Los Angeles Family Church.
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