New Jerusalem Day Celebration Event 2024

The deep tones of the Morin Khuur (a traditional Mongolian instrument), a traditional Mongolian musical drama with elegant choreography and heartfelt singing, as well as a graceful fan dance and powerful drum performance. The theme of all the performances by the members from various countries, who possess outstanding skills in the performing arts, including the holders of intangible cultural heritage, was the same: the love of Heavenly Mother for Her children and the passionate devotion to the gospel in return for that love.

On October 27 and 28, the 80th Overseas Visiting Group attended the New Jerusalem Day celebration held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. The event, dedicated to honoring the love and holiness of Heavenly Mother, who came for the salvation and peace of humanity, was attended by a total of 23,000 people, including church members from the United States, Mongolia, Japan, and Australia, as well as the pastoral staff and church leaders in Korea.

In the first part of the commemorative worship service, Heavenly Mother gave thanks to Father for allowing Her to share His grace with Her children from around the world. She also expressed Her thanks to the members worldwide who are working together with one mind to spread the gospel. Furthermore, She encouraged, saying, “Just as the apostles boldly proclaimed to come and take the water of life from Jesus during His first coming, let us deliver the message to humanity in this age to come and take the water of life that will never make them thirsty, and together partake in the blessings of heaven.”

In reflecting on the 60-year history of the founding of the Church of God, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol reminded everyone of the sacrifices of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, who have led the gospel work with patience and love for the salvation of souls. “The main teaching that God, who is love, gave by coming in the flesh is, ‘Love one another.’ Let us follow this teaching by showing love both inside and outside the church, and fulfill God’s will for the unity and harmony of all humanity,” he emphasized (Jn 13:34–35; 1 Jn 4:7–8; Ro 13:10; 1 Co 12:4–11, 29–13:13).

The second part of the commemorative event was filled with vibrant performances from the Korean and Overseas Visiting Group members. The American members inspired the resolve to complete the gospel with an energetic yet disciplined Korean-style drum performance. The fan dance, with its graceful yet powerful group choreography, vividly conveyed the enthusiasm of the members for the gospel. Mongolian members showed their traditional instrument performances, a choral piece with traditional vocal techniques, and a musical they planned and directed themselves. Japanese members honored Heavenly Mother’s love and grace with a lyrical dance featuring traditional umbrellas. The congratulatory performance videos sent by members from Africa, Europe, and other continents deeply expressed their love and longing for Heavenly Mother. A special video on the New Jerusalem Temple in the Bible and the appearance of Heavenly Mother as its reality, along with a musical by the children’s choir conveying the message to realize the true love of Father and Mother and transform into beautiful people, left a lasting impression.

The tour concert featuring the Messiah Orchestra and local members, held at various locations in the United States such as the United Nations Headquarters, Lincoln Center, and the Pentagon (U.S. Department of Defense) in September, was recreated. The performance began with impressive and rich harmonies in the overtures of the opera Tannhäuser and Ruslan and Lyudmila, and the excitement grew as the united choir joined in. Following performances by the choir and a choral group, including the “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” from the opera Nabucco and “The Lord’s Prayer,” the event concluded with all attendees singing a New Song of gratitude to Heavenly Mother, culminating in a flash performance.

With standing ovations pouring in after each performance, all the performers showed their talents to give glory to God and deliver an inspiring experience to the members. Heavenly Mother praised the performers who prepared the event and blessed them, praying that their united and sincere hearts for God’s glory would reach Heavenly Father and hasten the day of gospel completion.

Mathew Watson from New Windsor, NY, U.S., who participated in the drum performance, said, “When playing the drums, not only the sound but also the movement must be in sync. While practicing the performance, we learned how to work in harmony with each other.” He added, “I will continue to remind everyone that we are all one family in God Elohim and share hope for the future with humanity.” D. Shijirmaa from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, who performed in the traditional musical, said, “We prepared the play with the message that we have received life through Heavenly Mother’s love and sacrifice. I want to help people who live without hope understand the value and preciousness of life through Mother’s love.” Missionary Kim Hye-young from Seoul, Korea, said, “In the past, it was difficult to spread the gospel even in one city, but now, with Heavenly Mother’s love, we are on the verge of completing the world gospel. I’m overwhelmed. I’ill make an effort in my position until God’s love reaches the whole world.”

Proclamation of “Mother’s Love and Peace Day”

On October 27, the “Mother’s Love and Peace Day” was proclaimed during the celebration event. General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol said, “Heavenly Mother, through sacrifice and devotion, has led spiritual sinners to repentance and granted true peace to everyone’s heart. To dedicate ourselves to Her great love, we designate November 1, the Day of New Jerusalem on the year marking the 60th anniversary of the church’s founding, as the “Mother’s Love and Peace Day.” Starting from this year, we will launch communication and harmony campaigns worldwide to practice Mother’s love during this time every year.”

The members all expressed their commitment to spreading good culture from their respective positions, clothed in Mother’s love. Salvador Navarro from Bronx, NY, U.S., who attended the proclamation ceremony, said, “As an elementary school teacher, if I set an example of love, care, and understanding for my students, the school culture will change, and we can create a beautiful community where we care for one another. I will always remember and practice the love of God that I have experienced.”

With the proclamation of the “Mother’s Love and Peace Day,” the World Mission Society Church of God is launching the “Beginning of Peace: the Words of Mother’s Love” campaign from November 1 for two months, taking the lead in spreading a warm and considerate language culture.

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