Local Churches

60 Churches of God in Seoul Awarded the Seoul Metropolitan City Council Chairman’s Award

60 Churches of God across Seoul received the Seoul Metropolitan City Council Chairman’s Award. This recognition acknowledges their ongoing commitment to a range of volunteer activities, including environmental cleanup, group blood donation, and welfare initiatives, all aimed at fostering the development of the local community. At two separate ceremonies held on January 15 and February 16 at the Seoul Metropolitan City Council Chamber, a total of 14 and 46 churches respectively were honored with awards. During the ceremony on February 16, Deputy Chairman Woo Hyung-chan of Seoul Metropolitan City Council congratulated the churches. He expressed, “As those who are giving awards, we are honored because we are well aware of how devotedly the Church of God has served and inspired…

Korea

Feb 16, 2024

Church Dedication Services in Four Locations in Yeongnam Region, Korea

In the year 2024, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Church of God, the construction of temples and dedication ceremonies have been ongoing both domestically and abroad. On February 15 and 16, dedication ceremonies were held for four churches in the Yeongnam region. Commencing with the Jaeun Church in Changwon, the ceremonies continued at the Churches in Donghae, Yeongcheon, and Yeongdeok, with a total of 2,600 attendees, sharing blessings amidst joy and gratitude. Mother complimented the members, who tirelessly worked together until the new temples were built, and prayed for God’s grace to overflow upon each church and the homes of the church members who celebrated the joy of the new temples. Mother emphasized that in this…

Korea

Feb 16, 2024

The Members of the Church of God in Edmonton, Canada, Visit Alberta Health Services

On February 11, volunteers from the Church of God in Edmonton, Canada, visited the Alberta Health Services, a nursing home in the community, and held a consolatory event for them. To provide vitality and support to the elderly people, more than 80 people attended the event, including volunteers from the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ], Edmonton Church members, elderly residents, and nursing home staff. The event began at 3 PM. With bright smiles, the volunteers presented a variety of wholeheartedly prepared performances, including a traditional North American cowboy dance, a Korean fan dance, and karate, a Japanese martial art, and more. The elderly residents smiled warmly and brightly. They watched the performance, holding hands with the church…

Canada

Feb 11, 2024

‘Our Mother’ Exhibition Draws Big Attention, Even in Peru

The “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition, affectionately known as the “Mother Exhibition,” has resonated deeply with modern audiences, offering a poignant reflection amidst life’s challenges. Originally inaugurated at the Church in Faucett in 2018, the exhibition drew around 5,000 visitors over two months, sparking meaningful discussions. After a hiatus of five years, it reopened its doors to the public, this time at the Church in Huancayo, Junin, Peru, in August of the previous year. The exhibition is structured around five thematic zones, mirroring its Korean counterpart: Zone A “Mom,” Zone B “She,” Zone C “Mom Again,” Zone D “Still Okay,” and Zone E “Stories of Mothers in the Bible.” These zones showcase a curated collection of 140 literary pieces,…

Peru

Feb 7, 2024

The Church of God in Southwest United States Hosts an Event Inviting Military Families

The Church of God in the Southwest United States organized a special event for military families on Veterans Day (November 11). On November 19, a concert titled “Comfort for Our Heroes” was held at the Church of God in San Diego, California. The event, prepared by members from Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and other areas, saw the attendance of over 350 people, including current and former soldiers, veterans, their families, and local residents. The church members took the stage as orchestra performers and choir members, presenting grand performances. The 40-member South West Region [SWR] Orchestra performed various New Songs of the Church of God, such as “O My Everlasting Home” and “The Staff of Moses,” in a vibrant…

U.S.

Nov 19, 2023

Happy Concert With Family and Neighbors in Seoul, Incheon, and Yeongcheon

The Church of God held a series of concerts to convey warmth and emotion to communities through music. Starting with the Church of God in Dongdaemun, Seoul on October 18, the concert was held at the Church in Geomdan, Incheon, on the 29th and in Yeongcheon on November 12. About 2,400 people attended the event held at the three churches, including people from various fields such as education, medicine, and culture as well as local church members and citizens. At the Churches in Dongdaemun and Yeongcheon, the chamber orchestra, composed of members of the Messiah Orchestra of the Church of God and members of local churches, presented a rich sound with various instruments such as violin, cello, flute, and clarinet.…

Korea

Nov 12, 2023

Seminar for Local Residents Held in Wonju and Daejeon

In October, as fall reaches its peak, opportunities to share heartwarming moments and joy with neighbors have emerged. The 4th Happy Seminar With Neighbors occurred at the Church of God in Wonju on the 8th, followed by the 24th Seminar for Office Workers at the Church in Seo-gu, Daejeon, on the 15th. Around 1,800 attendees, including church members, citizens, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, participated in these events, which featured orchestral performances and various side events. The seminar at the Church in Seo-gu, Daejeon, was broadcast live on YouTube, attracting approximately 5,800 viewers. Fill Your Heart With Warm Love “I am confident that events like these will play a significant role in fostering harmony among residents in the Yeongdong and…

Korea

Oct 15, 2023

Church of God in Peru Takes the Lead in Climate Change Response by Planting Trees

Throughout September, members of God's Church in Peru engaged in large-scale tree planting to commemorate Tree Day, which falls on September 1, Peru's national holiday. This initiative was carried out in about 30 locations across the country, including Lima, Arequipa, Chimbote, Jaén, Ferreñafe, Trujillo, Huánuco, Oxapampa, Ayacucho, and more. A diverse group of around 1,500 participants, including ASEZ (Church of God University Student Volunteer Group) and ASEZ WAO (Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) members, church members, and citizens, collectively planted approximately 6,420 trees. By planting trees suited to the climate and vegetation of each region, the memers not only beautified the environment but also aroused citizens' interest in environmental issues. Local media outlet reported their planting of…

Peru

Sep 30, 2023

Dedication Services for Seven Churches in the Metropolitan Area

For about ten days from the end of August, the dedication services for seven churches in Gangwon Province and Honam Region were held one after another in a row. More than 30 churches in Incheon, Suwon, Hwaseong, Jinju, and Jejudo have been built and waiting for a dedication service to be held. It shows how rapidly the gospel is being accomplished not only overseas but also in Korea. Starting with the Hongcheon Church and the Wonju Church in Gangwon Province on August 29, the dedication services were held in various places. In the Honam Region on September 8, the Yeosu Church, the Shingi Church in Yeosu, and the Maegok Church in Suncheon had the dedication services. The following day on…

Korea

Sep 9, 2023

ASEZ Signs an MOU With Tshwane Municipality

On August 21, ASEZ (Church of God University Student Volunteer Group) signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] with the Tshwane Municipality in the Republic of South Africa. City officials closely observed ASEZ’s environmental efforts in various parts of South Africa, including Pretoria [Tshwane], and signed an MOU with ASEZ to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs]. About 70 people, including 40 ASEZ members, a Member of Mayoral Committee [MMC] Kingsley Wakelin, Speaker of Tshwane Council Mncedi Ndzwanana, City Councilor Shaun Wilkinson, City Councilor Leanne De Jager, and City Councilor Katlego Makgaleng, attended the signing ceremony held at the Tshwane City Council. ASEZ members in South Africa have been carrying out various volunteer activities over the past five years, including cleanups,…

South Africa

Aug 21, 2023

ASEZ Members From the National Autonomous University of Mexico Planted Trees Around the National Canal

On August 20, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] members from the National Autonomous University of Mexico volunteered to plant trees around the National Canal. For about 2,000 years, the National Canal was a major transportation route connecting cities. However, in the 20th century, rapid urban development led to the cessation of boat operations, and it has been transformed into an urban ecological park. The Mexican government has been making significant efforts to protect the canal’s natural environment. To further green the National Canal, around 50 participants, including Korean and local ASEZ members and officials from the Mexico City Government Secretariat, joined the activity. ASEZ provided saplings, while the Secretariat provided the necessary tools such as shovels…

Mexico

Aug 20, 2023

ASEZ STAR Environmental Cleanup at Gungpyeong-ri Beach

The World Mission Society Church of God Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ STAR] from South Gyeong Province Chapter members carried out the environmental cleanup as part of the “Student Camp for the Second Half of 2023.” On August 20, more than 800 volunteers, including ASEZ Star members, their families and friends, participated in the environmental cleanup at Gungpyeong-ri Beach in Hwaseong, Gyeongg Province, Korea. Hwaseong City Council Vice Chairman Oh Mun-seop, Councilor Kim Sang-gyun, and Executive Director of Pyeongtaek Youth Foundation Yoo Myung-gyu joined the event to protect the environment with the students. Hwaseong Municipality provided waste bags to the volunteers. The volunteers, wearing green vests, collected waste from the beach, holding waste bags and tongs. Not only plastic wastes, but…

Korea

Aug 20, 2023

ASEZ Members from Malawi Lead Green Campus Cleanup

On August 20, ASEZ (Church of God University Student Volunteer Group) members in Malawi performed the Green Campus cleanup at Lilongwe University of Agricultural and Natural Resources. Around 70 members, including Korean members who were carrying out various hands-on activities in that country, Malawi members, and citizens, collected fallen leaves to reduce the risk of clogging the drainage, and cleaned the area to create a pleasant campus environment. The cleanup was performed for about two hours from 9 a.m. The members picked up trash such as fallen leaves, snack bags, and soda bottles near the on-campus cafeteria, and filled 25 sacks of trash. The members’ volunteering with bright smiles were reported throughout Malawi via the local private broadcaster, ZBS Radio.…

Malawi

Aug 20, 2023

ASEZ Members of the University of Pretoria Hold the ABC Movement at the Walkerspruit Canal

On August 13, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] members from the University of Pretoria held the ASEZ Blue Carbon [ABC] Movement in the Wackerspruit Canal in Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa. The ABC Movement is an activity of ASEZ to protect the marine ecosystem and raise citizens’ awareness of blue carbon to achieve carbon neutrality. ASEZ members are making every effort to protect the marine ecosystem by purifying water quality not only in beaches but also in rivers and canals. More than 90 volunteers, including ASEZ local members and Korean members who visited South Africa, and the Tshwane City Council members, participated in the volunteer service at the request of the Tshwane City Council. The Walkerspruit Canal…

South Africa

Aug 13, 2023

ASEZ Members From the U.K. and Korea Clean at Green Park in Richmond, London

On August 13, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] members from the University of Surrey in the U.K. and members from Korea who actively engaged in international exchange and volunteer activities during their vacation, engaged in an environmental cleanup at Green Park in Richmond, London. This initiative aims to provide a pleasant environment and raises environmental awareness for the citizens who frequently visit the park. London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and city council officials also agreed with the initiative and offered their active support. More than 80 people, including ASEZ members, citizens, and Deputy Mayor of Richmond upon Thames Fiona Sacks, participated in the cleanup. Starting at 11 a.m., the members collected a total of 220…

U.K.

Aug 13, 2023

ASEZ Members Clean the Polomolok River in the Philippines

The Philippines, with its more than 7,000 islands, has stunning natural scenery, attracting numerous tourists. As tourism has grown, the Philippine government is working hard to manage marine debris and prevent trash from land-based sources from entering the sea through rivers. Understanding these environmental issues, ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, members took action on August 13 by organizing a cleanup of the Polomolok River in South Cotabato, the Philippines. This effort was part of ASEZ’s Blue Carbon [ABC] Movement. Around 90 participants joined, including Korean members who are involved in cultural exchange and volunteer programs, local ASEZ members, and other community members. Before the cleanup, members conducted a Blue Carbon Awareness Campaign at a civic center…

Philippines

Aug 13, 2023

ASEZ Members From the University of Connecticut, U.S., Conducts the ABC Movement at Ocean Beach Park

On August 13, ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, members from the University of Connecticut conducted the ASEZ Blue Carbon (ABC) Movement at Ocean Beach Park in New London County, Connecticut. The ABC Movement is a marine ecosystem cleanup and awareness campaign aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and raising public awareness about blue carbon. Around 40 participants took part in the cleanup, including Connecticut State Representative Christine Conley, Mayor of City of Groton Juan Melendez, and ASEZ members from Korea who are engaging in global culture exchange and volunteer activities during their vacation. The members cleaned every corner of the park for about two hours from 7:30 a.m., collecting trash such as tents, chairs, and slippers. Representative…

U.S.

Aug 13, 2023

ASEZ Members Clean Tanjung Lipat Beach in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Tanjung Lipat Beach, a popular destination for both tourists and locals in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, requires continuous management to maintain its cleanliness and beauty. On August 13, ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, conducted the ASEZ Blue Carbon [ABC] Movement at Tanjung Lipat Beach. This initiative aims to protect marine ecosystems and raise awareness about blue carbon to achieve carbon neutrality. Approximately 60 participants, including ASEZ members from Korea and Malaysia, as well as officials from the Kota Kinabalu Municipality, took part in the event. Starting at 7 a.m., the volunteers spent an hour and a half cleaning the beach, collecting a total of 900 kg (1,984 lbs) of trash. In addition to the cleanup, ASEZ members…

Malaysia

Aug 13, 2023

ASEZ Members of the Cavite State University, Philippines, Clean the Imus Campus

On August 13, members of the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] at Cavite State University in the Philippines carried out the “Green Campus Cleanup” on Imus Campus. Approximately 100 people, including ASEZ members and officials from the Imus Municipality took part in the event. The cleanup was carried out for about an hour from 7 a.m. The volunteers picked up scattered trash around the campus, including deeply buried plastic and rain-soaked paper. Despite the sweltering weather, the volunteers served with bright smiles, cleaning every nook and cranny around the Imus Campus. Nerea Crisostomo Defensor, Information Education Campaign [IEC] Supervisor from City Environmental & Natural Resource Office [CENRO] said, “ASEZ’s environmental activities contribute significantly to maintaining the cleanliness…

Philippines

Aug 13, 2023

Coast of Cinta Costera in Panama City, Panama

On July 27, members of ASEZ WAO (World Mission Society Church of God’s Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) engaged in a beach cleanup at Cinta Costera Beach in Panama City in collaboration with the Panamanian Ministry of Environment. This initiative was part of the No More GPGP Project, focusing on collecting plastic waste to safeguard the marine ecosystems. Approximately 90 participants, including local and Korean members, took part in the cleanup. Digna Barsallo, Director of the Coastal and Marine Department of the Ministry of Environment, joined the activity, providing encouragement to the participants. Cinta Costera Beach, a prominent tourist destination in Panama, experiences consistent foot traffic, necessitating regular cleaning and maintenance. It serves as an excellent venue for raising environmental…

Panama

Aug 8, 2023