Korea
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.
“I am confident that events like these will play a significant role in fostering harmony among residents in the Yeongdong and Yeongseo regions.” Choi Dong-yong, former Mayor of Chuncheon
The 4th Happy Seminar for Neighbors, hosted at the Church in Wonju, was a resounding success. It drew participants not only from Wonju but also from neighboring cities like Gangneung, Chuncheon, and Samcheok. Attendees enjoyed heartwarming moments, capturing memories at the photo booths, and sharing joyful times with their loved ones. Additionally, they took advantage of the opportunity to reflect on cherished memories by personally writing heartfelt messages on postcards for family and friends at the postcard-writing zone.
At 12:30, the main event commenced. The Messiah Orchestra of the Church of God delivered a captivating performance featuring familiar yet heartwarming melodies such as “Mom, Sister,” “Cinema Paradiso,” and “Merry-Go-Round of Life.” As the event atmosphere became emotionally charged, a seminar presentation on the theme “The Most Precious Gift, Family” unfolded. The presenter shared a series of essays portraying the silent and sacrificial love of parents, conveying the powerful message that “family, always on my side, is the most precious gift.” Tears welled up in many eyes as this poignant message resonated throughout the venue.
While on leave from military service, Ra Ji-hyeon shared his feelings, expressing, “Through this seminar, I’ve come to realize the depth of my parents’ love for me. I haven’t often conveyed my feelings to them before, but today, I want to express my gratitude for every moment they’ve dedicated to me, from giving birth to raising me.” Jang Shin-sang, former Governor of Hoengseong County, commented, “In times when people grapple with loneliness, I believe that events like these can contribute to creating a society where hearts are connected. With more frequent occurrences of such events, local communities will become even more vibrant, and cities will gain a heightened sense of dignity.”
The Church of God’s seminar for working professionals, which had traditionally held mainly in metropolitan churches, marked its 24th edition at the Church in Seo-gu, Daejeon. On the seminar day, the venue buzzed with working professionals spanning various age groups who had gathered early for the event.
Participants, invigorated by diverse hands-on experiences such as making dalgona (a Korean sugar candy) and crafting calligraphy postcards, shared laughter during the main event, relieving stress. They chuckled through the cleverly devised “Office Worker Sympathy Quiz” and found solace in the chamber orchestra performance and vocal presentations by young adults from Daejeon area. The subsequent seminar’s theme was “Are You Ready?” The three presenters introduced the Passover, promising God’s blessings, and expressed hope that all attendees would lead happy and meaningful lives under God’s grace.
Kim Yeon-su, former Chairman of Jung-gu Council of Daejeon Metropolitan City, expressed admiration, saying, “It was a time that offered emotional peace and relaxation for young people whose emotions have dried up due to the hectic pace of life. I, too, felt relaxed.” Ha Yoon-a from Cheonan city shared, “I’m usually busy with work, and I don’t have time to enjoy culture. The fact that they prepared a stage for me was touching. With the energy I recharged today, I feel like I can make it through the end of the year.”