Our mission statement is:
“To guide America back to God through the teachings and Marriage Blessing of True Parents.”
We are a local branch in Durham, NC of FFWPU (Family Federation for World Peace and Unification).
We have Sunday service at 11:00am.
Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on November 26, 2023
Musical Offering
Sermon - The more noble the more humble
Summary:
The speaker discussed the importance of humility and the dangers of pride, using a biblical parable as a reference. He emphasized the need to be humble and not look down on others.
Highlights:
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is used to illustrate the difference between pride and humility.
Highlights various Bible verses that emphasize the importance of humility.
Personal anecdotes and experiences to further emphasize the message of humility.
Importance of prayer and the impact it can have on one's spiritual journey.
Need to be humble and not consider oneself superior to others.
Sunday school: Story based character education - "The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage"
Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on November 19, 2023
Musical Offering
Sermon - Finding who I am
Summary:
The speaker discussed the importance of finding one's identity and the impact of self-esteem on personal growth. He shared two stories, one about a lion raised by sheep and another about a fish teased by a monkey, to illustrate the struggle to find one's true potential. He also explored how Adam and Eve lost their identity, the significance of belonging, and the role of God in helping individuals discover their true selves. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of proclaiming one's identity as God's children and working towards creating a better world.
Highlights:
The speaker introduces the topic of finding one's identity and quotes Aristotle and Lao-Tzu, ancient philosophers, on the importance of self-knowledge.
Two stories are shared: one about a lion raised by sheep and another about a fish teased by a monkey, highlighting the struggle to discover one's true potential.
The speaker explores how Adam and Eve lost their identity and the consequences of their actions.- The concept of belonging is discussed, both in relation to finding identity outside the church and within the church community. The speaker shares the story of Oskar Schindler as an example of personal transformation and the potential for individuals to become beacons of light.
True Mother's proclamation of being God's only begotten daughter is discussed as a reflection of our true identity as God's children.
Conclude with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to find our true identity and a hope for all youth to discover their purpose and shine in the world.
The title of my sermon is “Finding Who I am”. I got an idea from a Sunday school lesson about the story of the Ugly Duckling. I hope a young audience will enjoy it.
Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle and ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu mentioned about knowing oneself.
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Aristotle
Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Lao Tzu
I am reading a Bible verse from Genesis 1:27. This could be the key to the message today. Please keep this Bible verse in your mind.
God created humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image God created them, male and female.
I would like to introduce two stories to make us think about identity. The first story is about a lion raised by sheep.
Once a pregnant lion died soon after giving birth. The newborn cub didn’t know what to do. He started to roam around and met a herd of sheep. Seeing that little cub, the mother sheep decided to raise him as her own.
He grew up along with sheep and started to think and act just like a sheep. He would even eat grass like sheep.
He was teased by other sheep for being so different. Some of them would say, “You are so ugly. Your voice is so weird. You are a disgrace to the sheep family.”
He was sad because he didn't look like them.
One day, an old lion saw a herd of sheep and decided to attack it. While attacking, the old lion saw the young lion running away along with the other sheep.
The old lion got curious and decided to pursue the young lion and asked, “Why are you running away with sheep?”
The young lion who had never seen the other lions, shaking in fear, said, “Please don't eat me. I am just a young sheep, please let me go."
Hearing this, the old lion growls, “What?? You are not a sheep. You are a lion just like me.”
Young lion kept saying, “I am sheep. Please let me go.”
At this point the old lion got an idea. It took the young lion to a nearby river and asked him to look at his reflection. Upon looking at the reflection, he realized who he really was.
The second story is about a fish teased by a monkey that the fish cannot climb a tree like the monkey.
One day while a fish was swimming closer to the riverbank and heard a voice saying, “How is the water??"
The fish saw a monkey sitting on a tree. The fish smiled and replied, “Water is nice and warm.”
The monkey felt a little jealous and wanted to put the fish down. He replied, “You should come out of the water and climb up this tree. View from here is really amazing.”
The fish replied with sadness, “I don’t know how to climb tree and I cannot survive without water.”
The monkey made fun of the fish saying, “You are totally worthless if you cannot even climb a tree.”
After hearing this remark, the fish started to think about it and became extremely depressed. It started thinking, “Maybe monkey is right. I am worthless if I cannot even climb a tree.”
Another fish in the river noticed that the fish was looking all depressed and asked, “What’s wrong?”
The fish talked about the monkey and his comment. Another fish laughed and said, “If the monkey thinks you are worthless because you don’t know how to climb a tree then the monkey is also worthless as he cannot swim or live under water.”
Few days later the monkey slipped and fell into the water and died as he did not know how to swim.
Some people say the following quote is from Albert Einstein. “Everybody is a genius but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
It means we all have different abilities. We can't judge everyone on the same scale.
Many people struggle with low self-esteem and negative self-image at some point in their lives like the ugly duckling and the lion raised by sheep.
Many times we are unaware of our true potential because of limiting beliefs that we inherit from our surroundings like a fish in the story of a fish and a monkey.
Low self-esteem can be caused by a variety of factors.
Some of the common causes include;
Less affection or positive interactions during childhood
Trauma or abuse during childhood
Failure or rejection
Unable to find the identity and place of belonging
We can overcome low self-esteem and realize our true potential by finding the identity.
Finding identity has been a challenge throughout human history since our Adam and Eve lost their identity by the Fall.
Let us examine how Adam and Eve lost their identity?
Genesis 3:2-5
The woman said to the snake, “We may eat the fruit of the garden’s trees but not the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. God said, ‘Don’t eat from it, and don’t touch it, or you will die.’”
The snake said to the woman, “You won’t die! God knows that on the day you eat from it, you will see clearly, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Being like God introduced by Lucifer meant to create their own rules, do whatever we want, and become whoever we want, which is totally opposite to the real meaning of being like God.
Being like God introduced by Lucifer sounds good especially for young people. Today’s society teaches young people as Lucifer did. However, we need to remember what happened to Adam, Eve, and all their descendants because Adam and Eve acted as Lucifer taught them.
Adam and Eve lost their spiritual likeness with God, as they knew evil, became sinful and separated from God.
Adam and Eve lost their character likeness with God, as they became ashamed, afraid, and blamed each other and God for their sin.
Place of belonging is the important factor to find our identity. Humans are social beings and cannot live alone. We naturally seek the place of belonging.
Belonging is the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group.
Place of belonging can be a double-edged sword to find our identity.
It can help us to find our identity or make it difficult.
Two possible struggles among 2nd generations
1. Cannot find the place of belonging in the world outside of the church
Conflict of values in church/family and in the world outside of the church
Finding the place of belonging in the world outside of the church may push us to a different identity like the lion in the sheep.
2. Cannot find the place of belonging inside the church
There are many reasons to make us feel the church is not the place of belonging.
Seeing enthusiastic members may make you think; “Do I need to be like them to belong to the church?
What the church is doing may not make sense and it may be difficult to find the reason why you need to belong to the church.
One thing we need to remember is that our true identity and place of belonging can be found in the relationship with God. God is not only for those who have faith in God but also for everyone. We may run away from the church but we cannot run away from God. God will reach us no matter what and give us chances to be like Him.
I recently learned about Oskar Schindler and felt God worked behind him. He was no doubt a great person.
He saved the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories in Poland.
He and his wife Emilie were named Righteous Among the Nations by the Israeli government in 1993.
Was he a great person from the beginning?
He was initially concerned only with himself and the success of money making business.
His nickname in his youth was Schindler the Crook (scammer).
He was arrested several times in 1931 and 1932 for public drunkenness. Also around this time, he had an affair outside of his marriage.
He saw the Jewish race as a quick, cheap, and easy way to get people to work for him and start making money.
In today’s cancel culture, he could be canceled. However, He later underwent a change that prompted him to spend his fortune to save the lives of Jews.
His motive to save the lives of Jews is never completely clear, and he never revealed his motivations. God turned him to the light of hope for Jews.
God wants everyone to be the light of the world.
There is a teaching called “Brighten the World at Your Corner” from Tendai Buddhism.
It says;
A nation's riches are not its physical wealth, but rather the individuals who have faith in Buddha and thus illuminate the darkness with themselves.
Everyone has the Buddha nature within them and we must awaken to this profound truth.
A quote from The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare says;
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.”
Jesus said;
“You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Netflix show “All the Light We Cannot See” had a good quote;
When light shines, darkness disappears.
True Mother boldly proclaims her identity as God’s Only Begotten Daughter.
Thank goodness, we have such True Mother.
Our identity as God’s sons and daughters has been lost since Adam and Eve’s fall.
Proclaiming the true identity as God’s children is a very difficult task.
Only Jesus and True Parents have done it.
Powerful people such as emperors, kings, presidents, leaders used the name of God for their own benefits and behaved like false “God”, the concept brought by Lucifer.
People easily misunderstood True Mother’s proclamation of Only Begotten Daughter looking at the proclamation through colored spectacles of the false “God” concept.
Did she proclaim to put herself above and beyond anyone else?
True Mother is always telling us to be filial sons and daughters of God.
Young lion found his identity by looking at his reflection. True Mother is showing us the reflection of God’s image so that we can find who we are.
I would like to conclude my message by reading True Mother’s Word.
We must create the life of heaven on earth where True Parents and blessed children live together with Heavenly Parent.
For 6,000 years this beautiful earth has been suffering natural disasters due to human ignorance. This is a serious issue. They say that in the future there won't be enough oxygen or water for living things to survive. It will break my heart as a parent if today we cannot improve this world and transform this future for our beloved children. What should we do? We must witness to righteous people, professionals, those whom Heaven has prepared in each and every way for this time.
So I hope you will all have a bright and happy future. Even if you have been unfilial, it is my heartfelt wish that you will all become filial sons and daughters of our Creator, Heavenly Parent.
Prayer Luncheon on November 18, 2023 at Triangle Family Church
Welcoming Remarks by Pastor Bob Huneycutt
Prayer Luncheon Introduction of programs by Bishop Charles Dudley & Pastor Marion Dudley
Prayer for Meal
Video of World Summit in Korea 2023 - Who is Hak Ja Han Moon?
Nov. 18, 2023 Triangle Family Church
Prayer for Students & Teachers by Pastor George Riddick, Armed & Ready Ministry
Song "I Can Only Imagine" by Triangle Family Church Band
Prayer for Students & Teachers by Pastor George Riddick, Armed & Ready Ministry
Prayer for Single Parents, Marriage & Families, Blended Families by Elisa Rosoff
The Life and Mission of Jesus Christ: Only Begotten Son by Bishop Charles Dudley & Pastor Marion Dudley
Summary:
A video script discussing the importance of understanding the teachings of Father Moon and the Unification Church, as well as the concept of the only begotten son.
It emphasizes the need for open-mindedness and unity in order to accomplish more together.
Highlights:
Thanking the audience for their passion and enlightening perspectives.
Introducing Father Moon's book, "The Life and Mission of Jesus Christ," and the importance of reading it.
Highlighting the global connections made through the Unification Church.
Exploring the concept of the only begotten son and its connection to Jesus.
Emphasizing the love and sacrifice of God through Jesus.
Encouraging open-mindedness and understanding of different perspectives.
Promoting unity and collaboration in order to achieve greater goals.
Group Discussion
Keynote Address: The Centrality of the Blood Lineage, the Marriage Blessing and brief introduction to the Only Begotten Daughter by Dr. Achille Acolatse
Summary:
The centrality of blood image, the marriage blessing, and the only begotten daughter are important concepts to be discussed in this video.
Highlights:
The speaker expresses gratitude to the team and audience, emphasizing the love and effort put into the program.
The video starts by discussing God's excitement and investment in creating the world and human beings in His image.
Bible verses highlight the importance of the male and female coming together to reflect the image of God.
The consequences of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit resulted in a contamination of the blood image.
The blood lineage of the devil became present in humanity, leading to a struggle between good and evil within individuals.
Jesus Christ came to remove the sin and deliver humanity from the Satan's blood lineage.
The video ends with a reference to the book of Revelation, hinting at Jesus' return and the ultimate victory over sin.
Prayer for ministers & community leaders by Molly Grace - Arise Prison Ministry
Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on November 12, 2023
Musical Offering
Sermon
Summary: The sermon discusses the importance of loving your enemies and the limit to forgiveness. It also emphasizes the need for sacrifice and the role of the Unification Church in the world.
Key Insights: - The sermon explores the concept of loving your enemies and questions the limit to forgiveness. It highlights the biblical teaching of loving your enemies and the theological soundness of this principle. It also raises the question of whether there is a limit to forgiveness and love for those who persecute and despise you.
- The sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and the role of sacrifice in the Unification Church. It discusses the sacrifices made by true parents and the need for individuals to sacrifice for the sake of humanity. The sermon suggests that the level of sacrifice can be a measure of leadership within the church.
- The sermon acknowledges the risk and discomfort of speaking the truth and standing up against evil. It discusses the potential consequences of speaking out and the need for bravery in combatting falsehood and injustice.
- The sermon reflects on the value of true parents' sacrifice and the hope for a future without pain and suffering. It expresses gratitude for the blessings received and highlights the beauty of nature and the grace and forgiveness of God.
- The sermon concludes with a prayer for the continuation of God's Providence and a commitment to living in humility and gratitude. It expresses the belief that through sacrifice and devotion, the pain and suffering in the world will eventually disappear.
Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on November 5, 2023
Musical Offering
Sermon
Summary: This video script discusses the significance of the 50th anniversary of Japanese missionaries in America and references the intense and dangerous experience at the Yankee Stadium campaign. It emphasizes the importance of praying with faith in the current world situation and relates it to passing on the goals and dreams of True Parents to future generations.Highlights:
The 50th anniversary of Japanese missionaries in America is a tribute to their dedication.
The Yankee Stadium campaign was a dangerous and intense event, but faith and singing helped overcome the challenges.
The current world situation is dangerous, and praying with faith is crucial.
Cheong Shim Won is not just a project but a serious and important time to bring God's spirit into the world.
The video script draws an analogy between passing the baton in a relay race and passing on the goals and ideals of True Parents to future generations.
Communism is a deceptive ideology that denies the existence of God.
