EXCITING NEW START: WFWP INVITED TO INAUGURATION OF NEW CHURCH FACILITY NEAR CHICAGO

The Chicago chapter of the Women’s Federation for World Peace was invited to attend and speak at the inaugural ceremony of a place of worship on Sunday, February 3, 2019. The cold weather was no match for the warm hearts filled with gratitude that gathered at the newly acquired facility in Schaumburg, Illinois. Moved by the enthusiasm of the congregation, the WFWP representatives recognized this church as a sacred space to deepen relationships with God and thus commit to building a peaceful, loving world by working on the local level with their community.

The dedication and consecration service was celebrated with youth singers, congregational songs and a highly spirited sermon and I was asked by the church’s pastor, Rev. Kunihiro Sagisaka, to offer some remarks during the service.

I was inspired to read the words of an old spiritual song “There’s A Sweet, Sweet Spirit In This Place”. I congratulated the members on gathering every morning consistently at 7:00am for prayer to acquire the facility.

My brief comments were directed to the importance of their new church “home”. My prayer was that this new house of God be reserved as a dwelling place for all who seek the LOVE and refuge that all people need; a place for worship and fellowship, to heal those in need of spiritual and physical remedy; a place to meet together as families, sharing gifts and blessings; a place to spread the philosophy of PEACE among all nations.

To mark this special occasion, our local WFWP chapter presented the congregation with a housewarming gift. WFWP USA Vice President Rev. Juanita Pierre-Louis, WFWP Illinois Chairwoman Kathryn Davis, WFWP Illinois Adviser Patricia Fliginger, Margaret Figueroa and I joined in the presentation of a vase inscribed with: ”This Is the Day the Lord Has Made”. I believe it was a day that will remain in the memory and archives for many years for the new Chicago Family Church.