IT'S TIME FOR TEA: TRADITIONAL ENGLISH TEA LUNCHEON IN DENVER
The surprised expressions on everyone's faces as they entered the Women's Federation for World Peace coffee shop in Denver that was transformed into a beautiful tea room, were gratifying to watch.
On May 26th, WFWP Denver hosted our First Annual Traditional English Tea Luncheon, an event in which guests and members of WFWP enjoyed tea and delicacies while learning about WFWP and its founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. The 36 people in attendance happily drank two carefully prepared teas, and ate delicately created sandwiches accompanied by chocolate-covered strawberries. There were 14 guests—12 women and 2 men. The men were transformed as much as the ladies. We could not stop smiling, and why should we have?
Dr. Moon's life story was told, with pictures rolling on a screen in the background—first, a picture of her as young girl, followed by two wedding photos, one of her speaking at the United Nations, a family portrait, and more recent ones. The MC explained that we affectionately refer to Dr. Moon as "True Mother." The importance of the WFWP being in general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations was emphasized, and the fact that among the 3,400 NGOs registered at the UN, the WFWP is in the top-tier 141 organizations.
The small, round tables were set with two different white tablecloths—one long and one short with a burgundy and pink center. Silverware was twisted gently with a soft color complementing the center cloth. White cups and dishes were displayed with softly lit candles and flowers.
The luncheon was prepared by a WFWP member who had recently graduated from culinary school. Her creations delighted everyone while the history of afternoon tea was read.
A recent high school graduate sang an operatic piece, to the delight of the audience, especially her mother and visiting grandmother from Seattle. Several guests testified about their mothers, while another member recited a poem by a French author.
Guests were informed about the activities of WFWP in Denver and elsewhere. For example, guests were told of how members of the Florida WFWP were leaving the next day for nine days on a medical service project in Haiti. They also learned about the Love Share Project from the WFWP South Korean ladies, who give 1 percent of their income to North Korean women and children. And they were told about WFWP Denver's activities to support a school in Rwanda, called the New Hope Technical Institute.
Everyone had so much fun! Members recommitted themselves, and new guests inquired about the members' involvement. Each guest was given a burgundy folder with the following items: a copy of the story of afternoon tea, the menu, Dr. Moon's comments from the WFWP 10th anniversary gathering in 2002 entitled "The Hope for Humanity Comes from Mothers," the most recent WFWP brochure (Living by the Logic of Love), a membership application, a letter regarding the Haiti visit, and a postcard reminding everyone of the upcoming "Turning Point" conference in Las Vegas, October 25-27.
We can only be grateful to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, her daughter the Rev. In Jin Moon, and our national president, Mrs. Angelika Selle, as they lead us into this transition time of tranquility, prosperity and world peace based on women's open and compassionate hearts.
Everyone left with a beautifully wrapped fire and ice rose remembering Dr. Moon's words from her March 4 address to a crowd of thousands at the 20th anniversary of the WFWP in Seoul: "Every member needs to ... become fragrant women leaders, with maternal love and a maternal disposition."