The Words of the Feddema Family |
Report on HDFC Small Group Activity in 2007
Masako Feddema
January 17, 2008
We started HDFC small groups in Aug. 2006 with only 14 groups. By the end of 2007, it expanded significantly to 45 groups throughout the District (38 in NJ). Over 250 BCFs are involved in small groups currently. Because of this foundation, the new community leader system was established based on the small group structure in November.
Twelve new community leaders were assigned and 3 -- 5 small groups were organized under them. The families that are not with a small group were also assigned under the small groups in their area. The total number of 328 guests were invited to our small group meetings/events or gateway programs in 2007. Some guests became regular participants of small group meetings. Over 150 guests were brought to the 12 City Speaking Tour Event with True Mother in November through the small group system, and small groups contributed a lot to the mobilization effort for the AFP event in December.
There are several factors which contributed to its success:
1) Small Group Leaders’ Dedication:
I would like to give credit to all the small group leaders for their hard work, dedication, leadership, heart and prayer to take care of their small group families by having weekly or monthly meetings consistently. Without their efforts and commitment, we could not have accomplished this much in such a short period of time. They grew confident in their leadership by guiding and taking care of their group over a year’s time. They faithfully took responsibility as leaders by attending the HDFC Leaders’ meeting every 1st and 3rd Sunday, and fulfilled their duty of reporting by sending weekly reports. Truly, they are the backbone of the community and the heartbeat of HDFC small group activity.
2) The Publication of HDFC Small Group Manual:
In January 2007, the Leadership Team created the HDFC Small Group Manual. It helped the leaders organize and develop their meetings. Many leaders utilized it in their meetings and found that it was effective in deepening sharing and discussions. It was convenient for them to use the HDFC Manual rather than spend time searching for HD material themselves. We are planning to add more material from the Chung Seong Gyoeng and the Peace Messages.
3) Two Successful Events to Promote HDFC:
The 12 weeks HDFC Course at Adult Sunday School provided a chance to promote small groups directly to the entire community. Rev. Geller, Mrs. Feddema and Mrs. Ellen Moon took turns giving PowerPoint presentations at the auditorium before the main Sunday Service in June, July, and August. The attendance was very steady and people were inspired by the potential of small groups.
On that foundation, we had the ‘HDFC Sunday’ on 9/16. The entire Sunday Service was dedicated to the theme of HDFC small groups with testimonies, reports and a sermon. The colorful posters of the small groups were displayed in the hallway of the school. It was another successful event to convey the essence of the small group activity and to recruit more families to small groups.
4) Two Groups Successfully Multiplied:
Mrs. Yoshiko des Lauriers’ group was the first group that multiplied. Her group’s success lies in their commitment to take care and love the small group members unconditionally. Mr. and Mrs. des Lauriers whole-heartedly invested themselves in to each of their members so much that people kept coming back to their meetings.
Despite their health issues, they totally focus their attention on reaching out to people, especially the distant members. Her group shows the good example of making a balance of ‘Love’ and ‘Truth’ to give a new life to people. Then, a few months later, Mr. Inomata’s group multiplied. There is another group emerging to multiply very soon. It gives us hope for our future HDFC activities.
5) Educational Seminars and Materials:
In January and March we had a "Vision Seminar" inviting Rev. Dong Woo Kim at the True World Bldg. Well over 100 people attended each time. In November, we had Rev. Sudo’s 3 Day workshop on HDFC Providence at UTS in a joint effort with the New York region and National HQ.
We tried our best to provide various educational materials for use in the field. We created a few samples of leaflets to invite people to the meetings and events. Some groups created their own leaflets using their artistic talent and creativity. Throughout the year we provided some useful materials: Father’s "Tears" (DVD), HJN’s DVDs (True Love Lecture and DP Lecture), "8 Habits of Successful Small Group Leaders" (Book), Rev. Kim’s Vision Seminar (DVD), etc.
Our goals and plans for 2008 are:
1) Multiplication: Double the number of small groups
2) Strengthen and solidify the education system
3) Be ready for and fully accommodate a "Blessing Ceremony" every month
4) Elevate the small group activity to the community level
As True Parents extend the Jubilee year to 2008, we want to grasp its heavenly fortune to harvest beautiful fruits through small group activities. Let’s work together for that goal!
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Leadership Team for their consistent support, inspiration and tireless dedication: Rev. Kathy Sato, Mrs. Ellen Moon and Rev. Barry Geller.