ESGD Feed

Blessed Couples Meeting

ESGD — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:39:37 +0200

We would like to invite all Second Generation blessed couples to our meeting taking place on 5-9 September, 2012. This time we will meet in Croatia, in the lovely region of Istria in a holiday house in Orihi town.
We want to use the meeting to reflect, share together, and learn about things which can help us to better manage and enjoy our partnership as a Blessed couple. The meeting is a great chance for us to have a good time and enjoy some vacations. We will also have chances to enjoy local beaches as well as explore the historical city of Pula.

The program consists of lectures or sessions around the topic of partnership, followed by discussions. During free time we want to go to the beaches in the area. In the vicinity there is nature park Kamenjak, with outstanding beaches (http://www.croatia-beaches.com/hidden/medulin_kamenjak_beach.htm). We also want to visit the city of Pula, with the history remembering Roman colony 2000 year ago (http://www.pulainfo.hr/en/kamo-ici/monuments/33/). Based on the interest of our group we can arrange other specific activities (tour on the bikes etc).
The provisional schedule is below. Our meetings combine vacation time with guidance and sharing, and give us the chance to have a good time as Blessed couples together with other friends. It is also a good opportunity for those of us going through any kind of difficulties to take time and use it to look for a way. It may happen that many of us have gone through similar experiences and can actually support each other. Try to find some reasons why to come rather than why not to come. You will see it pays off.

Overview
Invited are: All Second Generation who have received the Blessing.
Content: Creating a loving partnership.
Building a family centred on God.
Dates: 5 September (Wednesday) – 9 September 2012 (Sunday)
Arrival: By 18:00 on 5 September to Pula or directly to the house.
Second option is arrival to Vienna airport by 10:00 on 5 September
Departure: After 13:00 on 4 March from Pula or directly from the house.
Second option is departure from Vienna airport after 21:00 on 9 September
Place: Villa Barbara. Address: Orihi 17, 52207 Barban, Croatia
http://www.apartmentsbarbara.com/en
WS fee: 90€ for each participant of the WS. This includes sponsoring.

Register by 10th July 2012 online here or with Martin Alexy (martin@esgd.org). Mobile: +421-905-308-966. Please also inform us of your travel arrangements.

Travel to Croatia: If you wish you can arrange you travel to and from Vienna. From there we can rent cars and travel together. The price for return trip Vienna – Orihi is 50 EUR per person. You need to inform us in advance if you want to travel this way. In this case we will leave from Vienna airport 5 September at 10:00. For the return journey, our expected arrival is 9 September by 20:00 to Vienna airport.
If you wish to stay a night in Vienna we can arrange for you staying in Vienna church center.

Suggested schedule:
Wednesday: 20:00- 21:00 Introduction to the meeting
Thursday: 9:00-12:00 Sessions 1+2, afternoon going to the beach, 20:00 evening program
Friday: Day out (combining sightseeing in Pula, going to the beach etc) 20:00 evening program
Saturday: 9:00-12:00 Sessions 3+4, afternoon going to the beach or trip on bicycles, 20:00 BBQ
Sunday: 9:00-10:30 Session 5 + Closing of the meeting at the beach.
We are still finalizing the topics for the meeting, feel free to suggest some of your interest and let us know.

Address of the venue is: Villa Barbara. Orihi 17, 52207 Barban, Croatia
Website: http://www.apartmentsbarbara.com/en

We hope to see you at our meeting.

On behalf of the ESGD

Geros Kunkel

News from France

ESGD — Thu, 03 May 2012 09:52:36 +0200

FC SONIC – The French CARP Football Team

By Tateo J.
FC Sonic? The first question that comes mind might be: why Sonic? No, True Father did not declare the blue hedgehog the new mascot of CIG and no, S.O.N.I.C does not stand for Soccer Organization for New International Christianity. The truth is, while we were at first trying to find a more "providential" name, we finally opted for a rather “normal” name – Sonic was an idea Stephane C. had. To be honest, we did not take very much time to try and find a name and we didn't have many ideas so we decided to just go ahead with this name, the goal being to get together as friends and to play sports competitively. There are many BCs here who love football and we had wanted to create a football team for a long time. Austria, the UK, and Spain have teams already, so why not us too?! Unfortunately, we did not manage to create a team earlier. Thanks to Rafael G., who found a football league for amateurs, via which, was relatively easy to sign up, we could finally create our team for BCs and their friends in the CFL championship (CFL - Commission Foot Loisir or Committee for Football as a leisure activity). So, in September 2011, we started out by playing in a championship of 11 teams of 7 players each (we were unfortunately not enough to make a team with 11 players).
As far as the internal aspect is concerned, we of course want to be an example for our opponents. And why not win the prize for "fair play"? Having a team allows us to get together as brothers and to invite our friends (who are also our brothers of course). Playing sports together can be a great way to get to know each other better but I don't think this is the main goal of our team.
As far as results are concerned we have unfortunately not won many matches so far. We talk a lot about developing a culture of heart etc. and I believe that sports can give us a real opportunity to develop our character and our heart. Everyone is doing their best and even if I am sure we can do better we always try to encourage each other. It's not so easy sometimes because you can of course force yourself to say something positive to your team members but it will only really have an impact on them if it comes from your "heart". As the team captain and as someone rather discrete, it is not always easy for me to give "orders" and to be an example. Those who know me know that I can be "a little" individualistic on the football field (I guess your true nature comes out...). I sometimes get the feeling that I say one thing and find myself doing the exact opposite the hour after when playing.
Anyway, what I want to say is that we have a great atmosphere in the team, but that it takes time to really build team spirit, even if most of the players have already known each other for a long time.
And next year we hope to play as a team of 11!
Sportily yours, Tateo

3rd Gen Baby Meetings in the Paris Region!

The past few years, and in particular 2011, have been marked by a 3rd generation baby boom in France. There are more and more 3rd generation children who are happy to meet up and play together, while their parents have time to discuss and share about their experiences as new parents.

Blessing Preparation Workshop - Chamarande, France
December 19-22, 2011

Testimony by Alina R.
I had been looking forward to attending this WS for a while and I was not disappointed at all by it. I had not realised to what extent True Father loves us. I always followed Him because he's the Messiah and so I felt I was supposed to follow Him.
Geros Kunkel's (director of the Blessing Department at the ESGD) lectures helped me to feel closer to True Father and to feel all the love He has for us. I told myself, “A 92 year old man, living on the other end of the planet, is moving heaven and earth to save me - what an expression of love!” I also realised that the Matching and Blessing is a gift given to me directly by God. I don't think there is a greater gift.
Other than that, I think the fact that I had a first Generation couple in my team helped me to understand more deeply what life as a couple is all about.

Join a Project in Japan

ESGD — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:53:05 +0200

This exciting project is in its third year and targeted at 2nd Generation university students who have potential to involve themselves in developing CARP activities in Europe and who would receive encouragement and inspiration from the example of J CARP activities in Japan.
In Japan more than half the CARP members are not 2nd gen. and participants from Europe in previous years were inspired that so many young students people of a similar age to themselves have accepted True Parents and Divine Principle and are working hard for the Providence despite the challenging situation of our church in Japan. It is a very refreshing experience for 2nd generation.
At the moment there are six 2nd generation registered, all in the 19-21 age group and from UK, Austria and France.

Please download the Invitation letter and application form for more details

Invitation Letter
Application Form

Registration start

ESGD — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:08:37 +0200

Dear All,

we are happy to announce the start of the registration of our Summer Activities 2012.

Don't wait too long, some places might be taken fast.

We are looking forward to see you in the summer. Feel free to contact us if you any questions or concerns at summer2012@esgd.org.

Your ESGD team

Registration steps Summer 2012:

Register online. (on the end of each WS is a registration button)
We will send you an email to inform you that we received your registration within 3 days.
We will confirm your place as a participant within 10 days after your registration. Wait for this confirmation before booking your flight!
After the registration deadline is over we will send you an Information Letter with more details about the WS.
Cancellation – we understand there may be reasons you change your plans. Please inform us immediately if you decide not to come to the WS. If you cancel later then 15 days before the start of the workshop, we will have to charge you a cancellation fee of 40 EUR.

Summer overview 2012

Download Summer Overview in pdf

Click on the links below to find more details about each workshop

21 Day Prayer Condition
Junior HARP WS
Senior HARP WS
21 day MOB
12 day DP WS
18+ WS
ODP+ WS
Football WS
Summer Blessed Couples Meeting
Apply as staff

Google Calendar

We also created a Google calendar for you, it will show all the up-to-date Summer Activities in your Google calendar. Add this URL (https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/m6a18sb2deacdutr8l707499eo%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics) into you calendar and the summer activities will appear.
(How to do: go to your google calendar, click on the arrow right next to "other calendar" than choose "add by URL" - paste the above URL in and you are done)

Blessing WS in Finland

ESGD — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:31:41 +0200

Date: 19^th (Sat.) & 20^th (Sun) May

Venue: Ylistalo, Muurahaisenpolku 4, Helsinki – Laajasalo

Fee: Free for person who comes from abroad, because they are responsible to arrange their own accommodation (e.g. youth hostel, etc.) There is no room to sleep at the venue. If people need our help finding their accommodation, we can help.

(for you, we prepare the accommodation and please do not worry!)

WS coordinator: Samuel Garbo (samuel.garbo@gmail.com)

Registration: Please inform Samuel at the latest by May 6^th.

Apply as staff

ESGD — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:19:28 +0200

We appreciate the effort of everyone who wants to support the Summer Activities. Summer is always a time when many 2nd Gen have the chance to experience God in various workshops. They also often find the motivation to continue their lifestyle with high standards based on our values, or the inspiration to start over. We are very much aware of the fact that the staff has a very important position and role.
If you would like to support any workshop this way and serve as staff please contact us. There are many different staff positions we need to find the right people for; such as WS coordinator, MC, driver, kitchen staff, sports coordinator, team leader. And remember if we offer our help and assistance to others it will give us a great experience and the chance to grow too.

For Staff position please add a note:

which WS you want to help in
if there is a specific position you want to help in (team leader, sports, GA, etc... )

Get some inspiration in our summer booklet 2011

Football WS

ESGD — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:43:57 +0100

Through these football workshops, we would like to give all 2nd Gen Brothers an opportunity to play sports together in a good spirit and atmosphere. We truly believe that the Football WS provides precious moments for the development of self-discipline, self-control, mind and body unity and team spirit. Our goal is to give young players the opportunity not only to develop their Football skills but also their inner character, values and ethics.
If you love football, enjoy being part of a team and would like to have a great experience with brothers from all over Europe, this WS is for YOU!

Date: 24 July – 1 August (first day is arrival and last day is departure)
Place: Paris, France
Price: 170 EUR
Age group: From 14 years old, 2nd Generation and friends (please tell us in this case)
Content : Football training, guidance on How to develop one’s character through Sports and How to build peace through Sports. Friendly games and tournament on Sunday. Possibility of swimming, sightseeing in Paris
Other: For more information contact Urdo at europhoenix.fc [at] gmail.com
Deadline: 1 June
WS director: Urdo D.

Read 2011 WS reflections here
Get some inspiration in our summer booklet 2011

Senior WS

ESGD — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:41:01 +0100

This workshop is hosted in a different country each year. A workshop developed for our elder HARP members; it is a great chance to gather, receive and share more advanced thoughts and discussions about developing our faith in more practical ways. The individual involvement of participants, in both thoughts and actions, is really important to make this a personal, meaningful and impacting workshop. This year the workshop is planned to be hosted in Spain. Please note that the exact venue has yet to be finalized so please wait for a confirmation before booking.

Date: 5 – 13 August (the first day is arrival and the last day is departure)
Place: Madrid, Spain (place will be finalized end of April)
WS fee: 195 EUR
Age group: born in 1994-1996
Deadline: 1 June
WS Director: Patrick H.

Find pictures from 2010 WS here
Read 2010 WS reflections here
Get some inspiration in our summer booklet 2011

Information of our registration steps

Junior WS

ESGD — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:39:06 +0100

On a Junior workshop you can take your first steps on a European level, this workshop is for the younger HARP members to develop and experience brother-and sisterhood internationally. Here we learn and practice the values of HARP in order to be positively empowered as a member of one’s own family and as a citizen of the world. We want to provide you with enriching education and fun experiences including sports, games and team activities, and create an environment where you can discover your true potential as God’s child.

Date: 22 – 30 July (the first day is arrival and the last day is departure)
Place: Bad Camberg, Germany
WS fee: 165 EUR
Age group: born in 1996-1998
Deadline: 1 June
WS Director: Miwha H.

Read 2011 WS reflections here
Check out pictures here
Get some inspiration in our summer booklet 2011

Information of our registration steps

12-day DP WS

ESGD — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:36:10 +0100

This workshop offers study of the Divine Principle as well as the fundamental principles of some other religions. The goal is to provide a deeper insight into religious (or spiritual) life and support participants on their journey to God and a life of faith. Lectures and sessions will be presented by a variety of top lecturers.
This year the WS will take place in Sweden in the village of Kloten. It is quite far from Stockholm so the workshop will focus on the theme of experiencing God in Nature. The beautiful Swedish woodlands and lakes surround the workshop site. There will be time for discussions as well as swimming, sports & games.
Note that the 12-DP WS fulfills the Blessing preparation requirement of a 21-day workshop. Also note that the best airport to arrive at is Vasteras.

Date: 21 July – 1 August (the first day is arrival and the last day is departure)
Place: Kloten, Sweden
WS fee: 220 EUR
Age group: 16 and older
Deadline: 1 June
Other: Participants must be fluent in English. There is no translation at the workshop.
WS Director: Patrick H.

Find pictures from 2010 WS here

Read WS reflections here
Get some inspiration in our summer booklet 2011

Information of our registration steps

21-Day Mob

ESGD — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:32:01 +0100

This is another great way to practice our values through experiential learning, as well as developing our relationship with God and True Parents. Most of the activities are done in teams and one can experience the meaning of good teamwork. This program combines a good variety of activities: the FR condition challenges our self discipline, focus and team work. The Service project offers us a chance to do something for others as a volunteer. Ocean challenge gives us a small taste of fishing on the open sea, using our own boats. Note that the Mobilisation WS fulfills the Blessing preparation requirement of a 21-day workshop.

Date: 17 July – 7 August (the first day is arrival and the last day is departure)
Place: across Europe (arrival to Bratislava, Slovakia, departure from Copenhagen)
WS fee: 300 EUR
Age group: 17 and older
Deadline: 1 June
WS Director: Martin A.

Travel arrangements:
The Mobilisation WS will be finished on Tuesday morning 7 August in Copenhagen, Denmark. If you wish you can travel back to Bratislava by van (through Berlin and Prague), together with the staff. In this case, the departure from Denmark is on 7 August in the evening and expected arrival in Bratislava is in the evening on 8 August. Then you can fly back home from Bratislava or Vienna if you wish.

Read 2011 WS reflections here
Get some inspiration in our summer booklet 2011

Information of our registration steps

ODP+

ESGD — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:30:18 +0100

This is a chance to experience the core values of Father’s teaching. This workshop emphasizes the importance of connecting more personally to God, True Parents and True Family. Content also includes the CTA (Completed Testament Age) and ODP (Original Divine Principle) lecture series. There are adventure days and regular sports as part of the schedule. A lot of the atmosphere that makes this workshop so successful comes from the energy that participants build in their teams. This workshop is especially recommended to all Second Generation of age 18 and older. The ODP+ WS is now a requirement for all those who wish to join STF. Note that the ODP+ WS fulfills the Blessing preparation requirement of a 21-day workshop.

Date: 17 August – 2 September (the first day is arrival and the last day is departure)?
Place: Bad Camberg, Germany
WS fee: 330 EUR
Age group: 18 and older
Deadline: 30 June
WS Director: Julius A.

Read 2011 WS reflections here
Get some inspiration in our summer booklet 2011

Information of our registration steps

18+ WS

ESGD — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:28:41 +0100

Based on the success of previous years we will hold another 18+ summer workshop, this year near the city of Prague. This is a workshop designed for older 2nd Generation. Being young adults we are confronted with the reality of busy daily life, combining studies, careers, hobbies and spiritual life. This workshop is a tool to connect with each other as elder Second Generation and recharge ourselves. The schedule is made up of guidance & discussions, sports & games, and time to explore the culture & history of Prague.

Date: 14 - 21 July (the first day is arrival and the last day is departure)
Place: Prague, Czech Rep.
WS fee: 220 EUR
Age group: 18 and older
Deadline: 1 June
WS directors: Julius A. and Geros K.

Read 2011 WS reflections here
Get some inspiration in our summer booklet 2011

Information of our registration steps

Summer Overview 2012

ESGD — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:23:13 +0100

Overview of our Summer Activities 2012

Below are the overviews for the summer activities, please take time to look through last year’s report booklet to help you make a decision.

If you feel called to be staff or team leader on one or more of the activities then we encourage you to be in touch with us. We want to build a strong, sincere and supportive staff team.

Use this summer as an opportunity to take a big step forward and please support others in your community to participate too.

Registration for the activities will start on 15 April 2012 on our website. Spaces are limited for each activity – so to avoid disappointment please apply as soon as you make a decision.

Below you find an overview in pdf with all our Summer Activities in 2012. We are sure that you will find something that fits you.

We also created a Google calendar for you, it will show all the up-to-date Summer Activities in your Google calendar. Add this URL ( https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/m6a18sb2deacdutr8l707499eo%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics) into you calendar and the summer activities will appear.
(How to do: go to your google calendar, click on the arrow right next to "other calendar" than choose "add by URL" - paste the above URL in and you are done)

Summer overview 2012

Download Summer Overview in pdf

Click on the links below to find more details about each workshop

21 Day Prayer Condition
Junior HARP WS
Senior HARP WS
21 day MOB
12 day DP WS
18+ WS
ODP+ WS
Football WS
Summer Blessed Couples Meeting
Apply as staff

Summer Motto 2012

ESGD — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:13:55 +0100

Now is the time to make choices for your Summer 2012. Whatever plans you are making, why not pull God and True Parents to the heart of your summer, by offering part of it with brothers and sisters for something greater. This year’s summer activities have been finalised and now it is you who can be a part of creating something special together as European Brothers and sisters. We proudly present them under our motto which will connect all of the activities:

Divine Dragons - Building the Bridge to 2013

With this motto we want to capture the spirit of this year from a deeper perspective, and unite upon Father’s vision for our role and responsibility at this time. Our inspiration for the summer motto came directly from True Fathers’ words at the beginning of this 12th year.

“...Make a life or death determination in order to welcome these holy days with that kind of determination and resolution to continue advancing and advancing more. Moreover, with the flame of your pledge, you should have a scarier victorious advance than if you were to push the buttons to detonate both a hydrogen bomb and an atomic bomb at once. That is the kind of determination that I want you to make now.
If you will make this determination, raise both hands , remember this day in front of God and become soldiers of heaven who are like dragons who will move forward.”
True Father – Excerpt from True God’s day 2012 speech

We want to unite with Fathers’ words on spiritual standards and attitude; understanding his heart towards us and the great hope God had for us. We want to understand the importance of this time and make the providence personal.
We all have the potential to be the bridge for a brighter future. To connect between generations and to stand united. We can be the ones who build an unbreakable foundation for God and True Parents!

Last year, on True Parents’ European tour, True Father shared a prediction for Europe – that it would ‘make a revolutionary change’, that he saw ‘so much hope in Europe’, and challenged us to ‘wake up, Europe’. True Father also gave Europe a new name ‘Yeon Cheon’ - meaning Heaven’s Dragon. It is time to ‘wake up’, discover and unleash the Divine Dragon within each of us.

Note: The Overview of the Summer Activities will be online begining of April

All the best to the Blessing Candidates

ESGD — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:26:27 +0100

Wishing you all the best for March 24th in Korea

Recently there was a bit of a hen night in 43LG and I think somewhere else a low key stag party.

Last Wednesday we also held a small social evening for some of the people from within our community who are getting ready to head over to Korea for their marriage blessing. We wanted to take the time to wish them well. When a man and a woman come together and ask God to bless their union and make them husband and wife it is always a significant and joyful moment for the community.

Some had already left the UK, others were just still up in their University towns outside London, and some were too tied up with work before they take a couple of weeks leave. But I guess those of us who were there ate enough Nando’s chicken for all the rest, and thought of them as we did…

Posting this for all who will be participating next week and including some of the words that were shared over dinner.

I shared a few things about preparing for the time in Korea and the blessing ceremony, but Robert and Christabel’s reflections really were more than sufficient.Words that could also be reflected on by those of us who have been married for many years.

Robert H:
The blessing day for me, five years ago, was not the most profound of experiences. In order to fully appreciate the blessing for what it is one must not look simply at the spectacle of all the thousands of couples getting ready to be married. Getting married is like planting a tree. It doesn’t look that impressive one year on or even two. It is not a daffodil that is there for a bit in spring. It is planting a huge oak tree that doesn’t look very impressive for a long time but will be there for hundreds of years for all our descendants to come. Don’t miss the moment of its planting.

Christabel H:
One of my main memories from the blessing day (aside from being tired and hot) was the holy water ceremony. We were lucky enough to go on stage and get a handful of holywater from True Father Himself. It’s hard to say what it felt like without sounding cliché but ‘cleansing’ and ‘purifying’ come to mind.

For a few days after the blessing though, I had some struggles with Robert. There was no particular reason why, I just found him quite annoying somehow and was struggling. I knew these feelings weren’t coming from me or from him. It felt like a test, as if something was trying to break our marriage before it had even begun properly. A few days later it all went away and it made me realize how determined I needed to be to fight for my blessing. Not for my sake or even for Robert’s sake but for God and the world. That is the beauty of the blessing to me. It’s not just about the couple like many marriages often are. It’s also about God and the world – like it says in our vows.

It’s a good idea to read and pray about the vows before you go to the blessing so that you already make them your own, you already make that commitment. In the madness of the blessing day with translation and radios etc. it can be difficult to really feel it when you shout “Ye” to something in Korean that you haven’t read or thought about before!

Another point is guidance about life after the blessing ceremony. Things are often not said so clearly, so the most important thing is to be able to communicate honestly and openly with your new spouse and make those decisions together between your couple and God.

Blessed Couples meeting in Barcelona

ESGD — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:19:06 +0100

This time we held couples meeting in Barcelona in the first week of March. We were a group of 17 and had really great time! The program was made of formal sessions and variety of leisure activities. We had presentations from Armando and Geros around the themes of partnership, developing spiritual life as Blessed couple & tips for successful marriage, each followed by discussions. We spent good amount of time exploring Barcelona and enjoying some tasty Spanish food. Read more in personal reflections…

Reflection by Sophia B.
I went to the couples meeting expecting to come back with theoretical and practical advice on new couple relationships – how to get started and make it work. I got this and more!
It was the first time I had been to a couple gathering and although it was only four days and I went without my spouse, I had a surprising number of written notes, comments and ideas to reflect upon when I got back. In a very short space of time we managed to have a DP based lecture, casual chats, open debates, sharing, plenty of sightseeing in the vibrant Barcelona and might I add, great food. I left with a new insight on how to approach and handle my relationship from the beginning stages to parenthood. By talking to others who were in the same situation you got a sense that you were being supported and it helped me look to the future with optimism and excitement as we discussed the natural challenges of a relationship, how to relate as two different individuals and to look forward to them!
Lots of formal discussions in a beautiful hostel and casual sharing on the beach, allowed for time to ask other couples about their experiences; living together, sorting out their differences, recognising similarities and what life together was really like.

The best part for me was that I could have both brother’s and sister’s viewpoints on different topics as you don’t have that opportunity come your way too often. This was the place to get everyone from different nationalities, cultures and upbringings together, sat at a round table discussing everything from how to juggle faith, job and children to current global events, theoretical and practical issues!
My personal benefit was an inspired ‘can-do’ attitude, new tools and contacts for my relationship and move to a new culture and country. Thank you to all staff for making it happen!

Reflection by Christian & Hanna
This Blessed Couples Meeting took place in Barcelona, Spain, at a beautiful hostel that used to be a holiday-house for an aristocrat around the 19th century. At the event seventeen wonderful people participated, we had a lot of time to share opinions and experiences and time to get to know each other thanks to the different sessions and the sightseeing.
The sessions and discussions were led by Armando, Geros and Martin, all of them gave us really good points to think about on how to focus our lives as blessed couples. The content included various fields: What does it theologically mean to be a blessed couple; tips on how to build a loving relationship (Understanding, communication & conflict-solutions); investing in a public life as a couple and managing every days challenges. The atmosphere was open and respectful and we had the freedom to bring up any topic for discussion or to ask for advice concerning any struggle we were going through. Be it in the big group or in smaller groups, about intimate or all concerning topics, it was an enrichment to share and discuss together.

Since spending time together as a couple, but also networking amongst each other is the key to a happy, healthy community we enjoyed a lot of sightseeing and good Spanish food - paella is always recommendable! We visited view famous sights like the Guell Park, famous cathedral La Sagrada Familia (both designed by Gaudi), the Ramblas, and we took a bike tour down to the beach. Smiling faces on sunny pictures will stay in our memories for a long time!
We, as a couple, are glad we took time to invest into each other - of course! But we are even happier about having invested that time into networking and taking part in our BC community by discussing about issues and spending a memorable fun time together as a family! Thank you for organizing this meeting!

Blessing Workshop in June

ESGD — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:55:24 +0100

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is my great pleasure to inform you about the upcoming European Blessing Preparation Workshop. It is very important as we prepare ourselves for the Matching and Blessing that we have an in depth understanding of the Blessing and the process of the matching and Blessing. This Workshop is a requirement for all who wish to attend the blessing and is made to be a help for all candidates preparing for the matching or those matched preparing to go to the Blessing.

The Blessing WS will be a time for the participants, both the parents and the 2nd Generation members, to prepare for the Matching process and the Blessing. We will use the time to go in detail into the meaning and process of the Blessing as well as how we can and should prepare ourselves in our hearts as well as practically for attending God and TP through the Blessing. There will be time to share and also work on one’s personal situation.

Please note that people who have not attending a Blessing workshop will not be eligible to attend the Blessing.

31st European Second Generation Blessing Preparation WS:
Invited are:                   All Second Generation over 17 years of age (born on or before April 1st of 1995), any Jacobs Children in that age, and all Parents who have children in this age.
Dates:                          14th – 17th June 2012
Arrival/Departure:          by 4 pm on the 14th June – 2 pm on the 17th of June 2012
Place:                          Youth Hostel Grävenwiesbach, Germany.
Jugendherberge Grävenwiesbach, Hasselborner Str. 20, 61279 Grävenwiesbach/ts.
(http://www.jugendherberge.de/de/jugendherbergen/visitenkarte/jh.jsp?IDJH=483 )
Cost:                           110 Euros
Registration:                Please register here: www.bfdeu.org
There are only about 40 Spaces Available. Please register early. We will only be able to accept 40 participants
If you have any questions feel free to contact the ESGD.
Please bring:                Do not need Sleeping bag and pillow case, bring: house shoes, notes.

Please also note, that the Blessing homepage is accessible: www.bfdeu.org
Here you will be able to find all information concerning the Blessing, the application process and also about the upcoming Blessing WS. Feel free to take a look and send us comments or questions.

Yours sincerely,

Pres. Yong-Cheol Song
President FFWPU – Europe

Geros Kunkel
European Second Generation Blessing Affairs
www.esgd.org / www.2ndgenblessing.com

3rd European ODP WS for 2nd Generation

ESGD — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:00:08 +0100

Dear brothers and sisters,

After 2 wonderful European ODP workshops for 2nd Generation, we are very happy to invite you to to the 3rd European workshop of the ORIGINAL DIVINE PRINCIPLE for 2nd Generation. It will take place in the beautiful city of Rome, Italy, from 27th April (Friday) to 6th May (Sunday) 2012. Over the past 2 workshops, many brothers and sisters have experienced the benefit of the time and investment for their spiritual lives – and based on feedback, this year we will have an additional 2 days of workshop schedule to give even more space and time to explore together.

So what is the ODP all about? To succeed in our marriages, to understand more about the way to happiness as a blessed couple, how to raise God's children, walking our life path together with Heavenly Father, having a family where God can freely dwell and rejoice - a place where we can be sincere and fulfilled despite all of life’s challenges, and experiencing how God is working in this time. This is what ODP is for, and is surely something that is worth learning and exploring – especially in this 12th year of Cheon Il Guk. Sometimes we need to take time and invest in our spiritual education, and to do so with others can generate a spirit where God’s truth can really impact us.

True Parents are urging us to understand the real essence of our lives by studying the Original Divine Principle, which God could never before reveal to the current extent. It is a unique chance to study it together with other 2nd generation brothers and sisters, focusing on the message and God's wisdom while leaving our daily stresses and routine environment behind, enjoying the scenery and the cultural heritage of historic Rome as well as the deep talks in the evening spring breeze, amongst the rolling hills of the Colle Mattia Workshop centre. Again, we have confirmed two excellent and experienced lecturers; Mr. Giuseppe Cali and Mr. Rainer Fuchs will be guiding us through the content which can become the spiritual backbone of our lives.

The workshop will be held in the WS centre Colle Mattia in Rome, and the fee is 220€ (400 € for couples), covering lodging and 3 meals a day.

Participants should arrive on Friday, 27th April and the schedule will start on Saturday at 6:00. During the WS we will have a chance to do some sightseeing in Rome. The workshop ends on Sunday morning, May 6th. For those who may wish to enjoy the holidays in the city of Rome for longer, it will be possible to arrive earlier or depart later. Please inform us when registering, and we will organize it with the Colle Mattia WS staff.

Please register at the latest by April 9th, 2012 at saws.europe@gmail.com or with Julius Alexy (mobile +421.905.430.939). More details will be sent after you have registered.

Details
Where: Colle Mattia WS center near Rome, Italy
When: April 27th– May 6th, 2012
Fee: 220 € (400 for couples)
Registration: by 9th April 2012 at saws.europe@gmail.com

We are looking forward to seeing you in Rome.

On behalf of SAWS 18+
Julius Alexy

3rd European ODP WS for 2nd Generation

ESGD — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:42:21 +0100