Rev. Yeong-ho Ha, President of Chung Pyung Heaven and Earth Training Center, talking to the gathered members, February 7, 2008, Cheonseong Wanglim Palace.

On February 7, according to the lunar calendar, welcoming the New Years, the '2008 Our Ancestors the Absolute Good Spirits New Years Special Celebration Service' was held in the Small Hall of Cheonseong Wanglim Palace (Heavenly Palace). In Korea, it celebrates the New Year for the lunar calendar.

At the New Years Special Celebration Service around 1,000 members of 40th Special 40-Day Workshop for Blessed Wives and 121st Chung Pyung 40-Day Workshop as well as Blessed Families gathered from around the nation were there to celebrate the occasion.

Heung Jin Nim and Dae Mo Nim had the Absolute Good Ancestors of husbands and wives come, if either the husband or wife was attending the 40-day workshop, and attend the Special Celebration Service. Also, if blessed families are doing this celebration at their homes, Dae Mo Nim will send the Absolute Good Ancestors to the homes after the Special Celebration Service held at Chung Pyung.

With a sincere heart the members gathered at the hall sang the 'Song of Garden' and waited for the ceremony to begin. At 8:00 am, the Service started by Rev. Jae-sun Choe, Director for Department of Progress. After reciting of the Family Pledge, Rev. Han-gyun Jeong, Director for General Affairs, gave the Representative Prayer Report.

Then there was the time of offering respect to the ancestors who became Absolute Good Spirits. The offering was given by Rev. Ha and his wife and 2 other officers, representing elder blessed couples (Mr. and Mrs. Dong-Ha Pak), representative for 40-Day Workshop (Representatives for each Korean, Japan and International team). Then for the Heumhyang (time when ancestors eat the offered food) all members who had gathered offered a silent prayer.

After that, there was a speech by Rev. Ha. Rev. Ha spoke about the meaning of the New Years Special Celebration Service. Then shared the message from Dae Mo Nim, 'The ancestors are truly happy', to the members.

Following Rev. Ha's congratulatory prayer, the first part of the event ended by 4 cheers of Mansei by Rev. Bok Moon, Director of Japanese Office.

After eating Tteokkuk (rice cakes boiled with vegetables) the Yute Festival was held. 6 groups were made for the Festival and all participants played with joy and passion. For the children, Korean traditional plays were prepared in front of the Tree of Love. After playing Yute, members received fruits from Heung Jin Nim and Dae Mo Nim as prizes.