Across Korea in 2025, numerous Shincheonji Volunteer Group branches were honoured with major awards at regional Volunteer Day ceremonies. Their recognition reflects not only isolated achievements but a broader pattern of steady, community-centred service—from disaster recovery to food support for vulnerable neighbours.

In particular, on 20th December 2025, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Incheon Branch received a plaque of appreciation from the Korea Disabled Persons with Industrial Accidents Association, Incheon Branch, one of the highest recognitions given this year.

Their award, which was presented at the '11th Anniversary Celebration and Year-End Sharing Event' event held in the conference room of the Korea Disabled Persons with Industrial Accidents Association, Incheon Branch, was based on contributions to promoting the welfare of disabled persons due to industrial accidents and deep understanding of the Association's mission and practices.

An official of the Incheon Branch noted that the award “belongs to every volunteer whose dedication served the Association well.”

In present-day South Korea, where the contribution of Korean War veterans who dedicated their lives for the peace of the country is often overlooked, one organisation is working hard to widely publicise and record their noble deeds through memorial ceremonies, campaigns, and events—the Shincheonji Volunteer Group.

In 2025, the Gwangju Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group launched a nine-month-long Longevity Photo Project, in which the group visited 10 veterans' organisations 23 times to meet with a total of 567 veterans members and documented their life stories through photography and conversation. (The project, initially scheduled to end in November of last year, was extended to January of this year due to the passionate response from local veterans' organisations.)

Moreover, it provided a platform for youth to interact with veterans, promoting meaningful connections between generations.

The impact of the experience was deeply impressed upon the hearts of the veterans' organisations, with one member participating in the project saying:

Looking ahead, the Gwangju Branch is committed to increasing the level of respect shown to veterans who have devoted themselves to the country, and is working to fulfil the shared desire for a world free from war. It is no exaggeration to say that the freedom and peace that South Korea enjoys today was gained through the sacrifices of these forefathers.

Meanwhile, since 2014, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has held its 'Love Your Country, Share Peace' campaign every June (Patriot & Veterans Month), to commemorate the souls of the war veterans who died for the peace of Korea during the 6.25 War and to promote a world of peace without conflict.

Source: vo.la/g0sRim7

Significant changes in language among the 'Gen Z' demographic in South Korea, influenced in no small part by the high dependence on technology, has established an unwelcome barrier with the older demographic.

Accordingly, in order to reduce misunderstandings and divisions that result from different language usage across generations and to establish a healthy language culture within the home environment through the proper use of language, the Shincheonji Gimpo Church of the Bartholomew Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus (hereafter referred to as the 'Shincheonji Gimpo Church') held an experiential 'language communication campaign' for parents and children in front of the clock tower in Janggi neighbourhood, Gimpo City on the 22nd February. Eight church volunteers participated in this campaign.

Resident Seon-gyeong Kim (10, female, Janggi neighbourhood) said, “I used to get annoyed when my mum told me to do my homework, but through this experience, I realised that I had been misunderstanding my mom's true feelings, and knowing her sincerity warmed my heart.”

Meanwhile, the "Language Communication Campaign" demonstrates that language need not become a barrier that divides generations, but rather a bridge that connects them.

Tteokguk, or rice cake soup, is a quintessential dish enjoyed during Seollal (Lunar New Year) in Korea. Eating a bowl of tteokguk symbolises gaining a year in age, as well as starting the New Year with a clean slate. The thinly sliced rice cakes, resembling coins, signify wealth and prosperity, while the broth's clarity represents purity and fresh beginnings. Families traditionally gather to share this meal, expressing gratitude and setting intentions for the year ahead. Therefore, the act of sharing tteokguk with others carries a profound cultural meaning, representing the wish for communal harmony and blessings for all. 

This tradition recently served as the foundation for a special event held by the Eastern Seoul Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group that warmed the hearts of many in Seoul, in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year on 12th February.

On that day, the Eastern Seoul Branch carried out a “Tteokguk Sharing Meet & Greet Hair Dressing Service” at the Peace House in the residential district of Nowon, where they delivered 100kg of tteokguk to local senior citizens’ residences and senior citizens of veterans' organisations.

The volunteer experience was designed to convey New Year's greetings to local elderly and senior citizens of veterans' organisations and provide a time for communication during the Lunar New Year holiday. The experience not only provided meals but also created an atmosphere of trust and unity. It was a gesture of gratitude to the senior citizens who dedicated themselves to the country.

A representative of the Eastern Seoul Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group explained that the tteokguk sharing was planned not only as a meal delivery service, but as an opportunity to add meaning to the holidays to the relationships the volunteer group has built through regular volunteer work and expand communication on an ongoing basis, not just as a one-time activity.

Meanwhile, by combining food preparation, traditional activities, and personal interaction, the Eastern Seoul Branch's New Year’s event reflected a people-centred approach to community care focused on continuity and respect.

On 21st December 2025, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Matthias Tribe, Daejeon Church) held a special Bible seminar in Daejeon. The event, themed “Jesus Came to Solve Birth, Ageing, Sickness, and Death,” explored one of humanity's most universal questions through a biblical lens. It was held to reflect on the meaning of life and death with citizens ahead of Christmas and the end of the year.

The seminar drew a large audience, including local pastors and citizens, who gathered to hear Tribe leader Bang-sik Jang, the head lecturer of Shincheonji Daejeon Church, deliver an in-depth message on the biblical interpretation of the cycle of birth, ageing, sickness, and death that all humans face.

Jang stated that the cause of birth, ageing, sickness, and death throughout human history lies in the disconnection from God. He emphasised that the Bible should be interpreted not simply as doctrine, but as prophecy and fulfilment.

Jang went on to explain that the key to understanding the solution to the problem of death is to understand the process by which prophecy is fulfilled. Citing Revelation Chapter 21, he underlined the importance of understanding the Bible's promise that death and suffering will disappear in the new heaven and new earth where God and heaven come, and stressed the importance of living a life that believes in and keeps this promise.

One attendee at the event said, “As the year-end approaches and we reflect on the past year, listening to the lectures provided an opportunity to reflect on life and death.”

Meanwhile, this year, the Shincheonji Daejeon Church has already held Bible seminars in earnest, and will continue to hold Bible seminars as well as exhibitions and education programmes, positioning itself as a spiritual and cultural hub for Daejeon and beyond.

He further emphasised that “Life and death are not the end, but the path to restoring our relationship with God.”

A pastor who attended the event said, “The power of the Word and the praise and performances of the youth combined to create a vibrant scene. I felt a sense of change.”

Going forward, the Shincheonji Daejeon Church plans to hold more Bible seminars, exhibitions, and education programmes, positioning itself as a spiritual and cultural hub for Daejeon and beyond.

Source: https://v.daum.net/v/20260203102113660

Seollal, or the Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the most cherished holidays in Korea. In 2026, Seollal fell on 17th February, with celebrations typically spanning from 16th February (the day before) to 18th February (the day after). Families across Korea prepare for festive gatherings, ancestral rituals, and, of course, elaborate meals filled with traditional dishes like tteokguk (rice cake soup) and jeon (savoury pancakes).

In the lead-up to the Lunar New Year holiday, churchgoers passed through alleys in freezing temperatures, knocking on each store door to gift owners boxes of noodles and offer greetings, a tradition that the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Daejeon (Matthias tribe) has held since 2017.

A restaurant owner, standing beside a steaming pot, accepted a package of noodles and said, “I'm especially grateful because the noodles are long, perhaps because it symbolises longevity and good health.”

Many brief greetings were exchanged, with store owners' expressions radiating familiarity and trust. A retail clothing owner stepped outside to say, “It's nice to see you again after so long,” while a laundromat owner said, “Just the fact that you, among all these shops, haven't forgotten us and come to visit us gives me strength.”

Outlining the ethos behind the launch of the initiative in 2017, a representative from the Shincheonji Daejeon Church said, “We believe it is the duty of believers to closely look out for our neighbours who are making a living in the region, particularly during difficult economic times.”

As we approach this Lunar New Year, let’s remember the values of sharing and gratitude that Seollal embodies. The power of shared compassion lies in small touches of kindness that keep an entire city warm.

Happy Seollal!

Source: vo.la/upN628p

The Peter Heavenly Culture Academy (PHCA), a youth holiday education programme operated by Shincheonji Gwangju Church, has established itself as a meaningful alternative education model for students during school breaks.

Established to build character and faith among the members of the student and children's groups during the holiday season, the PCHA enables the youth to actively explore culture, arts, sports, and practical skills through a system of 'talent sharing,' whereby all PHCA courses are conducted through volunteer instructors from within the church community who bring professional experience and practical expertise from their respective fields for the good of fellow student and child congregants.

In 2025, a total of 858 students participated in 60 courses on the programme, enabling students to experience a wide range of activities while maintaining continuity in programme structure and educational goals. The programme was split across two sessions - winter term (1st session: 29 courses, 471 student participants),  and summer term (2nd session: 31 courses, 387 student participants).

Development between the two sessions was evident. While early sessions focused primarily on culture, praise, and physical activities, the second term expanded into media and digital-focused courses. This shift marked a move beyond participation-based activities towards careers exploration and skill development, offering students opportunities to engage with practical and contemporary fields.

One of the defining features of the PHCA is that it supports informed and personalised choices through its pre-course expo, held before each term begins, whereby students and parents are able to experience sample classes directly, meet instructors, and discuss course content before enrolment, thereby empowering students to choose courses based on personal interest and aptitude rather than recommendation or obligation, while giving parents a clear understanding of the programme’s direction and values.

Student and parent feedback highlights balanced learning as participants report that the PHCA provided a different experience from traditional holiday routines focused on academic study or private tutoring. Indeed, students shared that the programme helped them discover personal interests, gain confidence through hands-on activities, and build relationships with peers in a group setting.

Parents also expressed satisfaction, noting that the programme allowed their children to experience both learning and rest, while growing socially and emotionally during school breaks.

Looking ahead, with two completed terms and strong participation results, the PHCA has now expanded into its third term, continuing to demonstrate the potential of holiday-based, experiential education led by community cooperation. He added that the academy will continue offering student-centred programmes each holiday season, providing structured opportunities for learning, exploration, and personal development.

A representative from the Eastern Seoul Branch reaffirmed the group's commitment to ensuring that every citizen recognises the importance of forest fire prevention and practises it together.

On January 24th 2026, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Incheon Branch carried out a combined snow-removal and plogging volunteer activity in Bupyeong District, Incheon, focusing on pedestrian safety following recent snowfall.

The activity was organised in response to slippery conditions caused by accumulated and frozen snow, which posed risks to residents using pavements and narrow residential alleys.

Volunteers worked in areas with high foot traffic, removing snow and ice from pavements and alleyways frequently used by local residents. In addition to snow removal, participants also collected litter along streets, integrating plogging—an activity that combines walking with litter collection—into the operation.

The volunteer activity drew a positive response from local residents who expressed appreciation for the timely assistance. One local citizen commented that walking had been difficult due to slippery roads after the snowfall, adding that the cleared paths made movement safer and more comfortable.

Meanwhile, by combining environmental care with pedestrian safety efforts, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group continues to engage in community service that reflects both consistency and responsiveness.

Source: vo.la/8SQe9Ya

One of the highlights was the open worship service. It began with a graceful dance performance and passionate praise songs, and was followed by a special sermon by the Tribe leader, who delivered a message full of insight and care.

He spoke on the topic of "True Blessings of the New Year" and emphasised that “Understanding God's promises and their fulfilment recorded in the Bible is the path to receiving the greatest blessing in life.”

Meanwhiel, Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Busan plans to expand its reach with citizens through community service and various cultural programs in addition to open houses.