The Messiah Orchestra of the World Mission Society Church of God recently completed a remarkable musical tour in New York City, marking the Church’s 60th anniversary. The tour featured performances by a 120-member orchestra, choir, and octet from South Korea and the United States at iconic venues such as the United Nations, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, and Columbia University.
With powerful messages of hope and healing, the tour resonated with over 800 attendees, including global leaders, ambassadors, diplomats, senators, congress members, and Church of God members. The tour not only celebrated the Church’s 60-year legacy but also strengthened international and cultural connections, fostering unity and goodwill among everyone present.
More Volunteerism to Celebrate 60 Years of Service
In the lead-up to the concerts, Church of God members in New York organized volunteer activities, including neighborhood cleanups under the theme “Love for God and love for our neighbors.” These efforts earned over 25 awards from officials across the Northeast in recognition of the Church’s 60 years of volunteerism.
A highlight of the tour was the concert “Mother’s Love: A Symphony for World Peace” at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center. General Pastor Joo-cheol Kim opened the event with an inspiring message about how Mother’s love can bring global peace. “We are here not just to honor the history of the Church of God but to inspire society to love God and our neighbors. Mother’s love, filled with sympathy, empathy, and compassion, has the power to unite the world, no matter what challenges we face,” he said.
New York State Officials Congratulate the Church for 60th Anniversary
New York State Assemblymen Alec Brook-Krasny and Nader Sayegh also shared their experiences working with the Church of God. Assemblyman Sayegh praised the Church’s global impact, while Assemblyman Brook-Krasny highlighted the dedication and energy of its members. Sayegh remarked, “Today, we celebrate 60 years of the Church of God’s commitment to making the world a better place, united by the love of Mother.” Brook-Krasny added, “When I met members of the Church of God, I saw young, energetic people ready to change the world, starting with local efforts like cleaning the Coney Island Creek.”
The event opened with an exhilarating Korean drum ensemble, followed by the captivating rhythms of samgomu, a traditional three-drum dance, and a graceful fan dance. The Messiah Orchestra’s performance included majestic pieces such as Verdi’s “Coronation Triumphal March,” Bizet’s “Carmen Prelude,” and Rossini’s “William Tell Overture.” The choir performed the Church of God original composition “Musical Journey,” American folk song “Shenandoah,” and Verdi’s “Va, pensiero sull’ali dorate,” while Church members delivered powerful vocal performances of songs like “When You Believe” and “Amigos Para Siempre.”
In a time of division and conflict, these concerts created a moment of unity, promoting peace and a vision for a sustainable world. The Church of God will continue its 60th-anniversary celebrations with more good deeds and cultural exchanges, spreading hope and inspiration worldwide.
To see the volunteer work from Church of God volunteers to celebrate 60 years of service, visit our Activities page!
