On January 1, the New Year’s Day Service for the 189th year of the Teaching was solemnly performed in the Main Sanctuary with Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama presiding as chief officiant.
Shortly before 5:00 a.m., Rev. Nakayama and other Service performers left the Staff Quarters and paid their respects at the Foundress’ Sanctuary and the Memorial Hall. Then, Rev. Nakayama proceeded to the upper dais in the Main Sanctuary.
In the Service prayer, he expressed his gratitude for the blessing of the new year and said: “Looking back, we spiritedly walked the path of single-hearted salvation, however imperfectly, over the past year, which was the final year of the ‘three years, one thousand days’ period leading up to the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama. We are deeply thankful for Your profound parental love with which You have guided us safely and splendidly.”
Continuing, he said: “Having welcomed the significant year of the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama, all of us Service performers as well as church head ministers and other Yoboku are determined to work earnestly with a fresh mind to take great strides in the hope of making repayment for Your blessings. I ask You, God the Parent, to continue to guide us with Your parental love so that we may actively forge ahead with a new step in world salvation.”
The prayer was followed by a joyous performance of the first Service of the year, comprising the Kagura Service and the Dance with Hand Movements.
Despite the weather getting even colder as dawn approached, the worshipers joined in singing the Mikagura-uta, the Songs for the Service, in high spirits.
After the Service, Rev. Nakayama proceeded to the Foundress’ Sanctuary and read his prayer before Oyasama. He first offered his New Year’s greetings, saying, “Happy New Year, Oyasama.” He then continued: “As we have now welcomed the year of the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama, all of us have renewed our joy of serving as Your instruments. We are determined to fully follow the path of single-hearted salvation with a genuine sense of commitment, drawing on all our strengths throughout this year.”
The weather became relatively warm during the day in the Home of the Parent. Many people came to worship with their family members.