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January 2009 |
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Sangha
President’s
Message Richard Kai
I’ve made it to the front page (nearly) to write an article for the
President’s Corner of the monthly
Sangha newsletter. It’s not a new duty, but it feels like I moved
as a beat writer for the metro section of the daily newspaper to the
front section. After 10 years of writing articles that would appear
toward the end of the Sangha,
I now have top billing, for my articles will follow the minister’s
message. I better clean up my act — fast.
First off, to follow the words of a defeated presidential candidate, I
would like to thank “my friends” on the Board of Directors for having
the confidence to nominate and appoint me to this position. I’m a little
taken aback with such an honor after all that I’ve said and done on the
back pages as the author of many spirited Dharma School newsletter
articles. Quoting the successful candidate’s campaign slogan of “Yes, We
Can,” we can create an atmosphere of change and accept our individual
roles and responsibilities to serve the temple in any way possible to
ensure the Sacramento Betsuin continues as a vibrant center of our
community.
There are a lot of people to acknowledge before taking the leadership
role for the 2009 Board of Directors. My sincere thanks go out to those
who agreed to “re-up” for another three-year term. They are: Ken
Furukawa, Denis Ishisaka, Kelvin Mark, Robbie Midzuno, Shirley Sekeres,
Diane Shimosaka, Robert Tanaka, Mark Umeda and Ted Yoshimura. The Board
would like to thank former president Keith Kato for his 12 years of
service to the Betsuin. Keith decided to step down as of December 31; we
are fortunate to enlist Linda Otani to accept his vacated three-year
term of office on the Board of Directors.
I also extend my gratitude to Ken Furukawa and Val Fong for stepping up
to fill the positions of assistant superintendents and Derek Ikami for
volunteering to be the new treasurer of the Dharma School. Val and Ken
will assume their roles immediately with Derek coming on board at the
start of the 2009-2010 school year. I take my hat off to Ken for
assuming the writing duties for the monthly Dharma School article
appearing in the Sangha
newsletter. Without Ken’s help, I would be confused not knowing which
article to write first and what to say in either. Val agreed to be the
Dharma School historian and is young enough to retain the institutional
knowledge of each passing year.
I applaud the current Executive Committee members for their continued
commitment to serve as leaders of the Betsuin. The first Tuesday of
every month would not be the same without the “team” and the added bench
strength provided by the past presidents and elders of the Betsuin. Many
of these individuals have given themselves to the temple for nearly a
lifetime; I cherish their input. These people are constant reminders of
unselfish giving, commitment to community, while providing a guiding
light for the younger upstarts in positions of leadership.
I have a couple of others to thank, so I hope I’m not burning a lot of
ink and paper to acknowledge our past and future leaders. It has been a
struggle, to say the least, to fill the position of president-elect for
the 2009 term of office. The president-elect assumes the position of
president of the Board of Directors upon the retirement of the incumbent
office holder whose term is for one year. Countless individuals were
identified by the Executive Committee as having the attributes and
characteristics needed to be the next president of the temple. Each
person had reasons why 2009 was not the right year; many vowed to be
placed on the succession line for the outer years. Some answered the
question without hesitation due to other commitments and past service to
the temple. Allan Hoshida and I, along with the past presidents
canvassed the countryside looking for the right person to say YES. The
last one contacted — who was on the short list from the beginning — was
not asked due to our perceived scheduling difficulties for he and his
wife and attending to the needs of their family. Yet, this person
considered the opportunity wholeheartedly, and the many hardships that
he would place on his wife and children. Yet, through it all, Doctor
Kelvin Mark agreed to fill the position of president-elect for the 2009
term of office. We are blessed (if I can use this word in a Buddhist
newsletter) to have a person of high personal characteristic to serve on
the Board for years to come. I greatly appreciate Mark’s wife Cheryl — a
doctor in her own right — and their children, Brandon and Lyndsie, for
allowing the Betsuin to borrow their dad to serve the betterment of the
Sangha.
Lastly, if you’ve made it this far, I have only accolades for the
Betsuin’s outgoing President Allan Hoshida. There are several benefits
from serving on a board, and there are also conflicts that are created
if the executive leadership is not rowing in cadence. Allan managed to
keep all of us on board even when we may not have wanted, has the style
and grace that I certainly admire (and could learn from), a leadership
perspective for the record books, and is able to carry a “presidential”
persona in all definitions of the word. It will be hard to follow a
person of high moral characteristics and one who is genuinely a nice guy
who finished first. He of course is supported by his wife, Meriko, who
allowed Allan time to come out and play with the Board and Sangha
members. I wish Allan the best in his pseudo retirement from the
Betsuin. Rinban Bob Oshita
Happy New Year…and welcome to the year 2009! A few years ago, I was
asked to respond to an interesting question. It was this: What would be
my wish for the first baby born in the New Year? My initial thought was
this: Whatever that wish might be, it should be a great wish. It should
be a wish that we would all want to make for every child ever born; a
wish we would hope for every child yet to be born. But what could that
wish be? The more I thought about it, I found myself coming back to the
Loving Kindness Meditation.
It is said that over 2,500 years ago, the Historical Shakyamuni Buddha
gave this meditation to some of his disciples who lived in fear of the
unknown. This is not unusual. Life is full of unknowns. But we should
not live fearing what we do not know or understand.
So the Buddha gave them the Meditation of Loving Kindness to
contemplate. This meditation is very beautiful and very detailed. And in
contemplating loving kindness, the once fearful monks nurtured a deep
sense of oneness with all things. In essence, the meditation is this:
“May all beings be happy and well; may no harm or difficulty come to
them; may they live in peace and harmony.”
This is a great wish. And it would be my wish for not only the first
baby of the year, but for the whole world. We are truly living in a time
where there are many unknowns. There is so much impatience and anger in
the world today. In such a time, we could all benefit from the Buddha’s
Meditation on Loving Kindness.
This would be my New Year’s Wish: “May all of us be happy and well; may
no harm or difficulty come to us; may we live in peace and harmony.”
Kotoshi Mo Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu….
RB
Michiko Yukawa
Following the British Columbia Buddhist Convention in Vancouver a few
months ago, Reverend Aoki of the Vancouver Buddhist Temple invited my
husband and me to join the other conference guest speaker on a tour of
the city. Reverend Aoki kindly drove us through the fashionable and
bustling Robson Drive district downtown and around the perimeter of
famous Stanley Park. It was a beautiful fall day, sunny and warm, and
the park beaches and city streets were crowded with people and traffic.
Since it was a first city tour of Vancouver for the guest speaker,
Reverend Aoki suggested a stop at Granville Island. We readily agreed,
remembering it being an interesting and unique place to visit, but in my
mind, I also remembered the heavy congestion of traffic getting into and
out of the area as well as the difficulty in finding a place to park
once we were finally on the island. To my surprise, Reverend Aoki turned
his car in the direction away from the island and instead drove toward
the waterfront. The traffic there was noticeably less and the going
easier and cooler. Sensei then drove into a spacious multi-leveled
parking garage and walked us out onto a pier. He was taking us to
Granville Island by water bus! What a unique and thoughtful way to avoid
the congested traffic.
We enjoyed a very leisurely, relaxing and lulling ride, watching the
Vancouver skyline skim by, chatting with fellow riders, and marveling at
the skill of the driver as he made several smooth stops along the way.
Though we were still very much in the city, we felt as if we had entered
a cooler, greener, bluer, more relaxing world, and with a touch of
reluctance, we disembarked at our destination.
Granville Island is a wonderful mixture of fun for all ages — the Grand
Market with its overwhelming variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish
and meats, flowers, herbs, pasta, as well as the many quick bites to
sample; a variety of shops by local craftsmen and artists, and even a
magic store; indoor/outdoor play and craft areas for children. And in
scattered outdoor areas, local magicians, musicians, comedians keep
visitors entertained.
True to its Northwest nature, Granville Island is covered by a canopy of
trees with greenery and flowers along and around the many buildings,
which of course attracts many small and colorful birds. Walking back
toward the pier for our return trip, our guest minister friend pointed
out here and there unusual flowers not seen in California. He also
reminisced that an artist friend of his always carried a pad and pencil
to make quick sketches of tiny birds or flowers whenever the opportunity
occurred. He noted that the artist saw beauty and life in many places
that others just passed by and did not notice. His remarks reminded me
of a flower arrangement sensei, Mary Shigaya, who taught her students
that when you begin to learn flower arrangement, you will naturally
begin to observe and appreciate flowers, grasses, shrubs in their
natural setting and how they grow during the different seasons. And as
you begin to see them in their natural environment, you will appreciate
how to arrange them. She was teaching us more than just how to arrange
flowers, but also how to open our eyes to truly see the flowers.
I mentioned to Sensei that I appreciated his Dharma talks because he
often used everyday experiences to illustrate his teachings, such as a
conversation with a fellow airplane passenger or a chance meeting with
someone in a restaurant or even watching TV, that he had a way of seeing
the Dharma in many places and experiences that we just passed by and did
not notice. Like Mary Shigaya, I believe Sensei teaches us that if we
just truly opened our eyes, we would be able to awaken to the Dharma in
our daily life around us.
Riding the water bus back to the waterfront, we passed a few marinas
where many boats were moored. At the last marina, we noticed a floating
sign posted, which read, “No wake zone.” Our guest minister friend
asked, “What does that sign mean? Does it mean people sleep on the boats
so others should be quiet? Is it another expression for boats that are
parked for the night?” Those who own boats or take part in water sports
know that the turbulence in the water caused by a passing boat is called
a wake. For those of us who are “land lubbers,” the sign was a curious
mystery. We asked the water-bus driver the reason for the sign and he
informed us that large waves would cause the moored boats to bump into
other boats or docks and perhaps cause damage. Therefore, it was a
caution sign to please drive slowly and not cause your boat to make
waves or cause a wake. If you will pardon the expression, this new
meaning of “wake” was an awakening for us!
January is a time we make new resolutions to better improve our lives.
Perhaps we can resolve to, as Reverend Bob often says, “open our Dharma
eyes” to awaken to the Dharma in our daily lives and live our lives,
guided by the Dharma.
Namo Amida Butsu. Greeters’ Program
From The OfficeChurch MaintenanceEd Imai
Over the months the following members volunteered their time to perform
maintenance on the Betsuin’s facilities. These maintenance efforts by
our members help defray significant costs to the operations and
maintenance of our aging facilities. Please offer your assistance to any
church maintenance committee member to help in our ever-increasing
maintenance needs.
The Betsuin thanks the following members for volunteering their time,
skills, and hard efforts:
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Don Honda for repair of Hondo main entryway door returns.
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Roy Imura and Gary Traganza for repair of office door return.
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Gary Traganza and Eddie Imai for installation of new sinks and
faucets in Annex boys and girls restrooms. Replacement of faucets in
main girls bathroom and library bathroom. Thank You Alan WadaAnonymous Church Member
I’m often amazed and inspired by our Sangha’s dedication to the temple,
with so many people selflessly giving their time and energy. I’d like to
recognize Alan Wada, a man whose contribution sometimes goes unnoticed.
Throughout the year he takes thousands of photos documenting every
aspect of our temple, from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, to the
Fujinkai and Sakura Gakuen. Sundays we see him moving quietly about the
Hondo trying to get the best angle for a picture of the ministers, the
choir or a guest speaker. We
also see him taking pictures at Obon and the Bazaar. Using the
4,000 photos he takes (with help from Marta, Lauren and Don Lee) from
pull-out Friday to clean-up Monday, he puts together an amazing slide
show for the Bazaar appreciation dinner each year. He also provides
photos for the church calendar. His time and photography skills are
greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Alan, for your contribution to the temple.
Molly Kimura
In Memory of Nobujiro & Motoyo Nakamura
Tsugi Kiyota
Mitzie Muramoto
In Memory of Kay Muramoto
Eleanor Nobuye
In Memory of Mother
Katherine Sato
In Memory of Nobujiro & Motoyo Nakamura
Irene Hoshiko
In Memory of Larry Hoshiko
Sadao Nagao
Koji Nishimoto
In Memory of Taizo Nishimoto
Masaaki Tademaru
Junichi Yamamoto
Marge & Gene Oishi
In Memory of Yuki Yokoi
M/M Shigeru Ota
In Memory of Hisa Imahori
LaVerne & Helen Sasaki
In Memory of Yuki Yokoi
Thomas Yokoi
In Memory of Yuki Yokoi
Susie Imai
Amy Matsumoto
Alan Wu
Happy New 2009! We extend many heartfelt and warm greetings to you and
yours on this very first installment of the
Sangha for 2009. We trust
that you all had a terrifically wonderful holiday season as you gathered
with your friends and family. We also hope you thoroughly enjoyed the
holidays.
Well, enough of all that mushy stuff. It is now time to get back to the
business at hand; the business that we call “Church Basketball.” To
start off the new year, we have a new section called “Dear Bodhi Tree,”
which will hopefully address and answer the questions that are posed.
Here is our first letter:
Dear Bodhi Tree,
We are now three weeks into the 2008-09 Church Basketball Season. As
usual, there were games that were closely contested, and there were
games that were blow outs, both in our favor and not in our favor, but
no matter which type of game it was, the parents’ enthusiasm for their
children and their teams was displayed through all the positive cheering
that could be heard throughout the gym. All the talk around the water
cooler is about how well the kids played; or how well the teams played
as a team; or even how all our coaches are teaching our young ones the
fine points of the game and how to be humble in victory and gracious in
defeat . . .NOT!
Unfortunately, the talk is:
1. Did you hear about the Betsuin parent that got ejected from gym?
The discussion is not who was at fault or what caused the action; the
talk is that one of our parents was asked to leave the gym.
2.
Did you hear about the game where the
Betsuin coach ran up the score? He kept the press on even after game was
out of reach. There is no good reason for this to happen
in church ball. Are we out to get revenge on the other coach and church,
and are we taking it out on and embarrassing the young kids? We don’t
have any control of what other coaches do, but I would like to think we
have control of our own actions and not sink to the level of others.
They may have different color uniforms and don’t attend our church, but
they are still very impressionable kids — just like ours!
The spot light is now on the adults. Why do parents yell at their kids
when they miss a lay-up, or throw a bad pass? I can guarantee you that
those kids know exactly what they did wrong right then and there, and
they do not need anyone shouting at them what they did wrong. It only
makes matters worse. Yes, I know I missed that lay-up, THANK YOU for
reminding me and telling the whole gym that just saw it already!
Whatever happened to recognizing our kids for their accomplishments on
and off the court with positive reinforcement? And praising our coaches
for their hours of tireless work with our youth?
Signed: I thought this was Church Basketball
* * *
Dear I thought this was Church Basketball,
You bring up some excellent points and you came to right place to seek
enlightenment, so maybe we should revisit some of the reasons and the
purpose of “Church Basketball,” because it seems that as each year
passes, and with one generation of players graduating and the next
generation coming of age, many of these reasons and purposes get diluted
and maybe even lost in the shuffle.
First of all, this is “Church Basketball,” where a group of churches
came together to form the Northern California Church League, NCCL, for
the sole purpose of providing a basketball league for our youth.
Second of all, this is “Church Basketball,” where there are no
standings, no statistics, no awards, no trophies, no world titles and in
the E Division, no score is kept.
Third of all, this is “Church Basketball,” where our kids learn how to
play the game of basketball, learn how to play with others, learn how to
be a part of a team, and learn many life lessons along the way.
Fourth of all, this is “Church Basketball,” where every church member
has the opportunity to participate and play with friends and hopefully
make new ones
Fifth of all, this is “Church Basketball,” where players have very
little chance of going on to play professional basketball, so everyone
needs to calm down and relax and just let their kids have fun playing
this game. Remember, it’s only a game.
Sixth of all, this is “Church Basketball,” where winning is not the
primary purpose of this league. Even though competition goes
hand-in-hand with sports, there can be a constructive balance.
“Church Basketball” was created in a time when there was no other place
for our kids to play organized sports, but today, there are many other
programs and opportunities for kids to compete at the highest level and
win, win, win if that is the objective.
“Church Basketball” can be compared to recreational soccer, where
everyone learns how to play and winning is not the objective. Soccer
also has another level called Select, where players and teams are a
little more competitive and winning becomes an objective. Soccer then
has the Competitive level, where winning is everything. In “Church
Basketball,” winning is not everything, and that’s how it is; so please
consider other basketball programs if “Church Basketball” is not the
right fit for you and your player.
More could be said about the nature of “Church Basketball,” but
hopefully, that point has been made and understood.
One more thing, our sports program families not only represent
themselves and their families, but they also represent the Sacramento
Betsuin. I would hope they would have some proclivity to uphold all of
those reputations.
Thank you for your letter.
Signed: B. T.
* * *
And now for the business of attendance: If you are reading this and it
is still 2008, then you have time to get your player to attend the New
Year’s Eve Service and receive extra credit for doing so. If it is a
little short notice for the New Year’s Eve Service, then what about the
New Year’s Day Service? That too will give your player extra credit.
Remember, these are the last extra credit opportunities for this year,
and anything below 60 percent makes your player ineligible to play in
league games and tournament games.
Please take note that Picture Day will be on the weekend of January 17
and 18. See your Team Mom or Division Coordinator for your schedule.
Please take note that our 38th Annual Basketball Tournament
is just around the corner and you can help us out by placing an ad in
our tournament program by January 15. We certainly do appreciate all the
support we get from our sports families.
Please take note that for the weekend of January 31 and February 1, all
our basketball games will be played on Saturday, January 31, to clear
the schedule for the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 1, live from Tampa
Bay.
Thanks for listening.
Important Dates to Remember:
December 31, 2008:
New Year’s Eve Service – Extra Credit at the Betsuin
January 1:
New Year’s Day Service – Last Extra Credit day at the Betsuin
January 10-11
League games resume at our many gyms
January 17
Picture Day for E Division at Florin Buddhist Church
January 18
Picture Day for Divisions D, C, B at C.K. McClatchy
January 15
Tournament Booster Ads due at the church office
January 23
I Division Picture Day / Make up Picture Day at SASF
January 25
I Division Picture Day / Make up Picture Day at the Betsuin
January 31
All games played due to Super Bowl Sunday at our gyms
February 1
Super Bowl Sunday-Only game today is at Tampa Bay
March 7-8
38th Annual Betsuin Basketball Tournament at many
local gyms
Denis Ishisaka
Pack 50 held its annual End-of-Year Pack Meeting in December 2008. A
wonderful time was had by all who attended. The evening was filled with
singing of holiday songs and a special guest appearance by Santa, who
passed out candy canes to all who braved to go up and say hello. The
highlight of the evening was the community service project that the Cub
Scouts were involved with. The Scouts prepared more than 100 goodie bags
filled with paper, pencils and small toys to be handed out to children
of Mustard Seed School. The Mustard Seed School is a free, private
school established to help meet the needs of homeless children. Thank
you, Cub Scouts, for helping make this holiday season special for these
children! A special thank you goes to Glenn Fujii and Kristen Crawford
and their crew for making this a special Pack meeting!
Pack 50 will be holding its annual Pinewood Derby Race on January 23 at
7 p.m. at the kaikan. Come out and check out all the fancy paint jobs,
the innovative and imaginative designs, and the fast cars that will be
competing for many trophies and prizes! We extend an invite to all boys
who might be interested in joining Cub Scouts to attend. This is a fun
event!
We are very appreciative of the support of our community. A special
thank you goes out to Mrs. M.H. Masumoto of Selma for her donation to
Pack 50.
It’s hard to imagine that 2008 has come to an end. As they say, time has
just flown by. In reflecting back, Pack 50 had a very successful and fun
2008! The boys worked hard all year and earned many awards and
achievements; attended many fun outings; and participated in many
community service projects/events. This is also the time of year that we
reflect and realize that this success was made possible by the
generosity of many people and organizations. We especially wish to thank
the Sacramento Betsuin; the den leaders; the Pack; the many donors from
the community throughout the year; and the parents of Pack 50. Thank you
for your support in making Pack 50 one of the best Cub Scout packs in
Sacramento!
Happy Holidays to everyone from Pack 50! Masako Thomas Contact Masako Thomas at (916) 482-8770 or e-mail: sakurahanami@hotmail.com Ken Furukawa
Hi from a new “face” for Dharma School! As Richard Kai noted in the
Sangha a little over a
month ago, I am serving a stint as the assistant superintendent for
upper division. Along with Valerie Fong, the assistant superintendent
for lower division, we will try to help Richard as he begins his new
sojourn as temple president. So one of my duties will be to write the
monthly news from Dharma School.
This issue of the Sangha
will reach most of you after the New Year has begun, so let me wish you
a belated “Happy New Year!” I hope you and your student(s) took
advantage of the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day services. Not only
are these services an opportunity to reflect upon the year that was, and
prepare for the year to come, but they are also extra credit days! At
this time of year it is fitting to think about the many benefits that
your family may derive from attending services and Dharma School, in
addition to fulfilling requirements to participate in the Betsuin sports
programs. It may be difficult to recognize, but be assured that most of
the students really do develop a basic Buddhist frame of reference just
by attending services and the short Dharma School classes year after
year... especially if they continue through high school.
Speaking of developing focus through high school, it is time for seniors
to apply for Betsuin scholarships and matching funds from the Ronald
McDonald House foundation. The applications are available at the Betsuin
office, and they are due Sunday, January 18, 2009 (the day before Martin
Luther King Day). The application is short, and the interview process is
friendly. Most Dharma School applicants are likely to qualify. So it
won’t be difficult, but don’t wait to the last minute and “wing it.”
As the second half of the Dharma School term approaches, please consider
joining the teaching staff in the near future. We are looking for
interested volunteers to work with high school juniors and seniors, and
7th graders. If you are interested, or just curious, please contact me
or Richard Kai at your convenience!
In Gassho,
Ken Furukawa
Dharma School “courtyard” gratefully acknowledges donations from the
following:
2nd Grade Class
5th Grade Class
7th Grade Class
Gladys Adachi
Eric Fujii
June Hayashi/Ross Hayashi
Minnie Iseri
Tak Ito
Erika Johnson
Mae Kaneko
Frances Kondo
Reiko Kurahara
Sakaye Nishikawa
Sandi Nishio
Mary Orite
Haruye Osaki
Oto’s Marketplace
Joyce Sasaki
Sachi Sawada
Karen Shimada
Tom & Nancy Shimizu
Clifford & Bettie Tsuda
Gaylene TsudaWong & Dennis Wong
Louie & Emi Watanabe Boy ScoutsMarkus Mar-Liu
Between the months of November and December, the Boy Scouts participated
in two major events, the Negro Bar Outing and the Year End Dinner, as
well as a mixture of patrol and troop meetings in between.
The Negro Bar Outing on November 15 to November 16 included a 34-mile
bike ride from the Betsuin Church to Negro Bar by way of the American
Rive Bike Trail. When arriving into camp, the Boy Scouts were welcomed
with ham and turkey sandwiches and later a helpful lesson on first aid
by Mrs. Yee. After dinner, the scouts were able to relax for a couple of
hours during cracker barrel, in which a variety of foods were cooked,
roasted and burnt over the fire. Nevertheless, the scouts enjoyed
themselves!
The next day, the scouts had to get up bright and early to cook their
breakfast and then began the long bike ride home! Upon arriving at the
church, everyone was relieved with an abundance of snacks and drinks to
keep them satisfied. This outing was both full of hard work and one to
remember.
The Year End Dinner took place on December 5 to benefit the St. John’s
Shelter, where the Boy Scouts presented the colors of the American and
Betsuin Church flag before the meal. Amid delicious foods, including
Jello, chow fun and beef, the families and friends were treated to live
entertainment provided by each Boy Scout patrol that performed a skit.
It was a time of great fun for the scouts and their families who enjoyed
the company of their friends. This dinner was an excellent way to mark
the closing of this year and the beginning of the next!
Lastly, the troop meetings in November were very educational since the
theme of that month was first aid. In December, however, the theme
became Hobbies/Holiday Recess. During this time, the scouts should be
very intrigued and interactive with the upcoming troop meetings. Girl Scouts Troop 569May Otow
The girls from Juniors 4 attended a Memory Maker event sponsored by the
Girl Scout Council. They created mini albums with their own pictures
from home.
Brownies 1 completed work on the Point, Click, and Go Try-It as well as
the Computer Smarts Try-It. They learned about staying safe on the
computer and using the Internet. They also had fun writing letters using
the computer and completed the Creative Composing Try-It. The girls also
learned how to use PowerPoint and created their own presentation. The
girls also attended a party hosted by the girls from Cadettes 4, where
they learned how to knit and participated in a fashion show. Sacramento Buddhist Women’s Association Utako Kimura
PRE-MEETING SERVICE
Rinban Bob Oshita in our regular pre-meeting service, spoke of one
of the most important teachings of Buddhism — the teaching of
impermanence. Impermanence is not good or bad — it is simply the
truth. We will experience the loss of those we love. We know this
and wish it did not have to be so. Rinban continued, soon our
Reverend Kaz will be leaving our temple for another temple; longtime
member of our SBWA Board of Trustees Fumie Ishihara will be moving
to the Bay Area. Although they will be leaving Sacramento, we should
always remember that “home” is where your friends and family are —
the Sacramento Betsuin will always be their home.
OPENING
Rinban Bob led the opening gassho. President Lynn Kurahara welcomed
everyone.
BUDDHIST CHURCHES OF AMERICA – RINBAN BOB OSHITA
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Reverend Harry Bridge of the Lodi Buddhist Church has been
assigned to the Oakland Buddhist Church.
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Reverend Hiroshi Abiko of the San Francisco Buddhist Church
has been appointed to serve as the Rinban of the Los Angeles Hompa
Hongwanji Buddhist Temple.
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Reverend Ryuta Furumoto, currently of the Arizona Buddhist
Temple in Phoenix, has been assigned to the San Mateo Buddhist
Church.
-
Reverend Naoki Kono of the Seabrook Buddhist Temple in New
Jersey will be assigned to the Arizona Buddhist Temple.
Exciting News:
Effective January 2009, our Sacramento Betsuin reverends and senseis
will oversee the Buddhist temples of Lodi, Marysville and Walnut
Grove. At the present time, these temples are without a minister. We
are pleased to share their names: Reverend Carol Castle, Reverend
Tim Castle, Reverend Patti Oshita, Sensei Grace Hatano and Sensei
Koichi Mizushima. Our best wishes on your newest recognition.
We, SBWA, would like to add that the honored designations as
announced can be said to be the unlimited time and continued effort
of many ministers and lay leaders for the success of the ministers’
assistants program. Any growth or success requires an important
ingredient — leadership. It is the dedication, guidance and
executive ability of our Rinban Bob Oshita that has brought this
special responsibility to our reverends and senseis. To Rinban Bob,
it is with gratitude we say thank you.
CORRESPONDENCE, DONATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We are fortunate indeed to be recipients of the generosity and
thoughtfulness of fellow members and friends. We gratefully share
their gifts and letters.
Mari Ueda
Thank you for donation to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition,
Sacramento Chapter.
Sy Enkoji Ogawa
Thank you for okoden for Mother June Enkoji. The Estate of the Late Mikiye “Miki” Hayashi Yoshiko Morisawa In Memory of Son, Wayne Katsuko Hirota In Appreciation Mary Inouye Recovery
Conferences and Meetings – Alice Kataoka AND HIROKO TSUDA
2009 FBWA Conference – October 9, 10, 11 at the Doubletree Hotel,
Sacramento
The next meeting of the Conference Committee has been scheduled for
January 21, 2009 at noon at the Sacramento Buddhist Church. Ozoni
will be served. An agenda item is the conference registration fee.
The Conference Committee has been informed that the Doubletree Hotel
service fee will increase for the 2009 Conference.
2010 750th Year Shinran Shonin Anniversary Memorial Service
We strive for accuracy in placing news in our articles — the correct
information on the service place of the 750th Year Anniversary
Memorial Service for Shinran Shonin to be held on February 27-28,
2010 is San Jose, California. The Japan Memorial Service is to be
held in 2011.
RELIGIOUS – MOLLY KIMURA
Hoonko service was held November 23, 2008, with guest speaker
Reverend Michael Ensho Endo of the Buddhist Churches of America.
Service chair was Molly Kimura and organist Machiko Kimura. Oshoko
representatives were Junko Egi for the 9:30 a.m. service and Fumie
Ishihara for the 11:30 a.m. service.
Social Services – Marcia Matsuda
Get well cards have been sent to Yoshie Kyhos and Mitzie Muramoto.
SPECIAL EVENTS – FRANCES KONDO
November 22 and 23 Hoonko Service Food Preparation
Chairs Frances Kondo and Fumie Ishihara reported 880 containers of
chirashi zushi were made. Chairs Frances and Fumie cannot say enough
thank yous to fellow members and friends. Rice cookers who braved
the cold weather arrived at 4 a.m. Others to prepare
ingredients/mix/pack arrived at 6 a.m. — a total of a two-day help.
It is a time for learning, working together, visiting, camaraderie.
-
Rice cookers: an extra special
thank you to James
Amioka, Roger Ikemoto, Denis Ishisaka, David Yasuda. Sueko Yamashita
coordinated this particular heavy-duty task!
-
Reiko Kurahara for preparing lunch, especially the
miso-shiru, for the ministers and guest ministers.
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Other friends and members: Yuki Hashisaka, Vi Hatano, Midori
Ito, Jean Kashiwada, Alice Kataoka, Lynn Kataoka, Machiko Kimura,
Utako Kimura, Lynn Kurahara, Reiko Kurahara, Janet Matsumoto, Teiko
Matsuo, Eleanor Nobuye, Nancy Noguchi, Norrine Okamoto, Mollie Oto,
Chizuko Sakaishi, Heidi Sakazaki, Ikuko Sakazaki, Tomi Tanaka,
Hiroko Tsuda, Gerry Tsukiji, Virginia Uchida, Sueko Yamashita, Ed
Yee, Sandra Nishimura-Yee.
End of Year Service and Get Together
The Shotsuki Hoyo was held on Sunday, December 7, 2008. Service
chairman was Alice Kataoka, organist Machiko Kimura. The choir, led
by Machiko, was part of the opening service. Guest speaker was
Reverend Tesshi Aoyama of the Placer Buddhist Church. Oshoko
representatives were Emi Koshimizu for our fellow members who have
passed away the past year; Betsuin President Allan Hoshida; SBWA
President Lynn Kurahara. Concluding the service was the induction of
our new members and the installation of the 2009 SBWA cabinet. The
special ceremonies were conducted by Rinban Bob Oshita. Molly Kimura
assisted in the Induction ceremony.
Immediately following the service, chairs Midori Ito and Norrine
Okamoto invited all attending to the Bonenkai. Members 80 years
young and older were guests. Toshi Kawamura’s Minyo Songs and Dance
Group provided the entertainment. Obento and the raffle drawing were
enjoyed by everyone. The delightful day came to a close with singing
of Auld Lang Syne — English and Japanese.
GIFT – MIKIYE ‘MIKI’ HAYASHI
We have been honored by the estate of the late Mikiye “Miki”
Hayashi, having been named a beneficiary of $11,400. The Board has
discussed and will continue to look into the finest way to
administer this very generous gift from Miki.
TID BITS . . .
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Fumie Ishihara Potluck: Thank you fellow members for your bountiful
cuisine for this get together held before our monthly meeting. We
are ever thankful to Fumie — wish her best in her new environment —
Oakland, and above all, thank you for the many years of service and
leadership. We will miss you!
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The photo taken by Alan Wada at the November meeting may be
purchased for $10 each. Please contact Lynn Kurahara to arrange for
the purchase.
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The Nominating Committee works many hours to insure a
complete and efficient Board of Trustees. We commend and thank
Chairman Mollie Oto, committee members Alice Kataoka and Helen
Sekikawa for their dedication and thoroughness in selecting the
candidates.
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Zabutons: Isn’t it a good feeling to be seated on clean
zabutons? Thank you to fellow members taking on this task and
returning the clean ones to the church in time for the November 23
service.
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December 13, 2008 was the yearly mochitsuki. Members were at
the kaikan to help at 5:30 a.m.
-
2008 Bodhi Day Service was held at the Nichiren Church on
December 8, 2008 from 7 p.m. Bodhi Day is observed jointly with the
Buddhist churches in our area taking turns conducting the service.
-
January 7, 2009 is the next SBWA: 6:45 p.m. service and 7
p.m. meeting.
Rinban Oshita led the closing gassho.
* * *
This is the last issue of the
Sangha with which this writer will be involved. I want to let
you know that the monthly articles could not have been put together
without the help of Recording Secretary Virginia Uchida and in her
absence, Shirley Kato. Despite their own very busy schedules,
Virginia and Shirley prepared the meeting draft minutes and e-mailed
to this writer in a day or two following our monthly meetings. I
just could not have completed the monthly
Sangha articles
without their caring ways and efficiency — thank you, Virginia and
Shirley. A special thank you also to Rinban Oshita for responding by
turnaround e-mail to my endless questions about ministers as well as
the appropriateness of my writings. I am ever grateful, Rinban, for
your kindness and sharing your learned knowledge with courtesy. Want
to add an indebted thank you to
Sangha Editor Cliff
Adams 0151 his patience and understanding of the timing of my
writings, ensuring that it was properly formatted, and always,
always placing an attractive graphic to our article. I would be
remiss in not thanking President Lynn Kurahara and former President
Fusako Takahashi for their support and guidance. It has been a most
educational and enjoyable ride. Thank you. Funerals
Masunaga Family
In Memory of Shiro Masunaga
Richard Koto
In Memory of Betty Koto
Stanley Hayashi Family
In Memory of Stanley Hayashi
Yoko Mooring Family
In Memory of Yoko Mooring
Steve & George Hiromoto Family
In Memory of Harold Hiromoto
Gordon & Vida Adelman
In Memory of Stanley Hayashi
Irene Kishaba
In Memory of Stanley Hayashi
Mary, Mo & Jr. Wakabayashi
In Memory of Toshiko Tsuda
Memorial
Tomiko Kohaya
In Memory of William Kohaya
Hanry Yokoyama Family
1st Year Service – Family of Henry Yokoyama
Reiko Osaki
1st Year for Allen Osaki
Lauren Hashikuni
In Memory of Dennis Hashikuni
Melissa Fukui Family
In Memory of Yoko Mooring
Clinton & Jo Ann Jung
1st Year for Sakon Roy Takenaga
Art & Kim Stryke
1st Year for Sakon Roy Takenaga
Karen Yee
In Memory of Roy Takenaga
Stephen & Jason Jung
1st Year for Sakon Roy Takenaga
Jan Nishikawa
In Memory of Harold Hiromoto
Jan Nishikawa
2nd Year for George Nishikawa
Jan Nishikawa
1st Year for Hattie Nishikawa
Ed & Judy Okubo
1st Year for Sakon Roy Takenaga
Mieko Oto
In Memory of Toshio Oto
Midori & Rio Sunahara
49th Day for June Enkoji
Ted & Gerry Tsukiji
In Memory of George & Mildred Nakano
Kevin & Suzanne Okubo
1st Year for Sakon Roy Takenaga
Akito & Emi Masaki
In Memory of Yoshiko Nakatomi
Yosh & Kiyoko Nakamoto
In Memory of Kayoko Fujioka
Yosh & Kiyoko Nakamoto
In Memory of Tom Kurotori
Feb & Amy Yokoi
In Memory of Yukie Yokoi
April Adachi
In Memory of Yoshiko Nakatomi
Building Fund
Sherman Iida
Richard Kai “Dharma School Superintendent Hall of Fame”
Special
ABA Aerobicizer/Line Dancers
Special Donation
Mr. & Mrs. Brad Nakao
Wedding of Kimberly Fond & Brad Nakao
Capitol Wellness Inc.
Special Donation
Matsuhiro/Yui Family
Inurnment
Tsutomu Kubo
Special Donation
Richard Kai
In Celebration of Pearl Kai’s Birthday
Fuyuko Uyemura
Special Donation
Kevin Tanemura
Temple Visitation
M/M Tim Chang
Bodhi Day
Sterling & Joanne Makishima
Special Donation
Lillian Yamauchi
Ojuzu Repair
Anonymous
Ojuzu Repair
Elizabeth Iwamura
Ojuzu Repair
Anonymous
Ojuzu Repair
Joyce Koyama
Ojuzu Repair
Legacy Endowment Fund
Anonymous
Ted & Helen Sekikawa
Wayne Kuruhara
Terry Kagiyama
49th Day for June Enkoji
Richard Kai
In Memory of Harold Hiromoto
Tsuto & Jean Oto
In Memory of Shirley Mae Yagi
Akio & Ruth Seo
In Memory of Charles Kawada
Grace Kotani
In Memory of Toshiko Tsuda
Nokotsudo
Masao & Sally Shirasago
Stanley Hayashi
1st Year for Toki Matsuura
Hoonko
Don Ishii
George & Amiko Kashiwagi
Shannon Suo, David Gellerman
Peggy Miyata
Misato & Sadako Furuike
Misao Inaba
Leonard Lew
Ben & Kazuko Makishima
Tom Matsumoto
Ted & Pat Otani
Kerry & Sue Ann Kashiwagi
Jerry Nishimoto
Sadako Takaki
Hiko Yagi |
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Minh La
Correction: Originally reported as (our apologies): Aaron Christopher &
Selina Nishimura-Yee Should be: Aaron Lee & Selina Lu
October 11, 2008
Dilanthi Karunatilaka & Nalaka Kahawatte
November 13, 2008 Condolences to the Families of
Sachihiko Yamamoto
September 18, 1915 – November 17, 2008
Yoko Mooring
October 20, 1952 – November 14, 2008
Stanley Hajime Hayashi
March 26, 1936 – November 14, 2008
William S. Seiji
October 12, 1925 – November 20, 2008
Shiro Masunaga
November 10, 1926 – November 25, 2008
Toshiko Tsuda
January 1, 1927 – November 29, 2008 |
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