Good morning everyone. And a Happy New Year.

Did you see the Count down to the New Year on TV last night? There is a program in Japan. Just like here in America. However, Japan doesn’t have time zone differences. So, all Japanese people celebrate the New Year at the same time. But here, there are four time zones. So, I saw New Year celebration in New York on TV yesterday… 4 hours delayed. Interesting…

This New Year’s service is my 2^nd Sacramento New Years.

As a rookie minister, I made many mistakes last year.

So, I will try even harder to do my best this year.

Last year, I had a request from members who wanted to learn more about Buddhism. Some of you know Rev. Bob has a Buddhist study class for children “Metta Padoma”. So, I started a Buddhist study class in English and Japanese for adults last October. This class will cover many Buddhist topics and I have enough class material to teach for 6 years. BCA may soon provide correspondence courses in the near future. …But my classes are free. When you have time, please come and join my class.

Speaking English is one of my problems. So, I will continue to practice and learn. I feel more comfortable reading the papers now. But still I need practice.

With the weekly help of my English tutors, I have improved.

And I thank all of them…for their commitment to teach me.

No one can accomplish anything simply by themselves. I have learned much last year only because so many people have helped me. Rev. Yukawa would always say “OKAGESAMA” …which means we should appreciate the people in our lives. This is Buddhist way.

Gassho