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Sangha
President’s
Message Allan Hoshida Our 62nd Annual Bazaar on August 9 and 10, was a great success. The weather was great. Lots of visitors, family and friends came out in support of our annual Bazaar fundraiser. With so many people in attendance, many of the food items were gone fairly early both days. (Even Kevin Johnson, City of Sacramento mayoral candidate, was in attendance.) Once again, a well-deserved thank you and congratulations to Bazaar chairman Steve Kawano and Robbie Midzuno and the rest of the hard-working Bazaar steering committee, coordinators, booth chairs and organization leaders. Also, thanks to all of you who helped in the set-up of the tents, booth construction, helping with the various activities throughout the Bazaar weekend, take down and storage of all materials, etc. Many, many folks working countless hours behind the scenes, all helping each other truly makes this a wonderful coming together of our Sangha community for the benefit of our temple. Everyone pulled together to transform our parking lot and facilities into something very unique and make this another successful Bazaar. Congratulations and thank you to everyone. One observation/reflection during Bazaar: Especially gratifying for me this year was to see so many of our former Dharma School students, basketball players, Scouts, etc., come back and help with our Bazaar. It was great to see them help out and catch up on their lives. In addition and perhaps more importantly, it was great to hear how successful they all have become as mature young caring adults, going away to university studies, getting married, raising their own families, each developing their own unique path in life. Even though you may have moved away and are living in other communities, please know that the Buddhist Church of Sacramento will always be your home as well. Please note that we have received BCA 21st Century Grand Raffle tickets to benefit the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley. Donation of $20 is requested per ticket. First Prize: $12,000; Second Prize: $4,000; Third Prize: $1,500; Fourth Prize: $1,000; and Fifth Prize: $500. The drawing will be at the 2009 BCA National Council Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Irvine, CA on Saturday, February 28, 2009. If anyone is interested in purchasing some tickets, please visit or call the church office at 446-0121. Sunday, October 19 is the day we will have a special visit to our temple by one of the BCA 21st Century Campaign Committee members. Kent Matsuda will be available to give us an update on the campaign in support of the Jodo Shinshu Center. This will be an opportunity for everyone to come with any questions you may have. Additional information and updates will be provided under separate cover. Please plan on attending if you are interested. For the Board of Trustees and sponsored/affiliated organization leaders: special guests BCA National Board President Billy Saeki and Socho Ogui will be attending our October 14 Board of Trustees meeting. Their desire is to personally thank the Betsuin Board for the recent donation to the 21st Century Campaign and update the temple leadership on BCA matters. Please plan to attend this unique opportunity to greet, meet and hear from Billy and Socho. It has been said that the Betsuin is very much like an extended family. Here, through the many activities/programs, one can make many lifelong friendships. As we get back to the start of a new Dharma School year, please do what you can to foster and nurture these relationships/friendships throughout the year. You will be amazed at what opportunities and great friendships await you. Rinban Bob Oshita Hello and welcome to the month of September. This month Patti and I begin our 25th Dharma School term with the Sacramento Betsuin. It is amazing to consider that the kids born the year we came have now hit the quarter-century mark. It seems the older we get, time seems to go by so quickly. When we were young, time moved at a snail’s pace. If we were anticipating a special event, a week felt like forever; and our birthdays could never come fast enough. We would count our ages adding fractions, hoping this might make our special day come quicker. We would say, “I’m 6 1/2 “or “I’m 7 3/4 “ Now it seems that a decade goes by in the blink of an eye. I’ve often wondered about this illusion of time passing. Why does it go by so quickly the older we become? Here is what I think. Children really know how to throw themselves totally into the moment. They are completely immersed in whatever they are doing. When they play, they are completely absorbed in the moment. They are not attached to the past, not worried about the future. The only time that exists for them is NOW. And they are living the “NOW” so thoroughly. As we get older and the days grow heavy with responsibilities and obligations, our thoughts and concerns, our minds and our hearts are constantly weighing events past and juggling events to come. We’ve become so well-scheduled, we have a phrase that describes the ability to live in these “modern” times: multi-tasking. I think this is why time seems to pass more quickly as we get older. We are so busy evaluating past events and anticipating future activities, we are so busy multi-tasking, that our minds and hearts are rarely in the moment that is now. Buddhism is often called “A Journey to the Present.” The Dharma is always encouraging us to live in the moment…and live each moment well. And as I have often said, “If we live each moment well, we cannot help but look back on a life well-lived.” As we begin the new Dharma School term, let us all make the effort to live each moment well. See you Sunday! Carol Castle On behalf of the ministers’ assistants…I’d like to welcome you to the month of September. Wow, September already…the summer really seemed to fly by and this year it was anything but quiet. Even though Dharma School was on a break, the temple was buzzing with activity from the weekly sangha services to the week-long YAC Youth Retreat, Obon, and finally the annual Bazaar. Right after Dharma School wrapped up with its annual picnic, the summer sangha services began. The summer services are a little different than the Dharma School services held throughout the rest of the year. They’re much smaller…quieter…and they’re a nice opportunity to interact with the dharma and ask questions. The service format is simple, typically consisting of chanting Junirai or Juseige followed by a dharma talk given by a different minister or ministers’ assistant each week and then a short Q&R (question and response) session. It’s so interesting to hear the questions that are asked by folks with varying perspectives and the responses given by the senseis. This summer, the ministers’ assistants began trying to facilitate the Q&R discussions and we quickly found that it is not as easy as it looks — Reverend Bob and Reverend Kaz make it seem so effortless! Nevertheless, it was a great learning experience and we’ll keep trying our best. Stay tuned. During the week of July 7, the Betsuin hosted the annual BCA/YAC Youth Retreat. This year, we had 11 participants from Washington, Colorado, Bay, Coast and Southern California. They spent the week living at the Betsuin, learning about Buddhism, leading services, chanting, delivering Dharma talks and learning about Japanese culture. They also participated in teen discussions and (being young and full of energy) found ways to play and have fun torturing all of us “old folks” with brain teasers and silly string. Each year I’m so impressed with the talent, interest and energy of the young folks who come to the retreat — they’re confident…they’re smart…and they have something to say. This year, each participant was given the task to write a dharma talk, and each one took the assignment to heart and delivered a personal and very meaningful message. At the end of the week, the “retreaters” participated in the Betsuin’s annual Obon festival and Hatsubon service with guest speaker Socho Ogui. Now, weeks after we said goodbye, we’ve been hearing tidbits here and there about life after the retreat. Our new dharma buddies have been busy writing articles, participating in services, giving dharma talks at their home temples, and even facilitating teen discussions at their district conferences! We are all so proud of them and can’t wait to see what they’ll do next! We would also like to thank Reiko, Gladys & Crew again for preparing the delicious dinners…Sharon Yoshimura & Crew for the yummy lunches…Ellen Ito, Rachel Nagai & Crew for sewing the retreat robes and furoshiki…and the many behind-the-scenes folks who volunteer so much each year to make the retreat possible. Above all, we’d like to thank the Betsuin for embracing this unique program and the opportunity it creates for young folks to connect with each other…with the dharma…with their culture…and maybe most importantly, with themselves. Finally, on August 9 and 10, the Betsuin hosted its 62nd annual food and cultural Bazaar. Each year, the temple parking lot is transformed into a giant tent filled with the sights and sounds of family and friends coming together to spend the afternoon visiting with each other and enjoying delicious food. For me, the Bazaar isn’t just about that one weekend in August — it’s all the days and weeks leading up to it, too. Summer just wouldn’t be the same without going out for Bazaar construction...cleaning and preparing shrimp and veggies…organizing the booths…and then tearing everything down and putting it all away on Monday morning. When I was a kid, my friends and I would spend day after day at the church running around and helping out where we could, doing odd jobs for the grown-ups as they worked hard getting things ready for the big weekend. Now, as I watch our daughters unload cases of chicken and soda, help Reiko and Gladys with lunch, and even help take down the tent and dismantle the booths, I can’t help but smile at the ways things have come full circle. This year’s Bazaar was another success. The weather was perfect…the air was filled with the smell of teriyaki chicken and the sound of laughter. Mini-reunions and celebrations seemed to take place almost everywhere you turned…college kids returning home to a warm welcome …grandparents proudly showing off their new grandbabies…old friends running into each other after many years. And this year, there was a particularly special celebration…our own Reverend Bob turned 60! WOO-HOOO! On behalf of the ministers’ assistants — we’d like to wish Reverend Bob a very happy birthday. Eight years ago, I don’t think any of us could have imagined we would be here today, walking this path on this amazing journey. There are no words to express just how much we appreciate all that you have done for us…you are our teacher, our mentor and above all our zenjishiki (aka our good Dharma Buddy). Happy, happy birthday! It was a great summer — so many wonderful memories thanks to all the hard work and dedication of our wonderful sangha! There’s no other quite like it, and being a part of this sangha is like being a part of a living tradition that has been carried on by generation after generation. Tim and I both feel so fortunate that our family is part of this tradition and we look forward to another year working alongside the rest of the sangha to help keep it alive. In Gassho. Greeters' ProgramFall 2008 September 7 Roy Imura Diane Muranaka Shirley Sekeres September 14 Eddie Imai Roger Ito Diane Shimosaka September 21 Steve Kawano Brian Okamoto Sheryl Kajioka September 28 Gordon Nitta Bob Tanaka Mark Umeda October 5 Mary Ann Miyao Ted Yoshimura Robbie Midzuno October 12 Frank Hirota Shigeko Tanaka Marc Ely October 19 Mark Amioka Richard Kai Kelvin Mark October 26 Don Honda Ken Koyama Denis Ishisaka November 2 Valerie Fong Allan Hoshida Keith Kato November 9 Don Honda John Fujimoto Ken Furukawa November 16 Roy Imura Diane Muranaka Shirley Sekeres November 23 Eddie Imai Roger Ito Diane Shimosaka November 30 Steve Kawano Brian Okamoto Sheryl Kajioka December 7 Gordon Nitta Bob Tanaka Mark Umeda December 14 Mary Ann Miyao Ted Yoshimura Robbie Midzuno December 21 No Service December 28 No Service From The OfficeThanks to Sam Adachi and Dennis Ishisaka for helping out at the uketsuke desk during Obon. Thanks to Hank Nishikawa and Bob Chavez for selling raffle tickets during Obon. Church MaintenanceEd Imai Over the past month, the following members performed maintenance on the Betsuin’s facilities. The Betsuin thanks the following members for volunteering their time, skills and hard efforts:
BazaarSteve Kawano On behalf of the Bazaar Committee, I'd like to thank all of you for coming out and volunteering your precious time and helping us make this years' event the 'best' ever. Each year bring several different challenges that this congregation always seems to overcome. We have been on 'cruise control..................... Sacramento Buddhist Women's Association presents Ovarian Cancer Sunday October 19, 1 p.m. Classroom 2 Buddhist Church of Sacramento 2401 Riverside Blvd. Sacramento Presenter Mari Ueda ovarian cancer survivor KEEP FIT FOR LIFE Tuesdays and Thursdays Half an hour of muscle strengthening and balance exercises can improve your stamina and posture. Join the exercise class at the Sacramento Buddhist Church at 9 a.m. in the multipurpose hall. Just $2 per session. Most exercises are done sitting on or standing by a chair for safety and balance. Bring 2 lb. or 3 lb. hand-held weights. A sand-filled 11.5 oz. water bottle will weigh approximately 2 lbs. 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Tai Chi in the multi-purpose hall. Beginning and intermediate students practice together to balance their “chi.” $2 a session Both the exercise class and tai chi class are led by Dr. Fred Furukawa.
Signups for Kundalini Yoga Beginner’s class sponsored by ABA ABA will be sponsoring a continuing series of Kundalini Yoga classes, beginning on Wednesday, September 10 through December 17. Held from 10-11 a.m. at the kaikan, the cost is $5 per class; if the entire 14-class series is paid in advance, the cost is only $56 ($4 per meeting). Note that there will be no class on November 26. Although you may attend class on a drop-in basis, it is suggested that you attend the entire series. Jim Deneff was certified to teach Kundalini yoga by Dr. Siri Gian Singh Khalsa in 1998 and has been teaching for more than 10 years. He currently instructs Kundalini at the Sacramento Yoga Center and at the Sacramento City Parks and Recreation Department. People of all ages and levels of ability will benefit from this ancient practice. Active movement and stretching is combined with many powerful and effective breathing techniques, meditation, mudras (hand gestures), and mantra (sound current). Kundalini Yoga tones and strengthens the body, creates flexibility in the spine, improves and maximizes breathing and circulation and generally promotes a state of well-being, while inducing a natural, calm, meditative state of mind. Bring a small, firm cushion for sitting, and a mat or thick blanket. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and bring a bottle of water. It is advisable to eat only lightly, if at all, before class. For more information about Kundalini Yoga, please visit www.PriyaYoga.org or call Jim at (916) 806-0623. You may also contact: - Buddhist Church office: Meri or Tak: (916) 446-0121 - ABA, Sharon Yoshimura: (916) 421-4740/601-3000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jodo Shinshu Center Campaign Follow-Up Two months ago, I wrote an article titled "Jodo Shinshu Center Campaign — Another Perspective." I received many positive comments in support of the campaign and want to thank all those who talked to me in person, sent me e-mails and telephoned. Based on the many comments I received, I'm confident that there are many who support the campaign and are ready to make their contribution. I believe that they are simply waiting for a signal or an inspirational message from our temple leadership and they will respond. Last year, our Board of Trustees voted to support the campaign by making a $50,000 donation and secondly, sending out a letter to our membership asking for their support. The first step was accomplished with the presentation of a check to the campaign at the Bishop's affirmation ceremony in May. However, to retire the multimillion-dollar loan still outstanding, contributions from all of our membership are needed. The follow-up letter should be forthcoming soon. When you receive this letter, it is hoped that you will give it serious consideration and make a generous contribution. A successful Jodo Shinshu Center will promote Buddhist education and ensure the development and ordination of ministers in this country. This, in turn, should result in a vigorous and meaningful program for the followers of Jodo Shinshu to enjoy for generations to come. I am not a member of any campaign committee nor am I speaking as a representative of our Board of Trustees. I am speaking simply as a person with a sincere desire to see that our Jodo Shinshu faith will prosper, not only here in Sacramento, but in our entire country as well. Once again, I humbly ask for your support of the campaign as an investment in the future of Jodo Shinshu in America. Sincerely and in gassho, Mike Nagai Elder Aiko Takeuchi May Kurimoto In Memory of Mitsuto Kurimoto Bessie Matsuo In Memory of Kenichi Sadao Nagao Masaaki Tademaru Junichi Yamamoto May Arai In Memory of Ichitaro Sato Tokuko Ida In Memory of Kenichi Ida M/M Makoto Shirai In Memory of Ryo Tomotoshi Sumiko Yamamoto Janet Kurimoto In Memory of Mitsuto Kurimoto M/M Akito Kushida In Memory of Frank Kushida Eleanor Nobuye In Memory of Kenichi Ida Hattie Sumida In Memory of Shigeki Kushida Shizue Shiozaki Alan Wu More from Summer Camp Okay, I am back now to finish this letter….Shhhhhh, I have to be quiet now while I am finishing this letter, it is after 10 p.m., and it is supposed to be lights out, but the moon is so bright out here at camp, I write by the window, and you must be quiet now. Well, I was wrong, I did not make an ashtray today, I made a popsicle-stick house, a popsicle-stick jewelry box and a tin can pencil holder with popsicle sticks around the outside. The funny thing is that none of us got any popsicles to eat; what a bummer! The next class we made a clay horse that looks like a dog or a cow. They said we could eat the leftover clay, but I did not. I thought I would eat something from 1999, or not. Did I tell you about our field trip to another camp? We went to Camp Clovis, I think it was supposed to be named Camp Clover, but I think they messed up on the sign and just used it as it was. I know what a clover is, but what is a Clovis? Anyway at Camp Clovis, we played basketball. That was pretty fun, and in the evening we all went to the water slides, and I remembered what the Scouts told me, so when I felt the warm water at the end of the slide, I closed my mouth and quickly got out, I am so glad they told me about that warm water stuff. This camp also had mini-golf, batting cages, bumper cars, video games, pinball games, bumper boats, go karts. Man oh man, I want to come to this camp next year and stay the whole time. Back at our camp we had to help set up for the Camp Bazaar. We had to go into these dark and damp and nasty old caves to pull out all the equipment and wood and stuff to build the things for the Bazaar. Those caves were just like the ones that Indiana Jones was in, except no snakes. The piles of stuff that we had to bring out was like it took forever to get to the end. It is amazing that all that stuff fit into those caves and all this stuff looked like it was at least 62 years old or something. It seemed like we were putting together Legos except that the ground must have gotten higher or something, because we had to saw about an inch-and-a-half off the wooden legs to make them fit, other than that it seemed to go pretty good, but we did end up with extra pieces that we did not know where to put, so we hid them under the stage. I guess there are 62 different ways to build the Bazaar and no two ways are ever the same. Well, the Bazaar came and that Saturday was not too hot, so a lot of people came out to enjoy the Bazaar. It was very busy that day. It was a constant flow of people all day long. It was so busy, that curry rice sold out around 4 p.m. Selling out is supposed to be a good thing, but I could not tell if Miss Marlene was happy or not. I think she was thinking that if only they had more to sell, they could sell more. Then the teriyaki beef sandwich sold out. Now I know for sure Mr. Brian was happy about that! Then on Sunday, I had to get up real early and work in the chicken booth. Other than getting up early, it was pretty easy working there since in the morning the chicken line is not too long. After a while I could not tell the difference between the chicken booth and the beer booth. Mr. James made sure that all the workers were never thirsty. Later, the band started to play. They sounded pretty darn good too. They were called Break Wind or something…No, they were called Second Wind, that’s it, Second Wind, and they rocked! They even tore the roof off the sucker! I liked it when the lead singer gave a shout-out to Reverend Bob — she said happy birthday to Pastor Bob! I started to chuckle. It was too bad that Pastor Bob was in the Hondo giving a talk about Buddhism and he did not hear his special birthday shout-out. Happy Birthday, Pastor Bob! Then on Monday, we had to clean up everything and put everything away. It seemed just like yesterday that we just hauled all that stuff out of the caves; now we gotta put it all back again. Oh well, you gotta do what you gotta do. There was a good bunch of helpers out there in the morning, and we worked extra hard and got most of the stuff all finished before the late crew was supposed to arrive, and it was a good thing we did, because when it was time for the late crew to arrive, they didn’t! Mr. Steve said we usually get 15 to 20 people out for the late crew, but this year, only 5 showed up! Yes, only 5. If we had more to do, then for sure we would have been there all night cleaning up. This time I think Mr. Steve was really not happy. I certainly hope next year more people will come out to help. I know I should be back home in time to remind you, unless you forget to get me from camp, but do not forget that I have to go to church on September 7 and 14. That is when Dharma School begins and the sports program gives extra credit days, and because you drag me off to tournaments and other places on Sundays, I will need to have extra credits, because you should know this, that there is a 60 percent minimum attendance requirement for me to play in the sports program, and you will have to sign me up for the basketball season in September, so don’t forget that either! So look for the signup tables in the courtyard and sign me up, please! Don’t forget to sign up for basketball in the courtyard! Also, in addition to the two extra credit days in September, there are two more extra credit days — one on December 31 for New Year’s Eve service, and one on January 1 for New Year’s Day service. So that’s a total of four extra credit days to get just by showing up. I guess that’s all for now. It has been a very busy summer. I need to get home so I can get some rest. Oh, by the way, how is everyone at home? Are my fish still alive? See you soon. In gassho (I learned this during the summer too) Sports Committee Alan Wu Important Dates to Remember: September 7 First day of Dharma School (extra credit for sports) September 14 Second day of Dharma School (extra credit for sports) Please note: Basketball registration ends at the end of September, so register early! Denis Ishisaka Masako Thomas Contact Masako Thomas at 482-8770, or sakurahanami@hotmail.com. Richard Kai Another seemingly successful Bazaar is behind us under the leadership of our most capable co-coordinators, Mr. Kawano and Mr. Midzuno. A Bazaar would not be the same without them, so I vote that they serve as the permanent fixtures of this annual cultural event and fundraiser. The two of you are elected to stay forever — even longer than the current Dharma School Board. It’s almost impossible to believe that anyone could hold office as long as our current Dharma School Board and Bazaar chairs. We’ve surpassed Roosevelt’s team — FDR that is — in the number of years of office over one organization. Ten years is a long time as the superintendent; it rides against the value of constant change in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism teachings. I guess the three of us — Carol Tamai, Ken Koyama and myself — hope the light is getting brighter, symbolizing that the end of the tunnel is near. Someone among us said she is not qualified to serve as the Dharma School superintendent since the position would be filled with a person who is religious. I stared at this person and asked if she thought I was deeply religious, knowing me for more than 10 years. I had to laugh, dug into her a little bit, and then admitted I am not a religious person nor is it a requirement of the position. The main duty of the superintendent is administrative — writing a monthly Sangha article, attending three district and federation of Dharma School meetings annually, attending the monthly General Board meeting and holding firmly to what is best for the organization as a whole and not for the benefit of one temple. I do occasionally challenge other districts to examine their core values against the characteristic of selflessness. The administrative duties of the position are easy compared to the work of our veteran faculty and top-notch administrators. They do all the hard work, not me. A few members of our Sangha have been approached to join the upcoming school year’s administration by filling vacant positions of assistant superintendent for the lower and upper grade divisions. These people were approached due to their school administration experience and connection to the younger generation of Sangha members. We need people to step forward and take leadership roles with the Betsuin and Dharma School. Two members of the teaching core will be taking what I’m calling a leave of absence from the Dharma School. Geoff and Sherri Inenaga have taught Dharma School classes for more than 60 combined years dating to when both of them were TAs back in the day. Their leadership will be missed by this superintendent. I tip my hat to Geoff and Sherri. Thanks for the years, and hurry back. The seventh grade class will snap to attention with the announcement of names of the new teacher and adult backup for this class. You’ll be in for a surprise. September 7: Dharma Service, Class, Registration and Teachers’ Meeting September 14: Fall Ohigan Service, Registration Continues, Instruction Begins September 21: Dharma School Begins Girl Scouts Troop 569Tani Cantil-Sakauye You know it’s mid summer when the Betsuin Bazaar arrives and the Girl Scouts and parents with smiles on their faces and fatigue on the brain happily and tirelessly volunteer to make the event a success. I know I speak for all the Girl Scouts when I say that we all had a fabulous fun time at this annual epic event! Aside from the Bazaar, the Girl Scouts have been busy this summer. Cadettes 4 took a bus to Santa Cruz for their end-of-the-year party. The girls and parents had fun on the Boardwalk and they enjoyed eating all the delicious food the families brought for the bus ride. Juniors 2 recycled plastics, bottles and cans and made over $140 to apply toward their Bronze Award. The girls have chosen to do their Bronze Award on behalf of the SPCA and the Shriner’s Hospital. To that end and in keeping with the “green theme,” Juniors 2 collected and donated more than 70 grocery bags of newspaper to the SPCA and the Sacramento Animal Control. Juniors 2 celebrated the end-of-the-year party with a feast at El Novillero. After dinner, it was off to the Betsuin to set up chairs for Obon Odori. As the Boy Scouts set up the lanterns, the Girl Scouts set up their chairs! Fun was had by all! Legacy Endowment Fund BoardMark Umeda With the Legacy Endowment Fund now pushing forward in 2008, this is a very exciting time for the Sacramento Buddhist Church. As we wind up another successful Bazaar, we thank all the volunteers for their continuing contributions and hard work.
All the effort involved in making this church a success occurs through dedication and commitment. We do not volunteer one year for the Bazaar and quit. We volunteer every year in whatever way is necessary. As my kids grow, it seems we are volunteering for many more shifts at the Bazaar. Wow! What a wonderful way to pay back the church for allowing us to participate in basketball, Girl Scouts and all the other great programs! In a similar way, the Legacy Endowment Fund was created to promote the commitment and dedication of our members to the long-term future of the Sacramento Buddhist Church. In the future, the Legacy Endowment Fund will be able to provide funds for scholarships and other educational ventures, all to the benefit of our members and the Sacramento Buddhist Church. These educational ventures, such as the Ministers’ Assistants program, support the development of our young ministers, and promote the continued success of our church. The Legacy Endowment Fund was created for this very purpose: to “Honor the Past, Continue the Legacy, and Shape the Future.” The Legacy Endowment Fund Board is grateful to all of the contributions made thus far. In addition, we have just recently set up a direct credit card system so that donors who would prefer making a donation by credit card can now have that option. A systematic monthly withdrawal from your credit card can be set up as well. Credit cards can sometimes be more convenient and you can get the mileage or rewards points to boot! Contact the main office if you would like to make a contribution, and thank you once again for all the hard work and dedication by all the members in making this church a success! Sacramento Buddhist Women’s Association Utako Kimura PRE-MEETING SERVICE - AUGUST 6The pre-meeting service this month was held in the Chapel. The Hondo was unavailable since it was being prepared for the 62nd Annual Bazaar Cultural Program. Rinban Bob Oshita led us in the chanting of the Juseige. Rinban talked to us about the flowers placed in the altar. He said the flowers are there to remind us of impermanence. The flowers are there for us to see as they slowly wilt and finally die. Like nature, life’s happenings take place in stages. It is a reminder to us that like flowers, life and death are one and the same. Reverend Koen Mishima, formerly of the Los Angeles Higashi Hongwanji Betsuin, when asked “How did a young member die?” simply said that the person had “died of birth.” Because we are born, we will die. This is reality. It is human nature to take things for granted. When death occurs, our Dharma eyes are open and we see the truth. There are no guarantees. Treasure each day.Rinban closed his sermon reminding us of the August 9 and 10 62nd Annual Bazaar. Rinban said with gratitude, it is the energy and dedication of hundreds of volunteer men, women, the young and yes, even children, that makes the event a success. Rinban expressed an esteemed thank you for all the hard work and support.OPENING Rinban Bob led the opening gassho. President Lynn Kurahara welcomed fellow Board members. BUDDHIST CHURCHES OF AMERICA – RINBAN BOB OSHITABishop Ogui has conducted a survey of the current ministers. In the next five years, 17 ministers will reach retirement age. In the next 10 years, two-thirds will reach retirement age. Rinban described the importance of the Ministers’ Assistants Program — Sacramento being recognized as a model by Buddhist temples throughout the USA and Canada at least. We can add to this success the Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC) Summer Retreat held at our Betsuin during Obon week. To become a part of these aspiring programs includes recommendations, writings, accomplishments, intense learning sessions, and a wonderful opportunity to conduct Buddhist services. A formidable task but a rewarding one. It is indeed worthy of the apt statement “what is life without challenges.” CORRESPONDENCE, DONATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe outpouring of friends and fellow members sharing their remembrances with us in both monetary and thoughtful notes are gratefully acknowledged with appreciation.Tak Ito Recovery Takaaki Saruwatari In Memory of Tsuyako Saruwatari Yoshiko Morisawa In Memory of Mother Fusako Takahashi In Appreciation Family of the late Reverend Shiro Nishi Acknowledgment Family of the late Sumiko Saito Acknowledgment HISTORIAN – VI HATANO Historian Vi Hatano continues to invite everyone to share pictures to become a part of SBWA history. Please send them to her. Conferences and Meetings – Alice Kataoka/HIROKO TSUDA 2009 Federation of Buddhist Women’s Association Conference: October 9, 10, 11 at the Doubletree Hotel, Sacramento Chairman Alice Kataoka announced the next meeting — a tamale luncheon — will be held on October 22 at noon at the Sacramento Buddhist Church. 750th Anniversary Memorial Service Honoring Shinran Shonin Hiroko Tsuda reported the memorial service is scheduled to be held at the 2009 BCA FBWA Conference. Stockton BWA has been asked to chair the service. October 11 BCA FBWA Delegates Meeting Attending this meeting are the 2009-2010 FBWA Cabinet members as well as two SBWA members — Virginia Uchida and in the absence of President Kurahara, Shirley Kato. Hiroko Tsuda moved that the SBWA pay the $25 registration fee for the Sacramento BWA members attending the meeting since they are FBWA Cabinet members. Motion was seconded and carried. RELIGIOUS – MOLLY KIMURASeptember 28, 2008 Fall Ohigan Service Guest Speaker is Reverend Akio Miyaji of the Orange County Buddhist Church. Service Chair is Hiroko Tsuda and Machiko Kimura, Organist. 9:30 a.m. Service Oshoko Representative is Keiko Jean Kashiwada and the 1:30 p.m. Japanese Service Oshoko Representative is Sueko Yamashita. Refreshments will be served by Mollie Oto and Virginia Uchida. Social Services – Marcia Matsuda and Mitzie Muramoto· Tsuyako Saruwatari has passed away. A sympathy card and okoden have been sent to the family. · Sumiko Saito passed away on July 6. A private memorial service was held on July 10. A sympathy card and okoden have been sent to the family. · Eugene Taniguchi passed away on July 27. Okoden was taken to the August 5 funeral service. MEMBERSHIP – DIANE MURANAKA AND SANDY NISHIMURA-YEE Diane Muranaka is lacking information from five members and looks forward to receiving the completed forms. Yes, it is easy for us to set it aside, meaning to complete and send, somehow remains in that “to do” pile. Happens to all of us. Thank you for sending your completed form to Diane. SPECIAL EVENTS – FRANCES KONDO 62nd Annual Bazaar August 9 and 10 President Kurahara announced that the Bazaar Committee had decided to keep the sushi sale price as in 2007. Frances Kondo expressed her deep appreciation to fellow members and friends for coming to help prepare the sushi-making ingredients — making the su on July 24 and cutting the kanpyo on July 25. A special thank you to Shoya Sakazaki for donating plastic tubs and electric fan for use in washing the rice in the preparation for sushi making. Thank you also for building the low table used when preparing the gu. An added special thank you to Betsuin President Allan Hoshida for arranging with the Fortune House Restaurant making it possible for members and friends to park in their lot from 12:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10. Their workers arrive at 9:30 a.m. This made it possible to have the sushi making completed in time for the sale to begin, usually about 10 a.m. Members do begin to arrive at 2 a.m. at least, to begin cooking the rice. The plastic sushi-making forms have been purchased and were used for both days — Saturday, August 9, and Sunday, August 10. Well-received. Tamale Fundraiser Mary Inouye moved that the balance remaining in the 2007 Tamale Fund be donated to the church maintenance crew. Motion was adopted. October 4 and 5, 2008 is the next Tamale Fundraiser. Price is $10 for 10 tamales placed in styrofoam containers. Tickets have been available since the August 8 Bazaar food preparation. Please note that the tamale-making schedules are Saturday, October 4, from 10:30 a.m. and on Sunday, October 5, from 4 a.m. A heartfelt thank you from Chairman Mary Inouye to the many members and friends who signed up at the Bazaar. Please call Mary if you would like to be a part of the fun, making tasty tamales. CRAFTS FOR CHURCH BAZAAR – SHIRLEY KATO AND MASAKO FUKUDAShirley Kato is pleased to report that many donations have been received. More good news — craft sales at the Obon exceeded $500. NOMINATION COMMITTEE – MOLLIE OTO, ALICE KATAOKA, HELEN SEKIKAWA The committee is in contact with Board members whose term expires at the end of 2008, looking to have them remain on the Board. The committee is in need of another member. Please contact Mollie if you are interested or know of anyone interested in serving on the committee. Currently, we have two vacancies with Fusako Takahashi’s resignation: one is on the Board and the second one, the Religious Committee co-chairmanship. Please contact Mollie if you are interested or know of anyone who may be interested in filling these vacancies. OVARIAN CANCER PRESENTATION – ELAINE YOSHIKAWA We are pleased to report that Mari Ueda is available to make a presentation on Ovarian Cancer. Elaine Yoshikawa will be in touch with Ms. Ueda to see if an October presentation is possible as it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. ASIAN COMMUNITY NURSING HOME FUNDRAISER Reverend Kaz and Michiko Nakata are guests of SBWA to attend this fundraiser being held at the Elks Lodge in Sacramento on September 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING President Lynn Kurahara thanked members for providing those “treats for good health” — Gladys Adachi, Junko Egi, Mary Inouye, Utako Kimura, Lynn Kurahara, Reiko Kurahara, Patti Oshita, Mollie Oto and Heidi Sakazaki. Thank you to Reiko Kurahara for setting up the refreshments. - Please note there will be no SBWA meeting in September. - October 1 - Wednesday - SBWA Meeting. 6:45 p.m. service; 7 p.m. meeting. President Kurahara thanked Rinban Bob, Reverend Kaz, and everyone for attending the meeting. Reverend Nakata led the closing gassho. Tyler Gee In May, we got two Eagle Scouts. Benjamin Fong got his Eagle Scout rank. His project was a String Quartet Concert Event at the Asian Community Nursing Home for the residents and their families. Bryant Lee got his Eagle Scout rank. His project was construction of plywood cutouts/murals of Old Sacramento citizens to be posted in Old Sacramento. Lots of things have happened this last July and many new things are sure to come. First of all, we had the famous summer camp of Camp Royaneh led by Assistant Scoutmaster Karen Yee, which was a week-long trip where Scouts earn merit badges and life-lasting memories. At Camp Royaneh, there were a total of 35 Scouts and Senior Patrol Leader James Yee did a great job of leading them along with the adult leaders and of course everyone deserves credit for the fun camping trip that made me forget that half of them didn’t take showers or at least smelled like it. Then when we got back home, we had to prepare for the next event. The next event was a couple of troop meetings, then Bazaar pullout, which is a ton of joy. Then we had a first, a Troop 50 car wash led by Fundraiser Committee Chair Steve Sasaki. That was a blast and hopefully the start of a new tradition. The car wash was good, although I question how many Scouts it takes to wash a car. The event was very wet and though I was disappointed by not seeing a Porsche or Bentley, I think I’ll be OK. Then we had Bazaar set-up, which is the only event in which I remember there is beer and the only event when I see the most parents, so maybe beer brings in parents as food brings in hungry Scouts. At set-up, the Scouts brought out chairs and tables and luckily no one got hurt and surprisingly we finished fast so great job to everyone. In August, Eagle Scout Alexander Fong, Eagle Scout Kevin Leong and Eagle Scout Kyle Wakabayashi have their Eagle Court of Honor. Also, before I forget, the Scouts who went to Japan for the Matsuyama trip led by Assistant Scoutmaster Jeff Tsuruoka, congratulations on surviving the airplane trip and hopefully have a lot of fun and maybe bring me back a pack of Pokémon cards. While they’re gone, there still are the rest of us, who had to work the Bazaar. It was very smoky, well for the Scouts since they cooked chicken, but luckily they didn’t have to work in the pits. If your Scout smells like chicken, don’t worry, it will go away in about three days or you can bathe them in ketchup. Oh, wait — that’s if a skunk sprays you. Finally, Yosemite Summer Camp was on August 11 to 15, led by Assistant Scoutmaster Doug Lowe. This has been quite a month, so Troop 50 is on the go. Funerals George Aoki Family In Memory of George Aoki Tom Kurotori Family In Memory of Tom Kurotori Eugene Taniguchi In Memory of Eugene Taniguchi Kaye Kato & Famiy In Memory of Kiyoshi Kato Motoko Yui Family In Memory of Motoko Yui Misao Hamamoto In Memory of Kiyoshi Hamamoto Konishi Family In Memory of Marjorie Konishi Ann Kurotori In Memory of Tom Kurotori Joe & Hisashi Urokogata In Memory of Mike Urokogata Howard Harris In Memory of Yoshiko Harris Billy & Grace Hatano In Memory of Eugene Taniguchi Mits & Miyo Omoto In Memory of Tom Kurotori Katsumi Hashimoto In Memory of Tom Kurotori George & Bette Morita In Memory of George Aoki Sumiko Saito Family In Memory of Sumiko Saito Dr. Henry & Margo Sugiyama In Memory of Tom Kurotori John & Kristi Fujimoto In Memory of Tom Kurotori Takeshi Kodakari In Memory of George Aoki Joyce Sasaki In Memory of Tom Kurotori Memorial Kanji Nishijima 3rd Year for Shizuye Nishijima Esther Sakata In Memory of Tayome Yamashita Kagiyama Family 3rd Year for Angel Kagiyama Kajioka Family 7th Year for George Kajioka Bernice Omoto, Steven & April Omoto 3rd Year for Kay Omoto Paul Yoshioka 49th Day for Lucille Yoshioka Naomi Miyao, Buckton Fong Family, Brian Fujita Family 7th Year for Jesse Miyao Ray Orite, Mary Orite, Sam Orite In Memory of Riyo Orite Lucy Azama Family In Memory of Gilbert Takeshi Azama Donald Honda & Family, Jane M. Honda 1st Year for Masami Honda Sam & Grace Ito 25th Year for Tomi Ito Stuart, Linda, Taylor & Kelsey Ito 25th Year for Tomi Ito Ted & Tak Ito 25th Year for Tomi Ito Emi Koshimizu 49th Day for Shizuko Koshimizu Rio & Midori Sunahara 3rd Year for Angel Kagiyama Ai Tanaka 17th Year for Mitsuo Tanaka Shigeko Tanaka & Family 17th Year for Mitsuo Tanaka Bertha Ferguson In Memory of Yosh & Marjorie Konishi Harry & Mary Inouye, Jeff & Donna Wong 3rd Year for Atushi "Angel" Kagiyama Mary Ann Miyao In Memory of Jesse Miyao Betty Nagano In Memory of Riyo Orite Bessie Nakano 17th Year for Harvey Setsu Matsuura Dennis & Diane Shimosaka 49th Day for Lucille Yoshioka Kiyo Tanaka Family 3rd Year for Angel Kagiyama Joe & Hisahi Urokogata 7th Year for George Kajioka Kaneo Yamamoto In Memory of Jesse Miyao John & Kristi Fujimoto 3rd Year for Kay Omoto Eddie & Kelli Lee 3rd Year for Kay Omoto Ben & Kazuko Makishima 3rd Year for Kenichi Tsushima Kaz & Yuri Omoto 3rd Year for Kay Omoto Mits & Miyo Omoto 3rd Year for Kay Omoto Mike & Kathi Goto 3rd Year for Kay Omoto David Ito Family In Memory of Tomi Ito Joe & Alice Kataoka In Memory of Tamotsu Kataoka Joe & Alice Kataoka In Memory of Mitsuye Inokuma June Matsuo 3rd Year for Kay Omoto Koji & Keiko Nishimoto 49th Day for Shizuko Koshimizu Austin & Wendy Nodohara 3rd Year for Kay Omoto Ruby Waki 25th Year for Joe Uyeminami Kimi Higaki, Michael Higaki In Memory of Jesse Miyao Janet Omoto 3rd Year for Kay Omoto Rio & Midori Sunahara In Memory of Tom Obayashi Rio & Midori Sunahara In Memory of Gene Taniguchi Louise Tanaka & Melvin In Memory of Jesse Miyao Special Gary & Yvonne Ishimoto Wedding of Kevin Ishimoto & Kiyomi Tanaka Beverly & Ernie Tanaka Wedding of daughter Kiyomi Tanaka to Kevin Ishimoto Wakayama Kenjin Kai Special Service Tokiko Okano In Appreciation Capitol Wellness Collective Special Donation Matsuyama Boy Scouts In Appreciation Max & Sumiye Hamamoto 50th Wedding Anniversary Misao Inaba In Honor of Rev. Bob’s 60th Birthday Kuniko Nishida Special Donation Bernard & Judy Sakamoto, Patrick & Kristen Wallace Hatsumairi for Justin Takeshi Wallace Allan & Meriko Hoshida In Appreciation Thom |
