You may view previous editions of the bulletin from the listing to the right.
We are well into July already. Early June storms of wind, hail and rain have transformed into just plain heat. We were fortunate that the storms completed their run just before our Japan Nite efforts. The parsonage basement is even cleaner than before because of all the floodwater that was mopped out of there.
We had a very good turnout for our Obon Festival. Many nice comments were heard about the food. The Obento boxes were beautiful. The udon service was streamlined and efficient. The fried shrimp was popular. All the stations were busy with friends looking for their favorites. Many new and visiting faces were placed into the effort to prepare food and to serve our guests. Many younger members were willing to step up and tkae on a little more so that the load for the elders would be manageable. I wonder how we can continue our transition to the young and new throughout the year?
The Hondo had more visitors than ever. Our MAP members added topics of presentation so that various aspects of the Buddhist teachings were presented every half hour. They each stayed to support the presentations of the others so that there were enough of them to field the many questions that came up. The interest shown in the teachings are earnest and continue to grow. The combination of education, entertainment and food is tough to match. I wonder what more we can do to expand our opportunities to share the strengths and beauty of our Shin Buddhist traditions?
The Bon Odori had many visitors jumping in to join the circle of dance. The Tanko Bushi before intermission had so many that they could easily have been directed to form 2 circles. This is the most participation I've seen in my time here. It seemed like the smiles of the dancers made the others feel like they couldn't help but to join in. An invitation and a word of encouragement brought many in to give it a try. I wonder what we each can add to our efforts to make our guests feel welcome not just for the day, but beyond?
We shared moments where ego was set aside and replaced with joy. This is what makes the Japan Nite Obon Festival more than just a fundraiser. It is the Buddha being recognized, the Dharma being actualized, and the Sangha moving in beautiful harmony. I wonder what else we can do to share this sparkling life of Nembutsu?
Gassho,
Rev. Dennis
Hi...Anna Nagaki is taking a "vacation" at the Boise Elk's Rehab. Hospital. Should be home in July, 2009. So recuperate, and get ready for another Bulletin article for the September issue.
Guided by Wisdom and Compassion...Fully recognizing the Principles of Impermanence and Interdependence...We strive for Peace within and Harmony with others.
The completed IOBT Veterans Plaque is being displayed in the temple lobby. For those who might have difficulty to view the plaque at the temple, please notify Rev. Fujimoto. A time and date can be arranged to bring the plaque to your home for viewing. 208.707.2021.
Please sign up for the National BWA convention in October before the end of July. No IOBWA meeting for August.
Thank you...With Gassho, Michelle
Save the date: At White River Buddhist Temple, Saturday, September 12th - seminar with Reverend Mark Unno.
Whew, we just finished a nice OBON and now it is on to the Happy Bowl booth. We start on Monday, July 27th, serving lunch to the Chamber of Commerce. Then on Tuesday, July 28th, we start at 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The official start of the fair is Wednesday, July 29th from 10:00 am. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Those of you that can work in the booth, please contact Elynn Mizuta at 473.3772 as she schedules the work list for the booth. For those of you who work in the booth more than twice, it is good for you to purchase a pass for $10, good for the entire time the fair is on. Otherwise, it is $5.00 per day. Those wanting to purchase passes, contact Karen Hata before July 28th at 889.7954. Roy Hasebe schedules the cooks, so contact him at 230.5841.
Even if you aren't scheduled and you find you can work, please come and help when you can...we need the help!!
Interest in Kikyoshiki and receiving the Buddhist Name has been received by enough individuals to request Socho Ogui to preside over the Confirmation Ceremony to be held here at the Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple. The ceremony will take place at 10:15 a.m., before our Ohigan Family Service on September 20, 2009.
The Kikyoshiki is a simple ceremony in which the basic ritual is the symbolic shaving of the head, recalling the act of Siddhartha when he resolved to enter the spiritual path of life. Participants will receive HOMYO, or Buddhist Name, to confirm their entry onto the Path of Nembutsu and to be a follower of the Buddha. Those individuals requesting to take part in the Kikyoshiki will meet with Rev. Fujimoto and "create" a Buddhist name by exploring and expanding upon thoughts on Buddhism and self. These "created" names will be submitted to Socho Ogui for approval and presentation. If you have interest to be a participant, please notify the office.
Deadline for application is August 15, 2009. Participation fee is $35, payable to IOBT. Honorarium to Socho Ogui should be considered, and will be discussed in meeting.
Thanks to Yas Teramura and George Yanagawa for their efforts in installing the new air conditioner in Sensei's office and the new air conditioner in the Family (Cry) Room.
Thanks to the June 2009 Bulletin Helpers: Rev. Fujimoto, Karen Hata, Delores Wood, Jimmy Hondo, Kiku Hondo, Shiz Inouye, Hideo and Ruth Harada
Thank you to everyone who participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life on Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th. The weather turned out nice and no rain. Yea!!!
The Survivor's ceremony was really nice and very meaningful as we watched them receive their medal of hope and then walk the first lap to begin the Relay for Life. We had 5 from our team, Hideo Harada, Joan Suyematsu, Mary Nakamura, Elynn Mizuta and Ruth House.
We turned in donations in the amount of $1395 - pretty good for the first time!! We had some of the nicest decorated luminarias for the Relay. We had lots of canned goods that were donated, too. Thank you!!! Relay day we had a couple of donations that were turned in - $40. Our fundraiser at our campsite - glow necklaces and bracelets - we turned in $54.00.
The Luminaria ceremony was very special as we all had many friends and family that were honored and remembered. Didn't you think the lighted luminarias were beautiful?
I hope everyone that came out enjoyed themselves - Please "pat yourself on the back" for doing a good job! The camaraderie was awesome. We saw friends that we hadn't seen in a while. We were all there for a great cause - to celebrate, remember and fight back.
A big thank you to Mike and Cam Iseri for hauling the 10x20 awning/tent, tables and benches to the track for our campsite. They carried those cemented poles down the stairs of the stadium!! It was so nice to have the awning to sit under between laps.
Anotehr big thank you to the Temple, Buddhist Women's Association (Fujinkai) and Dharma School for contributing towards our team entry fee so that we could participate.
If there is interest to do it again next year, I'll be happy to go to the meetings and get the information.
If I have omitted anyone from the list below, pleaes let me know - it was unintentional. Participants: Rev. Fujimoto, Mary Nakamura, Joan Suyematsu, Marc, Ashley and Matthew Suyematsu, Mary Ann Shimojima, Karen Hata, Hideo and Ruth Harada, Elynn, Hannah and Keegan Mizuta, George and Ruth House (Elynn's parents), Midge Teramura, Joyce Chinn (Midge's daughter), Edie (Shimojima) Hinds, Kathy Chatterton, Sharmon Sadamori, Susan Inouye and Sandy Belknap.
Thank you again, Sandy
Designated Memorial Service Years for 2008. To schedule a family memorial service, please contact Reverend Fujimoto. 1 Year = 2007, 3 year = 2006, 7 year = 2002, 13 year = 1996, 17 year = 1992, 25 year = 1984, 33 year = 1976 and 50 year = 1959.
Idaho Oregon Buddhist Temple
286 SE 4th Directions
PO Box 397 (mailing address)
Ontario, Oregon 97914
541-889-8562 (office)
541-889-8662 (fax)
10:00 am - IOBT Choir Practice
10:30 am - Adult Study
10:30 am - Dharma School Service
11:00 am - Adult Service
11:00 am - Dharma School Class
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