You may view previous editions of the bulletin from the listing to the right.
We are beginning a new year at the temple. The cold weather certainly helps to make things feel fresh and new. The garage is colder than the fridge. Last night I found my Thanksgiving drumstick on the garage workbench and it was still good! The new Okusan told me to throw it away.
By the time we have our first Sunday Service in January, it will be only 6 weeks until we host the 63rd Annual Northwest Convention here in Ontario. It is always a special gathering to host our friends and fellow Buddhists from the various parts of the Northwest District. More and more will be written and said about the convention as the dates draw near, but it is very important to write about it at this time because now is the time to invite OUR Sangha to attend. If you are healthy enough to attend, you should try to do so. These opportunities dont come around very often so close to home. Many members have already offered their assistance and manpower, and their time and efforts are invaluable. However, participation is the key to making our efforts a successful one.
In a recent Wheel or Dharma article by Rev. Jerry Hirano, he mentioned that one of the common questions he hears at our temples is, "How do we teach Buddhism to our children?" His answer was, "By Example". Similarly, questons about the well being of our temple point to the needs of membership, manpower and money. How do we get more people to attend and to support our temple? The answer again is, "By Example". If we want our temple to be a place where people want to be, then we need to be tehre. We make the temple a palce to be by being there ourselves. We make temple activities successful by participating ourselves. Sometimes people come and do things for the temple quietly, alone, and while no one is looking. These good deeds might be done in an attempt at "selfless giving" without need for recognition. Although these efforts are appreciated, to join in activity and camaraderie with the others is a far more powerful statement of support that benefits the temple ten-fold. Please consider coming to our convention...Be the Example. We can make the convention the place to be by being there ourselves.
The major service this month is HOONKO on January 10, 11:00 a.m. This is the Memorial Service for our founder, Shinran Shonin (1173 - 1262). We are encouraged to express our appreciation for his Nembutsu teachings miraculously making their way to Eastern Oregon and finding each of us. We find stability of life and mind, and through this the beauty of the world emerges in resonant radiance! Namandab.
Rev. Dennis
Happy Holidays to you all!! The children participated in the Bodhi Day service on December 6th by putting their Bodhi leaves on the Bodhi tree and joining in on the Sambujo.
The 20th was our year-end party with gifts for the children and also drawings for prizes for everyone. Ho Ho Ho...Dharma Dharma Dharma
In 2010, the Dharma School is sponsoring a year-round food collection. We hope the whole Sangha will help whenever you have an extra can or two to help us with this collection. The food will be delivered periodically to the next chapter food pantry, located at 762 5th street, Ontario. There will be a basket in the foyer for your donation.
This will be held on Sunday, January 31st, immediately after service in the Temple basement. Fujinkai will prepare rice and tea, and will cut up Red Apple chicken. We ask that last names starting A-N bring a salad and last names starting O-Z bring a dessert.
Our newly elected board of directors for the 2010-2012 term are: Randy Kameshige, Rick Kitamura, Bob Mizuta, David Mizuta, Mary Ann Shimojima and Jean Kitamura.
Our newly elected board of trustees for the 2010-2012 term are: Sagie Nishihara and HIdeo Harada
To all those newly elected, congratulations and thank you for your willingness to serve. Please come to service on January 31 as the installation ceremony will occur during service. Thanks!
The Dharma School students, parents, teachers, and others will be working with MS. Lynn Webster on the background of our NW Convention Art Project. Lynn is an art instructor at the College of Idaho in Caldwell. We are very fortunate to have her as part of our Sangha and offering her experience to lead this project. The Project is a Bodhi Tree that will "grow" in form and color as each day of the convention goes on and all attendees contribute. On the 24th after Sunday Service, we will be working to create the background of the project and the basic form of the Bodhi Tree. If you are interested to help us, please let us know. You can contact the Dharma School teachers or Sensei if you can help us with this effort. Lunch will be provided for the workers!!!
Designated Memorial Service Years for 2010. To schedule a family memorial service, please contact Reverend Fujimoto. 1 Year = 2009, 3 year = 2008, 7 year = 2004, 13 year = 1998, 17 year = 1994, 25 year = 1986, 33 year = 1978, 50 year = 1961 and 100 year = 1909.
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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