FOND FAREWELL. Join us as we wish Reverend Matt and Michelle a heartfelt farewell and best wishes on their next adventure. DIRECTORY OF OFFICERS

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1 DIRECTORY OF OFFICERS UPCOMING DECEMBER EVENTS Ministers Church President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Maintenance BWA President Newsletter Editors Webmaster Rinban Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Matt Hamasaki Curtis Koga Open Position Sho/Kari Higuchi Glenn Yoshimoto James Goishi Kaye Kozuki Lynne Yoshimoto Curtis Koga Karen Shimizu Sho Higuchi Glenn Nakamichi /3 12/9 12/10 12/13 12/31 (Sun) (Sat) (Sun) (Wed) (Sun) Sangha Gathering, Mochitsuki Clean Up, Group 1 Bodhi Day Service Dharma Discussion Joya-E Service FOND FAREWELL 9:00 am 8:00 am 10:00 am 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Join us as we wish Reverend Matt and Michelle a heartfelt farewell and best wishes on their next adventure. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 12:00PM FRESNO FAMILY DHARMA CENTER BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box 547 Parlier, CA Address Service Requested NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PARLIER, CA PERMIT #23

2 December SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Sangha Gathering Mochitsuki 9:00am Parlier Taichi Class 8:00am Welcome Center 9:15am-11:30am Clean Up Group 1 8:00am Bodhi Day Service 10:00am 10 Bonenkai Luncheon Parlier BC Board Meeting 7:00pm Curtis Dharma Discussion 7:00pm 14 Parlier Taichi Class 8:00am Welcome Center 9:15am-11:30am Shoshinge Chanting 7:00pm Parlier Taichi Class 8:00am Welcome Center 9:15am-11:30am Parlier Taichi Class 8:00am Welcome Center 9:15am-11:30am Joya-E Service 7:00pm 31 2

3 BUDDHIST WOMEN S ASSOCIATION It is almost 2018! Didn t 2017 go by fast!! BWA is making visitations to some of our elderly members in Dec. Julie D. Lynne Y., Gail H., Matsuko S.,Toshie M., and Hiroko K. are going to visit. Carol G. made the gift bags to be given to them is not quite over. There are a few activities scheduled in December for our BWA. Our Bodhi Day/Monthly Memorial Service will be held on Dec 10. Many of the BWA ladies will be preparing their traditional, tasty Japanese dishes for the Bonenkai luncheon which will follow. Everyone is always invited to the BWA luncheons held throughout the year. For the Eshinni luncheon, Carol Guerra with the help of Henry prepared the wonderful teriyaki chicken lunch. Karen S, Gail H., and Kristin S. helped with the serving. It was a time of fun and games; games meaning Bingo. Everyone had a great time! We were very fortunate to have Rev. Bob Oshita at the Q&A session on Sat. before the Eshinni/BWA Memorial Service at which Rev. Patti Oshita gave the Dharma message. Both of these Reverends are wonderful speakers that relay their messages to the Sangha in a meaningful way. At the Q&A, which was attended by over 20 people including those from the surrounding temples, was very informative. Rev Bob said that he and Rev Patti are the chaplains for the CA State Legislature. He told us that in 2 minutes, they had to get their short message across to the members of the legislature. They do this twice a week when the legislature is in session. That in itself is a challenge. They end their message with gratitude beyond words in place of Namu Amida Butsu. The Dec. Sangha Gathering is having their fun with mochi morning on Dec. 5 starting at 9am instead of 10am. If you haven t been to Sangha Gathering, this is one of the hi lite Gatherings. Everyone is welcome. Thank you to Group 3, headed by Setsuko Yotori/Joyce & Steve Sasai for cleaning our Temple in Nov. It is nice that the young families are bringing their children out to help. The Arakawas & Higuchis bring their young ones to help and they are very helpful. It teaches them that no one is too young nor too old to keep our Temple looking well kept. A number of others came to help for Omigaki. It is a tradition to clean the Onaijin twice a year. Group 1, headed by Kaye & Gary K. will clean in Dec. Our annual BWA yard sale was very successful!! Thank you all for donating your unwanted items and to everyone who helped before and after, especially the men folks. Without their help, we couldn t have the yard sale. Side note: Andrea A. brings in additional monies by selling some of the sought after items on ebay. This year, she added $150 to the sales! Some of the items discussed at the BWA meeting Oct 28: - Donations will be made to the following organizations: CCYBA, CBE(Center for Buddhist Education, CCBE(Central Cal Buddhist Ed), Techo Buddha, Rev. Nakagawa, Rev. Hamasaki -BWA food drive for the Parlier Community Thank you to everyone who brought items for the food drive -FBWA Conference in Visalia Sept , 2018; Parlier in charge of registration BWA Cabinet: Pres Cheryl K., Secretary Janette Wong Sing, Treas. Carol G., Social Chairs. Gail H., Karen S., Carol G., Rhea I., Social Chair Advisor Matsuko S., Newsletter writer Kaye K. -Sign ups for: Monthly refreshments for Board meetings and for luncheons in 2018 December Events: Dec 3 Sangha Gather Topic MOCHI!! Dec 9 Group 1 cleaning of church Dec 10 Bodhi Day, Bonenkai, Monthly Memorial Service Dec 31 Joya-E Service 7p. The ringing in the New Year!! Hope we see many of you there. MA officiating and tobans for refreshments: Toshie M. & Fusa I. Happy New Year!! Don t forget to pay your BWA dues!! Pay your $10 dues to Carol Guerra or any BWA Cabinet member. 3

4 MESSAGE FROM REV. MATT HAMASAKI I am sad to say that this will be my last article for the Central California District newsletters. At the end of this year I will be transferring out to another temple. I have had such an incredible experience in the short amount of time I was here and I could not think of a better place to begin my ministry. I ve found that Central California is such a nurturing place not just for agriculture, but for also for a young working man such as myself. I feel like I have grown a tremendous amount both as a minister and a person and I attribute this to all my teachers here. Not just people who are teachers by trade, but every single person who has encouraged me in some way. Whether it was by being understanding of the mistakes I made or expressing potential actions that would generate more interest or even just telling me that they liked a part of a sermon I did, I have had so many teachers, both young and experienced, that have given me valuable lessons. I would like to continue to express my sincere gratitude to the people who have made my time in the Central Valley so meaningful. Many people have been caring to me both to my face and behind the scenes and I appreciate everything that they ve done for me. It would be impossible for me to name all the people who have impacted me in some way and so I will refrain from naming anyone, lest I forget one person. For all the smiles, gifts, hugs, food and many other expressions of love that I have received, my heart is full of gratitude for the continuous flow of happiness you have given me. 4

5 MESSAGE FROM REV. MATT HAMASAKI For all the hours put into planning, preparing, and generally working hard for the temple to support the Sangha and give us a place to share the Dharma, I am thankful and proud to say I was able to be part of such an industrious and enthusiastic community. All the groups and organizations I was invited to be a part of have been so welcoming and really made me feel like I belonged there. I am going to miss everyone very dearly. It has been quite difficult thinking about not being able to see all your friendly faces and greet you. However, I must continue my journey and I appreciate how understanding many of you have been, although expressing your sadness, still wishing me luck in my life and career. I will try to take everything given to me and put it to use as I try to grow even more as a person. In the same way, I hope that if I have made any kind of impact on any particular temple, organization, or individual life that you strive to push that effect to its limit. It is my wish that everyone maintains or even increases the amount of energy they put into the activity of the Dharma and to try out and invent new ways to share the teaching. Change can be saddening but it does not always have to also be discouraging! Impermanence is an opportunity for us to create something new with circumstances that were not present before. So although I am leaving, you all still possess the ability to construct an atmosphere that will stimulate growth in the temples. In other words, it is with my genuine desire and perhaps request for you all that you be well, to endeavor to share our wonderful tradition, and to live with the Nembutsu in your hearts. 5

6 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our appreciation to the following for their generous donations TEMPLE Yukawa Family Yukawa Family Ms. Sumiko Sasa Ms. Sumiko Sasa Denise Kusunoki & Family Arthur Mihara/Barbara Goto Phyllis Nagamine & Famiy Mr. & Mrs. Craig Kotake & Family Scott & Toshi (Hayashi) Shiraga Arthur Mihara/Barbara Goto Brandon & Alya Hill Donations Donations In memory of Ruby Yukawa Burial service for Ruby Yukawa Monthly memorial for Tsune Sasa Monthly memorial for Kin Sasa 7th year memorial for Robert Kusunoki 7th year memorial for Robert Kusunoki Monthly memorial for Min Doi Monthly memorial for Min Doi In appreciation for the newsletter Special Wish list November Sangha gathering Monthly/Eshin-ni/Kakushin-ni memorial services $1, $ $ $ $75.00 $40.00 $20.00 $20.00 $ $ $ $94.50 $80.00 BWA Yukawa Family Mr. & Mrs. Tad Kozuki In memory of Ruby Yukawa Eshinni Service $ $50 MEMBERSHIP DUES Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga Mrs. Miyo Ohara Drs. Darryl & Janette Wong-Sing Miss Jacqueline Wongsing Mr. Greg Wongsing DONATIONS for MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE: Mr. & Mrs. Tatsumi Arakawa $20.00 Mrs. Flora Doi $25.00 Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. James Goishi $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Miyakawa $25.00 Mrs. Toshi Nakamichi $20.00 Mrs. Miyo Ohara Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro Mrs. Teruko Tsuji Mr. & Mrs. Darryl Wong-Sing Ms. Akiko Yorizane $20.00 $20.00 $50.00 $50.00 $

7 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2017 Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm. Gassho was led by Yuki. Quorum was established. Those in attendance: Sho Higuchi, Curtis Koga, Cheryl Koga, Steve Sasai, Lynne Yoshimoto, Glenn Yoshimoto, Yuki Mori, Toshie Mori, Joyce Sasai, Calvin Doi, Dennis Ikuta, Tad Kozuki, Tats Arakawa, James Goishi MINUTES - Minutes from October 9, Motion to approve by Dennis, second by Sho. Minutes passed. TREASURER S REPORT - Glenn gave the treasurer s report. MINISTERS ASSISTANTS - Proposed service schedule sent into Lee COMMITTEE REPORTS Maintenance - Winter rye, sprinkler valves, gophers BWA - Thank you to Julie for providing refreshments - Thank you to Group 3 led by Joyce and Sets for cleaning November 11th. Thank you to everyone who came to help with Omigaki on Saturday. - Thank you to Carol and Henry for providing lunch after the service November 12th - Thank you to Karen, Gail, Kristen and Lindsay for helping in the kitchen - Next clean up 12/9/17 led by Kaye and Gary, Group 1 - Food Drive boxes in the front entry to collect canned items or nonperishables - Changed homebound visitation to 12/2, meet at church at 9am - 12/10 Bonenkai Lunch - Rummage sale made $ New cabinet for BWA - President Cheryl Koga - Secretary Janette Wong-Sing - Treasurer - Carol Guerra - Religious Chair BCP Minister s Assistants - Social Chairwomen Gail Hachiya, Karen Shimizu, Rhea Ikemiya, Lynda Okino - Social Chair Advisor Matsuko Suehiro - BWA Newsletter Writer Kaye Kozuki - Ad for FBWA, $500 ad for the conference, motion by Calvin, seconded by Dennis. Motion passed. Publication - BCA Calendars - Offer from Tim Kozuki to purchase a printer for the temple. Will give him a call to discuss. - If there are any changes to the mailing list, please let us know. - Need newsletter sooner V & P - Super Bowl Sunday Service in Reedley this year Financial - Funds look good Ministerial Affairs Committee - Rev. Matt will be assigned to another temple OLD BUSINESS Past month s services & events - Eishinni/Kakushinni BWA Memorial & Q&A with Revs. Patti & Bob Oshita Pod Cast Service Calendar - Guest speakers - Rev. Mukojima Hoonko Service - Rev. Akahoshi will do Hanamatsuri service and seminar - Rev. Rye - Obon - Rev. Miyoshi Fall Ohigan Service - Still working on more Other Old Business - Open discourse with entities interested in the property across the street and the lot next to the temple NEW BUSINESS Upcoming Services - 11/20 Shinran Memorial - 12/3 Sangha Gathering - 12/10 Bodhi Day - 12/13 Dharma Discussion - 12/18 Shinran Memorial Officer Elections - President Dennis Ikuta - Vice President Toshie Mori - Secretary Tatsumi Arakawa and Sho Higuchi - Treasurer Glenn Yoshimoto National Council Meeting Sacramento - 2/22/18 2/25/18 - Tatsumi Arakawa / Sho Higuchi Authorizations to open Scrip bank account - The Buddhist Church of Parlier authorizes Janette Wong-Sing and Glenn Yoshimoto to open a church account for the Scrip program. Motion by Tad, seconded by Toshie. Motion passes. Meeting adjourned at 8:55pm. NEXT MEETING 7:00 7

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10 F Sangha Gathering December 9am (notice the change in time) It s Mochi Time!! The Sangha will be making mochi and fixings, to be eaten by all who attend. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the mochi activity. Bodhi Day/Monthly Memorial Service with Bonenkai and Installation of Officers December 10am Rev Matt Hamasaki-officiant A luncheon featuring homemade Japanese foods made by the ladies of BWA will be served. Joya-E Service Ring in the New Year on Sun, Dec 31 A short service officiated by our MAs 7Pm Everyone is welcome to attend. The more the merrier!! New Year s Day Service January 1 9a l Gift Cards that you can use which benefit the Church The Holidays are just around the corner! The Scrip Cards will come in handy for those last minute gifts, stocking stuffers, gifts for someone that you just don t know what to give. Scrip is offering some special low-priced cards. There are $10 cards to Applebees, Olive Garden, Walmart, Amazon, Starbucks, Regal Movies, Target, others. They are also offering $5 cards to Starbucks, Barnes & Noble,Panera, and others These specials only last until they run out. There are over 750 merchant gift cards available. Go to to view the list. Send Janette an , text, or call ( ). The earlier you order, the better, so that regular shipping, which takes about a week can be used. Act quickly so you will get the cards on time. The earlier, the better! We are hoping to reach a total of $1000 profit for our temple by the end of the year! 10

11 Parlier Buddhist Church Wish List Update on the Listening Devices: Our Temple members have been using the enhanced listening devices during the Monthly Services in the Hondo. Recently, we had the privilege of hearing Reverend Patti Oshita s Dharma talk at the Eshinni/BWA Memorial Service. The 8 members of our Sangha who used the listening devices were very pleased at how well they could hear her message! We are all getting to that stage in life where our hearing is not as good as it used to be. Because of the generous donations by some in our Sangha, we were able to purchase this system. Thank you to everyone who generously donated for this device. Condolences to the Family of Ruby KazueYukawa Ruby was an active member of Parlier BWA and Parlier Church. She was a past president and held various other offices in BWA. We will miss her. Condolences to the Family of Kenso Tsuboi Kenso was a long time member of Parlier Buddhist Church and he was the projectionist for the Japanese movies shown at the Temple for many years. He probably was the oldest church member when he passed 6 months shy of being 100 yrs old. 11

12 MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE The December Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday December 10, Familes as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend. December Shotsuki DECEASED Mrs. Kinuyo Doi Mr. Douglas L. Kobashi Mr. Ishisuke Takano Miss Karen Doi Mr. Yonetaro Masuda Mr. Masaru Nishimura Mr. Torazo Tsuji Mrs. Aiko Ikuta Baby Brook Y. Yano Mrs. Toyoko Chiamori Mrs. Doris Y. Furumoto Mr. Masanosuke Okubo Mr. Katsuzo Handa Mrs. Shizuye Kubo Mr. Koji Kay Yoshimoto Mr. Junkichi Kagawa Miss Lily Yamamoto Mr. Tom Takata Mr. Shinji Sasai Mr. Harry Teiichi Kubo Mrs. Shizuye Kubo Haru Okuma Ms. Eleanor Fumiye Doi Mr. Kazumi Yoshimoto MOURNER Mr. Calvin Doi Mrs. Kimiyo Doi Mrs. Ellen Tsudama Mrs. Teruko Tsuji Dr. Dennis Ikuta Dr. Randel Yano Mr. Patrick Chiamori Mr. Roy Furumoto Mr. Warren Okubo Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto Mr. Larry Kubo Mr. Glenn Yoshimoto Mrs. Naomi Tamura Mr. Tadashi Kozuki Mrs. May Takata Dr. Steven Sasai Mr. Larry Kubo Mrs. Flora Doi Mr. Calvin Doi Mr. Evan Yoshimoto One Year Memorial rd Year Memorial th Year Memorial th Year Memorial th Year Memorial th Year Memorial rdYear Memorial th Year Memorial 12

13 To wish them a fond farewell and best wishes on their next adventure, please join us for a Farewell potluck luncheon in honor of. & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, :00 P.M. FRESNO FAMILY DHARMA CENTER Please bring your favorite dish to share! Join us for 10:00 a.m. Dharma Service when Rev. Matt will be giving his last Dharma message as a CC minister!! 13

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