July 2016 Bulletin - Placer Buddhist Church

Placer Buddhist Church 3192 Boyington Road, Penryn, CA 95663
(916) 652-6139
2016
BCA THEME:
7月
114th
Year
THE PBC
BULLETIN
まことの人生を歩もう
LIVE A REAL LIFE
MAKOTO NO JINSEI WO AYUMOU
A Dharma Message by Rev. Kurt Rye
Resident Minister
Rev. Kurt Rye
revkurt.placer@gmail.com
Minister’s Assistants
Rich Kawahata
Ron Kawahata
Michi Mitani
Ed Nakamoto
2016 PBC Officers
President
Rich Kawahata
1st Vice President
Ron Kawahata
nd
2 Vice President
Ed Nakamoto
Recording Secretary
René Yamashiro
Treasurers
Ted Uyeda
Jackie Itogawa
Auditors
Howard Itow
Glen Matsuoka
Being in the Moment
I’m a person who loves things from the past. I still have some of the toys
that I grew up with. I also have “treasures” that I bought when I lived in
Japan over 25 years ago. When I look at these treasures -- whether it is
a book, music, or photo albums -- they take me back in time. For example,
I came across a book of the four seasons in Kamakura. When I look at
the book I remember where I bought it and where I placed it on the
bookshelf in my Japanese apartment, not to mention how the photos
themselves reminded me of places I had visited.
This is the same with music. I think many can relate when you hear a
song, it can transport you to a different time -- perhaps where you lived or
what you were doing the summer that the song was a hit.
It is so easy to long for the “good old days.” I know when my mother was
sick, I started to acquire DVDs of TV shows and music from the “good old
days” when my mother was well and I was her child. I would get lost in
memories, watching and listening to these old favorites. It was a great
release from my daily life, yet it was not real. By not real, I mean I was
avoiding the present.
I have spoken before about being mindful. That is when one observes
what is going on around them as if observing it from a detached dream.
That means to observe what is going around you without putting any
connotations onto it.
Editorial
Committee
Rev. Kurt Rye
Daniel Cota
Jackie Itogawa
Rich Kawahata
Ron Kawahata
Janice Uyeda Kemper
Isabel Meyer
Michi Mitani
Fusae Miyamoto
Ed Nakamoto
Joyce Uyeda Parks
Susan Higashi Rumberg
Miwako Yamashiro
Being in the moment, for me, has a different implication when seen through
a Dharma lens. Instead of looking on without involvement, I try to see how
the present is a consequence of causes and conditions.
When being ‘Dharma Mindful,” we should reflect on our lives based on the
causes and conditions, the events and emotions experienced in our past,
to better appreciate our present now moment. In doing so, we recognize
that past is prelude and honor it.
Practicing Dharma Mindfulness will allow us to see the wisdom and
compassion that surround us.
In Gassho,
Rev. Kurt
By Michi Mitani
In preparation for Memorial Day, approximately 24 people gathered at Newcastle Cemetery
on May 29th to clean and put out flowers and greenery for the unknown PBC members at the cemetery. Many
thanks to all who came out to accomplish this task in a short time. After the clean-up, Rev. Kurt conducted
a short service in front of the columbarium.
On Memorial Day, Rev. Kurt again conducted a short cemetery service, assisted by Minister’s Assistants Ed
Nakamoto, Rich Kawahata and Ron Kawahata at Auburn, Newcastle and Rocklin Cemeteries.
Please note: Monthly Memorial Services, Chanting, Buddhist Education classes and “Dharma Lite” sessions
will continue during the summer months. Please check the bulletin boards for dates and times.
Reminder: The Oshitas will be guest speakers at Placer's August 6th Obon service. During the lunch that
follows, the PBC will present the Oshitas with a Basket of Appreciation, containing signed retirement cards
and a communal gift. Notes and/or gifts from individuals can also be included. Everyone is invited to sign
the cards and add personal thoughts. The cards and gift collection container will be available from June
5th and during most church services, committee meetings, and event gatherings at the PBC until the
end of July. Additions to the basket can also be made at the office or through Rich Kawahata, Isabel Meyer,
or Carole Kawamoto. All contents will be kept safe until Obon.
Many thanks to:
 Rev. Roy Mayhugh for $250 to purchase books.
 Rev. Kurt for floppy disks to record more gathas.
 Susan Rumberg, Arlene Hata, Fusae Miyamoto, Hatsuko Nakata, Michi Mitani, and anonymous donors
for baked goods for the Coffee Klatches.
 Fusae Miyamoto, Rich Kawahata, Michi Mitani, and Ed Nakamoto for chairing the services.
 Daniel Cota, Susan Rumberg, Miwako Yamashiro, Susie Strom, and Jeanne Schmidt for being
greeters.
 Sumi Tenma, Claudia Nakata, and Michi Mitani for playing the organ/organ disk.
Looking ahead to July:
July 3
Monthly Memorial Service at 10 AM with Rev. Kurt. Coffee Klatch available.
July 16
Chanting at 9 AM. Vanpool to Reno’s Obon.
July 21
Buddhist Education Class at 6:30 PM.
July 24
“Dharma Lite” with Question-and-Answer period at 10 AM with Rev. Kurt.
July 25, 27, and 29 Obon dance practice in the Social Hall 7-9 PM. Please bring a round fan,
folding fan, towel and kachi-kachi (castanets) to the practices.
July 31
Pre-Obon clean-up of the kitchen and outside areas at 8 AM. PBWA meeting to follow.
July “Dharma Lite”
We want to remind members that Rev. Kurt will be conducting informal services once a month during the
summer months. We are calling these services “Dharma Lite,” which will have no chairperson, no
representatives to offer incense, and no class time. Instead, it will be a more casual service with a questionand-answer period following the Dharma talk in the Hondo. The entire service will last approximately one
hour, and members and non-members will have an opportunity to ask questions. Please join us for the
next Dharma Lite service on Sunday, July 24th.
By Susan Rumberg
President Susie Strom called the June 6, 2016 meeting to order at 11:20 AM.
Membership
Already one of PBC’s most enthusiastic members, Daniel Cota was welcomed as PBWA’s newest member.
Senior Program
The bus for the Enmanji Bazaar/Graton Casino trip on Sunday, July 10th, is filling up, so interested members
should sign up as soon as possible.
Obon Dance Practices
Practices will be held at 7 PM on July 25, 27, 29, August 1, 3, and 5. The Obon Festival will be held on Saturday,
August 6.
2016 BCA FBWA Conference
The Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations’ 44th National Conference, “Linked in the Nembutsu:
Tsunagatte,” will be held in Bellevue, Washington, from October 7th through 9th. A booklet with the tentative
conference schedule, hotel information, flight discount information, etc., is available in the PBWA bin in the PBC
office. Please take one if interested. PBWA will pay the $195 registration fee for PBWA members.
Transportation, lodging, and meals will be paid by individual attendees. Fusae Miyamoto will coordinate
registration so interested members should contact her as soon as possible — and before July 31st -- to discuss
and coordinate registration and accommodations.
Reno Obon
Members interested in going to the Reno Obon on Saturday, July 16th, should sign up with Fusae Miyamoto.
The First Annual Northern California Family Conference
This conference, sponsored by the Sacramento Betsuin, will be held on September 17th, from 9:00 AM – 3:00
PM. Please see the flyer on the PBC bulletin board. Michi Mitani will coordinate and submit PBC's registration.
Please contact her before September 10th if you are interested in attending. The registration fee is $25 for those
31 years and older; $10 for those age 19-30; and free for those 18 years and younger.
Next PBWA Meeting:
June/July Toban:
July 31, 2016 (after pre-Obon cleanup). There is NO meeting on July 3rd.
Lincoln/Penryn
****************************
- Special Thanks Black Pine Pruning and General Clean-Up
Sierra Bonsai Club
Ron Kawahata
Rev. Kurt
Tak Kawamoto
Daniel Cota
Fusae Miyamoto
Brian Ishimaru
Ed Nakamoto
Rich Kawahata
Member Spotlight
By Joyce Parks
In 2001, Ted Uyeda was asked to fill the
position of PBC’s Co-Treasurer with the late Bob
Takemoto, a position he agreed to undertake on a
trial basis for a couple of years. Fifteen years later,
Ted continues to fill that role. At the time he
accepted, he had a general idea of what was
involved but, over time, it grew to include
commercial developments, insurance, and legal
issues. “Although the job can be challenging at
times, it keeps me on my toes, and the rewards of
helping out the church make it all worthwhile,”
claims Ted.
Given his credentials, work experience, and
dedication, Ted is well qualified for the role of PBC
Co-Treasurer. After graduating from local schools
in Lincoln and Sierra College, Ted attended CSUS,
where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Finance and Accounting.
Before entering the workforce, Ted completed his
military service. After six months of training at the
Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode
Island, Ted was assigned to a ship that was
headed for Viet Nam, and was stationed in that
region during the war. It was on a leave toward the
end of his military service that he and his wife, the
former Connie Ebara, rendezvoused in Japan and
married in the picturesque Tsukiji Hongwanji
Temple in Tokyo. The two honeymooned in Kyoto
before Ted returned to Viet Nam to complete his
military service.
Once back in the states as a civilian, Ted and
Connie first settled in the Bay Area, where Ted
began his career with the Continental Baking
Company as a Bakery Accountant. He managed
the accounting staff at two bakeries - one in San
Francisco and another in Oakland. Ted was then
transferred to a regional office in Redwood City
where he worked for 6 years, and later to the
division office in Los Angeles where he worked for
8 years. As a Division Controller in Los Angeles,
Ted was responsible for the financial operations of
13 bakeries in the western third of the United
States. His territory ranged from Anchorage,
Alaska to San Diego; and from Honolulu, Hawaii to
Dallas, Texas. As one can imagine, Ted’s job
required constant traveling and absence from the
day-to-day activities of family life. When the job as
plant manager at the Wonder Bread Bakery in
Sacramento opened up, Ted jumped on it and
remained there until his retirement in 1998. Not
long after Ted retired, the plant was taken over by
another company and, sadly, the local landmark
closed.
Throughout Ted’s professional career, Connie
enjoyed her career as a full-time homemaker and
mother to their two children: Michelle, who resides
in Roseville and works as Vice President for
Insurance Services at Wells Fargo Bank; and
Keith, who resides in San Mateo, and works as a
Visual Media Producer for Stanford University in
Palo Alto. Ted and Connie have been blessed with
4 grandchildren: Caius, age 10, Brianna, age 9,
Charlotte, age 4, and Greyson, age 2.
Now that he’s fully retired, Ted says he values
family and church now more than ever. “After
having to travel so much during my career, nothing
gives me more enjoyment than spending time with
family. I love to cook, and especially enjoy
preparing Japanese and Chinese dishes in my
wok,” says Ted. At the PBC, Ted says he enjoys
the camaraderie of working with current CoTreasurer, Jackie Itogawa, on the donation report;
Ray Hirota, Ted Nishimoto, Glenn Nishimoto,
Janice Kemper, and Devin Yoshikawa, on the
Bazaar Committee; and the many dedicated
volunteers who help with Choba. “I have a deep
appreciation and respect for past generations of
church leaders who laid the PBC’s fiscal
foundation. Without their foresight and the ongoing support of members, the PBC’s operations
budget would not be as sound as it is today,” states
Ted.
August Monthly Memorial Service
Each month, family members are encouraged to attend the Monthly Memorial Service (Shotsuki Hoyo) to
remember their loved ones who had passed away in that month. To that end, the following is an advance copy
of the names which will be announced at August’s Monthly Memorial Service on August 6th. Also included
is the “Next of Kin on Record” for each name. We recognize that some of the information may need updating,
so we ask members to please contact Nancy Nakamoto with any changes. Nancy can be reached at (916)
412-0851, nancy@nakamoto.us, or 3454 Majestic Dr., Rocklin, CA 95765.
In Memoriam
Next of Kin on
Record
In Memoriam
Next of Kin on
Record
Domen, Yoshihiko
Domen, Harue
Nodohara, Kiichi
Nodohara, Keiso
Goromaru, Miyeko
Nakamura, Tsuneko
Oki, Tom
Oki, Akiko
Hamamoto, Shizuno
Hamamoto, Max
Okimura, Shizuko
Okimura, Ronald
Hamasaki, Torajiro
Hamasaki, Noburu,
Hamasaki, Joanie & Don
Haramoto, Bruce
Sakamoto, Toriye
Sakamoto, Eiko
Strom, Merrill F.
Strom, Susie
Hayashida, Jack
Yoshiharu
Hirabayashi, George
“Smash”
Hirabayashi, Takuji
Hayashida, Marie
Sugiyama, Marie
Hirabayashi, Elaine
Sugiyama, George
Masayasu
Sugiyama, Tane
Hirabayashi, Misao
Takayama, Kameichi
Takayama, Alice
Ikeda, Betty
Catlett, Pauline
Takayama, Masaharu
Takayama, Alice
Imamoto, Gary Susumu
Imamoto, Mary
Takayama, Yoshio
Takayama, Alice
Imamoto, Stanley
Imamoto, Mary
Takemoto, Yasuko
Takemoto, Ken
Kajihara, Matsu
Miyamoto, Fusae
Tomita, Joe Koichi
Tomita, Bessie
Kajimura, Tsugi
Kajimura, Shigeru
Uyeda, James
Parks, Joyce
Kawahata, Harriet
Shizuyo
Kawamoto, Mikie
Kawahata, Richard
Uyeda, Kiyo
Parks, Joyce
Kawamoto, Tak
Uyeda, Misayo
Nakamura, Howard
Kuwahara, Nobue
Sugioka, Hisako
Yamada, Carolyn Sumiye
Masuda, Kiyoto
Tsujimoto, Yukie
Yamamoto, Sakino
Yamada, Chester and
Goldberg, Catherine
Yamane, Aiko
Masuda, Masutaro
Nyikes, Arlene
Yamamura, Usaburo
Nakamura, Naomi
Matsumoto, Ryo
Matsumoto, Tsuneko
Yamasaki, Maki
Yamasaki, Vincent
Mikamo, Juichiro
Mikawa, Ronald
Yamashiro, Tadami
Yamashiro, Miwako
Mizuiri, Iwakichi
Domen, Harue
Yokota, Shizuno
Yokota, Ken
Nishikawa, George
Nishikawa, Todd
Yokota, Togo Naoyuki
Yokota, Ken
Nishikawa, Karoku
Yamashiro, Yoshiko
Yoshikawa, George Shuji
Yoshikawa, Henry
Nishimoto, Teruichi
Nishimoto, Cindy
Yoshikawa, Michiko F.
Yoshikawa, Henry
Noda, Minoru
Noda, Lynn
Haramoto, Toshino Alice
Sugiyama, Helen
Our Deepest Condolences
to the Families of
Robert Holt Meyer ......... 9/22/1934 - 5/22/2016
Yaeko Yamamura ........... 1/30/1921 - 5/26/2016
2016 Food Bazaar Update
By Susan Rumberg
The second planning meeting for the 52nd annual Food Bazaar, set for September
24th and 25th, was held on June 2nd. To keep members aware and involved, we
hope this update is helpful. Among the items discussed on June 2nd:
Featured display items.
Jubako, the traditional Japanese tiered, stackable boxes, usually made
of wood or lacquer, are used for food storage and serving. They will be on display during the bazaar. The
Promotions Committee would appreciate members lending their jubako for display and will start receiving
them in late August. Please make sure your names are in/on them so they may be returned to you promptly
after the bazaar. Contact Fusae Miyamoto for more information.
Sunday evening meal.
In previous years, PBC has hosted an “appreciation meal” on a separate
day after the bazaar to thank the many volunteers, friends, and members who made the bazaar possible.
This year the appreciation meal will be combined with the Sunday evening meal after the bazaar closes on
Sept. 25th. Please join us.
New break area for volunteers.
You may have noticed that a large deck is under construction
outside the Social Hall. During the bazaar, that deck will be an additional area for volunteers and helpers to
gather, rest, and eat. As in previous years, volunteers should not eat inside booths where they are handling
food, but use the new break area or general dining area instead.
New members.
PBC, PBWA, and affiliated organizations have been fortunate that new members have
joined since the 2015 Food Bazaar. We would be grateful for our new members’ help before and during the
bazaar. A list of different work dates and volunteer opportunities will be available. Thank you!
Reminders from last month:
Custodian(s) still needed.
PBC would again like to hire custodians to maintain the restrooms
during the food bazaar. Please provide recommendations to Ed or Ron.
Bingo Prizes.
If you have new, unused items in their original packaging to donate for Bingo prizes
for children, teens, and adults, please leave them in the PBC office marked “Bingo Prizes.” Thank you!
Grocery bags.
Please save your large paper grocery bags, label them “Food Bazaar,” and leave
them in PBC’s Sushi Room.
Next bazaar planning meeting:
Thursday, August 4th, 6:30 PM.
Please join us at PBC’s monthly Buddhist Education Classes.
The July class is scheduled for Thursday, July 21, 2016, 6:30 PM.
Gato’s Corner
By Rev. Kurt
It seems like a Monday night like any other. Gato and Saffie are
sitting on the ledge of the window in the front room waiting for
Daniel. They both sit up when they see his white VW Bug pull up
in front of the garage. They both get more excited as they see
Daniel pull a box out of the trunk.
Saffie: Oh, look at that big box. I wonder what is in it.
Gato: Oh, something probably boring, like laundry soap or toilet
paper.
Rev. Kurt: Ah, I don’t know. If I remember it is a special day.
Saffie: Christmas in June?
Rev. Kurt: No, of course not. It is somebody’s birthday.
Gato: Is it the 6th? It’s my birthday, yea!
Daniel comes in from outside and opens the box in front of Gato who is running around it, sniffing its top.
Gato jumps on top of the box and with his weight he falls in. He pokes his head through the opening with a
yellow banana shaped catnip toy in his mouth.
Gato: (mumbling with the banana in his mouth) Wow this catnip is fresh. I feel sooo good!
Saffie: Happy birthday, Gato. By the way how old is he, Pops?
Rev. Kurt: It is hard to believe but he is 10 years old. It does not seem that long ago when I found him in
a stairwell abandoned in his kitty litter box.
Saffie: Wow, that is old. I can now call him “Gato, the Old Humble Buddhist Cat.”
Rev. Kurt: Did you guys know that human years and cat years are different? I looked it up and Gato
would be 56 years old in human years. That even older than me!
Gato: What? I might not be a kitten, but I’m far from being a senior cat!
Rev. Kurt: Well, I’m not a senior citizen either.
Gato: Oh, what am I to do? I have so many things I want to do and see. I was hoping to go on the Japan
trip with the Placer Church group next fall, now I don’t know.
Rev. Kurt: Gato, calm down. You are fine and will have time to do the things you want. The Buddha told
us not to worry but “stay present in the moment.” We have no control over the past or the future, only the
present moment. In other words, this moment contains the time that we have direction over.
Saffie: Cool. It is like a time machine that a person can go in the past to change the present. No, I mean
go in the future to change something so the past is different. No, no, I mean…
Rev. Kurt: No, that is not it at all Saffie. What I’m talking about is not some science fiction show. The
Buddha meant…
Gato: It is OK, guys. I get it. If I stay in the moment and enjoy and appreciate what has brought me to this
very moment, this is all I can experience.
Rev. Kurt: Very good, Gato. You understand the importance of living in the moment.
Gato: Yes, I shall be in the moment. All I see and think about this moment is my yummy catnip banana!
Rev. Kurt: Sigh.
2016 Obon Activities
Obon Practice Schedule – 7:00 – 9:00 PM


July 25, 27, and 29
August 1,3, and 5
Obon Food Preparation Schedule
We will need help to prepare food for Obon Day. Any volunteers will be greatly appreciated. We ask helpers
to come to church at 8 AM on Friday, August 5th, and 7 AM on Saturday, August 6th. Thank you in
advance for your support!
Newcastle Cemetery Clean-Up and Flower Placement

Saturday, August 5 – 9:00 AM
Obon Day, Saturday, August 6, 2016




8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM

4:00 PM


5:00 - 7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Auburn Cemetery Service
Newcastle Cemetery Service
Rocklin Cemetery Service
Obon, Hatsubon, and Monthly Memorial Service, with guest speakers Rev. Bob
and Rev. Patti Oshita, followed by lunch
Dharma School to set up the shaved ice, bottled water, and soda booth,
part of their fundraising efforts
Udon Sales
Obon dancing will begin
May Reno Howakai
By Fusae Miyamoto
On Sunday, May 22nd, eight of us, including Rev. Kurt and Rev. and Mrs. Matsubayashi, went
to Reno for our monthly Reno Howakai service. We stopped at Silver Legacy for a quick lunch (no
gambling). Rev. Matsubayashi’s sermon was enlightening, and – surprise! surprise! -- we learned that
Naomi Braun and Mrs. Matsubayashi were childhood friends. Mrs. Matsubayashi’s father had been the
minister at the temple where Naomi grew up. They had a lovely reunion sharing good memories. After
the service, we went downstairs for refreshments. As usual, it was very nice. Naomi had made peanut
butter mochi that she had learned from her grandmother in Hawaii. After refreshments, we practiced the
obon dances. They quickly learned the new dance “Hanabi” (fireworks in Japan). We came home after
the practice. Thanks to Ed Nakamoto’s good driving, we reached our church safely.
PBC Workday – Grounds Maintenance
We will have a workday on Saturday, July 23rd, beginning at 8 AM. The purpose is to weed the
cherry tree grove and mulch the area. Mulch will also be added to the southwest area of the church,
and two dead maple trees will be replaced. We would appreciate any available helpers.
Mark Your Calendar and Save the Date
July 2016
3
8
10
16
21
23
24
25
27
29
31
Monthly Memorial Service
River Cats Game
Enmanji Bazaar and Graton Casino
Reno Obon
Buddhist Education Class
PBC Workday – Grounds Maintenance
Dharma Lite Service
Obon Practice
Obon Practice
Obon Practice
Pre-Obon Clean up
PBWA Meeting
August 2016
1
3
5
6
7
21
25
28
Obon Practice
Obon Practice
Obon Practice
Newcastle Cemetery Clean-Up
Cemetery Services
Obon, Hatsubon, and
Monthly Memorial Services
Post Obon Clean-up
Reno Howakai
Dharma Lite Service
Buddhist Education Class
Dharma Lite Service