Akemashita Omedetou Gozaimasu (Happy New Year)
 
Just a short recap of 2017. The church has undergone a lot of maintenance and groundwork. We have fixed the Retreat area, BBQ area and updated the parsonage. For 2018, the Shimamoto House will begin a new overhaul. Modernization has become our main concern in keeping our church up to date.
 
On behalf of SLOBC, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people who have maintained the church and its grounds and taking care of any problems that may arise: Barry Bridge, Gary Hongo, Henry Okui and John Rooney. If there are any other members that would like to help them, please give any of them a call. They will always welcome your help.

To the ladies of SLO Buddhist Women’s Association, I thank them so much for the many things they do. They are always there for Peoples Kitchen, Special Otoki and Hana Toban. These ladies put in long hours giving to the church (dana) without complaining. AWESOME!!
 
There is one more special person I would like to acknowledge and that is Janis Eto. After many years of serving on the church board, Janis is stepping down. She has provided her knowledge of the church’s history and shared her compassion for our well-being. She will still be around to keep us moving forward. Thank you Janis.
 
My special gratitude to all of you that come and help the church to become what it is. 2017 is almost over and the New Year is about to begin. Let’s ring in 2018 on Sunday, December 31, 7 pm at our Joya-E Service and January 1, 10 am at our New Year’s Day Service, Shusho-E.

In Gassho,
Donna Sato