Hello Sangha Members,

Spring is here and many things are blossoming. Mother nature has provided us with
warm and blue skies.

I hope you noticed our new sign and restored bulletin board at the entrance of the church. My hat’s off to Gary Hongo for making our new sign and John Rooney for repairing and painting the Bulletin Board. They have worked very hard and put their time to make our grounds look good. Also, I would like to acknowledge Bob Merritt and Barbara Finn for updating the bulletin boards every month, letting everyone know what is happening at our church. If you haven’t seen the new signs, come to service or drive by. They are beautiful!

I had the pleasure of going to a BCA National Council Meeting (NCM). It was interesting and I met familiar faces and new faces. Everyone was very nice and came from all over the country including Canada and Hawaii. The three day conference was held at the San Jose Buddhist Temple. The seminar was interesting and opened my eyes in many ways. I learned many things. Many churches are in the same boat as
we are in —membership down, donations not what they use to be, and cultural traditions fading. However, it wasn’t all learning and listening. The 2018 BCA NCM will be held in Sacramento, my home town. I hope I will be able to attend the conference along with other temple delegates.

At the NCM, SLOBC joined Salinas BT and Guadalupe BC in hosting the Hospitality Room for one night. I would like to personally acknowledge Sandy & Gary Hongo, Janis Eto, Greer & Tom Nishikawa and Rev. Nakano for giving up their time to man the bar. Thank you!

On Sunday April 2, we are having a planning meeting for our 90th Anniversary celebration. If you would like to help in planning this event please join us in the Social Hall after service.

In Gassho,
Donna Sato