Newsletter January 2017
Together with your ancestors
Each year brings something new, something unexpected. I hope 2017 will be a year that brings you a
joy and peace. Dalai Lama says “Time passes unhindered. We cannot turn the clock back and try again.
All we can do is use the present well.” Our desire sometimes makes us wish to bring back what's lost
in the past. Difficulties in our life bring us so much suffering and pains. But such difficulties can bring
us realization of what we are given and the warm heart of people who surround us. It can be a
powerful experience of re-discovering love and kindness in this world. Then, if we look at our
experience further deeply, we realize we are not facing them alone nor are we facing them with just our
families or friends. Our thoughts, decisions, courage, wisdom are all traits and foot prints of the people
you survived in the past.
Gassho, Gyokei Yokoyama
Minister of Long Beach Buddhist Church
Dear Members and Friends:
It is hard to imagine a year has gone by, we will be welcoming in 2017. We hope you are well
and will be able to help us celebrate our 60th Anniversary in November. I am hoping you had a very
Happy Holiday. Family and friends help to make our lives full. The spirit of the holiday season make
our hearts happy.
We lost a beloved church member, and the daughter of our founding minister, Mariko Kobata.
She will be sorely missed. My personal reflection of her friendly, helpful and fun-loving personality
was that she was the welcoming face that I met when I first joined the Long Beach Buddhist Church
many years ago and did not know anyone.
I want to thank Sensei for all his efforts this year in spite of his personal issues. There are many
challenges ahead for him as well as the church in our efforts to make it a thriving part of the
community. I want to encourage all of you to continue to support the church, the board appreciates
your participation and help in all our activities during the year.
Susan Eastman
President, Board of Directors
Obituaries
Mrs. Mariko Osada Kobata
49th day memorial service will be held in January and Hatsubon service will be
held in July.
(69), passed away on November 29, 2016 in Harbor City. She is survived by her
husband, Wayne "J" Kobata; siblings, Atsuko Yomogida, Hideya (Ignacia) Osada
of Guam; nieces and nephews, Darren Yomogida of Hawaii, Liane Yomogida,
Greg (Denise), Gary, and Wayne (Jocelyn) Iwamasa of Hawaii, Dr. Christopher
Redgate, Manning (Melissa) Osada of Texas, Michael (Chloe) Osada of Japan, and
Michiko (Vince) Gumataotao of Colorado; also survived by many other relatives.
LBBC Community
Ms. Rebecca Utermohlen, Mrs. Joanne Leivici's
niece (Mr. Edward Murakami's grand daughter), is
promoting Long Beach Buddhist Church on
Facebook. There have been many viewers and
positive comments. Thank you for your help,
Rebecca.
Ms. Katrina Shibata (Mrs. Keiko Shibata's
daughter) volunteered to make Zenzai for Ohigan
service in September 2016. Thank you for the
delicious Zenzai, Katrina.
Mr. Paul Sumida (Mrs. Shizuko Sumida's son)
renovated the part of Sangha Hall by relocating the
ovens and reconnecting the gas and water line.
This has improve the efficiency of cooking during
the food sale. Thank you, Paul.
Mrs. Lisa Yamamoto (Mr. Mitsuo Yamamoto's daughter-in-law and her
daughter Andrea recorded the music for the gathas for the church.
Thank you for bringing back the piano music to our service, Lisa and Andrea!
Mr. Frank Ramos has been
taking care of the garden and the
trees aroud the church. Without
his commitment, the church
would not have been this
beautiful.
Thank you so much for your
work, Frank!
Mr. Albert Ornelas (Mrs. Michiko Honda`s son-in-law) and Mrs.
Patricia Ornelas have been helping us maintain the church by fixing
the door for the water heater and the toilet paper towel dispenser, etc.
2016 October Chow Mein Dinner
Thank you for supporting us!
Mr. Osamu Nishimura has been
helping us maintain the the
building.
He has also arranges flowers for
the church and donated some
beautiful flower arrangements.
Thank you for helping us,
Osamu san!
Mr. Victor Fukuhara and his brother Mr. Trace
Fukuhara donated a beautiful bench to the church.
This solid, weatherproof bench will give visitors a
nice spot to sit down and relax while enjoying the
view of the beautiful garden.
Thank you, Victor and Trace
Mrs. Keiko Linda Moriwaki generously donated her
Honda Accord to the church to meet the need of the
family of the reverend.
Thank you for your generosity, Linda!
Special Thanks to Mrs. Michiko Honda, Mrs. Fumiko Miyaki, and Mrs. Shizuko Sumida
Mrs. Honda, Mrs. Miyaki and Mrs. Sumida have been cleaning the church every week. Their diligent
effort to keep the social hall, kitchen, and the restroom space have made it possible for everyone to have a
pleasant experience at the church.
Thank you, Honda san, Miyaki san and Sumid san for all your hard work.
Special Service
LBBC 59th Anniversary and Tokudo ceremony for Sengaku
Rev. Devin Seigaku Amato and his mother Rev. Kurai (Sozenji) and Rev. Yokoyama
Mr. Devin Amato was recognized as a priest on November 13th. This is only the beginning of his path
as a priest. But his ordination is a proof of his commitment and dedication to the mission of spreading
Dharma. He is now helping Rev. Yokoyama with weekly Buddhist practices and Sunday services.
Congratulation, Rev. Seigaku.
Special thanks to our devoted attendees of the service
Mrs. Alice Nagano, Mrs. Rene le Paige, and Ms. Ruby Eason deserve a great recognition for their
continued commitment to come and attend our service (Not just only those special services!)
Thank you for your attendance and continued support!
Church Repairs and Fumigation in October
Thanks to Mrs. Joanne Leivici`s coordination. The church building had a fumigation and facia repairs.
Main Hall & Social Hall Fumigation (October 10th - 12th)
Church Clean up in December
2017 CHURCH CALENDAR
Services and events are subject to change. Please contact the church (562) 426-4014.
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
1
Shusho e
5
5
8
Regular Service
12 Regular Service
12 Ohigan
15
Mariko's 49th day Memorial
19 Casino Regular Service
19 Chow Mein Dinner
26 Shotsuki/Installation
26 Shotsuki
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
2
Hanamatsuri
7
4
Food Sale
9
Federation Hanamatsuri
14 Regular Service
11
Regular Service
16 Regular Service
21 Regular Service
18 Regular Service
23 Regular Service
28 Memorial Day Service 25 Shotsuki
22 Shotstuki
Setsubun
Regular Service
29 Shinenkai
Regular Service
30 Shotsuki
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
2
Regular Service
6
3
8
Bon Odori Dance
13 Regular Service
10 Ohigan
9
Obon Service
20 Regular Service
17 Regular Service
27 Shotsuki
24 Shotsuki
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
1
Chow Mein Dinner
5
3
8
Regular Service
12 60th Anniversary
10 Regular Service
15 Regular Service
19 Regular Service
17 Clean-up (Tentative)
22 Regular Service
26 Shotsuki
24 No Service
16 Casino
Regular Service
Regular Service
23 Regular Service
30 Shotsuki
29 Shotsuki
Casino
Jodo-e (Bodhi-Day)
31 Bell-ringing Service
January 2016
NEW YEAR PARTY
SHINEN ENKAI
January 29th, 12:00 noon
Dear Members and Friends:
Happy new year! We hope that this year will be one of good health, happiness and
prosperity for all.
To start off the year with a joyous gathering, we will hold a traditional new year's party,
Shinnen Enkai, on Sunday, January 29th from 12:00 noon.
A delicious lunch will be served to all in attendance.
To conclude the afternoon, there will be BINGO games with many prizes. Please
attend and make this a successful event with which to start off the new year.
We look forward to seeing you!
With Gassho,
Long Beach Buddhist Church
ロングビーチ仏教会 新年会のご案内
1 月 29 日 12 時より
皆様、あけましておめでとうございます。
いよいよ年が明け２０１７年（平成二十九年）が始まりました。 今年が皆様お一人
お一人にとって健康で幸多い年となることを心よりお祈りいたします。
来る今月 29 日 12 時より新年を祝うべく新年会を開催いたします。昼食もご用意して
おりますのでどうぞ皆様ご参加ください。毎年恒例のビンゴゲームもございます。
どうぞ皆様そろってお参りください。
合掌 ロングビーチ仏教会