It Will Provide In-Depth Look at National Organization in July
FYI
Details on the BCA’s “Members Red Carpet Weekend” will be available soon at the BCA website: https://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/
The BCA will be offering a unique opportunity for all Sangha members to learn about the Buddhist Churches of America with the new “Members Red Carpet Weekend” in July.
The pilot program, which will be held July 11-13 at the BCA’s Jodo Shinshu Center (JSC) in Berkeley, California, is the idea of Executive Director Gayle Noguchi.
“I was asking myself, ‘How do members become acquainted with the BCA, the national organization,’” Noguchi said at the National Board Meeting on Dec. 7. “We don’t offer anything that provides a comprehensive and cohesive overview of the organization and this is really important because you can’t appreciate the value of something if you don’t know anything about it.
“Participants in the ‘Red Carpet’ will learn what BCA is all about and they’ll have the chance to experience the best of what the BCA has to offer,” she continued.
Lodging and meals at the Jodo Shinshu Center will be entirely free. The program is being funded with grants from Dharma Forward, the BCA Executive Committee Bloomquist Educational Endowment and the Bishop’s Expansion Fund. Space is limited and registration will open May 1 and close on June 20 or sooner, depending on the number of registrants.
Details and further information will be available soon at the BCA website.
Some of the events already being planned include:
A roundtable discussion led by Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada and an opportunity for all participants to describe their own journey and path.
A visit to the Buddhist Church of San Francisco — the first temple in the BCA — and an opportunity to view the temple’s stupa housing the holy relics of the Buddha, a gift to the BCA by the Emperor of Siam (Thailand) in 1935.
Dancing at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple’s Obon festival.
A visit to the BCA Bookstore at the JSC.
An opportunity for individuals to take part in a Kieshiki ceremony, which involves a person receiving a Buddhist name and affirming their commitment to the Buddhist path.
“Whether you’re a new member, a lifelong member or something in between, or maybe you’re reconnecting with your temple after having been away for a number of years, I invite you to join us for this fun, inspiring event,” Noguchi said.
“We’ll help you make Jodo Shinshu a meaningful part of your daily life, no matter what season of life you’re in,” she continued. “You’ll learn about BCA, the national organization and the difference it’s making for members like you. You’ll hear about BCA’s impact as a leader in the Jodo Shinshu community worldwide.”
Rev. Harada said: “I’m looking forward to meeting many of you at the ‘Members Red Carpet Weekend’ and I really would love to hear your journey on the Nembutsu path as well. Each person has a very unique journey.”
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