Special Arigato Donations – Building Fund

In June, the Board mailed a special donation letter to help PBC pay for replacing the Education Building roof. We appreciate everyone who have so generously donated to this project. To date, the PBC Sangha has raised over $13,500. With your help, PBC will be able to perform necessary roof repairs that will serve our Sangha and community in the future. We thank Nob Nimura and Steven Sugioka for their assistance in the planning of this project.

Electrical Costs

During our June meeting, the Board realized that the cost of the PG&E electricity was nearly the same as before the pandemic. A thank-you goes to a few of our PBWA members -- Claudia Nakata, Tomoko Matsuda, Jean Fujitani, and Arlene Hata – who, protected by masks, met to discard and consolidate food from the refrigerators and freezers. This allowed us to turn off some of the appliances and reduce PG&E electricity costs.

Covid-19

As I reflect upon the pandemic situation, the government briefings and daily news seem encouraging some days and frustrating on other days. The good news is that experts anticipate the availability of a successful vaccine in early 2021. Recently, the Governor’s office implemented new regulations to prohibit singing or chanting in churches. We appreciate everyone’s patience in helping prevent the Covid-19 spread through social distancing and masking.

PBC has assembled a task group to begin conversations about what steps PBC need to take to safely reopen the temple to our Sangha and visitors. While we are not certain when the temple will reopen, we will look at the safety measures we would need to implement after the pandemic subsides. I would like to thank David Unruhe, Claudia Nakata, Linda Dickerson, Helene Nakamura, Fusae Miyamoto, and Howard Itow for engaging in this important and difficult conversation. The group’s recommendation will help guide our future direction.

During this pandemic, please continue to check our website and our Facebook page for links to the Dharma message. The electronic media has become an increasingly important method for connecting us. Our team will continue to look for creative ways to reach our Sangha.

Minister Transition

We look forward to having Rev. Matt Hamasaki as Supervising Minister and his successful transition to PBC during a difficult time. In his current role at the Sacramento Betsuin, Rev. Matt has successfully used the electronic media and podcasts to share his Dharma messages. We hope to tap his skills to creatively share the Dharma message. More information will be shared with the Sangha soon.

As always, if you have questions or recommendations please feel to contact me at 916-295-3246 or at allan.yamashiro@placerbuddhistchurch.org. Please stay safe!

In Gassho,

Allan Yamashiro, PBC President