Summer is here and we are beginning the second half of 2025! Time sure flies when you’re having fun!
At SLOBC we are having fun preparing for Obon season! The planning committee has been meeting and making decisions about new activities, food choices, and schedules. The Obon dance practices will begin in July. The practices help me to remember the dances and, although I have been doing them for years, Obon is only once a year and this old brain cannot remember the steps. Thanks to Julie, Tomi and John I learn the dances again but still make mistakes! That is ok because I am having fun! Please come to the dance practices and enjoy the camaraderie that is always there. Even if you have never danced at Obon before, you will learn the dances and have fun learning and performing at Obon.
Several people have been helping fold Origami cranes to distribute to the public at the Obon Festival. We will not have crane folding after the Sunday service on June 29 or July 6. If you have paper and can make some at home, it would be greatly appreciated. We are using 6-inch square origami paper.
The Obon Festival is a wonderful cultural event that has huge significance in Buddhism. It takes a lot of work to put everything together so everyone can enjoy the festivities. Please come to help on Friday and Saturday, August 1 and 2. We need all hands on deck! Watch for more details on times via emails. If you have any questions, please contact me.
In Gassho
Sandy Hongo