Our Eitaikyo Service and Keirokai celebration was held on November 9 at SLOBC. The Eitaikyo Service was meaningful as it is a memorial service for our ancestors who sacrificed and taught us so much.  It is an annual service with Rev. Nakano preparing a special turkey dinner for the Sangha. This year we combined the Eitaikyo Service and Sensei’s turkey dinner with the Keirokai, a party honoring those SLOBC members who are 75 years and older.

The turkey dinner was delicious with turkeys smoked by Brian H., dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, a cucumber salad by Rev. Nakano, various salads, and delicious desserts. We were all stuffed at the end of the day.

The Keirokai committee made up of Julie, Ruth, Danielle, Stephanie, and Anastasia did a wonderful job of decorating, planning games, preparing treat bags for the Keiro and coordinating the activities. Thank you, Committee, for a job well done!

It is hard to believe we are already in December and 2025 is coming to a close! As I say more and more…the older I get, the faster time flies!

We will have a special evening service on December 31 at 7 p.m. It is called Joya-e where we say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new with everyone ringing the Kansho bell. Then we head downstairs and eat toshikoshi soba. The soba’s long noodles represent long life and their tendency to break easily represent cutting ties from old hardships. Joya-e is followed by a New Year’s Service on January 1 to welcome in the New Year.

SLOBWA really needs more people to help with Hana Toban or flower arrangements for the altar. It is an important task that doesn’t take much time and with more people helping would make it more manageable for those who do participate. We try to have two people working together because it is more fun and the work goes faster. Please consider volunteering for this valuable service. If I can do the arrangements, believe me anyone can! If you have any questions, please contact me.

In Gassho,
Sandy Hongo