Prayers & donations for Haiti Equake Survivors

Our hearts and prayers go out to victims and survivors of the recent earthquake in Haiti and to Jennifer Ramirez (Annabella's husband, David Taylor's cousin) and her family who has cancer (see email at the very bottom).  We pray that all involved will find the strength and resolve to endure and overcome their suffering.  For those who can, please send your contributions to UNICEF or where ever to help those survivors in Haiti.  Tenrikyo MIssion HQ of Hawaii will be contributing $5,000 from its emergency disaster fund and will be asking followers to replenish the fund by making contributions so we'll be setting up a collection at Pearl in this cause.  thank you for your support and prayers.  Please take this time to count your blessings, be thankful, help and pray for others.  This will bring peace to our world.

Rev. Owen Nakao

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Caryl Stern, UNICEF USA
Date: Sat, Jan 16, 2010 at 1:02 PM
Subject: FW: Haiti: Earthquake Situation Report, 15 January 2010 (OCHA)

Dear Owen,

The disaster in Haiti warrants extraordinary measures by all of us, including those of us who work with U.S Fund for UNICEF.

And so, we've decided to take the unprecedented step of sharing UN internal situation reports so you have the latest information from the ground.

These reports provide extraordinary, first-hand detail to show you some of the work being done to save the 2 million children at risk.

I am so humbled by your overwhelming response to our early appeals. Already the U.S. Fund for UNICEF has committed over $11 MILLION in relief to Haiti.

Caryl M. Stern
President & CEO
U.S. Fund for UNICEF

P.S. Remind those you know that if they would like to help, the U.S. Fund has waived all administrative fees for anyone donating to Haiti relief efforts, so that 100% of every dollar donated will go directly to save the children of Haiti.

http://www.unicefusa.org/haitiquake

January Grand Service 2009

Happy New Year Everyone!

Taeko and I would like to thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts for your dedicated hinokishin efforts and sincere offerings in support of Pearl Church during this past year!
We will be conducting the January Grand Service this Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 10am.  The January Grand Service is to commemorate Oyasama's withdrawal from bodily existence on January 26, 1887, when she "stepped out" (of her body) to "level the ground" (for world salvation).

2009 Report

• Our monthly service attendance average was 24 in 2009.  25 in 2008.
• The sazuke was administered 375 times. No record for 2008
• Jiba Pilgrimage was 29 persons (including repeats by myself and Lucas)
• The highlight of 2009 was 54 particpants from Pearl Church at the All Tenrikyo Hinokishin Day at the zoo!
• 2 persons attended the Basics Course and 1 person attend the Besske Lecture for the first time.

In looking forward to 2010 we would like to establish our resolve to administer the sazuke 750 times (twice this year's count) in order to focus on our mission as yoboku (useful timber) in building the joyous life world.  Please send me an email everytime you administer the sazuke so that we may record the event.

Pastor Owen

The Last Monthly Service of 2009

Dear Friends,

Please read the following words from scripture:

You do not know what I shall say,

but whatever I may say, please comply.                                                        XV: 5

This time, whatever test I may put you through,

resolve your mind firmly  by it.                                                                     XV: 6

I do not indicate anyone in particular by this talk.

It is for each of you to resolve the mind.                                                       XV: 7

However trying your condition may be,

the Parent will work to the utmost. Take heart!                                            XV: 8

From now on, please be firmly convinced

of the words of the Parent.  There is no need to worry.                                XV: 9

As we come to the close of 2009, let us count our blessings and become fully resolved in our faith.  "However trying your condition may be, the Parent will work to the utmost. Take heart!"

Come to church and reaffirm your resolve!

Tenrikyo Pearl Church
1634 10th Avenue

Sunday, December 13, 2009, 10am

Guest Speaker: Mr. Elmer Nakao

Sincerely,
Rev. Owen Nakao

November Monthly Sermon and Prayer

Thank you all for your support and sincere offerings. The workings of the ten aspects of God's providence in relation to the Truth of Origin provides a bounty of clues on why we are experiencing our present day problems and how we can live the joyous life. Please do take the time to read the sermon.
Attendance: 24

Rev. Owen

• Sermon: Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto
• November Prayer 2009

The debute of the new Taiko and Surigane


Former Pearl Church head, Rev. Yoshinobu Nakao and, wife, Tomiko were first to play these instruments.


Photo: Moses holding his daughter Sadie Ayumu, 18 months, on the right and Lori Kochi's 2nd son Jacob, 6 months. Which one is bigger?

We're on Google Maps!

Check it out here!