Before God the Parent, Tenri-O-no-Mikoto, I, Owen Osamu Nakao, Pastor of Tenrikyo Pearl Church, pray with reverence:
God the Parent, April is the month of Oyasama’s birthday. In celebrating Her 214th birthday, we reaffirm Her three main positions: as the shrine of Tsukihi through Whom You revealed the Divine Truth, the Divine Model Who showed us the Way by example and that She is Ever-living working day and night for world salvation. She revealed the truth of the creation in detail, taught the service, showed us free and unlimited blessings, and guided us toward the path of the Joyous Life. We are forever grateful for these blessings and we express our gratitude day and night as we spiritedly apply our efforts toward the path of single-heartedness with God.
Today is the day we are granted to conduct the April monthly service. The service performers will unite their hearts to perform the seated service and Teodori joyously and in high spirits. Please accept our prayers as we brothers and sisters of this Path have looked forward to this day and have gathered before You to sing the Mikagura-uta.
Due to Your blessing, of 80 participants and volunteers, four kids and eleven adult volunteers from Pearl Church attended and helped at the Boys and Girls Association 37th General Meeting and Spring Camp on March 24-26. On March 31st, the Pearl Church Spring Memorial Service was faithfully held on March 31st with five attendees.
Every Friday, Sakura Academy conducted Japanese language class here at Pearl Church with five students and on two days last month, 4 persons did yard work for the elderly and disabled, and maintained neglected sidewalks.
We give thanks to be able to spread the fragrance of the teachings and engage in salvation work. We pray for victims and survivors of disasters around the world that they may have hope and inner strength that will overcome their despair and suffering. Please bless us with the strength and compassion to extend that helping hand.
We hope that our efforts will bring joy to You and peace in this world where all people help one another as one family. With our minds in unity towards the Truth of the Jiba, we would like to spiritedly perform the April Monthly Service today, in this 175th Year of Tenrikyo.
In union with the congregation, I pray for these blessings.