On the occasion of Hanamatsuri Rev. Ron Miyamura gives two Dharma talks (first to the Dharma School class and then to the Sangha) about the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha. 

For his Dharma Talk Rev. Miyamura answers questions from Dharma School students as well as others in attendance at Family Service. 

Isabelle Bernard is a Ministers Assistant from the New York Buddhist Church. She recently completed her Buddhist training in Japan. Her talk is about the Buddhist meaning of Ohigan or "other shore". 

Ministers Assistant Dan Peterson provides the Dharma Talk at Family Service. His message is about applying Buddhist lessons to the many thoughts and judgements we each have in everyday life. 

Jeremy Nicholls, Outreach Worker for Conerstone Community Outreach (CCO), addressed the Sangha to provide an insight to the work of his organization. CCO operates a Homeless Shelter in Uptown which houses between 400 and 500 individuals each night. CCO has also partnered with New Life for Old Bags (MBT's Buddhist Womens organication participates in NLOB) to provide sleeping mats to individuals as a part of their aid. 

Ministers Assistant Sandra Adams speaks at the March Monthly Memorial Service. Her message is about gaining a better understand of Shakyamuni Buddha's teaching through the many writings of Shinran Shonin.

Rev. Ron Miyamura speaks of how ego is the obstacle to understanding and accepting the change around us. He speaks of Shinran Shonin's experience of overcoming his ego to attain enlightenment.

Ministers Assistant Roger Suekama speaks about his life-long journey to realizing the significance of Buddhism in his life.

Rev. Miyamura speaks about Nirvana Day which, in Buddhist tradition, is the day commemorating the death of the historical Shakamuni Buddha. In his Dharma Talk, Rev. Miyamura shares one of the stories of the Buddha's final days and the teaching he conveyed even in his death. 

Rev. Miyamura speaks at the combined February Family Service and Monthly Memorial Service. His message is about Oshoko (offering of incense) and the expression of Gassho (placing palms together and reciting the Nembutsu).