Sangha Newsletter
January 24, 2013
Sangha Notes
Dr. Cheryl Fraser is back this Saturday. Her topic this week is Faith and the Basics: Faith in the Teachings of the Four Noble Truths. Last week Cheryl talked about the Five Precepts. Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village has a beautiful version of the Five Precepts at
http://www.plumvillage.org/mindfulness-trainings/3-the-five-mindfulness-trainings.html
As they step down from the Sangha organizing committee, we want to thank Anita and Barbara for all their hard work and years of service. Anita was in charge of housekeeping and flowers, and Barbara was our recording secretary. These positions are now open, and if you think that you are able to fill one of these roles, please see Josephine. A description of the duties are below.
A thank you is also in order to Michael and Kelly who had been doing the pre-meditation yoga sessions.
We have a Sangha Challenge. Last week Dr. Cheryl, as well as the Vietnamese Sangha, have donated some cushions to ease our knees and ankles on the bare floor. We need to raise money for the cushion covers, so we are asking Sangha members to adopt a cushion for $10. Sangha Members in Campbell River will sew the covers for us.
As you may know, there are beautiful new floors in the Buddha House. With the renovation, the room is cooler, so if you want to stay warm while meditating you should bring a meditation shawl or small blanket. Also, the stairs are very slippery, we have already had two Sangha members slip on the stairs. Please hang on to the rail when going up or down the stairs. If you feel you need more grip, it may be an idea to wear socks or slippers with grip on the bottom, or to wear bare feet when going up or down the stairs.
Our next business meeting is Saturday, February 16. If you have any agenda items, please email us.
The extra spots for the Peaceful Mind, Open Heart retreat are filling quickly. If you are interested in attending this retreat with Dr. Cheryl Fraser, please send an email to nanaimobuddhistmeditationgroup@shaw.ca for a registration form. The cost is $215, and the deadline is February 8th.
Upcoming Teaching Schedule
Saturday, January 26 from 10 AM - 12 PM
Teaching with Dr. Cheryl Fraser
Saturday, February 2 from 10 AM - 12 PM
Teaching with Dr. Cheryl Fraser
Saturday, February 9 from 10 AM - 12 PM
Teaching with Dr. Cheryl Fraser
Saturday, February 16 from 10 AM - 12 PM
_Teaching with Dr. Cheryl Fraser
Special Events
Peaceful Mind, Open Heart
Mar 8-10, 2013
Peaceful Mind, Open Heart: Meditation and Dharma for Busy Lives
with Dr. Cheryl Fraser
Friday, March 8 - Sunday, March 10, 2013
at the Bethlehem Retreat Centre
2371 Arbot Road, Nanaimo, BC
The Buddha was arguably the first psychologist. He taught us how to directly experience our minds, thoughts, and emotions. Through cultivating awareness of our mind, we can reduce distress and increase calm and happiness.
This weekend will focus on insight meditation and Metta practice. It will be a silent residential retreat with some guided meditation and Dharma talks.
Registration information:
A few spots have been opened up by the Bethlehem Retreat Centre. Registrations with full payment must be received by February 8th. This guarantees the space at the Bethlehem Retreat Centre.
Space is very limited, so if you would like to attend, please send your registration forms in early.
Total Cost: $215
Please note that all deadlines are made by the Retreat Centre.
Registration forms are available at our Saturday Sangha meetings, or by emailing nanaimobuddhistmeditationgroup@shaw.ca.
For more information, call Josephine at (250) 756-2127
Housekeeping & Secretary Duties
The housekeeping organizer and the recording secretary positions on the Sangha organizing committee are vacant. If you have a bit of time to donate, please see Josephine.
Housekeeping Organizer Duties
Make sure the tasks listed on the cleaning schedule are completed on Saturdays
Pick up cleaning supplies and submit receipts for reimbursement to treasurer
Wash dirty towels from the temple
Pick up fresh flowers as and when required
Submit expense report at the end of the month for flower purchases to treasurer for reconciliation
Maintain at least $30.00 in the flower purchase fund
When fund reaches $30.00 request for approval for replenishment from NBG account or donation from Sangha members
Lock the temple
Recording Secretary Duties
Request for agenda items two weeks prior to business meeting date
Send agenda items out one week prior to business meeting
Take minutes and email minutes to Sangha members
Track Action items at each meeting
Ensure new members are invited to sign up on the e-mail distribution list.
Maintain contact lists
Serve as back up for electronic email mail outs
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