Vol. 23 # 1
New Year Greetings
Happy New Year. I am truly honored and grateful to have been blessed with life by Heaven and Earth and to be able to welcome the new year of 2023 with all of you today. Looking back on 2022, we experienced the Covid-19 pandemic, remnants of war, and other events that have caused sadness or pain. However, even among such conflicts, we believers received vast blessings from Kami. Konko Daijin teaches “Those who believe should not be surprised.” In other words, if you live with Kami, there is nothing to worry about.
This year marks the 140th anniversary of Konko Daijin’s passing. I would like to work with you to commemorate this important year and advance our faith.
In November 1859, the Divine Parent of the Universe asked Konko Daijin, ``There are many people like yourself, who have sincere faith in kamis, but still have many problems. Help these people by performing Mediation.” For twenty-seven years, Konko Daijin served through Mediation without difficulties until his passing in 1883.
The Divine Parent of the Universe clarified ways humans could be saved and described human suffering as the following: “Right now the world is a human-centered world. All things are done by people’s own strength, and many people are going against my teachings. Those who do as Kami states will become a kami. Long ago, there was a kami-centered world. Because of this, I will teach people how to return to a kami-centered world. Human difficulties and sufferings are caused by people’s own hearts. Whether or not they can live in a peaceful world also depends upon their own heart.” Furthermore, Kami regarded human beings as beloved children and sought a way for "Kami and people to achieve their fulfillment by seeking mutual interdependence."
The Divine Parent of the Universe entrusted this way of life to Konko Daijin and wished the faith would spread and continue forever after Konko Daijin’s death. Konko Daijin also said, "I will leave my body and become a true Kami."
Let us now look at the teachings of Konko Daijin in his last year.
When Tsunezo Karahi asked Konko Daijin, “What will happen to this faith after you are gone?” Konko Daijin answered, “You need not worry, as only my physical form will be gone. Having a physical body makes it difficult for me to see people’s sufferings in the world. When my body is gone, I can go wherever I am requested and save people.”
Konko Daijin told Hachitaro Shimamura, “Though I am called Ikigami Konko Daijin, my physical body subjects me to heat and cold. By leaving my body to become one with Kami, I will not be limited in being able to protect people.”
Furthermore, Konko Daijin told Gihei Fukushima, “The moon may disappear behind clouds, but it is still there. My physical form will also disappear someday, but I will still be here. I shall live forever. Do not be concerned about whether my physical form exists or not. Practice faith single heartedly and sincerely.”
Even after his death, Konko Daijin hoped to live for eternity to further spread his work as a Kami of Mediation. The Divine Parent of the Universe wished Konko Daijin to continue to save the world from hardships even after his passing. Ikigami Konko Daijin will finally work as a Kami for eternity. This will lead to Konko Daijin’s prosperity. It was Kami’s arrangement for the Mediation of Ikigami Konko Daijin and Kami’s work to continue for eternity.
This year marks the 140th anniversary since Konko Daijin became a true Kami. Let us wholeheartedly receive blessings with Kami as we try to understand Kami’s wishes, replicate Konko Daijin’s heart for saving others, and reveal in our lives that “Kami and people live together.”
This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the church in West Los Angeles by the first Head Minister Reverend Isao Goto and his wife Tomoyo. Upon returning from the internment camp after World War II, Rev. Goto and his wife bought a house in Arlington and started missionary work in their living room. Those who knew of his ardent devotion since his days as a believer, visited him one after another to receive divine blessings.
Thereafter, the name of the church was changed to the Konko Church of Hollywood, followed by the Konko Church of Gardena where it underwent construction and continues to be devoted as Konko Daijin’s worship hall. It is important to express our appreciation to Kami for the divine blessings that have been received over the past seventy years by the first Head Minister, successive Head Ministers, registered ministers, and many followers.
Let us work on "praying for people" this year. Konko Daijin said, “Put yourself last, and pray to save others first. Then Kami will take care of our needs.” Furthermore, “Don’t ever forget the longtime pain you have suffered and the divine blessings you have received. As long as you don’t forget these two things, your illness won’t recur. Hereafter, when people come to you in pain, give prayers for them while recalling your own suffering and divine blessings you have received.“ This is Kami’s happiness. Kami will be born in your heart. Let us practice praying for others and receive divine blessings.
News from the Southern California churches
The 2023 KCNA Conference Committee meeting will be held on Saturday, February 11 at 10 a.m. at the Konko Church of Gardena. We will not be meeting in January. We look forward to seeing you there.
Konko Church of Gardena
New Year’s Day Service
The New Year’s Day service for Gardena church will be held on Sunday, January 1 at 8 a.m. Let us pray for good health and prosperity for the new year and attend this service with gratitude as we greet Kami and friends on the first day of the year.
Monthly Service and New Year’s Party
The Monthly Service and New Year’s Party will be held on Sunday, January 15 at 10 a.m. Come join us for the potluck and White Elephant Gift Exchange. Please bring a dish and gift that you would like to share with others. We look forward to seeing you there.
Gardena Church Work Committee Workshop
The GCWC will be meeting on Sunday, January 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will be discussing Konko Daijin’s teachings from Gorikai III Jinkyu-kyogoroku. Please let Rev. Uzunoe know if you would like to attend.
Konko Church of Los Angeles
New Year’s Day Service
The New Year’s Day service for Los Angeles church will be held on Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. Let us pray for good health and prosperity for the new year and attend this service with gratitude as we greet Kami and friends on the first day of the year.
Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Sadae Tambara
The Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Sadae Tambara will be held on Tuesday, January 10 at 10 a.m. at the Konko Church of Gardena. Please contact Amy Tambara or the Gardena Church for more information.
Final Farewell and Burial Service for Mrs. Sadae Tambara
The Final Farewell and Burial Service for Mrs. Sadae Tambara will be held on Wednesday, January 11 at the Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. The time is to be determined. Please contact Amy Tambara or the Gardena Church for more information.
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