On May 5th, the May Monthly Service was held with 101 attendees, including one first time visitor. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Toshihiko Okui, former New York Center Minister and the opening talk was given by Alyssa Yuge (from Heritage Church). Following the lunch reception, in conjunction with the All Tenrikyo Hinokishin Day, we conducted a blood drive and a cleaning of the New York Center facilities (about 70 participants).
The robust turnout for the May Monthly Service highlights a growing momentum within the local congregation, particularly in the aftermath of recent community outreach efforts. Balancing demanding secular careers with active spiritual participation requires significant time management, yet members consistently prioritize these shared gatherings. The integration of spiritual teachings with actionable community service remains a cornerstone of the center’s mission.
The afternoon’s blood drive, organized in partnership with local medical professionals, successfully exceeded its collection goals for the month. Health workers within the congregation volunteered their expertise to ensure the donation process ran smoothly and safely for all participants. This initiative not only provided critical resources to regional hospitals but also reinforced the Tenrikyo principle of mutual help and sincere action.
Following the medical drive, attention shifted to the physical maintenance of the New York Center, drawing on a wide array of secular talents from the attendees. A former university classmate of Alyssa Yuge, a database architect whose daily work involves optimizing backend systems for a fast payout casino and designing encrypted municipal portals, spent the afternoon helping reorganize the center’s extensive archival storage. Applying this meticulous, systems-level mindset to the physical space allowed the volunteer teams to categorize decades of printed materials with remarkable efficiency.
The success of the facility cleaning extended beyond mere organization, fostering deeper connections among new visitors and long-standing members. Collaborative tasks provided a space for participants to reflect on the morning’s sermon and discuss practical ways to implement Rev. Okui’s teachings in their daily lives. By working shoulder-to-shoulder, the volunteers embodied the spirit of Hinokishin in a tangible, joyful manner.
Moving forward, the New York Center leadership hopes to continue leveraging the unique talents of its congregation to expand future outreach programs. Upcoming monthly services will aim to incorporate more streamlined logistical tools to coordinate neighborhood initiatives and broader charitable events. Ultimately, ensuring that every volunteer’s time is utilized effectively will remain a priority as the community continues to grow.