John-sensei Away Beginning April 13; Dokusan with Donna-sensei

John-sensei will leave Thursday morning to visit our affiliate group in Madison, Wisconsin. He’ll be leading a 2-day sesshin at the Madison Zen Center, and then he’ll also be gone the following week on vacation. While he’s away, Donna-sensei will offer dokusan at Arnold Park on Thursday evenings (April 13 and 20) instead of Fridays. The usual dokusan schedule will resume Monday, April 24.

New Head of Zendo at Chapin Mill (May 1)

With Donna-sensei stepping into the role of presiding teacher starting May 1, John-sensei has appointed Tom Kowal as the new Chapin Mill Head of Zendo. In addition, Danan Redding will become our overall Facilities Manager with responsibility for Arnold Park and Chapin Mill.

Coming-to-the-Path Talk, Sunday, April 16

Zen Center trustee Rebecca Gilbert will give a Coming-to-the-Path talk this Sunday morning. In these talks, senior students share how they came to Zen and to the Center. A question-and-answer period will follow. You’re invited to join us onsite in the Arnold Park zendo, on Zoom, or via our audio livestream.

Arnold Park Workday, Saturday, April 22

Spring is here, so come if you can to a Sangha workday at Arnold Park on Saturday, April 22. The workday is from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Goal: Weeding, mulching, pruning, and edging, both the back yard and front. We promise donuts and coffee. Pizza and salad will also be provided.

If you can’t make it by 9:00, or stay until 1:00, please join us for as long as you’re able. Please RSVP to Trueman and mention any gardening skills (and physical limitations) you may have. Even if you can’t commit yet or don’t sign up in advance, you’re welcome to drop in for all or part of the day.

Reminder: Self-Nominations, Deadline on April 23

If you have the background, energy, and interest to be part of the team leading the Rochester Zen Center through ongoing challenges and change, we hope you’ll submit a trustee self-nomination. For questions or more information, contact Zen Center treasurer Barry Keesan.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 15:

Sunday, April 16:

Wednesday, April 19

Sunday, April 23

Sangha Potluck, Sunday, April 23

Come join Sangha members for a simple potluck. Bring a vegetarian dish to share and plan to help clean up for about 10 minutes afterward. The front door opens at 3:00 pm. If you plan to come, please RSVP to Jamie.

Volunteer Lunch, Saturday, April 29, 1:00 pm

The Zen Center wouldn’t run as smoothly as it does if it wasn’t for a ton of wonderful volunteers – both in person and online. Since we haven’t had a volunteer lunch in a few years, we’d like to invite anyone who has volunteered in the recent past for a celebratory lunch. We would love to offer you a big thank you! We hope you can join us at Arnold Park at 1 pm on Saturday, April 29. Please RSVP by email to Lila  or by filling out this very short form. We often reach maximum capacity at these lunches, so we very much appreciate your RSVP.