Joining the 2-day Sesshin (December 11-13)
The regular schedule for Zoom sittings and Finding Your Seat has been cancelled this weekend. However, a reminder for people who are not attending sesshin: you are welcome to join any parts of the sesshin (though without Private Instruction). If you do, please enter before the block of sitting begins or during a kinhin so as to minimize distraction. Likewise, if you cannot stay for the entire block of sitting, exit Zoom during one of the kinhins, whenever possible. Here is the schedule so you know what times to enter and join (the rounds are 35 minutes long with a 7-minute kinhin in between). Note: the sesshin (including Dharma Talks) will NOT be broadcast on the Center’s audio livestream but will be streamed on Zoom only. If you have any questions, contact Dené Redding, dene.redding@gmail.com.
The regular Zoom sittings will resume Monday morning, December 14.
Check-in
How are you doing? Have you had to reduce your grocery budget to pay for rent? Or do you fear that food security will be a concern? Some of us have been there, but then to face that stress during a pandemic! Let’s work on it together, one need at a time.
Our Sangha has lots of resources, so let’s share them. If you have food needs, let’s talk: dene.redding@gmail.com.
Seeing Through Racism Meeting
The next meeting of the Seeing Through Racism group will be Sunday, December 20, at 12:30 PM EST. We will be using the Zen Center’s Zoom account, so it’s the same meeting ID and password we use for sittings and sesshin. If you have questions about Zoom, please email Dené at dene.redding@gmail.com. All are welcome.
AmazonSmile
If you ever shop through Amazon, by selecting the Rochester Zen Center as your designated charitable organization, one-half of one percent of anything you spend there will be donated to the Center. That may seem like a small percentage, but it adds up, and we’ve gratefully received more than $2,500 since registering the Center with AmazonSmile.
If you’d like to sign up, go to https://smile.amazon.com.
Household Energy Efficiency Challenge
The Zen Center Sangha is one of the largest groups of subscribers to Community Solar, and let’s keep it going! Rochester Area Interfaith Climate Action (RAICA) is hosting a Household Energy Efficiency 20/21 Challenge, which offers free energy audits, answers questions about making changes to your household, and connects participants to incentives and rebates. The challenge is robust, and the support is available. Sign up here, and mention that you are part of team RZC.
The Four Vows – in Maori
Those who might like to hear the Four Vows recited in the Maori (native New Zealand) language may click on this link, sent by Amala-sensei: The Four Vows (Maori).
Need a Handyman?
Sangha member Joshua Groves is seeking work doing minor household repairs or whatever tasks you may need help with in your home. Joshua is also experienced in garden maintenance and can help you get your garden ready for spring.
Joshua spent a year in residential training after coming to Rochester a few years ago to be closer to the Center. While here, he worked in the gardens and in repair and maintenance. Since leaving training, Joshua has worked in the local horticulture industry, becoming a Master Gardener and selling plants at Clover Nursery and Oriental Garden Supply.
If you are interested in Joshua’s services, you may contact him by phone at (585)-471-0167 or by email, atjjgroves@yahoo.com.