Ceremony of Gratitude Tomorrow Morning, Sunday, November 17

Our Ceremony of Gratitude this year takes place during the regular Sunday sitting (tomorrow morning, starting at 8:30 am). When you come into the Link, note pads and pencils will be out, and you can write a sentence or two about anything you want to give thanks for. Or write your statement at home and bring it with you. During the ceremony, we’ll be reading a selection of what people have written. If you can’t make it, but would like to offer up something of your own, email it to john@rzc.org, and we’ll include it in the mix.

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Zen Center

We’re just beginning to collect sign-ups for Thanksgiving dinner here at the Center. You can sign up on a sheet in the Link, or call the Center (585-473-9180), and Cecily will pencil you in. Bring a vegetarian dish, hand-made or store-bought, to share. Dinner begins at 4 pm in the dining room at Arnold Park, but folks are welcome to come by earlier in the afternoon (say from 1:00 on) to socialize.

Donation Baskets in the Link

As in years past, we have baskets out in the Link for donations of non-perishable (and not expired) canned or boxed food, which we’ll pass on to Foodlink, and for winter clothing (coats, gloves, socks, etc.) to go to St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality, which provides food, clothing, and shelter to those in need. For a more detailed list of needed items, go here.

A Message from the Kannon Committee

Though it can be difficult, accepting (or providing) help can be a wonderful practice for both parties and can help forge a sense of community and connection within the Sangha. The Kannon Committee is a group of Zen Center volunteers who organize and provide non-medical support for Sangha members going through tough times, such as a medical or other personal crisis. Kannon Committee support often takes the form of hospital or home visits, walking dogs, providing meals, running errands, or completing household tasks, and can be tailored to meet your needs – but we can’t help if you don’t let us know you need it. To put yourself on the Committee’s radar as someone in need of non-medical help, or to add yourself to the list of volunteers, please email Keith Carpenter at keithcarpenter1000@gmail.com.

Rainbow Sangha Is Back! 

All LGBTQIA+ members of the RZC Sangha (and other local Sanghas!) are invited for coffee, tea, pastries, and community at Equal Grounds Coffee House (750 South Avenue, at Caroline) on Sunday, December 16, at 3 pm. We’ll be getting to know each other better and answering the question, “How have our lived experiences informed and interacted with our practice?” Please send RSVPs and questions to Angela Hakkila, hakkila@wisc.edu.

New Recipes

We’re continuing to add, gradually, to Zen Center recipes on the website. They’re shared as a resource for Sangha efforts in moving toward a more compassionate and sustainable diet. You can find the line on the Home page or just click here.