Events
Work Day
Sunday, March 31

Twice each year we get together for work day. This is an opportunity for us to dedicate time to our practice place as a community. There are a variety of jobs around BZC that call for different skills. Everyone's efforts are welcome and appreciated. If there is something in particular you would like to work on, or if you are holding on to a secret talent, this is the time to let it out. We look forward to your joining us for either a half or whole day of work. Lunch and snacks are provided. If you have questions please contact Dianne Schnapp, kimodi@mac.com.

Special First Friday Talk
April 5

On April 5, we will have a very special First Friday talk (5:40 pm) given by Mira Gordon, 13-year-old Willard Middle School student, whose family has been practicing at BZC for many years (her whole life!). Mira will share her eighth grade culture fair project about her family's practice, which includes visuals and words about how Buddhism affects and influences her life. Children and adults of all ages are invited to attend.

Mira writes: When people ask what my culture fair project is about, and I say Buddhism, many ask, "So are you Buddhist?" Although I have been going to a Zen center my whole life with my family, I wouldn't say I'm religiously Buddhist. I do not meditate often, or pray to the Buddha, or burn incense, or believe in demons and ghosts, as are the stereotypes of Buddhist people. My family practices Buddhism as a way of life. We avoid committing acts of greed, hate, and delusion, as Buddha said that these are the causes of all suffering, and we try to be mindful, compassionate, and kind. From teachings at Zen Center, to conversations about Buddhism with my family, to a goal to end suffering, Buddhism has shaped my life in positive ways.

Buddha's Birthday
Saturday, April 6

On Saturday, April 6, we will celebrate Buddha's birthday-an important date on the Zen calendar, marking not only the Buddha's birth but also the fresh possibility of awakening in one's own life. Friends and families are welcome, especially children!

The Saturday program will start at 9:30 am, but preparations will begin earlier in the morning. See the zendo bulletin board for the full schedule and to sign up to help prepare the temple grounds and clean up after the celebration.

An important part of the ceremony is bathing the baby Buddha in his bower. Everyone is invited to help decorate the flower bower on Saturday morning from 7:30-8:30 am. Donations of flowers are welcome, too. Carnations, irises, daisies, ranunculus, sweet william, and camellias are especially good. Leave flowers on the community room porch before evening zazen on Friday, April 5, or bring treasures from your garden when you come Saturday morning. For more information, contact head chiden Catharine Lucas at cmanerlucas@earthlink.net.

CPR Class
Saturday, May 4

It has been over two years since BZC hosted an adult and child Lifesaver CPR class. We are planning one now, for Saturday, May 4 at 1:00 p.m. The class will take about three hours. Please join us! There will soon be a sign-up sheet on the patio bulletin board, which will include further details about the class.

BZC Campout
July 13 - 14

Save the Date! BZC Campout! You are warmly invited to the annual BZC campout, scheduled for July 13-14. We've reserved a group campsite in nearby Tilden Park, and will meet for a potluck dinner and possibly a short hike, as well as S'mores and songs around the campfire, and, the next morning, oatmeal and coffee/tea/cocoa. Join us to pass on the campfire rounds we grew up with, tell stories, and learn the latest songs from our own kids. Families and those without children are all welcome.

If you prefer not to stay for the night, come for the dinner and company. If you would like to stay but are missing a tent or sleeping bag, let us know, and we can almost definitely find one for you. Contact Katherine O. at klo999@yahoo.com if you have questions, and look for a sign-up on the bulletin board in early July.

Inside the Gate, Outside the Box
Saturday, September 28

The BZC Bazaar and Fundraiser planning is underway. The event will be held September 28 at BZC after the Saturday program. Once again, we'll have scrumptious food, a festive atmosphere, a silent auction, and a raffle for many excellent prizes, including dinner at Greens Restaurant. There are innumerable ways that sangha members can contribute to the fun and success of this event:

Raffle: We accept and encourage donations of raffle items. In prior years, people have donated gift certificates, handmade goods, and purchased items. Contact Veronica Reilly at 609.915.7909/ very23@gmail.com, or Andrew Corson at 510.541.2004/ andrewcorson@sbcglobal.net with donation ideas.

Silent Auction: In lieu of a committee-organized silent auction featuring items donated primarily from the wider community -though we will have one or two of those- we invite you to participate in our BZC member-to-member silent auction. This is an opportunity for sangha members and friends to offer skills, services, or talents to raise money for BZC's Leadership Fund. It's also a great excuse to spend some leisure time together. Popular examples from past silent auctions have included gourmet home-cooked meals, hikes, and workshops with local Zen luminaries. Among this year's offerings is a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oakland Zoo with docent (and BZC Treasurer) Paul Farber. What might you offer? Think inside the gate but outside the box and bring your ideas to us! You will not need to be present on party day or monitor bidding, and we'll help you get organized. For more info or to share an idea, contact Peter Pfaelzer at 510.843.1490/pfpfaelzer@gmail.com or Jeff Taylor at 925.997.7831/jeft2k@yahoo.com.