Dear Buddhist Church of Parlier Sangha, Family and Friends,

We will soon be midway through summer! It has been an enjoyable season at our temple, made even better by the wonderful weather.

We are incredibly proud of the Medaka no Gakko team for a successful 2026 Summer Session. Kari and her staff shared lessons on Japanese heritage and culture with 53 students and their families. It was a joy to see the children learning about the history of their projects and enjoying traditional food including okonomiyaki, temaki, chicken katsu, yakisoba, kakigori, oyako donburi and more prepared by head chef, Sho.  From the sushi-making contest to the pounding mochi machines, ceramics designing, kokedama planting and kintsugi pottery repair; it was a fantastic opportunity for our children and grandchildren to connect with their heritage through this almost 50-year tradition of cooperative learning. Thank you to everyone involved.

Our Obon festival is quickly approaching on Saturday, July 18th, marking the finale of the Central California District Council’s Obon season. Please mark your calendars as our members, families, and friends work together to bring this year’s festivities to the valley.

Be sure to order your chicken bowls before the deadline to enjoy Sho and Kari's cooking.  We also offer Toshie’s somen and Carol’s chicken salad so come early before they sell out!  Additionally, Medaka no Gakko will be selling desserts, and the Kozuki/Higuchi families will serve Hawaiian Shave Ice starting at 6:30 PM.  YUM!

Beyond the food, we look forward to the fellowship of our community. We invite you to join us for odori dancing as we remember those who have passed away and we share our gratitude for all who have shaped our lives.

In gassho,
Buddhist Church of Parlier

P.S. To Sho - Enjoy your month off as the BCP Newsletter Editor-in-Chief.  You deserve a break.  We appreciate you for all your hard work in bringing the BCP newsletter to members, family and friends!