The College Division of the Students Training Course, sponsored by Tenrikyo Church Headquarters, began on March 3. The course allows college students across Japan to deepen their bonds of friendship and their faith. In addition to hinokishin activities, service dance practices, and musical instruments practice, students select lectures they would like to attend such as those dedicated to the doctrine, medicine, and the overseas mission. The Students Training Course is scheduled to be held until March 9.

Tenrikyo 180 Spring Grand Service, which commemorates Miki Nakayama’s withdrawal from physical life on lunar 1/26/1887, was conducted on January 26. After the Shinbashira’s reading of the service prayer, the Kagura Service and Teodori was conducted as followers sang along to the Mikagura-uta. Taking the podium to give the sermon, the Shinbashira called for all churches to set an example of the Joyous Life.

On November 12, Nepal Renrakusho in Kathmandu welcomed the Shinbashira, his wife Harue, and Successor Designate Daisuke Nakayama for their 50^th anniversary service. Since its founding in 1966, Nepal Renrakusho has promoted Japanese language instruction and social welfare activities.

The Shinbashira then gave a celebratory address on the mindset of the Joyous Life and moving forward in a unity of mind and cheerful spiritedness. This was followed by a performance of the service, which was sung by some 250 followers.

Renrakusho Head Yoshiharu Kamimura then expressed his gratitude and asked for more salvation efforts from the congregation.

Rev. Keigo Morishita, former head minister of Brotherhood Church and fourth minister of Tenrikyo New York Center, passed away for rebirth on October 30 at 4:53 p.m. He was 93 years old.

Rev. Keigo Morisihta certainly lived a rich life and he will truly be missed.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at Mission Headquarters in Los Angeles on December 3.

11,000 homes were damaged in the “Central Tottori Prefecture Earthquake” on October 21. On October 23 and 24, the Disaster Relief Hinokishin Corps of Tottori Diocese was dispatched to affected areas. They took part in the recovery effort after receiving a request from Kurayoshi Social Welfare Council and responded to residents’ needs through a disaster relief volunteer center. Recovery efforts included manually disassembling brick walls where trucks could not enter. A total of 129 members took part.

Between October 2 and 9, the Disaster Relief Hinokishin Corps (DRHC) were dispatched to Iwaiizumi-cho, Iwate. The area was affected by Typhoon Lionrock. Massive flooding caused 19 deaths and damage to some 700 homes. Upon receiving a request from Iwaiizumi-cho’s Social Welfare Council, staff from DRHC Headquarters, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, and Aomori dioceses were dispatched in three waves. Members removed mud covered household goods and debris from homes.

Article source:

• http://www.tenrikyo.or.jp/yoboku/news/2016/10/11/23389/

Photo source: http://www.tenrikyo.or.jp/yoboku/news/2016/09/30/23306/

On September 25, a Boys and Girls Association 50^th anniversary gathering was held in the East Worship Hall of the Main Sanctuary with the Shinbashira, Mrs. Harue Nakayama and Mr. Daisuke Nakayama in attendance.

In addition to Director-in-Chiefs of Administrative Affairs and Religious Affairs, members of BGA Headquarters, and chapter chairs assembled for a total of 2,172 people. After the performance of the service, the Shinbashira gave an address on the purpose of the BGA, the vertical mission, and the frame of mind of nurturing committee members.

Rev. Nakata speaking as a panelist at a section meeting on the 19th.

The 2016 International Meeting of Prayer for Peace in Assisi was held between September 18 and 20 with the theme “Thirst for Peace” where representatives of major religions participated. The Tenrikyo contingent consisted of six people, including Director-in-Chief of Administrative Affairs Zensuke Nakata, Tenri University vice president Ikuo Higashibaba, Europe Centre Head Yoshihisa Hasegawa, and Dai Roma Mission Station Head Hideo Yamaguchi. Rev. Nakata served as a panelist for one of the 29 section meetings on September 19 and attended a lunch with Pope Francis on the last day. Tenrikyo delegates then conducted the seated service until Song Four and attended the closing ceremony in which candles were lit as a prayer for world peace.

Article and photo source:

• http://www.tenrikyo.or.jp/yoboku/news/2016/09/24/23278/

Other reading:

• http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/09/20/pope_francis_in_assisi_for_world_day_of_prayer_for_peace_/1259372

On September 19, a celebration ceremony was held for gold medalist Shohei Ono and bronze medalist Kento Masaki in Dining Hall No. 2. About 900 people were in attendance.

The Shinbashira gave his congratulations to both athletes. Both Ono and Masaki received awards from Tenri City and offered words of appreciation.

Congo Brazzaville Church celebrated its 50th anniversary on September 10. The Shinbashira was in attendance and gave an address.
On September 11, the founding ceremony of the church’s chapters of the Young Men’s Association and Women’s Association was held.