Committees & Groups
Organizations of the TBC
Committees & Groups
Organizations of the TBC
TBC Board of Directors
Function of the Group:
This is the central governing body of the church which outlines the rules by which the church activities are conducted.
Demographics of the Group:
There is a mixture of ages from the 20’s to the 80’s. There is a balance of male and female members.
Short History of the Group:
The Board consists of up to 29 members (with assistants) who serve three years. The president is elected for a two year term. One third of the members are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting in November. Changes to the structure of the Board are currently under consideration.
When and How Often Does the Group Meet?
The Executive Board meets on the first Monday of the month. The full Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Both meetings are in the evening. There is no meeting in August.
Sangha
Function of the Group:
This men’s group is active in special events at the church such as the bazaar, mochi tsuki (rice making), Family Banquet and assisting in special services like Keirokai and Hanamatsuri. They are also involved in the daily work of the temple such as the set up and moving of chairs and tables.
Demographics of the Group:
Members range in age from 40 years and older.
Short History of the Group:
Sangha was established in 1950 by young Nisei men who took on a leadership role in the TBC. A number of innovations were established over the years by this group such as (a) the TBC was incorporated in 1952; (b) Camp Lumbini was built at Wasaga Beach in 1964; (c) they managed the Youth Building Fund; (d) the Pledge System was established; (e) A group service system was established. Sangha will be celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2010.
When and How Often Does the Group Meet?
Members meet monthly after the second Sunday morning service of the month. An AGM is held in November.
Dana
Function of the Group:
Dana is a women’s group which takes an active role in fundraising projects. Much of the work is done at the bazaar as well as at community aid events at such places as the Momiji Seniors Residence, Castleview Lodge Nursing Home and the JCCC.
Demographics of the Group:
Members are 60 years and older.
Short History of the Group:
In 1959 Mrs. Ishiura, wife of the incumbent minister, encouraged the women of the church to form this organization. They were soon involved in the activities of the church and in community volunteer work. In 1967 the Dana Scholarship was established and in 2004 a commemorative booklet “Way of Life” was published. In 1982 the group joined the World Buddhist Women’s Federation.
When and How Often Does the Group Meet?
Dana meets monthly after the first morning service of the month. An AGM is held annually in November.
Shin Fujinkai
Function of the Group:
As a younger, smaller women’s group, the Shin Fujinkai women participate in temple activities, working around their careers and family commitments.They often join the Dana to help out during social events and assist in the kitchen. They have also organized various fundraising activities during the planning and construction of the new church. After the temple’s completion, they produced the new “Itadakimasu II” cookbook.
Demographics of the Group:
Members are 30 years and older.
Short History of the Group:
In May of 1998, a small group of women formed an auxiliary group for younger women in the temple. The group celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2008. The group has been led by 3 past presidents and presently have 3 coordinators who share the president’s responsibilities. The group also joined the World Buddhist Women’s Federation and sent a representative to the Federation’s annual general meeting which takes place every April.
When and How Often Does the Group Meet?
Shin Fujinkai meets every second month to discuss upcoming events and projects which they wish to undertake. The meetings are held after the morning service on a predetermined date.
Shin Fujinkai gladly welcome new members.
Committees & Groups
Religious Department
The Religious Department works in close harmony with the Ministers and under their supervision. The department carries out the duties necessary to fulfill the religious programs and needs of the church.
Dharma School
The Dharma School, through the Supervisor, works with the Ministers. Under their guidance they carry out the duties necessary to fulfill the religious education of the children. The Supervisor recruits and trains the teachers.
Youth Department
The Youth Department Director works closely with the Ministers and the Board of Directors to oversee youth activities and to organize and coordinate fruitful programs for the youth of the church.
Finance
The Finance Director studies the financial needs of the church to meet the objectives of the church. He/she prepares the annual budget which is submitted for approval at the Annual General Meeting. The pledge program is the responsibility of the Director. The Finance Director works closely with the Treasurer.
Membership
The Membership Director will have on permanent record the names, addresses and other relevant information of people who are members of the corporation as defined, honorary members and friends of the church. The Director’s duty is to increase the membership. He/she prepares the annual nomination slate for the Directors and President.
Maintenance
The Maintenance Director is responsible for the upkeep of the temple, utilities and other properties of the church in reasonable condition. He/she organizes the caretaker and outdoor maintenance personnel. The Director budgets for future repairs when necessary. The assistant responsible for Camp Lumbini maintenance arranges the rentals.
Welfare
The Welfare Director regulates the welfare and social service programs of the church:
(a) Funerals: The Director and the Ministers arrange the personnel and the events for the member
(b) Visits to the hospitalized and infirm members and informing the Ministers is another responsibility
(c) Community welfare programs (eg: Momiji, Castleview and Yee Hong Nursing Homes) are under the Welfare Department
(d) Liaison with community senior citizen groups
Special Projects
The Special Projects Director supervises the social programs of the church:
(a) Annual Keirokai honouring the seniors in March
(b) Church picnic
(c) Fall bazaar and raffle
(d) Other special projects
Social
The Social Director plans and supervises the social program of the church:
(a) New Year’s Social
(b) Keirokai luncheons
(c) Teas for visiting guests
(d) Obon lunch
(e) Other social events
Publication
The Publication Director is responsible for the publishing of the monthly bulletin “Guiding Light”. He/she studies suitable submitted articles and, with the Ministers, recommends publication. Occasionally, he/she may undertake the publication of booklets such as the recent New Temple Opening booklet or the BCC Centennial booklet.
Public Relations
The Public Relations Director publicizes the special events which occur from time to time. Announcements may be made locally, city wide or to the media. He/she is responsible for the website of the church.
Librarian
The designated Librarian is responsible for the books (English and other languages, with assistance as needed). The library books are catalogued and listed in computer files. The lending, purchasing and receiving of donated books is administered by the Librarian.
Funds
A number of Funds require supervision and coordination as committees are formed. A Chairperson is responsible for these.
Constitution & By-Laws
The constitution infrequently and the by-laws particularly will require revision. These are under the careful scrutiny of the Chairperson.