Gardena Buddhist Church  

The Gardena Buddhist Church community has several different groups providing friendship and fellowship through seperately organized activities.

Dharma School

Provides religious education in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in an atmosphere of warmth, friendship and acceptance. Children of all age ranges are welcome to join at anytime during the Dharma School year (September through July) and enrollment is free.

Dharma School related activities include chairing Sunday Services, Hanamatsuri Hanamido decorating, Mother's Day Art Fair, Church Fun Day, Halloween Party, Supporting Fujimatsuri and Obon carnivals, Oseibo Taikai (performances for December year end program)

Japanese Language School (JLS)

Youth Groups

Sangha Teens

This group of young teens in 6th through 8th grades participates in several fun activities throughout the year.

Jr. Young Buddhists Association (Jr. YBA)

This is a coeducational group of high school students, participating in local and district activities to develop mature young Buddhists.

Isami Taiko

Japanese drumming group focused on Japanese heritage through community for children and adults.

Groups for Adults

Adult Buddhist Association (ABA)

ABA is an active group which centers its social, religious, and recreational activities around the family and Church as a group.

Dana Group

Composed of members and friends of the Church to give service to the Gardena Buddhist Church. The Group was established in 1965, and we welcome anyone interested in giving "dana" to the Church.

As part of our "dana", each month we meet at 8:00 am to collate the Church newsletter. The Megumi is collated the Sunday after the monthly Church Board meeting.

Fujinkai

This buddhist womens group invites all women to take part in its religious, welfare, and social activities at the local and district levels and speaks primarily Japanese.

Hui Aikane

The Hui Aikanes was established in May 1979 by members of the Gardena Buddhist Church from Hawaii. The purpose of this organization is to unite all Nembutsu followers from Hawaii, descendents of current members, and anyone interested in Hawaiian fellowship and shall cooperate in church activities whenever the need arises. Any Jodo Shinshu Buddhist desirous of participating in the club's activities is eligible for membership.

Matrons

This is a service group of women who assist the Church with its religious and social activities that include sponsoring social dance classes and a quilting class and speaks primarily English.

Ikebana (Flower arrangement) is taught on Monday afternoons and evenings 3 times a month and on Wednesday evenings. Sponsored by Matrons and an exhibit is displayed in the Social Hall during Hanamatsuri.