The July Monthly Service of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters was performed on the 26th in the Main Sanctuary, with Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama serving as chief officiant on behalf of the Shinbashira.
In the Service prayer, Rev. Nakayama first expressed gratitude to God the Parent for constantly watching over us day and night, for giving us instructions step by step in accordance with the seasonable time, and for continuing to lead us safely and splendidly through each stage of the path. Continuing, he said: “All of us—including church head ministers and Yoboku—accept all severe illnesses and challenging circumstances that may arise during this season as our own and reflect deeply upon the Parent’s intention shown through them. No matter how difficult the situation may seem, we are determined to advance with even greater enthusiasm along the way of spiritual growth by taking Oyasama’s Divine Model as our guide and to thoroughly carry out our anniversary-related activities so that we will have no regrets later.”
In addition, speaking about the “Children’s Pilgrimage to Jiba,” which would take place from July 27 to August 3, Rev. Nakayama said: “As the children enjoy various events at the Home of the Parent, we pray that You guide them to grow up cheerfully and with warm, caring hearts under the blessings of the Parent. We also ask that, despite the intense summer heat, all matters proceed smoothly and without hindrance throughout the duration of the event.”
The prayer was followed by the joyous performance of the Kagura Service and the Dance with Hand Movements. After the Service performance, Honbu-in Isaku Nishida took the podium to deliver the sermon.
In his sermon, Rev. Nishida talked about the Children’s Pilgrimage to Jiba, which had to be canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic but was resumed two years ago.
In speaking about the history of the event, he explained the purpose of the Children’s Pilgrimage to Jiba, saying, “Its size and programs change over time, yet the concept has remained the same as when it was originally begun, that is, to make a pilgrimage to Jiba with children, express our gratitude for the joy of returning to Jiba to God the Parent and Oyasama, and implement hinokishin.”
Moreover, he noted that the Children’s Pilgrimage to Jiba can help participants each create unforgettable and precious memories that they can make only there. “It is a chance for not only children but also young adults to nurture their minds of the Joyous Life,” said Rev. Nishida.
Furthermore, he said that during this year, which is the final year of the pre-anniversary activity period leading up to the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama, many churches have been actively making group pilgrimages to Jiba as a way to bring forth the fruits of their efforts in inviting people to Jiba. He called on the listeners to work with increased energy to fulfill their respective resolutions during the remaining six months of the pre-anniversary period while concurrently making efforts to nurture people who will be walking the path in ten or twenty years.