BCA’s Red Carpet Weekend: Connect, Learn, Celebrate

What happens when 27 members from across the BCA come together for a weekend? New Dharma friendships develop, meaningful conversations are shared, as well as opportunities to learn and grow — and plenty of fun!

The BCA Members Red Carpet Weekend, held Aug. 28–30, at the Jodo Shinshu Center (JSC) in Berkeley, California, gave members an opportunity to experience the heart of the BCA.  

Through BCA’s profound sense of purpose, rich and enduring history, and, most of all, warm and caring members, the weekend offered a powerful reminder of what makes BCA such a special organization and why its legacy continues to inspire us today.

Throughout the weekend, members participated in a variety of sessions and activities that deepened their understanding of BCA. They gained a familiarity with the “big picture” — learning about BCA’s structure, programs and connections with temples and communities across the continental United States. 

They also learned about BCA’s role as a leader in the worldwide Jodo Shinshu community and, most important, how the members and their home temples are an integral part of that larger picture.

Members took part in BCA President Glenn Inanaga’s town hall and Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada’s roundtable, gaining insight into the BCA’s vision, direction and future.  

President-elect Darlene Bagshaw shared with members about how they can support BCA today as well as make an impact on its future.

When asked what moments stood out about the weekend, one member responded, "Meeting Sangha members from all around and feeling a part of the larger community. Getting to truly and deeply know them and their Sangha stories.”  

Members also came away with a greater awareness of the national organization. One member commented that what she enjoyed most was “seeing more foundational information about the BCA and how it connects to me.” Another member expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gain a better understanding of BCA’s work and see the JSC in person.

The weekend concluded with four members participating in the Kieshiki affirmation ceremony where they received Japanese Dharma names, officiated by Rev. Harada and assisted by Rev. Michael Endo.  

After the event, one of the members emailed: “Thanks so much for the weekend. It was even more meaningful than I could have imagined.”

Thanks to generous grants from the Bishop’s Expansion Fund, Dharma Forward and the Executive Committee’s Bloomquist Educational Endowment, all meals and lodging at the JSC were provided free of charge to Red Carpet Weekend participants and volunteer helpers. 

Special gifts were also made possible through the generosity of donors.

My deepest gratitude to the entire Executive Committee, which graciously supported and participated in this year’s event.  

Thank you also to BCA staff Angela Bartolacci, Rev. Michael Endo, Koichi Mizushima, Bob Matsueda, Pam Matsuoka, Judy Kono, Madeline Kubo, Glen Tao, Kevin Arakaki and Gregg Sera, as well as volunteers Terri and Ford Omori, Darlene and Charlie Bagshaw, and Robert Noguchi, who contributed so much to the success of this event.  

Heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Melissa Opel, Resident Minister of the Buddhist Church of San Francisco (BCSF), and to BCSF for their warm hospitality in welcoming and hosting the Red Carpet Weekend visitors and facilitating their viewing of the holy relics.

Thank you to the following for their generous donations: Bay District Council, Northern California District Council, Northwest District Council, Southern District Council, Dennis Tsukagawa, Margie Mio, Rumi Nakatani, 

Namy Folick, Milton Davis, Ken Ishimoto, Norman Tanaka, Darlene and Charlie Bagshaw, Howard Shintani and Gloria Fujimoto.

The next BCA Members Red Carpet Weekend is scheduled for Sept. 24–26, 2027, at the JSC. We look forward to welcoming another group of BCA members for a weekend of learning, connection and Sangha.