Newsletter Article: Annual Meeting Summary

SHAO SHAN TEMPLE ANNUAL MEETING

MEETING SUMMARY

June 9, 2018

Little Hall, Shao Shan Temple

On June 9 approximately 25 people gathered in the Little Hall at Shao Shan to attend the temple’s Annual Meeting. 

TEMPLE REPORTS

The 2018 Temple Reports were distributed by email prior to the meeting and were also available at the meeting. The Development Committee took questions on the Sangha Report, Program
Report, Buildings & Grounds Report, Cemetery Report, and Financial Report. Most of the comments focused on the number and variety of programs that are regularly scheduled at Shao Shan Temple

(SST). Members were pleased to learn that there were 102 first-time visitors to SST in 2017. In 2017 the temple received $26,120 in contributions from the sangha and friends, which paid for not only basic operating expenses but all necessary repairs and improvements. 

2018 FINANCIAL & FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

The group recommended that The Annual Alms Round be moved to the beginning of October and allowed to run for a few months. This strategy should please those who would like to consider a donation to SST apart from the holiday crush and those who like to do all of their annual donations during the holidays. In order to facilitate efficient planning and budgeting, sangha members were asked to consider making a monthly pledge to help support the temple. It was also suggested that the temple conduct an actual Alms Round in Montpelier, perhaps during the summer or foliage season. Pamphlets or handouts could be available to help others learn about Zen Buddhism and its traditions. Several other fundraising ideas were discussed, including a silent auction of donated items and/or services and a Japanese style fundraiser meal.       

It was also suggested that if people were more invested in the temple, perhaps they would see more clearly the need to contribute to the support of the temple. The temple could invite sangha members to advise the priests regarding what skills and/or time they would be willing to contribute. Perhaps members could be assigned a specific job for which they would be responsible. It was also suggested that if people knew the actual cost of a particular project they might be willing to take ownership of that project by contributing to the cost or working with others to contribute the funds for the project. This information could be included in the newsletter, perhaps in the “Giving Back” section.

It was announced that SST has initiated an endowment account with the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF). Practioners and friends of SST may now make a bequest in their will to SST and/or invest in a Charitable Gift Annuity with the VCF on behalf of the temple.

SHAO SHAN TEMPLE LAND TRANSFER

Taihaku and Kenzan reported that the survey of Taihaku’s land has been completed.  The land on which the temple rests will be deeded to SST in the near future. The parcel containing the main house and the Mountain Retreat will be deeded to SST upon Taihaku’s death.  The focus now is upon finding the right vehicle to transfer, manage, and preserve the land and the temple. Various options that are currently under consideration were discussed. 

Members were very appreciative of the fact that Taihaku and Kenzan are working to preserve the long-term viability and vitality of SST.

2018 IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Taihaku and Kenzan mentioned the following improvement projects for SST:

·         Resurfacing the stucco on the temple exterior walls

·         Cleaning the temple’s shingle roof

·         Applying polyurethane to select interior surfaces in the temple and the Little Hall.

·         Finishing Treasure House details

In response to questions regarding the reconfiguration of the zendo and kitchen, Taihaku advised that planning is ongoing.  These renovations will be considered as part of the long range master plan.

It was suggested that the temple expand its library as it is likely that sangha members may have Zen books to donate.  It was noted that the current bookshelves in the Little Hall need to be rebuilt or replaced. 

The meeting ended with a discussion regarding the importance of maintaining the intrinsic quality of the SST experience and not evaluating SST based on how much programs, members, and finances have expanded.   The priests were complimented for their emphasis on maintaining a true Zen experience at SST for sangha members.

MEETING FEEDBACK

Most members enjoyed the meeting.  They thought the event was well-organized, stayed on task, was fast-paced, productive, and interesting.   Members agreed that an Annual Meeting was valuable because it helped keep them in the loop.