:: Buddhapadipa Thai Temple

We will be holding an informal meeting at the Temple on Sunday 7^th Jan. 2007 from approximately 2.00 pm. In order to invite discussion as to the way forward for the Lay Buddhist Association, to enlist new support and include members in the running of its affairs. All current and prospective members are cordially invited to attend.

I am not sure which space will be available on the day but I will ask for firstly the Temple basement and secondly the Library.

If you are unable to attend we welcome any offers of assistance or comments by e-mail to laybuddhist@aol.com

The LBA aims to provide a centre of information, guidance and practice by means of classes, news letters, books, retreats, friendliness, compassion and support.

To support the Sangha by: acting as interpreter, Dhamma or meditation teacher, providing transport, contributing to the running of the Temple when possible by giving time and or the use of particular skills.

If you would like to offer your services to the LBA and take responsibility for some aspect of running affairs and events we would like to hear from you.

We are currently looking to recruit a number of new people who may be interested in any of the below listed duties. Not all of these positions are currently vacant but we are interested to learn what skills and areas of interest our members are able and willing to offer to the future running and possible development of the LBA.

Chairman: Steering meetings, co-ordinating the various functions of the LBA, being available for interview or comment.

LBA Secretary: Minutes and agendas, answering postal and E-mail enquiries, general administration duties.

LBA Membership Secretary; Duties include: Maintain membership contact list (includes sending out welcome pack to new members). Send membership fees to the Treasurer. Distributing annual renewal forms and various notices with regard to ceremonies/festivals (as and when required). Making sure Membership forms are available on the Book stall.
Printing of labels for distribution of The Friendly Way magazine.

Access to PC and printer required and basic/intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word would be an advantage.

News Letter: Get articles, photographs and illustrations. Produce, edit and distribute the LBA newsletter (quarterly)

Book Stall: Sourcing, ordering, unpacking, checking and displaying books on the LBA book stall. Keeping the book stall clean and tidy. Sending Monies, statements and Invoices to the Treasurer.
Library: Phra Peter first catalogued the Library and Roy Brabant-Smith then offered book lending and general discussion in the Library on Sundays for some years, after which it fell in to disuse (as a library at least) until its relatively recent refurbishment and Nathalie’s stewardship.

Classes & Teachers: Teaching Meditation at Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday Classes. Any other classes? In the past LBA also taught Abhidhamma and held discussion groups and report taking for meditators.

Ceremonies & Study Day: Inviting Speakers and taking care of them on the day. Preparation of the Hall including Chairs, microphone lectern etc. Arrange any donations to Guest speakers with the Treasurer. Clearing up at the end. Arranging Food. Producing, maintaining and displaying notices on the Temple notice boards, liaising with newsletter to distribute notices.

Festival Days: Helping out wherever possible; Tea & coffee stall, setting up, tidying up after etc. (liaise with PK Lom).
Manning the information / book stall is traditionally LBA territory.

Meditation Retreats: On day retreats advise newcomers on timetable, lunch, observing silence etc.
Residential Retreats: Produce application Forms, rules, notices, precepts and programmes. Collect names of applicants, interview them. Notify acceptance (or Refusal) and send out information. Maintain waiting lists and deal with telephone queries relating to retreats. Keep the Temple informed. Welcome new comers on arrival and show them around. Check the rooms and clean if necessary, liaise with the school and Monks. Check the showers and toilets. Arrange Keys and deposits. Arrange for cooking and shopping. Buy the breakfast food and prepare the telephone room with: kettle, toaster, bowls, mugs, cutlery etc. Check on and replenish supplies during the retreat. Collect fees, do the sums, pay the cook, donate to the Temple.

Finances: The Treasurer is responsible for paying money into the bank (from both Memberships and Book sales). Keeping clear and accurate accounts. Advising the Membership Secretary of who has and has not paid. Arranging donations to the Temple, The Friendly Way and Guest Speakers. Paying invoices and helping in decisions on expenditure.

Gardening: Help maintaining our beautiful grounds?

Interested parties should contact either; Andy Brown Tel 020 8870 2072 or at laybuddhist@aol.com or for Newsletter and Membership Secretary enquiries Choi at choi.kok@kpmg.co.uk .