All are Welcome!

• Easter Sunday
• April 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
• View the livestream
  

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Sermon Reflection Questions

• Where do I see “chaos” in my own life or in the world around me, and how might God be bringing life or hope in the middle of it? 
• In what ways am I being called to “rise with Christ” — rising above fear, division, or exclusion in my daily relationships and ministry?
• Who might be feeling excluded, unheard, or marginalized in my community, and how can I actively create space for them at the table?
• What does it look like for me to live out active hope this week — not just believing in resurrection, but embodying it through actions of unity, healing, and inclusion?

Order of Worship

Daily Lectionary Readings*

*Daily Lectionary Readings are provided by Bible Gateway and Vanderbilt University.

Announcements

Dates to Remember

Sunday, April 5: Easter Sunday schedule

Join us on Sunday, April 5, to celebrate the risen Christ.

Easter Breakfast: Join us in the LAC at 8:30 AM for Easter Breakfast, prepared, cooked and served by the Blaine Youth Group (BYG). There will be two opportunities to eat: 8:30 AM and after worship.

Flowering of the Cross: One of the most meaningful traditions we celebrate on Easter Sunday is the Flowering of the Cross, which symbolizes new life in Christ. We invite all who attend worship in person to bring flowers from your garden (trimmed to a short stem). These flowers will be placed on the cross as you enter the sanctuary.

Easter Egg Hunt: The Church School invites children to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt in the courtyard (weather permitting). Please remind children to bring their own baskets, and feel free to invite your grandchildren, friends and neighbors to join the hunt.

Scholarship recommendation letter reminder

It’s scholarship season! If you need a recommendation letter from Rev. Karen, please request it at least two weeks before the scholarship deadline.

Rev. Karen carries many responsibilities and often receives multiple requests for recommendation letters. Last-minute requests — especially those submitted the night before the deadline — can be very difficult to accommodate, as completing a letter depends on her current workload.

To ensure she has enough time to write thoughtful and effective recommendations, please plan ahead and submit your requests well in advance.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Wednesday Coffee and Prayer (Canceled)

There will be no Wednesday Coffee and Prayer this week. Stay tuned for the next Zoom meeting soon.

“Tell Me Something Good” Lent devotional booklet now available

Our Lenten devotional booklet is now available, and we invite you to pick up your free copy in the narthex or church office.

Beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing through Easter Sunday, this weekly devotional follows the scriptures and themes of our “Tell Me Something Good” series. Designed to deepen your Lenten journey, each week includes:

• Thoughtful commentary
• Poetry
• Visual art
• Written reflections
• Hymns
• Guided reflection prompts

Whether used individually, with your family or as part of a small group, this resource offers meaningful ways to stay rooted in the Good News throughout the season.

We hope it will enrich your worship, spark prayerful reflection and help you carry the message of Lent into your daily life.

35th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM | Seward Park

This year ACRS will hold the Walk for Rice a month earlier than usual at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, at Seward Park.

Team Blaine raised more than $12,000 last year (second place), and this year’s fundraising goal is $8,000. We’re off to a great start but still have a ways to go.

Help ACRS feed AAPI community members experiencing food insecurity by donating and/or registering to walk with Team Blaine.

Visit Team Blaine at www.walkforrice.org and donate online.

Thank you for your support.

— Justine Ing, Team Captain

The 2026 educational scholarships

Application Deadline: May 19, 2026

Since 1968, Blaine Memorial UMC has been honored to support students in their educational journeys. We encourage applicants of all ages — those entering new programs and those returning to continue their education.

Scholarships include:

• Vera Ing Scholarship
• Blaine Memorial UMC Scholarship
• Ted and Margaret Yasuda Scholarship
• Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship

Applications are available by emailing BlaineUMCScholarships@gmail.com or contacting the church office. Two letters of recommendation are required.

We look forward to supporting those eager to grow, learn and serve. Thank you to Michelle Vaughan, scholarship chair, for her leadership.

Hospitality request — chips and savory treats needed

Calling all snack lovers! We’re running low on chips and savory treats for Fellowship Time — there’s only one box left.

If you’re able, we would be grateful for donations of individually wrapped snack-size bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos or other savory favorites).

Please drop off your donations in the narthex, church office or social hall at your convenience — either on Sunday morning or during church office hours (Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM).

Thank you for your continued generosity in providing both sweet and savory treats for Fellowship Time. Your hospitality helps make our time together even more welcoming and joyful.

Calendar

All are Welcome!

• Fifth Sunday in Lent
• March 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
• View the livestream
  

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Order of Worship

There are no altar flowers during the season of Lent. 

Daily Lectionary Readings*

*Daily Lectionary Readings are provided by Bible Gateway and Vanderbilt University.

Announcements

Dates to Remember

New! Good Friday (4/3) and Easter Sunday (4/5) dates and times

Good Friday, April 3: This year marks our second year collaborating with Beacon UMC for Good Friday worship. Beacon UMC will host Blaine Memorial UMC for a joint worship service at 7:00 PM. We will begin the evening with a simple soup supper at 6:00 PM, followed by worship at 7:00 PM.

Join us as we remember Jesus’ seven last words and actions before being crucified. We will reflect on Christ’s love for us and hear from members of both Beacon UMC and Blaine Memorial UMC.

Sunday, April 5: Easter Sunday schedule

Join us on Sunday, April 5, to celebrate the risen Christ.

Easter Breakfast: Join us in the LAC at 8:30 AM for Easter Breakfast, prepared, cooked and served by the Blaine Youth Group (BYG). There will be two opportunities to eat: 8:30 AM and after worship.

Flowering of the Cross: One of the most meaningful traditions we celebrate on Easter Sunday is the Flowering of the Cross, which symbolizes new life in Christ. We invite all who attend worship in person to bring flowers from your garden (trimmed to a short stem). These flowers will be placed on the cross as you enter the sanctuary.

Easter Egg Hunt: The Church School invites children to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt in the courtyard (weather permitting). Please remind children to bring their own baskets, and feel free to invite your grandchildren, friends and neighbors to join the hunt.

New! Scholarship recommendation letter reminder

It’s scholarship season! If you need a recommendation letter from Rev. Karen, please request it at least two weeks before the scholarship deadline.

Rev. Karen carries many responsibilities and often receives multiple requests for recommendation letters. Last-minute requests — especially those submitted the night before the deadline — can be very difficult to accommodate, as completing a letter depends on her current workload.

To ensure she has enough time to write thoughtful and effective recommendations, please plan ahead and submit your requests well in advance.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Wednesday Coffee and Prayer (Canceled)

There will be no Wednesday Coffee and Prayer this week. Stay tuned for the next Zoom meeting soon.

“Tell Me Something Good” Lent devotional booklet now available

Our Lenten devotional booklet is now available, and we invite you to pick up your free copy in the narthex or church office.

Beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing through Easter Sunday, this weekly devotional follows the scriptures and themes of our “Tell Me Something Good” series. Designed to deepen your Lenten journey, each week includes:

• Thoughtful commentary
• Poetry
• Visual art
• Written reflections
• Hymns
• Guided reflection prompts

Whether used individually, with your family or as part of a small group, this resource offers meaningful ways to stay rooted in the Good News throughout the season.

We hope it will enrich your worship, spark prayerful reflection and help you carry the message of Lent into your daily life.

Mission Guatemala informational meeting

March 22, 2026 | Noon | Webb Room

Blaine will once again partner with Mission Guatemala to serve in San Andrés Semetebaj, Guatemala (July 24–Aug. 1).

Are you curious, prayerfully considering or simply wanting to learn more? Join us for a brief informational meeting on March 22.

For questions, please contact Bob or Donna Sekijima at b_d_sekijima@msn.com or Alice Ikeda at rabbithole1@comcast.net.

35th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM | Seward Park

This year ACRS will hold the Walk for Rice a month earlier than usual at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, at Seward Park.

Team Blaine raised more than $12,000 last year (second place), and this year’s fundraising goal is $8,000. We’re off to a great start but still have a ways to go.

Help ACRS feed AAPI community members experiencing food insecurity by donating and/or registering to walk with Team Blaine.

Visit Team Blaine at www.walkforrice.org and donate online.

Thank you for your support.

— Justine Ing, Team Captain

The 2026 educational scholarships

Application Deadline: May 19, 2026

Since 1968, Blaine Memorial UMC has been honored to support students in their educational journeys. We encourage applicants of all ages — those entering new programs and those returning to continue their education.

Scholarships include:

• Vera Ing Scholarship
• Blaine Memorial UMC Scholarship
• Ted and Margaret Yasuda Scholarship
• Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship

Applications are available by emailing BlaineUMCScholarships@gmail.com or contacting the church office. Two letters of recommendation are required.

We look forward to supporting those eager to grow, learn and serve. Thank you to Michelle Vaughan, scholarship chair, for her leadership.

Hospitality request — chips and savory treats needed

Calling all snack lovers! We’re running low on chips and savory treats for Fellowship Time — there’s only one box left.

If you’re able, we would be grateful for donations of individually wrapped snack-size bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos or other savory favorites).

Please drop off your donations in the narthex, church office or social hall at your convenience — either on Sunday morning or during church office hours (Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM).

Thank you for your continued generosity in providing both sweet and savory treats for Fellowship Time. Your hospitality helps make our time together even more welcoming and joyful.

Calendar

All are Welcome!

• Third Sunday in Lent
• March 8, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
• View the livestream
  

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Video

Sermon Reflection Questions: 

• Where do you see scarcity thinking in your own life? When have you looked at what you have — time, energy, money, gifts — and thought, “It’s not enough”? What might change if you placed it in Christ’s hands?
• What does it mean to move from spectator to participant? In what ways might Jesus be saying to you today, “You give them something to eat”? Where is God inviting you to actively engage rather than stand back?
• How can compassion organize us as a community? What would it look like for our church to let compassion — rather than convenience or comfort — shape our plans, priorities, and actions?

Order of Worship

Daily Lectionary Readings*

*Daily Lectionary Readings are provided by Bible Gateway and Vanderbilt University.

Announcements

Dates to Remember

“Tell Me Something Good” Lenten Devotional Booklet Now Available

Our Lenten devotional booklet is now available. Pick up your free copy in the narthex or church office.

Beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing through Easter Sunday, this weekly devotional follows the Scriptures and themes of our “Tell Me Something Good” series. Designed to deepen your Lenten journey, each week includes:

• Thoughtful commentary
• Poetry
• Visual art
• Written reflections
• Hymns
• Guided reflection prompts

Whether used individually, with your family or as part of a small group, this resource offers meaningful ways to stay rooted in the good news throughout the season.

We hope it will enrich your worship, spark prayerful reflection and help you carry the message of Lent into your daily life. Pick up your copy and journey with us from Ash Wednesday to Easter morning.

Lenten Series — “Tell Me Something Good”

This Lent, we invite you to journey with us into the heart of our faith as we explore what is most central to the life and ministry of Jesus.

Lent began as a sacred season of preparation for new converts anticipating baptism on Easter. During those 40 days, they focused on the core of Christianity — what truly matters. In that same spirit, our Lenten series will center on what was most essential to Jesus’ life: radical welcome, love of neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry and nonviolence in the face of injustice.

At the heart of Jesus’ teaching, we encounter liberation, love, mercy and grace — good news meant for us all.

The word “radical” comes from the Latin radicalis, meaning “root.” Jesus’ ministry was radical not because it was extreme, but because it brought people back to their roots — to the very heart of God. This season, we will ask: What does it mean to be rooted in good news? In a world overwhelmed by bad news, can we become people who embody and share what is truly good?

The good news is joyful — like fine wine saved for celebration. It grows like a mustard seed. It lingers like perfume poured from an alabaster jar. It satisfies like bread shared with a hungry crowd. It sounds like laughter and feels like mercy. The good news is not abstract — it is alive.

As we worship, pray and reflect together, we hope this series will be fertile ground for deep conversation and faithful action. May this Lent root our hearts in the expansive goodness of God. May the teachings of Jesus lead us forward. And may we become people who help the world hear, see and taste the good news.

Girl Scout Cookie Booth

March 1, 2026 | Social Hall

It’s Girl Scout Cookie season. Blaine’s Girl Scout Troop No. 43880 will host a cookie booth after worship Sunday, March 15. Stop by, stock up on your favorites and encourage our wonderful young leaders. Your support means so much.

NEW: Mission Guatemala Informational Meeting

March 22, 2026 | Noon | Webb Room

Blaine will once again partner with Mission Guatemala to serve in San Andrés Semetabaj, Guatemala, July 24–Aug. 1. Are you curious? Prayerfully considering? Simply wanting to learn more?

Join us for a brief informational meeting March 22. For questions, contact Bob or Donna Sekijima at b_d_sekijima@msn.com or Alice Ikeda at rabbithole1@comcast.net.

35th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 9 a.m. | Seward Park

This year, ACRS will hold the Walk for Rice a month earlier than usual at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at Seward Park.

Team Blaine raised more than $12,000 last year, earning second place. This year’s fundraising goal is $8,000. We’re off to a great start but still have a ways to go. Help ACRS feed AAPI community members experiencing food insecurity by donating or registering to walk with Team Blaine.

Visit www.walkforrice.org and search for “Team Blaine” to donate online. Thank you for your support.

Justine Ing, Team Captain

2026 Educational Scholarships

Application deadline: May 19, 2026

Since 1968, Blaine Memorial UMC has supported students in their educational journeys. We encourage applicants of all ages — those entering new programs and those returning to continue their education.

Scholarships include:

• Vera Ing Scholarship
• Blaine Memorial UMC Scholarship
• Ted and Margaret Yasuda Scholarship
• Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship

Applications are available by emailing BlaineUMCScholarships@gmail.com or contacting the church office. Two letters of recommendation are required.

We look forward to supporting those eager to grow, learn and serve. Thank you to Michelle Vaughan, scholarship chair, for her leadership.

Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer

March 4, 2026 | 9 a.m. | Zoom

Join Rev. Karen for Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer. We’ll share brief check-ins, a short devotional and prayer together. Bring a cup of coffee or tea and begin your day centered in Christ and connected to one another. The Zoom link will be sent Tuesday.

Hospitality Request — Chips and Savory Treats Needed

Calling all snack lovers. We’re running low on chips and savory treats for fellowship time — there’s only one box left.

If you’re able, we would be grateful for donations of individually wrapped, snack-size bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos or other savory favorites).

Please drop off donations in the narthex, church office or social hall at your convenience — either Sunday morning or during church office hours (Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Thank you for your continued generosity in providing both sweet and savory treats for fellowship time. Your hospitality helps make our time together even more welcoming and joyful.

Calendar