Blaine Youth Group supports Tent City 3 while fellowship continues going strong
By Lawrence Paltep, B.Y.G. Co-Director, Additional photos by Kai Yamamoto
Blaine Youth Group (B.Y.G.) is a thriving ministry at Blaine Memorial UMC, where youths are supported by leaders dedicated to their faith journey, pastors who nurture spiritual guidance, and families who provide for the needs of the group. The following are some of the photos from the past few months.
Collaborative Youth | On February 24 to 25, Beacon United Methodist Church and our B.Y.G. had a collaborative overnight event. About 40 people joined with 25 staying for the overnighter. In the spirit of community, we enjoyed a potluck, sang worship songs, did three devotionals, partook in communion, participated in small group workshops, and played games.
Leaders from Beacon and Blaine Memorial UMCs served dinner to our young people. There were diverse food options for the participants to enjoy. Youth and leaders introduced themselves and prayed over the various food brought by participants. They were asked to bring food that represented a part of who they are.
Revs. Karen Yokota Love and Mia MiKyung Park served the youth and leaders communion after the Lenten devotional led by Rev. Karen.
Fun & Games | During a Sunday gathering, B.Y.G. played a game where they tossed a ball in a specific order, passing the ball to everyone as fast as possible, which made people burst into laughter. Who knew you could be silly and serious all at the same time?
Playing with Food | In a workshop led by Kai Yamamoto, youth built structures from spaghetti and marshmallows. Aidan and Marcus show the tallest and most stable structure in the group.
Special Delivery | Due to the weather, B.Y.G. could not cook for Tent City 3 residents as scheduled. Instead of cooking and delivering a meal, Lawrence, Gloria, and Pastor Mia delivered pizza, fruit, and 14 blankets for them. Note: The B.Y.G. rescheduled their new service to Sunday, March 26.
Upcoming Plans for B.Y.G.
| April 8-9 |
| Easter Sunday Overnighter |
| April 16, 23, 30 |
| Fellowship Gatherings |
The Blaine Youth Group meets on Sundays at 10:00am in the sanctuary then in the Nishida Room. If you are interested in growing spiritually, learning acceptance of self and others, and developing a love for God and neighbor, contact Lynne Onishi & Lawrence Paltep – co-directors of Youth Ministry at Blaine Memorial UMC (lynneonishi@gmail.com or lawrence.byg@gmail.com respectively).
