BYG continues leadership development
By Kai Yamamoto
Upcoming Events
| March 30 • Easter Breakfast Prep |
| March 31 • Easter Breakfast |
I can’t believe Blaine just turned 120 years old! Throughout Blaine’s history, BYG has been through many iterations and changes, and many people have passed through, entering as pre-teenagers, and departing as well-rounded young adults. But one thing that has stayed consistent throughout the years – BYG has always been a welcoming group of students who gather for fellowship and further their love of God. Although there have been many different directors, styles of leadership, youth, and even youth rooms, BYG has always been a place where students feel loved, free to express themselves, and have a wonderful time!
Throughout my time in the Blaine Youth Group, I’ve always associated BYG with fellowship. Leaders and directors would always take time to plan for youth and leaders to spend time together and fellowship amongst each other. As we continue to adapt to current and future youth and leaders, we will continue to host fellowship time for the youth as it is an important defining pillar of BYG.
This past January, we held a game night for the youth! Although it was cold, youth and leaders gathered for a warm meal in the Social Hall and played a variety of games. A group of youth and leaders played a thrilling game of Monopoly, while another group giggled while playing Jackbox games, a computer game where users input phrases that go with a certain theme or question. We also played some fun card games and made a big tower built out of cups! The tower was huge! Both youth and leaders had a tremendous amount of fun playing games together, and we cannot wait to host another game night in the future!
During our BYG time in January, we took time to reflect on this past year and all the amazing accomplishments we had! We reflected on our goals that we had set for ourselves last January. We also took time to slow down and acknowledge everything we did last year, from extracurricular activities to academics, and be proud of everything that we were able to do. Finally, we wrote a letter to ourselves that we will open next year to look at and reflect on. We wrote about our goals and what we would like to accomplish this year. We also talked about how we could help each other in achieving our goals and how we could support each other throughout this year. We hope that both leaders and youth will be able to help each other accomplish each other’s goals this year!
BYG meets on Sundays at 10:00 AM. We will gather in the Sanctuary for the beginning of worship service before transitioning over to the Nishida Room for BYG time after the children’s message.
Blaine Youth Group (BYG) is a place where youth (6th-12th grade) are invited into a loving community and celebrated as they are. BYG provides a safe environment for youth to build lasting friendships, grow spiritually, learn acceptance of self and others, express compassion for the world, and develop a love for God. BYG has a space for any person who is interested and all are welcome.
Contact Information
| Director of Youth Ministry Lynne Onishi |
| Associate Directors of Youth Ministry Kai Yamamoto and Kaylee Yokoyama |
Announcements
Order Easter Lillies Today!
Download the PDF form and print at home. Forms are needed by Sunday, March 24.
Read the latest issue of the Beacon!
Our February-March issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view. The March 2024 issue will be available very soon with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
You can access past issues in our archive.
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Every Wednesday
The Wednesday Prayer group continues to meet each week. Our time together consists of a check-in question centering around United Methodist Founder John Wesley’s famous question, “How is it with your soul?” Our time together continues with a few readings from The Upper Room Magazine. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Lent Book Studies
The Third Day: Living the Resurrection Lenten Book Study
This year’s All Church Lenten study is The Third Day: Living the Resurrection by Tom Berlin and Mark A. Miller. Just us in this Zoom study on Tuesdays at 7:00PM, which is being facilitated by Rev. Mia MiKyung Park and Rev. Karen Yokota Love. The link will be emailed prior to the meeting date. We will also meet on the remainig Tuesdays: 3/12, and 3/19 to discuss each chapter.
The Office is selling The Third Day: Living the Resurrection books for $14.00 and the Leader Guide is $12.00. You are welcome to buy the book in the Office and read with your small groups.
In The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, Tom Berlin uses his storytelling gifts and scriptural understanding to connect readers to the experiences of individuals around Jesus in his final days. The focus is on new life and redemption rather than loss.
Come and journey with characters like Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they experience the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study will explore events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives.
NJAUMC Lenten Book Study continues until March 25!
Join Rev. John Miyahara (UMC/US Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC), and members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus congregations in a 6-week Lenten book study. We are reading Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross by Magrey DeVega. Books are $17.00 in the Church Office. Please note that reading the book isn’t required! Join us tomorrow, Monday, March 11 from 4:30-6:00 PM (Hawaii), 6:30-8:00 PM (Pacific) and 7:30-9:00 PM (Mountain). The study will conclude on Mon., March 25.
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
The Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Educational Scholarships are designed to support the mission of the church through supporting a multitude of educational opportunities. We are proud to have helped students in their pursuit of continuing education since 1968. We encourage all applicants; from those just entering their next phase of education to those returning to complete or pursue continued education.
We are blessed to offer the following scholarships:
- Vera Ing Scholarship
- Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
- Yasuda Scholarship
- William S. Yorozu Scholarship
- Robert S. Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships or through the church office. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay, church participation and finances. Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 15, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
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February-March 2024 Calendar
