The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park and family enjoy some time rest and relaxation.
Upcoming Events
| Vacation Bible School Sunday Sundays, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11, and 8/14 10am-12:30pm (with lunch) This year’s theme is “Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World” Registration for each Sunday per child will be $20 (Note: siblings will have a different fee, TBD.) |
| Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar Thursday, May 9, 7pm For all Church School and BYG parents! Guest speaker: The Rev. Dr. KilJae Park from The Greater New Jersey Conference of The United Methodist Church. |
Nurturing the Faith and Spirit of Blaine Memorial UMC
By the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
The blooming of flowers heralds the arrival of warm and gentle weather, bringing a rush of excitement to my heart. Amidst the ministries at Blaine Memorial and with my family, I find myself brimming with gratitude in this spring—from Lent, through Easter Sunday, and into this time of Eastertide. One particularly sunny morning during Lent, with the air filled with promise, I decided to go outside and spend time with Nooni, our ten-month-old puppy, whatever satisfied us both. I allowed Nooni to play while I set about pulling weeds and admiring the flowers. The soil yielded easily, the tiny weeds’ shallow roots offering little resistance. After about 30 minutes of diligent weeding and tending to the flowers, a portion of our front lawn looked revitalized. Despite not being a gardening expert, I derive immense joy from caring for plants and trees. Through trial and error, I’ve learned valuable lessons, gradually becoming more adept at tending to the plants surrounding our parsonage.
My mother is an expert in caring for plants and boasts an impressive collection in her living room, each lovingly tended to with care. She speaks to her plants (I know some of you do the same), treating them with the same tenderness she shows to loved ones. Her approach emphasizes the uniqueness of each plant, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t do. With careful attention to detail, she ensures each plant receives the specific care it needs, whether it’s cleaning their leaves, fertilizing the soil, providing enough sunlight and water, or less, etc. And when pruning is necessary, it’s done with the plant’s well-being in mind rather than its appearance.
In the quiet moments spent tending to plants, I find joy and gratitude for the wisdom passed down from my mother. I’m reminded of the profound truth that growth, whether of plants or souls, requires patience, care, and diligence. It’s a reminder of the divine interconnectedness that binds us all together and the importance of nurturing the roots of faith to produce bountiful fruits of love, compassion, and understanding.
As the days grow warmer and Mother’s Day draws near, I’m reminded of the valuable lessons my mother imparted on plant care. As a pastor, I find myself drawing parallels between nurturing plants and nurturing souls. Just as a plant requires the right conditions to thrive, so do individuals. People require spiritual guidance, support, and love to flourish in their faith journeys.
Church School’s May memorization is John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” My prayer for our children is for them to root their faith in our risen Christ, grow healthy, and produce abundant fruit in their future.
May God continue to bless our ministries at Blaine Memorial and I pray for your well-being and wish you a blessed spring!
The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park serves as the Associate Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
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!
Spring Reconciling Ministries Book Study • Every Thursday
The Reconciling team will begin hosting a new book study this Spring. We’ll read and discuss the book Outside the Lines by author and pastor Mihee Kim-Kort.
Kim-Kort’s book explores the relationship between queerness and spirituality. Queerness is not only an identity that many of us hold but a lens through which we can begin to understand God’s love for us.
Books can be purchased at the Church office for $16.
This book study is open to anyone who would like to participate! The Book Study Group will meet every Thursday evening at 7:00 PM on Zoom. We will read and discuss one chapter per week and open up space for questions, reflections, and sharing with one another.
Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar • Thursday, May 9, 2024
Join us for a special Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar on Thursday, May 9 at 7 pm. Our guest speaker is Rev. Dr. KilJae Park from the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. Contact Rev. Mia for more details.
Mother’s Day Brunch • Sunday, May 12, 2024
Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, May 12 from 8:30am-10am and then again, after worship. During this time, we will honor, remember, and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today. We need your help all men and those who identify as men at Blaine Memorial to prepare the breakfast beginning at 6am. Thank you to Howard Nakase for chairing this year’s Mother’s Day breakfast!
BYG Bake Sale, T-Shirt Sale for Camping Ministries • Sunday, May 12, 2024
Bake Sale on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12) in the Social Hall and T-Shirts (each $30) Pre-order Available till Sunday, May 12 Please email our BYG Directors for any questions. Thank you for your continued support!
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 and Lucy 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.
34th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • June 29, 2024
The ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9:00 am. Please visit www.walkforrice.org (you’ll be directed to the ACRS WFR event page) and search for “Team Blaine” to donate online! Alternatively, you can mail your donation (checks made out to “Walk for Rice”, memo: “Team Blaine”) to the Blaine office. Thank you for your con-tinued support! Please contact Justine Ing for more details. Read more.
Summer Youth Camps Schedule • See Dates
Jr. High Camp • June 23-28, 2024
Incoming 6th-9th grade
Camp Lodestar
6135 Blue Mountain Rd.
Wilseyville, CA 95257
Asian Camp • July 14-19, 2024
Incoming 10th- 2nd year college
Camp Gilmore
26801 Dorothy Drive
Calabasas, CA 91302
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
- July 28
- August 4
- August 11
- August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
Email: blainevbs@gmail.com to enroll now!
“Letters of Suresh” with Dr. Stephen Sumida! • April 24-May 18
Dr. Stephen Sumida will be performing in what may be his last center-stage role! In “Letters of Suresh”, Sumida will play Father Hashimoto mentoring the main character through life and spiritual matters. Contact Dr. Sumida for more info!
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