Upcoming Events
| Book Study Meetings Thursdays (Zoom) 7:00 PM |
| Bob Ross Painting Night Saturday, April 20 7:00 PM |
| Young Adult Hike Date & Time TBD |
A Yonsei’s Journey to Japan
By Lynne Onishi
Tadaima! I’m home from Japan! I had the immense privilege of visiting my ancestral homelands for the first time in February and March. Along with a couple of friends, I got to sightsee, explore cities, eat delicious food, and learn about the history and culture of a place and people I’ve long felt disconnected from as a Yonsei (fourth-generation Japanese American). I had hoped this trip might help me discover new facets of myself.
Though I anticipated new experiences, I was unprepared for my time in Japan to re-affirm what I already felt and knew about myself, my family, and my community. In this new country where I could barely grasp the language at all, I was surprised each time something felt familiar or reminded me of home. Whether it was the hospitality I received at a small ryokan (inn) or the community care I saw firsthand as strangers helped an elderly rider board the train, I couldn’t help but notice the way these experiences reinforced what I’ve always wanted to believe about people: humans really do care for one another.
It can be hard to believe that when our news feeds are full of violence, war, and death. But I pray we are all part of a community which actively reinforces these truths about humanity through the way we care for one another and our neighborhood. The love we share and steward in this faith community is evidence of God’s kin-dom here on Earth. May it continue to be so.
Young Adult Hiking Ministry is Back!
The Young Adults went on a hike at Rattlesnake Ledge near North Bend in March. They enjoyed time together and a meal afterward. As the weather warms up this Spring and Summer, join them for future hikes on some of our area’s most beautiful trails!
The Innovation Hub and Reconciling Ministries Teams are always looking for new folks to join us. If you feel called to lend your voice to these important ministries, we invite you to join us at our next team zoom meeting. Please contact Lynne or any of the other team members for more information. Questions? Send an email.
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!
View the April 2024 Calendar
View the latest issue of the Beacon!
You can access past issues in our archive.
Stay connected with Blaine Memorial on Facebook!
