Do you love me?
By Anne Arakaki-Lock
During Lent we read about several New Testament characters and their transformation after the Resurrection. In “The Third Day: Living the Resurrection”, author Tom Berlin made reference to John 21:15-17. Three times Jesus asks “Simon son of John, do you love me?” When Peter answered yes, Jesus told him to feed his sheep.
I had read this passage several times before, but during this Lenten study, God’s voice was loud and clear. Maybe it was because we were working on the Sukiyaki dinner and in planning it, we said over and over we want to reach the community. Or maybe because we’ve been playing pickleball and I’ve been excited about all the new people coming to the Lee Center during the week to play. It’s been a sports ministry. Or just maybe, I had been working on my aunt’s eulogy that I would be giving in Hawaii. My sweet, generous, loving Aunty was the example of kindness, lover of all babies, caretaker and second parent to struggling nieces and nephews all her life. When she passed away, my cousins and I knew that we had a duty to take all that love we had received from Aunty and had the job to give it back to others. We had a purpose, like Peter.
Each of us may be transformed when we accept the Resurrection. We give our life to Christ and truly believe and shout, “Christ is risen indeed.” As the author of our Lenten study book says, “we can be certain that like Peter, Jesus has entrusted each of us with a commission. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28.
Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Lectionary Readings
| Sixth Sunday of Easter May 5, 2024 *Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 |
| Ascension of the Lord May 9, 2024 *Acts 1:1-11: Psalm 47 or Psalm 93; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53 |
| Seventh Sunday of Easter May 12, 2024 (If Ascension not observed here) *Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Psalm 1 1 John 5:9-13 John 17:6-19 |
| Day of Pentecost May 19, 2024 *Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21 John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15Sixth Sunday of Easter May 5, 2024 *Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 |
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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