Thank you, Blaine!
A message from Kai Yamamoto
Kai Yamamoto, outgoing Associate Co-Director of the Blaine Youth Group, shares his deepest thanks for the community that supported his spiritual growth.
Dear Blaine Congregation, BYG Leaders, and families,
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a Blaine Youth Group associate co-director alongside Kaylee Yokoyama and Lynne Onishi. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role, as BYG has done so much for me. I have been a part of BYG since 6th grade — about 10 years ago. Wow, it’s been a long time!
BYG has been a place where I felt loved, supported, and cared for by fellow youth, leaders, and directors. These friendships that I’ve developed are very meaningful and will last for the rest of my life! Although it is sad for me to announce that I am resigning from my role, I know that God will take care of this community. As a youth, a leader, and now as an outgoing associate co-director of BYG, from experience, I know that the BYG will continue to provide the same love and support for others in need.
To our BYG youth and families, thank you so much for supporting us. I am so grateful for you all offering your love, support, and time! BYG would not be the same without you all! To the Blaine Congregation, thank you so much for coming to our bake sales, buying Suno Dogs, and always supporting our fundraisers and youth! I appreciate all the support you all have shown to our Youth Group!
Revs. Mia MiKyung Park and Karen Yokota Love provide communion during a BYG event.
To Lynne, Kaylee, Rev. Karen, and Rev. Mia, thank you all so much for believing in me and for pushing me to be the best version of myself. You all have helped create an amazing environment for our youth. I couldn’t do my job without you all! Thank you!
And finally, to all my previous and current youth leaders, thank you so much for showing me what a loving and caring community looks like. Thank you for looking after me and helping me to develop into the person I am today! I am excited to see BYG grow and develop this coming year and see our amazing youth group flourish!
Sincerely,
Kai Yamamoto
Outgoing Associate Co-Director, Blaine Youth Group
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 and neighbor. BYG has a space for any person who is interested. Associate Director of Youth Ministry: Kaylee Yokoyama.
Important dates for September and October 2024:
| September 8 • Rally Sunday |
| September 22 • Camping Ministries Sunday |
| October 5 • Bazaar |
Check out this year’s Scholarship Award Recipients for 2024!
Other Announcements
Asian Camp 50th Anniversary Event (Southern California) • October 12
Calling all Asian Camp campers, counselors, directors, past and present! RSVP for this years AC 50th anniversary event on October 12! RSVPs & ticket purchasing is due by August 20th, 2024.
- Visit withjoy.com/asiancamp
- Ticket purchasing will be done through PayPal found at njaumccamps.org/50th OR checks made out to NJAUMC Camping Ministries, sent to our Camping Board Finance Chair Carol Tondo at 2313 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
In addition, the Sunday following (10/13), we will be having a joint gathering/service at Centenary UMC at 2PM. Join us in continuing to fellowship together as we celebrate 50 years of camp! Please contact Rev. Karen if you have any questions.
Beacon Newsletter Announcement
During September, stories and content for Blaine Memorial UMC’s newsletter, the “Beacon” will be uploaded to our website blaineonline.org. It is a busy time for Rev. Karen as she continues to search for support staff to lead our youth and perform other tasks to continue maintaining Blaine Memorial’s vibrant ministry. We are also working to improve our printing services and our ministry online – which also need time to develop.
Stay connected through announcements in our Sunday Worship Bulletin and at blaineonline.org. You can also follow Blaine Memorial UMC on