This year, members of Blaine Memorial UMC supported Tsuru for Solidarity and others to protest the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Wash. “As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.” -blaineonline.org
Spiritual Formation Center
What is Your Burning Bush?
By Anne Arakaki-Lock
In a time of difficulty and conflict, how can we respond in ways that reflect justice and love?
I am reminded that “Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character …” (2 Timothy 3:16). I just have to pray and depend on the Word of God (Jesus) who speaks to me through the word of God (the Bible). How often do I go through life looking for direction and searching for guidance? Always!
I know that no matter what God has me doing, or what God’s purpose for me is, I always have to rely on God for direction.
While reading the scriptures this morning, God led me to Exodus 2 and 3: Moses and the burning bush. This bush kept on burning, so Moses went over and checked it out and spoke to God. Moses could see what God was saying. Moses’ heart was burning because he knew that his people were being oppressed. He saw it for a long time, though had to be convinced to do something about it. (Read Exodus further to see how God helped Moses.)
What is your “burning bush”? What are the ideas and issues to take action as a Christian in response to injustice?
So for us at Blaine Memorial UMC, is it possible that our news media is God’s burning bush? The burning bush reminds us each day of the ongoing oppression, injustice, and threats of conflict around us. When Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth and Rev. Karen speak about our church’s “Ministry that Matters,” in the M.I.L.E., seeing the injustice and oppression around us is a step towards connecting with God’s heart. I can feel His breath of justice and love, urging me to do something.
Each of us will respond in our own way. One step is to encourage you to seek your own burning bush, then seek how God will help you to act, just as God provided the resources for Moses to help his people seek freedom.
We can join others at the NW Detention Center to support incarcerated immigrant friends. Tsuru for Solidarity can use more financial support, big or small. You can always be of service and do something for your neighbor.
Anne-Arakaki Lock is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Lectionary Readings
| All Saints Day | Nov 01, 2025 Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18; Psalm 149; Ephesians 1:11-23; Luke 6:20-31 |
| Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost | Nov 02, 2025 Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4; Psalm 119:137-144; Isaiah 1:10-18; Psalm 32:1-7; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12; Luke 19:1-10 |
| Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost | Nov 09, 2025 Haggai 2:1-2:9; Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 or Psalm 98; Job 19:23-27a; Psalm 17:1-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17; Luke 20:27-38 |
| Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost | Nov 16, 2025 Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 12; Malachi 4:1-2a; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19 |
| Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost | Nov 23, 2025 Jeremiah 23:1-6; Luke 1:68-79; Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Nov 27, 2025 Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 100; Philippians 4:4-9; John 6:25-35 |
Lectionary Readings are provided by Bible Gateway and Vanderbilt University.
Lee Activity Center 25th Anniversary
When: Sunday, November 16
Where: Blaine Memorial UMC, Lee Activity Center
You’re Invited! Celebrate Blaine Memorial UMC’s 25th anniversary of the Lee Activity Center (LAC) is on Sunday, November 16, 2025. We’ll have a worship service at 10:00AM with a cake reception after service in the LAC. Help us commemorate this milestone with your presence. Hope to see you there. Questions? Please email the Church Office at the church office (office@blaineonline.org) or call at 206-723-1536.
All Church Meeting (Charge Conference)
When: Sunday, December 7, 12pm
Where: Blaine Memorial UMC
This year’s All Church (Charge) Conference is scheduled for Sunday, December 7 at 12:00 PM. This gathering holds great significance for our faith community as we come together to celebrate our ministries in 2025. SeaTac District Superintendent, Rev. Ferdie Llenado, will preside over the meeting. Church Leaders, please turn in your annual reports by December 1, 2025 and please send them to Yuki Sofronas (office@blaineonline.org).
Community Announcements
Blaine Memorial UMC responds to food insecurity
When: November Sundays, Tuesdays-Fridays 10:00a-4:00pm (Excluding Veterans Day)
Where: Blaine Memorial UMC Office, Social Hall
From Rev. Karen:
During this past Sunday’s (11/2) sermon message, I addressed the need for food at our local food banks. Across our nation, and increasingly within our Seattle-area, families are facing a deepening struggle to meet their most basic needs. Last Saturday, the federal freeze of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits placed millions of households in a dire position, impacting low-income families, working households, and federal employees living paycheck to paycheck. This is the first time in our nation’s history where SNAP benefits have lapsed. In many cases, these individuals and families are now experiencing food shortages and are faced with making impossible choices between food, utilities, and housing.
This growing food insecurity crisis is not confined to one community or state; it is unfolding across the state of Washington, and across the country. Rising costs of living have already stretched budgets to their limit. Local food banks and nonprofit partners are reporting a significant increase in need, and there is an opportunity for us to help our neighbors who are in need.
Here’s a list of the most needed foods to help keep shelves stocked at Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) and the Rainier Valley Food Bank.
Please drop off your new, unopened containers/donations in the black trunk in the Narthex:
- Seasonings
- Cooking Oil
- Nuts
- Fish Sauce
- Soy Sauce
- Gluten-free Foods
- Dried fruit
- Cold/Hot Cereals
- Dry Beans & Lentils
- Grains
- Instant Grains
- Flour
- Sugar
- Popcorn
- Herbs/Spices
- Infant Formula
- Dry Goods (Rice & Pasta)
- Small Pasta Noodles
- Infant Formula
- Canned Chicken, SPAM & Tuna
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Meals (Soups & Chili)
- Cream of Wheat, Oatmeal & Grits
- Nutrient Replacement Drinks
- Stuffing
- Apple Sauce
- Nut Butter
- Dog & Cat Food
- Diapers
- Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
- Shaving Supplies
- Feminine Hygiene Products
If you’d like to give directly to the local organizations, please do so. They have the capacity to purchase food at discounted bulk rates. Please click on ACRS and/or Rainier Valley Food Bank.
We will take this collection during November. Thank you again for making a difference. Thank you for coming together to create free food opportunities amid delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown. May you continue to be a blessing in the community as we work to provide basic necessities for everyone.
The Beacon is now available!
Our Story Continues
- Thanksgiving Meals, Giving Tree 2025!
- Senior Pastor Reflection: Harvesting, Giving Thanks, Being Generous
- Blaine Memorial UMC raises $12,700 for Walk for Rice!
- Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection: You Are Called
November 2025
To view the December calendar, click or tap here.