House recognizes JA Internment
By Rev. Karen Yokota Love, photos by Jesse N. Love
Hosted by Bob Hasegawa, D-Tukwila, and Sharon Tomiko Santos, D-Seattle, Washington House paused on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, to observe the 84th Day of Remembrance. The ceremony honored 125,000 Japanese Americans incarcerated by U.S. government during World War II. Attendees included camp survivors, members of the Japanese American Citizens League, community leaders, Boy Scout Troop 252, and retired U.S. Army colonels from the Nisei Veterans Committee. Resolutions were read and adopted in both chambers to honor survivors and veterans, including members of 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The observance underscored historical memory, civil liberties, and vigilance against discrimination.
Reps. Sharon Tomiko Santos and Monica Jurado Stonier presented speeches connecting past and current injustices rooted in failed political leadership and hysteria. 
Reps. Sharon Tomiko Santos and Monica Jurado Stonier presented speeches connecting past and current injustices rooted in failed political leadership and hysteria.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Dates to Remember
| Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. • 35th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice, Seward Park | |||
| Tuesday, May 19 • 2026 Educational Scholarship Deadline | |||
| July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala |
Scholarship recommendation letter reminder
It’s scholarship season! If you need a recommendation letter from Rev. Karen, please request it at least two weeks before the scholarship deadline.
Rev. Karen carries many responsibilities and often receives multiple requests for recommendation letters. Last-minute requests — especially those submitted the night before the deadline — can be very difficult to accommodate, as completing a letter depends on her current workload.
To ensure she has enough time to write thoughtful and effective recommendations, please plan ahead and submit your requests well in advance.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The 2026 educational scholarships
Application Deadline: May 19, 2026
Since 1968, Blaine Memorial UMC has been honored to support students in their educational journeys. We encourage applicants of all ages — those entering new programs and those returning to continue their education.
Scholarships include:
- Vera Ing Scholarship
- Blaine Memorial UMC Scholarship
- Ted and Margaret Yasuda Scholarship
- Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship
Applications are available by emailing BlaineUMCScholarships@gmail.com or contacting the church office. Two letters of recommendation are required.
We look forward to supporting those eager to grow, learn and serve. Thank you to Michelle Vaughan, scholarship chair, for her leadership.
Hospitality request — chips and savory treats needed
Calling all snack lovers! We’re running low on chips and savory treats for Fellowship Time — there’s only one box left.
If you’re able, we would be grateful for donations of individually wrapped snack-size bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos or other savory favorites).
Please drop off your donations in the narthex, church office or social hall at your convenience — either on Sunday morning or during church office hours (Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM).
Thank you for your continued generosity in providing both sweet and savory treats for Fellowship Time. Your hospitality helps make our time together even more welcoming and joyful.
Check out the latest issue of the Beacon!
Our monthly collection of ministry stories can be found in the Beacon. Happenings, Faith & Ministries, Visions, and Connections can be enjoyed through our PDF versions of the newsletter. If you would like to subscribe to a printed version, contact the Church Office for more information.