Cover photo: The survivors of Japanese American internment attended the Day of Remembrance luncheon at the Capitol Building in Olympia, Wash.

Shaped by Love: Lent, Justice, and the Power of Community

By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, additional photos by Jesse N. Love, et.al.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — God’s good, pleasing and perfect will.” — Romans 12:2

As we reach the endpoint of Lent, we do so amid a world that often feels unsettled, with troubling news like the recent war in Iran reminding us how deeply our world needs prayer, peace, and God’s healing presence. Lent reminds us that faith is a journey, not a sprint. It invites us to walk thoughtfully, pray deeply, and examine our hearts as we move toward the hope of Easter. God often works most meaningfully in the middle — when perseverance, reflection, and faith matter most. As Romans 12:2 reminds us, this season is for transformation and the renewing of our minds and spirits.

This season also brings change in our congregation. Pastor Job and Rose Pangilinan began an indefinite family leave of absence on February 1, 2026. We are deeply grateful for their faithful ministry, especially Pastor Job’s devoted work with our children and youth. After prayerful discernment, we share that they will not be returning to Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church. We entrust them to God’s loving care and hold them in our prayers, trusting Christ to guide and sustain our church.

Amid reflection, our city also shared in joy in early February. Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks on their recent Super Bowl victory! The celebration reminded us how powerful shared joy can be.

This season of reflection was also marked by the 84th Day of Remembrance for Japanese Americans on February 19 at the Washington State Capitol, honoring the signing of Executive Order 9066 in 1942, which led to the incarceration of more than 125,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. As we honor their resilience, we recommit ourselves to resisting fear, racism, and exclusion. Lent calls us to truth-telling and justice grounded in love.

In that spirit, Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church is honored to serve as a Seattle host site for the Irei Project and the Ireicho Book Project on Friday, March 27, 2026. We are grateful to offer a sacred space for remembrance and participation.

The 2026 Sukiyaki Benefit for Blaine Memorial UMC was held on March 7. Proceeds from this event helped support victims displaced by winter floods.

Speaking of community, our annual Sukiyaki Benefit Fundraiser recently wrapped up, and it truly was an all-hands-on-deck event. This cherished tradition is more than a meal; it is fellowship, heritage, and outreach wrapped into one. Thank you to all the volunteers who cooked, served, set up, cleaned up, and invited friends — your dedication made this year’s event a wonderful success. We are also grateful to share that half of this year’s earnings will benefit Pacific Northwest flood victims affected by the December 2025 floods.

This year, a shared Good Friday service was held at Beacon UMC. View the service on Facebook.

We are grateful to partner with Beacon United Methodist Church for Good Friday. Sharing worship across United Methodist congregations reminds us that we are one body in Christ, united in the story of the cross and resurrection.

Beloved, in seasons of repentance, remembrance, and celebration, God walks with us. May this Lenten journey continue to shape us into people of courage, compassion, and hope as we move toward Easter. How might God be inviting you to be transformed this season? Join us in worship, service, and fellowship as we journey together toward Easter morning.

The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as senior pastor of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church.

Announcements

Dates to Remember

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.

35th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM | Seward Park

This year ACRS will hold the Walk for Rice a month earlier than usual at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, at Seward Park.

Team Blaine raised more than $12,000 last year (second place), and this year’s fundraising goal is $8,000. We’re off to a great start but still have a ways to go.

Help ACRS feed AAPI community members experiencing food insecurity by donating and/or registering to walk with Team Blaine.

Visit Team Blaine at www.walkforrice.org and donate online.

Thank you for your support.

— Justine Ing, Team Captain

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.

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