Gibson, Evan, and Kai take charge of the recycling area. How can we embody the spirit of Christ? Thank you for nurturing the BYG during this time of transition!

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BYG Update

Faithfulness…Through You!

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

Over the season of Lent, I began a simple practice that I did not realize would become such a steady companion: Each day, I wrote down five things I was grateful for. It was small and unassuming, but over time it became a way of slowing down, noticing and remembering that God is present even in the ordinary rhythms of life. As we now move through Eastertide — a season that proclaims resurrection, hope and new life — I have continued this practice, and I find myself still being formed by it.

Many of you know that I recently traveled suddenly to the Philippines after the passing of my father-in-law, Arthur. It was a time marked by grief, urgency and deep emotional weight for our family. There were moments of exhaustion and sorrow that words can barely hold. And yet, even there — at the mortuary, in travel, in silence and in family gatherings — I found myself returning again and again to gratitude. Not because the pain was absent, but because God was present within it.

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1)

These words became something like an anchor for me. They did not remove grief, but they gave shape to it. They reminded me that gratitude is not the denial of suffering, but a deep act of trust that God is still at work within it. Even in loss, even in uncertainty, even in fatigue — God remains faithful, steady and near.

I want to say clearly: I experienced that faithfulness through you.

I am deeply grateful for the way this church held one another during my absence. In a season that asked much of many people, you stepped forward with care, generosity and quiet strength.

To our BYG Leaders — thank you for your faithful leadership in continuing the Easter breakfast and the BYG overnighter (and for all the ways you have continued to show up week after week to lead our youth). You carried responsibility with humility and grace, making sure our youth were cared for, seen and connected. Your leadership mattered deeply.

To the parents who contributed food, time, encouragement and presence — thank you. Your support made ministry possible in very tangible ways. To our youth — thank you for showing up with open hearts. You served, you laughed, you learned and you cared for one another in ways that reflect the best of who we are becoming as a church. In you, I saw joy and resilience that gave me hope.

This past year has not been without its challenges. We continue to search for a youth director, to discern what that role should look like in this season and to navigate ongoing pastoral transitions, including the absence of the associate pastor due to an indefinite family leave. These have been moments of stretching and waiting, moments that require patience and trust. And yet, even here, I continue to see the church not unraveling, but deepening — learning to depend on one another and on God in new ways. There is something sacred in that.

Life in BYG This Season

Each Sunday in BYG, our youth gather around themes that mirror the life of faith itself: gratitude, doubt and trust, working together, caring for creation, love and grief. These are not abstract ideas for them; they are lived experiences. Through games, crafts, obstacle courses and small-group conversations, they are learning how to name what they feel, how to ask honest questions and how to grow in faith together.

Some days are light and full of laughter. Other days carry deeper reflection and vulnerability. Both are holy.

I am especially grateful to Rev. Dr. Mark C. Hearn for sharing his gift of music with our youth. His guitar, his songs and his moments of quiet reflection have created space for something grounding and sacred to take root among us. Thank you for offering your presence in such a meaningful way.

I continue to join BYG after I preach twice a month, or as often as I can. It is important for me to spend time with our youth, reminding them that they are not separate from the wider church, but deeply connected to it.

In all of this, I am reminded again and again that the church is not held together by any one person, role or program. It is held together by the Spirit of God moving among us — sometimes gently, sometimes powerfully, often in ways we do not immediately see. We are the body of Christ: learning, grieving, serving, hoping and being made new together.

I am grateful — truly grateful — to be part of this body with you. Thank you for being that kind of church.

Dates to Remember

Sunday, June 14 • Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers • Last Day of BYG (End-of-Year Party)
June 28–July 3 • NJAUMC Asian American Summer Camp Gathering

About BYG

BYG meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. We begin in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then transition to the Nishida Room after the children’s message for youth group time.

Blaine Youth Group (BYG) is a place where youth in grades 6–12 are welcomed into a loving and supportive community, just as they are. It is a space to build meaningful friendships, grow in faith and explore what it means to love God and care for others. Together, we encourage one another to practice compassion, embrace who we are and live out our faith in the world. There is a place here for everyone — all are welcome.

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Announcements

Dates to Remember

Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC
Wednesdays • Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen
Saturday, June 6, 1-3 p.m. • Author Conversation With Tamiko Nimura
Sunday, June 7, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. • “I Am American” Film Presentation by Kelsi Umeko • BYG Udon Pop-Up Lunch Fundraiser
Sunday, June 14 • Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers • Last Day of BYG (End-of-Year Party)
June 28–July 3 • NJAUMC Asian American Summer Camp Gathering
July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala

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Wednesday Coffee and Prayer

• Wednesdays
• 9 a.m.
• Zoom

Join Rev. Karen for a time of connection, a short devotional and prayer. Bring a cup of coffee or tea and begin your day centered in Christ.

The Zoom link will be sent Tuesday.

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“I Am American” Film Presentation by Kelsi Umeko

• Sunday, June 7, 2026
• 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Blaine Memorial UMC
• Social Hall

On Sunday, June 7, we are pleased to welcome a special presentation about a new film currently in pre-production, “I Am American,” by filmmaker Kelsi Umeko.

This powerful story follows a Japanese picture bride who immigrates from Japan to America in 1915 to meet her husband. Together, they build a thriving business, raise Japanese American children and become part of their local community. Their lives are profoundly changed following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

At its heart, “I Am American” is the story of an immigrant family’s journey in pursuit of the American dream. This deeply personal narrative is inspired by the filmmaker’s grandparents and reflects the experiences of more than 120,000 Nikkei families. The story is being shared in hopes of preserving this history for future generations.

The film is being shot in the greater Seattle area and will recreate historical moments from this important period. During the presentation, we will hear more about the story, the vision behind the film, filming locations and the production team. A pitch deck also will be shared.

Kelsi will offer a short presentation during social hour following worship, and a light lunch will be provided, including Spam musubi, sandwich rolls, fruit and vegetables.

To learn more, visit www.CKfilmspro.com.

Kelsi’s previous feature film, “Second Chance” — a faith-based romantic drama that she wrote, directed and starred in alongside her husband — is also available on the website.

We hope you will join us in supporting this meaningful project and helping share this important story with the wider community.

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Free Treasures in the Social Hall

Many people have been hard at work cleaning and organizing areas of our church as part of our spring-cleaning efforts. As a result, there is a wonderful assortment of free items available on tables in the Social Hall.

Please stop by and take a look — you may find something interesting or useful to take home. We have all sorts of goodies, including CD cases, CDs, flower vases, punch bowls, cups, paper goods, binders, office supplies, name-tag holders and many other treasures.

If you feel so moved, we invite you to make a donation to the church. Your generosity will help support our ministries and the ongoing work of our congregation.

Thank you, and happy treasure hunting! This Sunday will be the final opportunity to browse the tables. Afterward, all remaining items will be donated to Goodwill.

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Author Conversation With Tamiko Nimura

• Saturday, June 6, 2026
• 1-3 p.m.
• Blaine Memorial UMC Social Hall

Join local writer Tamiko Nimura for a special conversation about her new memoir, “A Place for What We Lose: A Daughter’s Return to Tule Lake” (UW Press), moderated by UW Professor of American Ethnic Studies Vince Schleitwiler.

In this moving discussion, Nimura will reflect on themes of family history, memory, identity and her return to Tule Lake, one of the incarceration camps where Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II.

This event is co-sponsored by Seattle Tsuru for Solidarity.

Following the conversation:

• Books available for purchase from Madison Books
• Author book signing
• Light refreshments provided

We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful community gathering.

• Eventbrite registration
• Read Vince Schleitwiler’s review in the International Examiner

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Celebrating the 2025-26 School Year: Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers

Sunday, June 14, will mark the close of the school year for the BYG Youth Group and Church School. During worship, we will offer a blessing for our youth, leaders and teachers. Following the service, we will gather in the Social Hall for a celebration honoring the commitment, dedication and service they have shown throughout the year.

We look forward to coming together in gratitude and celebration as we conclude another meaningful year.

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Read 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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Calendar

July 2026

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