The Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Laura Gilbert share a moment after Easter Worship Service as they await to place flowers on the cross at Blaine Memorial UMC.
Senior Pastor Reflection
A Season of Belonging, Gratitude and Grace
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, photos by Jesse N. Love
As we move through May and toward June, I find myself holding this season with deep gratitude. The rhythm of the church year invites us to slow down and notice what God is doing among us — and to recognize the people God uses to shape, steady and carry us forward in love.
Honoring Those Who Nurture Us
In May, we turn our hearts to Mother’s Day, a day that holds both joy and tenderness. We give thanks for mothers and maternal figures in all forms — those who gave us life, shaped our faith and offered care when it was most needed. Grandmothers, foster mothers, guardians, mentors, teachers and friends have embodied a love that carries us still.
For some, this day is joyful; for others, it holds grief or longing. Wherever you are, you are held in God’s grace.
As we move toward Father’s Day in June, we hold the same space for fathers and father figures. Some of us give thanks for steady love and presence; others carry wounds, absence or unanswered questions. In all of it, we rest in the hope that our lives are held by the faithful love of our heavenly Father, who never lets go.
A Word of Deep Gratitude
Before looking ahead, I want to pause with heartfelt thanks. In late March, Jesse and I left unexpectedly after the passing of Jesse’s father and traveled to the Philippines. It was a sudden and heavy time, yet what we experienced from this congregation was grace in action.
You stepped in quietly and faithfully. You covered responsibilities, cared for one another and ensured the church continued to be the church. We do not take that for granted. We carry deep gratitude for you.
In the Philippines, especially in Tanay, we were deeply moved by the people we met. There is a resilience and hospitality there that feels lived rather than performed — an openness woven into daily life: open doors, open tables, open hearts.
It left us reflecting on what it might look like for us to grow into that same kind of presence here — to be a people where others are not only greeted but truly seen, known and welcomed.
We were also reminded of global economic realities. That awareness does not lead to guilt or comparison, but to humility and gratitude. It invites us to consider how much we have been entrusted with and how easily our hearts can grow closed without noticing. We return with open hands and a renewed desire to live more generously.
Thank you as well for Easter. What a sacred season we shared. To our BYG youth and leaders, thank you for the Easter breakfast that filled our church with joy and connection. To our worship team, thank you for guiding us through Holy Week with such care — from Good Friday with Beacon UMC to the lilies, the flowering of the cross and every detail that helped us enter the resurrection story. To our Church School Teachers, thank you for the Easter Egg Hunt that brought joy to our children. Much of what we experienced was made possible through quiet, faithful love behind the scenes. To all of our unsung heroes who stepped in, pitched in and helped make Easter happen — thank you.
Visioning and the Heart of Belonging
Recently, our Administrative Board gathered for two visioning retreats — prayerful and honest conversations about where God is leading us. Ministry groups reflected on priorities, strengths, and challenges.
We were grateful for the guidance of Rev. David Nieda, who helped us slow down and listen more deeply — not only to what is said, but to what the Spirit may be stirring beneath it.
One word surfaced repeatedly: belonging.
Belonging feels central to who we are becoming. It is not simply an idea but a longing — to be lived out more fully in our life together. As we explore this at Blaine, we also listen to the Greater Northwest Area vision of The United Methodist Church, especially Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth’s M.I.L.E.: Ministry that Matters, Itinerancy, Lay Leadership and the Elimination of Racism.
Each speaks into our shared life. Ministry that Matters calls us to impact and compassion. Itinerancy reminds us God moves us beyond familiarity. Lay Leadership affirms that the church belongs to all God’s people. And the Elimination of Racism calls us into ongoing justice and healing.
Together, these shape belonging into something lived. Belonging is active love — it is being seen, named, welcomed and invited to participate in God’s work.
We continue to ask: What does it mean to belong here, and how might we become a church where belonging is experienced the moment someone walks through our doors?
Looking Ahead: Life Together
In the weeks ahead, we continue our worship series, listening for God’s voice and growing in discipleship. Small groups remain places of prayer and connection, and we hope to expand these spaces this summer.
We also look forward to serving together through outreach, shared meals and care for our wider community, including the upcoming Walk for Rice.
As June arrives, we shift into summer rhythms — youth gatherings, young adult ministry and intergenerational moments of joy and connection. Summer often opens space for rest, renewal and deeper relationships.
A Word of Encouragement
In all of this — Easter joy, grief and gratitude, visioning, belonging, worship and service — I am reminded that the church is, at its heart, a family shaped by grace. We are held by God, formed by love and continually invited into belonging.
So come as you are. Stay awhile. Reach out. Be present. Grieve. Celebrate. Serve. Receive. Trust that Christ is already at work among us, holding us together in ways we cannot always see.
May these coming weeks be rich with grace, grounded in love and quietly filled with the presence of God among us.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Karen
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
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 |
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.
“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.
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.
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
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.
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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