BYG Update

Posted by on Jun 23, 2025 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Prayer, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar |

BYG Update
For two years, Kaylee Yokoyama has served as Associate Director for the Blaine Youth Group. She has faithfully led our youth through various fundraising ventures, as well as, spiritual moments to help grow Blaine Memorial’s future.

BYG Update

To New Beginnings

By Kaylee Yokoyama, photos by Aiden Lew, et. al.

Kaylee Yokoyama, Associate Director of BYG, will conclude her service and enter a new phase. Blessings on your journey, Kaylee!

Dear Blaine Congregation,

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served as Associate Director of the Blaine Youth Group over the past few years. During the month of July, I’ll be stepping away from this role as I prepare to take a gap year before beginning graduate school. It is certainly a bittersweet moment. When I was first asked to consider this role, I felt both honored and uncertain of the responsibilities of such a large and meaningful role. Over the past two years, this position has pushed me to grow through reflection, creativity, and navigating uncertainty, and I’m incredibly thankful for the privilege to have served in
this role.

Joshua Santos, Edwin Santos, Jem Tong, Kaylee Yokoyama, Kai Yamamoto, and the Rev. Karen Yokota Love meet up in the Yoshida Room for fellowship.

Blaine has been home to me since I was three years old. Being part of BYG through college first as a leader and then as an Associate Director has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I’ve loved watching our youth grow, not only in faith, but also in confidence, compassion, and resilience. Whether they were starting middle or high school, applying to college, heading to camp for the first time, or stepping into leadership roles themselves, their courage, passion, and drive has continually inspired me.

Members of the Blaine Youth Group gather for a fun Halloween photo-op, celebrating fellowship and togetherness for God. Kaylee will be moving forward with her career goals and achievements.

As I step out of this position, I’m excited for what lies ahead for BYG. I have full confidence that this community will continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact within our church and beyond.

I especially want to thank those who walked alongside me in this journey:

  • Thank you to the parents who supported our events and encouraged and supported your youth. 
  • To our incredible leaders, thank you for your time, energy, and presence, I couldn’t have done it without you all. 
  • Reverend Karen, thank you for your steady guidance, patience, and unwavering support and care for our youth through times of transition. 
  • Thank you also to Reverend Mia, Lynne Onishi, and Kai Yamamoto for your guidance and commitment to BYG and for consistently supporting me as I grew into this role.
  • I’m deeply grateful to have had such a transformative experience in such an incredible community. As I step into new beginnings, I’ll be cheering on BYG and hopeful for its continued curiosity, connection, and growth.

With gratitude,

Kaylee

Kaylee Yokoyama and the Blaine Youth Group gathered at Camp Indianola for a Confirmation Retreat.

Kaylee Yokoyama serves as the outgoing Associate Director of the Blaine Youth Group.

Announcements

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Our Story Continues!

Team Blaine prevailed at the 2024 Walk for Rice event!

35th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice @ Seward Park • June 28, 9:00 am

This year ACRS will hold the Walk for Rice at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Seward Park. Team Blaine raised over $11,000 last year (2nd place) and this year’s fundraising goal is $8,000. We’re off to a great start, but still have a way to go to reach our goal.

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

Donate Online through Team Blaine:
Team Blaine at ACRS

Mail your donation to the Blaine office:
Checks to “Walk for Rice”, memo: “Team Blaine”

Thanks for your support!
Justine I., Team Captain

Cancelled: Church Retreat, A Message from Harry Tang

We regret to inform you that the upcoming church retreat, scheduled for the weekend of August 22, has been canceled due to low registration. 

We understand this may be disappointing news, and we sincerely appreciate your interest and support. For those who have already registered, we’ll reach out to you directly.

Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to our church community. Stay tuned for future opportunities to gather, reflect, and grow together.

Prayer and Coffee • Wednesdays at 9am 

Join us for prayer and community on Wednesdays at 9:00AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to continue with Lent, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.

Request for Potato Chips and Savory Treats

Thank you, everyone, for bringing in sweet and savory treats for our fellowship time on Sundays. We all enjoy them and are now running low. Please consider bringing in some of your favorite individually wrapped chips to share. Examples are potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos, etc. We appreciate your generosity. 

You may drop the treats off in the social hall kitchen area on Sundays or during church office hours.

We are always in need of more helpers in the kitchen for our fellowship time and it’s a great way to get to know others. Please see Julie Lock at jtlock00@gmail.com if you would like to be added to our rotation list. Thank you!

View the June 2025 Calendar