Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection
Thirty Seconds…A Thanksgiving and Advent Reflection
By Pastor Job Pangilinan, photos by Jesse N. Love and Arlene Mitsui
Associate Pastor Job Pangilinan reflects on ministry, fatigue, and finding Christ in the busy-ness of Advent.
This has been one of those seasons when the pace of ministry feels like a wave that never really recedes. The annual Bazaar was just a foretaste of what was to come. When I thought there would be a pause, the reverse was true. It’s a full time of year:
- Planning, coordinating, showing up for the congregation
- Supporting families
- Preparing worship
- Leading Blaine Youth Group (BYG) gatherings
- Writing the script for our upcoming Christmas pageant
- Caring for our community partners
And somewhere in the middle of all of this was the quiet disappointment of my canceled vacation. I had hoped – even for just a brief few days – to breathe. But instead, the work kept coming. I found myself wrestling with the load day after day, even on weekends, trying to imagine what a real Sabbath could look like when the moment I stop, the work accumulates behind me like rising water. My constant ask of Rev. Karen is, “Tell me when it’s time to panic…” (because as Senior Pastor, I’m sure she’s been here before).
And yet – there was this season of Thanksgiving ministry that held a mirror to everything I had been feeling.
The BYG and their parents gathered for our annual meal preparations for 38 families from Kimball Elementary School. It was one of those moments when the church became a working body – hands chopping, stirring, bagging, baking, laughing, and serving. The apple crisp assembly line was its own miracle: 38 pans completed in one hour, a beautiful chaos of youth energy and parent collaboration. Come baking time, the kitchen came alive again: cinnamon in the air, trays moving and rotating into the ovens. Everyone was just as busy.
Then came the mashed potato party – giant pots, children and parents mashing – the kind of group labor that leaves everyone a little tired but deeply satisfied. Adding to this abundance, the next day ACRS generously provided Costco rotisserie chickens. Through Jerry Lee’s coordination, those chickens arrived as if hand-delivered grace – exactly what was needed to complete the meals for families who count on this support.
It was ministry in motion, the church at its best: multi-generational, joyful, purposeful.
But even with all this good work, the weight of the season followed me. The work is heavy. The expectations stretch far. And the fatigue I feel is real. I am still longing for a Sabbath that doesn’t leave me anxious about the mountain of tasks waiting when I return. I needed an answer.
Then came my moment at ACRS.
Hundreds of people lined up – quietly, patiently – hoping there would be enough food for their families that day. Volunteers moved with kindness and intention. I stepped forward for 30 seconds as volunteers decided to begin due to the heavy turnout – just enough time to offer a blessing over the volunteers and whisper a prayer for the people waiting in line.
Thirty seconds.
But those 30 seconds shifted something in me.
Standing there, the tension inside me loosened. Yes, I am weary. Yes, the load feels heavy. Yes, I want to complain – and sometimes I do. But when I place my own exhaustion beside the reality of people who do not know if they will eat…when I remember the families waiting for the meals we prepared…when I consider the oppressed in our society whose burdens dwarf my own…everything comes into clearer focus.
It does not erase my need for rest.
It does not solve the overload.
It does not restore the vacation I lost.
But it reminds me why we do this.
As long as there are hungry families in our neighborhood, as long as there are youth needing guidance, elders needing companionship, parents needing support, and communities longing for hope, the hands and feet of Jesus are needed. And somehow – even in the exhaustion – there is purpose enough to keep going.
Advent is about readiness – not the frantic readiness of calendar tasks and deadlines, but the holy readiness of a heart awake to the presence of Christ. Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:35-40 are not merely instructions – they are the measure of our discipleship:
“I was hungry…I was a stranger…I was in need…and you showed up.”
Jem Tong, Pastor Job Pangilinan, Lauren, Steve Sofronas, Terri Adolfo, Mr. Abdi Husein, Rev. Karen Yokota Love, and Principal Angela Sheffey-Bogan gather before many bags of Thanksgiving Meals given to families of Kimball Elementary.
The Blaine Youth Group along with parents and volunteers all helped peel apples for apple crisp desserts included in the Thanksgiving Meals bags. Many thanks for the volunteers who supplied chickens, apples, bread, potatoes and more to help supply 38 families in the neighborhood. How do you find hope in the midst of challenging seasons of life?
The apple crisp, the mashed potatoes, the baked chicken, the prayers whispered at ACRS, the youth learning to serve, the parents modeling generosity – these are our Advent lights glowing in a weary world.
So yes, the work is heavy.
Yes, I long for rest.
Yes, we still haven’t found a Sabbath rhythm that restores.
But I also know this: if Christ truly comes to us in the face of the hungry, the tired, the struggling, the overlooked, then Christ is already here. And it is an honor – even in exhaustion – to serve him in a world so desperate for his love.
May we continue with humility, courage, and readiness – because the world is weary, and Christ is coming.
Pastor Job serves as the associate pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
BMUMC Announcements
The Beacon is now available!
- Senior Pastor Reflection Insisting on Hope: Entering Advent with Courage and Joy
- Blaine Memorial UMC feeds 128 Individuals through Thanksgiving Meals
- Special Report: Sumida receives Commendation from Min. for Foreign Affairs
- A Special Message from Bishop Bob: The Lee Activity Center Dream
- Blaine Memorial UMC Bazaar 2025: Thank You for Your Support!
- Spiritual Formation Center: Born of God when the Holy Spirit lives in us
GIVING TREE GIFTS: DELIVERED!
Blaine Memorial UMC and Kimball Elementary together are bringing hope and joy this season to the children of our community.
Through the leadership of Terri Adolfo, the support of Mr. Abdi Husein, and the generosity of Blaine Memorial UMC, the gifts you see in the photo are all going to children in need. Through the simple gesture of giving: sharing happiness, inclusion, and the feeling of being provided for…together as a spirit-filled community, we can help others in big ways!
Be sure to check out blaineonline.org for updates, including a video report, on these two projects!
Job Opening: Part-Time Youth Director
The Youth Director at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church is a dedicated individual with a heart for youth ministry, committed to guiding and mentoring young individuals in their faith journey. This position involves direct engagement with 6th to 12th graders, creating a supportive and encouraging environment for their spiritual growth.
New P.O. Box Addresss for Blaine Memorial UMC Mail
We have a new mailing address! Blaine Memorial UMC would like to direct all new mail to the following address:
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 24065
Seattle, WA 98124
Blaine Memorial’s mailing address has changed to a P.O. Box for improved security. Please save this address! Please send your mail and future giving to this address. All new mail that you receive will have the P.O. Box as Blaine Memorial UMC’s new return address.
December Worship Dates to Remember
| Sunday, December 14 • Christmas Play with children and youth in the LAC, 10am | |||
| Sunday, December 21 • Christmas Music Sunday in the Sanctuary, 10am • Blue Christmas Service in the Sanctuary, 1pm | |||
| Wednesday, December 24 • Christmas Eve Family Worship Service, 4pm • Christmas Eve Candlelight Lesson and Carols Service, 7:30pm | |||
| Sunday, December 28 • First Sunday of Christmas Worship, 10am |
Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer
- When: 9:00AM
- Where: Zoom
The hour together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. We will continue reading from The Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide.This is a great way to start your morning, 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.
Contact the Church Office for the Zoom Link.
Ugly Sweater Battle Royale Holiday Contest
Attention, Fashion Disasters! Do you own a holiday sweater so hideous it frightens small children? One that jangles, sparkles, or possibly hums? Good — because we WANT IT. Wear it proudly to our Ugly Sweater Battle Royale on Sunday (12/14) after the Christmas Children’s Play. Strut your stuff for a chance to win glory, fame, and a questionable prize.
Bring your brightest colors, wildest patterns, and most ridiculous designs for a chance to win:
- Most Creative Sweater
- Ugliest Sweater
- Best Holiday Theme
Join us in celebrating the season with some light-hearted fun!
Sukiyaki Benefit Nominations Needed!
It’s hard to believe that Blaine Memorial’s Sukiyaki Benefit Dinner is around the corner! We’d like to open up nominations for a worthy organization to receive a portion of the proceeds from our annual March event.
Download the form:
View the Sukiyaki 2026 Updates page!
Last Day to Sign Up for Poinsettias on the Altar: December 14
Advent season is almost here, and it’s time to sign up for poinsettias for the altar. You may dedicate a poinsettia in celebration of a person or an event, in memory of a loved one, or to honor God’s glory. Poinsettias may be taken home after our Christmas Eve services. Each plant is $12.00. The deadline for Poinsettia Orders is Sunday, December 14, 2025. Forms are available online on our website, in the Narthex, and in the Office.
Prayers of peace and comfort for the Grace Mandac Adriano Family
Grace Mandac Adriano, 51, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Grace is survived by her husband, Joseph Adriano and sons Caleb and Ethan. She had a love for cooking, gardening, and she loved being in the outdoors with God’s creation. Grace loved her family and friends with all her heart. She embodied a deep love for the intersection of justice and mercy. Grace’s whole professional career was about getting people housed.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Caleb and Ethan’s College Fund through Blaine Memorial UMC.
A viewing will be held at Bonney Watson Funeral Home at 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188 on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 12:00PM-8:00PM. There will be a public Celebration of Life service on Saturday, December 20 at 10:00AM at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church. Following the Celebration of Life service, guests are invited to her burial service and a reception at Bonney Watson Funeral Home at 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188.
May Grace rest in peace and let God’s perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Community Announcements
Blaine Memorial UMC thanks you for donating during November.
Together, Blaine Memorial UMC collected so many items to help support families in need after SNAP benefits were on hold. Although some SNAP benefits have been restored, some are facing delays.
We are still organizing and sorting what has been collected. Please stay tuned for more info on how much was received. You are a blessing to the community!
If you’d like to give directly to the local organizations, please do so. They have the capacity to purchase food at discounted bulk rates. Please click on ACRS and/or Rainier Valley Food Bank.
December 2025
To view the January calendar, click or tap here.