Thank you to all who supported Team Blaine at this year’s Walk for Rice event hosted by the ACRS.

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Thank You, Blaine Community

Team Blaine Raises More Than $20,000 for This Year’s Walk for Rice

By Justine Ing

A huge thank-you to our Team Blaine walkers and the rest of the Blaine community for your amazing support of this year’s ACRS Walk for Rice.

Team Blaine had a strong turnout May 16 at Seward Park. With about 35 walkers this year, we were the largest team participating early on a Saturday morning in support of the ACRS Food Bank.

This year, Blaine Memorial’s long-standing relationship with ACRS was highlighted at the Walk. Blaine was listed on the Walk for Rice T-shirts, and Mark Mitsui represented Blaine and the Mitsui family by delivering remarks during the opening ceremony about his father’s involvement in founding the Walk for Rice.

At the closing ceremony, ACRS recognized Team Blaine for placing second among all fundraising teams. At that time, we had raised $18,875. Even better news followed: Team Blaine has continued to raise money since the Walk and is currently in first place.

As of this writing, we have raised an incredible $20,325 — a new all-time high for Team Blaine. Way to go, everyone!

Your generous donations will help the ACRS Food Bank provide culturally familiar food to low-income seniors and families for many months to come. Thank you for supporting this important community resource.

Justine Ing served as this year’s Team Captain for Blaine Memorial UMC.

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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.

---

“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.

---

Calendar

July 2026

Learn More

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.

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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.

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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

---

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.

---

Calendar

July 2026

Learn More

All are Welcome!

• Pentecost Sunday
• May 24, 2025
• 10:00 a.m.
• View the livestream

Video

Sermon Questions

• What fears or divisions in our world today prevent people from truly hearing and understanding one another?
• How can Christians honor sacrifice and love their country while remaining committed to the gospel’s call to peace and human dignity?
• Jesus says, “My peace I give to you — not as the world gives.” What does Christ-like peace look like in a world shaped by conflict, fear, and polarization?

Order of Worship

Prelude “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness” TFWS #2120 Kathy Onishi

Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Land Acknowledgement Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Call to Worship Stephen Sumida

*Opening Hymn “Spirit of God” TFWS #2117 Kathy and Eugene Onishi

Opening Prayer Stephen Sumida

Special Announcement Update: Walk For Rice Justine Ing

First Scripture Reading Acts 2:1-21 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Stephen Sumida, and the Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka

Special Music “Come, Gracious Spirit” Words by Simon Brown, arr. By Dale Wood Blaine Memorial Choir

Second Scripture Reading John 20:19-23 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Stephen Sumida

Third Scripture Reading Isaiah 2:2-4 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Stephen Sumida

Sermon “The Spirit Speaks Every Language“ Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Hymn of Reflection “Come, Holy Spirit” TFWS #2125 Kathy and Eugene Onishi

Introduction to the Offering Stephen Sumida

*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94 Eugene & Kathy Onishi

*Prayer of Dedication Stephen Sumida

Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Closing Hymn “The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve” TFWS #2241  Kathy and Eugene Onishi

*Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Postlude “Make Us One” TFWS #2224 Kathy Onishi

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Daily Lectionary Readings*

Sunday, May 24, 2026:  Day of Pentecost  Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 or Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39

Monday, May 25, 2026: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Joel 2:18-29; Romans 8:18-24;

Tuesday, May 26, 2026: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Ezekiel 39:7-8, 21-29; Romans 8:26-27;

Wednesday, May 27, 2026: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Numbers 11:24-30; John 7:37-39;

Season after Pentecost

Thursday, May 28, 2026: Psalm 8; Job 38:1-11; 2 Timothy 1:8-12a;

Friday, May 29, 2026: Psalm 8; Job 38:12-21; 2 Timothy 1:12b-14;

Saturday, May 30, 2026: Psalm 8; Job 38:22-38; John 14:15-17;

*Daily Lectionary Readings are provided by Bible Gateway and Vanderbilt University.

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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
Monday, May 25, 10–11 a.m. • Nisei Veterans Committee and NVC Foundation Present: 81st Annual Memorial Day Service
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 • Church Office Closure for Memorial Day
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 6-8:45 p.m. • BYG Youth Game Night and Potluck
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 1-3 p.m. • Author Conversation With Tamiko Nimura
July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala

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Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) and NVC Foundation Present: 81st Annual Memorial Day Service

Monday, May 25, 2026 | 10-11 a.m.
Lake View Cemetery
1554 15th Ave. E., Seattle, WA

Each year, Blaine Memorial participates in the NVC Memorial Day Service honoring Japanese American and other veterans who gave their lives in service to our country. This year, Rev. Karen Yokota-Love (Blaine Memorial UMC) and Rev. Lisa Ishihara (Queen Anne UMC) will offer the Christian reflection together, and church member Craig Iriye will present a wreath on behalf of Blaine Memorial UMC.

Held annually since 1946, this gathering has become one of the oldest and largest Memorial Day services in the Pacific Northwest. This year is especially significant as we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The service honors the legacy, sacrifice and courage of the Nisei veterans — including those who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team/100th Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) — many while their families were incarcerated in camps during the war.

The program includes:

• Presentation of colors by Seattle Buddhist Temple Boy Scout Troop 252
• Christian and Buddhist prayers and meditations
• Keynote address
• Floral wreath presentations by community and veteran organizations

The public is warmly invited to attend as we honor those who served and remember those who gave their lives. May peace and justice prevail.

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Church Office Closure for Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Please note that the church office will be closed Tuesday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Since the office is normally closed on Mondays, the holiday will be observed Tuesday instead.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we remember and honor those who have served.

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Wednesday Coffee and Prayer

May 27, 2026 | 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.

---

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

---

BYG Youth Game Night and Potluck

Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 6-8:45 p.m.
Blaine Memorial UMC | Social Hall

Calling all youth and young adults! Get ready for an evening of food, laughter, friendly competition and fellowship at our BYG Game Night and Potluck!

Bring your favorite board game, card game, party game or group activity to share as we gather for an evening of connection and community. Whether you love strategy games, fast-paced team games or simply enjoy cheering others on, there will be something for everyone. Come ready to socialize, laugh, move around and enjoy time together.

We’ll begin with a BYG potluck dinner at 6 p.m., followed by games and activities throughout the evening.

Invite a friend, bring a favorite dish to share, and join us for a joyful night together!

---

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.

---

Calendar

June 2026 | July 2026

Learn More