The Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Educational Scholarships are designed to support the mission of the church through supporting a multitude of educational opportunities. We are proud to have helped students in their pursuit of continuing education since 1968. We encourage all applicants; from those just entering their next phase of education to those returning to complete or pursue continued education.
We are blessed to offer the following scholarships:
Vera Ing Community College/Trade School Scholarship
Established in 2016. Award(s) will be made to those pursuing continued education through community colleges and/or technical/trade schools. Other Eligibility Opportunities/Community Based Internships: There is also opportunity for a scholarship to support an internship for a nonprofit or community organization.
Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship Award(s)
These awards will be made to a college undergraduate and/or graduate student pursuing a degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Nursing, Science, Technology or related fields of study.
Blaine Memorial Scholarship
These award(s) will be made to high school seniors, community college, technical/trade school, and/or college undergraduate or graduate student.
Ted and Margaret Yasuda Scholarship
These award(s) will be made to high school seniors or college undergraduate
Applications are available through emailing Michelle Vaughan or through the church office. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay, church participation and finances. Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 15, 2025 for consideration. We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
For more information, contact Michelle Vaughan, Scholarship Chair.
Join Rev. Karen 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. We will discuss the significance of Lent. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study • See Dates and Times (Below)
Rev. Karen will lead a 7-week Lent Book Study using Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study. She will teach the class on the following days:
Tuesday (3/25), 7:00PM, Relationships and Reciprocity, Luke 14:7-14
Tuesday (4/1), 7:00PM, Excuses and Invitation, Luke 14:15-24
Tuesday (4/8), 7:00PM, Hospitality and Discipleship, John 12:1-8
Tuesday (4/15), 7:00PM, A Meal of Memories, Matthew 26:17-30 and Easter, Luke 24:13-35
The classes will be held on Zoom and the link will be released the day before. Please note that some classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays due to scheduling conflicts with other events taking place at the church. Thank you in advance for your flexibility.
This year’s All Church Lenten Book is Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study. The book is written by Cynthia M. Campbell and Christine Coy Fohr. For Lent this year, our theme will be Bread of Life: Meeting Jesus at the Table.
The Gospels are full of stories of Jesus sharing meals with people. Whether multiplying bread to feed a whole crowd, relaxing with his inner circle, or telling curious elites’ stories about even greater banquets, Jesus imparts wisdom and forgiveness during mealtimes.
This book study provides biblical insights along with thought-provoking queries regarding our own time, such as whom should we invite to Sunday dinner and who is left out and left behind in our culture today. Each chapter includes questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.
Books are on sale in the Church Office for $10.00 each.
North Beacon Hill Neighborhood Town Hall Meeting @ Blaine Memorial UMC’s LAC • 3/27, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Seattle Council member District #2 Mark Solomon and Seattle Council member District #8 Alexis Mercedes Rinck will present to lead the Neighborhood Town Hall Meeting. They will address the Public Safety Concerns around the neighborhood (with an emphasis on Blaine and 25th Ave S), the Comprehensive Plan and Updates that impact District #2 and Seattle, and Small Business Support for Local Businesses around the Church and Community. I hope you can make the meeting and bring your concerns and joys!
Support BYG’s Hawaiian Food Fund Raiser! • Sunday, March 30, After Service
The Blaine Youth Group (BYG) is excited to announce our Hawaiian Food Fundraiser!
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, March 30th after service.
We’ll be serving a delicious homemade Hawaiian lunch including: pulled pork, mac salad, spam musubi, coleslaw, with a vegetarian meal option for $15.
Support our BYG as we begin raising funds for Camping Ministries! We hope to see you there!
Reconciling Ministries Network Devotional, Written by Lynne Onishi
2025 Educational Scholarships • Application period open through May 15, 2025
The Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Educational Scholarships are designed to support the mission of the church through supporting a multitude of educational opportunities. We are proud to have helped students in their pursuit of continuing education since 1968. We encourage all applicants; from those just entering their next phase of education to those returning to complete or pursue continued education.
We are blessed to offer the following scholarships:
Vera Ing Community College/Trade School Scholarship
Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship
Blaine Memorial Scholarship
Ted and Margaret Yasuda Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Michelle Vaughan or through the church office. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay, church participation and finances. Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 15, 2025 for consideration. We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
50th Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival at Seattle Center • April 11-13, 2025
The Japanese Community and Cultural Center of Washington are asking for your help. They need refreshments for the Volunteer Hospitality Team who is working at the 50th Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival at the Seattle Center. They are requesting potluck dish donations of mochi, onigiri, spaghetti, different salads, beverages, snacks, hot dogs, etc.
Potluck dishes may lovingly be donated the days of Friday (4/11), Saturday (4/12), and Sunday (4/13) from 11:00AM-5:00PM. Questions? Please email Emiliano Baird or call (206) 372-5156.
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry @ Riverton Park UMC • Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm
Riverton Park UMC is in dire need of:
Diapers (sizes 3 through 7)
Diaper wipes
Kitchen pots and pans
Paper plates
Toothpaste
Long grain rice
Cooking oil
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Collection items can be dropped off to the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.
An All-Church Retreat to Refresh, Renew, and Rejoice! • August 22-24, 2025
We are bringing back the All-Church Camp Retreat! This year’s theme is Refresh, Renew and Rejoice! Please save the dates: August 22-24, 2025! Our campsite location will be in Olympia, WA. Please contact Harry Tang with questions. More information to be revealed…
The Beacon Newsletter is Now Available!
Click the image above to view our latest issue or view past issues here.
Are you a recipe follower or an experimenter? What about your preferred method appeals to you?
When has someone been extraordinarily generous with you?
Are there times when you choose “sacrifice” over “mercy” when it comes to practicing radical hospitality Jesus models for us and to which God calls us?
What groups today tend to be viewed the way “tax collectors and sinners” were in Jesus’ day? Have you ever been shamed for who you eat with or keep company with?
Order of Worship
Prelude Come, Holy Spirit By Mark Foreman Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Call to Worship George Yates
Opening Hymn Here I am, Lord (UMH #593) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Opening Prayer George Yates
Children’s Message Masato Takahashi
Special Music Without His Cross By Joseph M. Martin Blaine Memorial UMC Choir
First Scripture Reading Matthew 9:9-13 (JLB, NRSVUE) Tsutomu Nagoya, George Yates
Second Scripture Reading Luke 13:18-21 (JLB, NRSVUE) Tsutomu Nagoya, George Yates
Sermon Mercy, Not Sacrifice Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Song of Meditation Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service (UMH #581) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Introduction to the Offering George Yates
Offertory Music Kathy Onishi
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Prayer of Dedication George Yates
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn Sent Forth By God’s Blessing (UMH #664) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude O Lord, You’re Beautiful By Keith Green Kathy Onishi
Blaine Girl Scout Troop #43880 Cookie Booth • Today after Sunday Service (Social Hall)
Please come out to get your favorite cookies and support our Girl Scout Troop this year as they raise money for their annual camping trip! Thank you for your support!
Adventurefuls
Do-Si-Dos
Girl Scouts S’mores (retiring)
Lemon-ups
Samoas
Tagalongs
Thin Mints
Toffee-tastic (GF)
Trefoils
Learn more about our next Guatemala Mission Trip during our Info Meeting in March.
Are you interested in going on a mission trip this coming August 8 to August 16? Do you have a desire to serve others in an underdeveloped country? Are you not sure about going, but want to learn more? Blaine will again partner with Mission Guatemala and send a mission team to San Andrés Semetebaj, Guatemala. Please join us for a short informational meeting Sunday, March 16, in the Webb Room at 12:00. If you have any questions, please contact Bob or Donna Sekijima at or Alice Ikeda.
Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study • See Dates and Times (Below)
Rev. Karen will lead a 7-week Lent Book Study using Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study. She will teach the class on the following days:
Tuesday (3/18), 7:00PM
Tuesday (4/1), 7:00PM
Tuesday (4/8), 7:00PM
Tuesday (4/15), 7:00PM
The classes will be held on Zoom and the link will be released the day before. Please note that some classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays due to scheduling conflicts with other events taking place at the church. Thank you in advance for your flexibility.
This year’s All Church Lenten Book is Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study. The book is written by Cynthia M. Campbell and Christine Coy Fohr. For Lent this year, our theme will be Bread of Life: Meeting Jesus at the Table.
The Gospels are full of stories of Jesus sharing meals with people. Whether multiplying bread to feed a whole crowd, relaxing with his inner circle, or telling curious elites’ stories about even greater banquets, Jesus imparts wisdom and forgiveness during mealtimes.
This book study provides biblical insights along with thought-provoking queries regarding our own time, such as whom should we invite to Sunday dinner and who is left out and left behind in our culture today. Each chapter includes questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.
Books are on sale in the Church Office for $10.00 each.
Prayer and Coffee • Wednesdays at 9am
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesday (3/19) at 9:00AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to begin Lent, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. We will discuss the significance of Lent. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Support BYG’s Hawaiian Food Fund Raiser! • Sunday, March 30, After Service
The Blaine Youth Group (BYG) is excited to announce our Hawaiian Food Fundraiser!
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, March 30th after service.
We’ll be serving a delicious homemade Hawaiian lunch including: pulled pork, mac salad, spam musubi, coleslaw, with a vegetarian meal option for $15.
Support our BYG as we begin raising funds for Camping Ministries! We hope to see you there!
Reconciling Ministries Network Devotional, Written by Lynne Onishi
50th Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival at Seattle Center • April 11-13, 2025
The Japanese Community and Cultural Center of Washington are asking for your help. They need refreshments for the Volunteer Hospitality Team who is working at the 50th Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival at the Seattle Center. They are requesting potluck dish donations of mochi, onigiri, spaghetti, different salads, beverages, snacks, hot dogs, etc.
Potluck dishes may lovingly be donated the days of Friday (4/11), Saturday (4/12), and Sunday (4/13) from 11:00AM-5:00PM. Questions? Please email Emiliano Baird or call (206) 372-5156.
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry @ Riverton Park UMC • Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm
Riverton Park UMC is in dire need of:
Diapers (sizes 3 through 7)
Diaper wipes
Kitchen pots and pans
Paper plates
Toothpaste
Long grain rice
Cooking oil
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Collection items can be dropped off to the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.
An All-Church Retreat to Refresh, Renew, and Rejoice! • August 22-24, 2025
We are bringing back the All-Church Camp Retreat! This year’s theme is Refresh, Renew and Rejoice! Please save the dates: August 22-24, 2025! Our campsite location will be in Olympia, WA. Please contact Harry Tang with questions. More information to be revealed…
The Beacon Newsletter is Now Available!
Click the image above to view our latest issue or view past issues here.
When a bad cold keeps me homebound and I need to focus on listening to God, I first have to quiet down the clutter in my head if I am going to be able to hear.
The Southern California fires are raging, and I am concerned about my friends and family down there. Former President Carter is being laid to rest and I am so distracted and interested to know more about the long-term impact he has had on our nation. Then there are the political rumblings of the White House transition, the Canadian Prime Minister’s resignation, important prayer text messages from friends and family, a home repair issue, several necessary tasks to get done for the upcoming Blaine Anniversary potluck, people to contact with the pressure of an out-of-town trip next week. Focusing is a challenge. Then never mind my resolution to keep up with my exercise workout.
Want to know how I center my monkey mind and hear what God is saying directly to me in order to share my faith story? I know lots of you do this already: I open my Bible. Loud and clear, I hear God’s voice that keeps me grounded and going forward for Him.
Today He said, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
It is amazing how quickly I realize who the center of the universe is (and it’s not me and my to-do list BTW). In fact, my THOUGHT FOR THE DAY is that we must seek His light first if we want to get somewhere, especially when things are chaotic.
Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Lectionary Readings
First Sunday in Lent March 9, 2025 Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13
Second Sunday in Lent March 16, 2025 Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 or Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
Third Sunday in Lent March 23, 2025 Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 63:1-81 Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9
Annunciation of the Lord March 25, 2025 Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 45 or Psalm 40:5-10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38
Fourth Sunday in Lent March 30, 2025 Joshua 5:9-12 Psalm 322 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Fifth Sunday in Lent April 6, 2025 Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 126 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8
Liturgy of the Palms April 13, 2025 Sixth Sunday in Lent Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Luke 19:28-40
Liturgy of the Passion April 13, 2025 Sixth Sunday in Lent Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 22:14-23:56 or Luke 23:1-49
Monday of Holy Week April 14, 2025 Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 36:5-11 Hebrews 9:11-15 John 12:1-11
Tuesday of Holy Week April 15, 2025 Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 71:1-141 Corinthians 1:18-31 John 12:20-36
Wednesday of Holy Week April 16, 2025 Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 70 Hebrews 12:1-3 John 13:21-32
Maundy Thursday April 17, 2025 Holy Thursday Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14 Psalm 116:1-2, 12-191 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Good Friday April 18, 2025 Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Psalm 22 Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42
Holy Saturday April 19, 2025 Job 14:1-14 or Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24 Psalm 31:1-4, 15-161 Peter 4:1-8 Matthew 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42
Announcements
Prayer and Coffee • Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesday (3/12) at 9:00AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to begin Lent, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. We will discuss the significance of Lent. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study • See Dates and Times (Below)
Rev. Karen will lead a 7-week Lent Book Study using Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study. She will teach the class on the following days:
Tuesday (3/11), 7:00PM
Tuesday (3/18), 7:00PM
Tuesday (4/1), 7:00PM
Tuesday (4/8), 7:00PM
Tuesday (4/15), 7:00PM
The classes will be held on Zoom and the link will be released the day before. Please note that some classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays due to scheduling conflicts with other events taking place at the church. Thank you in advance for your flexibility.
This year’s All Church Lenten Book is Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study. The book is written by Cynthia M. Campbell and Christine Coy Fohr. For Lent this year, our theme will be Bread of Life: Meeting Jesus at the Table.
The Gospels are full of stories of Jesus sharing meals with people. Whether multiplying bread to feed a whole crowd, relaxing with his inner circle, or telling curious elites’ stories about even greater banquets, Jesus imparts wisdom and forgiveness during mealtimes.
This book study provides biblical insights along with thought-provoking queries regarding our own time, such as whom should we invite to Sunday dinner and who is left out and left behind in our culture today. Each chapter includes questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.
Books are on sale in the Church Office for $10.00 each.
Reconciling Ministries Network Devotional, Written by Lynne Onishi
Artwork copyright Erin Shigaki. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Barry Johnson, 2024.
Kimball Elementary School Cloud Pavilion Art Dedication • Thursday, March 13, 5:30pm
Kimball Elementary School Principal Angela Bogan has invited the Blaine Memorial congregation to Artist Erin Shigaki’s Cloud Pavilion Art Installation in the Kimball Elementary School Library on March 13, from 5:30PM-6:30PM. The Cloud Pavilion (kumo no akusha) by Erin Shigaki conveys the histories, hopes, and relationships of both Kimball Elementary students and Beacon Hill residents. Please RSVP to Yuki Sofronas by Wednesday, March 12 at 4:00PM so we can get a head count. The church is arranging rides to the school entrance. For those who feel comfortable walking to the school, we will walk together in a group.
About Erin Shigaki
Erin Shigaki’s art practice focuses on the experiences of communities of color, often the World War II (1939-45) incarceration of her Japanese-American community. She is passionate about highlighting similarities between that history, the detention and family separation immigrants face today, and other systemic violence and injustices that people of color continue to face. She believes that using art to tell stories about these moments can educate, redress wrongs, and heal. Erin Shigaki was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She is a graphic designer and illustrator by trade. She is also a community activist. She helps run an annual pilgrimage to Minidoka, the American WWII concentration camp where her family was incarcerated, and she is also a part of Tsuru for Solidarity, working to end detention and incarceration for all. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University.
Blaine Girl Scout Troop #43880 Cookie Booth • March 16, 2025 after Sunday Service (Social Hall)
Please come out to get your favorite cookies and support our Girl Scout Troop this year as they raise money for their annual camping trip! Thank you for your support!
Adventurefuls
Do-Si-Dos
Girl Scouts S’mores (retiring)
Lemon-ups
Samoas
Tagalongs
Thin Mints
Toffee-tastic (GF)
Trefoils
Learn more about our next Guatemala Mission Trip during our Info Meeting in March.
Guatemala Mission Trip Informational Meeting • March 16, 2025
Are you interested in going on a mission trip this coming August 8 to August 16? Do you have a desire to serve others in an underdeveloped country? Are you not sure about going, but want to learn more? Blaine will again partner with Mission Guatemala and send a mission team to San Andrés Semetebaj, Guatemala. Please join us for a short informational meeting Sunday, March 16, in the Webb Room at 12:00. If you have any questions, please contact Bob or Donna Sekijima at or Alice Ikeda.
50th Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival at Seattle Center • April 11-13, 2025
The Japanese Community and Cultural Center of Washington are asking for your help. They need refreshments for the Volunteer Hospitality Team who is working at the 50th Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival at the Seattle Center. They are requesting potluck dish donations of mochi, onigiri, spaghetti, different salads, beverages, snacks, hot dogs, etc.
Potluck dishes may lovingly be donated the days of Friday (4/11), Saturday (4/12), and Sunday (4/13) from 11:00AM-5:00PM. Questions? Please email Emiliano Baird or call (206) 372-5156.
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry @ Riverton Park UMC • Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm
Riverton Park UMC is in dire need of:
Diapers (sizes 3 through 7)
Diaper wipes
Kitchen pots and pans
Paper plates
Toothpaste
Long grain rice
Cooking oil
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Collection items can be dropped off to the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.
An All-Church Retreat to Refresh, Renew, and Rejoice! • August 22-24, 2025
We are bringing back the All-Church Camp Retreat! This year’s theme is Refresh, Renew and Rejoice! Please save the dates: August 22-24, 2025! Our campsite location will be in Olympia, WA. Please contact Harry Tang with questions. More information to be revealed…
The Beacon Newsletter is Now Available!
Click the image above to view our latest issue or view past issues here.
Jesus’ promises, “I am the bread of life.” What questions or hopes come to mind?
Who cheers for you and whom do you cheer?
What is something “bigger than you” that you are part of?
Tell the story of a table gathering that fed you in more ways than one.
How would you host a dinner where people left feeling full, known, and beloved? Who would you invite? What food would you serve? What questions would you ask? What stories would you share? Can you make it happen?
Order of Worship
Prelude Time Now to Gather Kathy Onishi By John D. Horman
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Blaine Memorial UMC Land Acknowledgment
Call to Worship Stephen Sumida
Opening Hymn Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days (UMH #269) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Opening Prayer Stephen Sumida
First Scripture Reading Luke 4:1-13 Tsutomu Nagoya, Stephen Sumida
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
Special Music A Willing Heart By Tom Fettke Blaine Memorial UMC Choir
Prayers of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Second Scripture Reading John 6:25-40 Tsutomu Nagoya, Stephen Sumida
Sermon Bread of Life Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Song of Meditation You Satisfy the Hungry Heart (UMH #629, v. 1, 2, 4 and 5) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Stephen Sumida
Offertory Music Kathy Onishi
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Stephen Sumida
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn I Come With Joy (UMH #617) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude Change My Heart, O God By Eddie Espinosa Kathy Onishi
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesday (3/12) at 9:00AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to begin Lent, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. We will discuss the significance of Lent. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study • See Dates and Times (Below)
Rev. Karen will lead a 7-week Lent Book Study using Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study. She will teach the class on the following days:
Tuesday (3/11), 7:00PM
Tuesday (3/18), 7:00PM
Tuesday (4/1), 7:00PM
Tuesday (4/8), 7:00PM
Tuesday (4/15), 7:00PM
The classes will be held on Zoom and the link will be released the day before. Please note that some classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays due to scheduling conflicts with other events taking place at the church. Thank you in advance for your flexibility.
This year’s All Church Lenten Book is Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study. The book is written by Cynthia M. Campbell and Christine Coy Fohr. For Lent this year, our theme will be Bread of Life: Meeting Jesus at the Table.
The Gospels are full of stories of Jesus sharing meals with people. Whether multiplying bread to feed a whole crowd, relaxing with his inner circle, or telling curious elites’ stories about even greater banquets, Jesus imparts wisdom and forgiveness during mealtimes.
This book study provides biblical insights along with thought-provoking queries regarding our own time, such as whom should we invite to Sunday dinner and who is left out and left behind in our culture today. Each chapter includes questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.
Books are on sale in the Church Office for $10.00 each.
Reconciling Ministries Network Devotional, Written by Lynne Onishi
Artwork copyright Erin Shigaki. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Barry Johnson, 2024.
Kimball Elementary School Cloud Pavilion Art Dedication • Thursday, March 13, 5:30pm
Kimball Elementary School Principal Angela Bogan has invited the Blaine Memorial congregation to Artist Erin Shigaki’s Cloud Pavilion Art Installation in the Kimball Elementary School Library on March 13, from 5:30PM-6:30PM. The Cloud Pavilion (kumo no akusha) by Erin Shigaki conveys the histories, hopes, and relationships of both Kimball Elementary students and Beacon Hill residents. Please RSVP to Yuki Sofronas by Wednesday, March 12 at 4:00PM so we can get a head count. The church is arranging rides to the school entrance. For those who feel comfortable walking to the school, we will walk together in a group.
About Erin Shigaki
Erin Shigaki’s art practice focuses on the experiences of communities of color, often the World War II (1939-45) incarceration of her Japanese-American community. She is passionate about highlighting similarities between that history, the detention and family separation immigrants face today, and other systemic violence and injustices that people of color continue to face. She believes that using art to tell stories about these moments can educate, redress wrongs, and heal. Erin Shigaki was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She is a graphic designer and illustrator by trade. She is also a community activist. She helps run an annual pilgrimage to Minidoka, the American WWII concentration camp where her family was incarcerated, and she is also a part of Tsuru for Solidarity, working to end detention and incarceration for all. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University.
Blaine Girl Scout Troop #43880 Cookie Booth • March 16, 2025 after Sunday Service (Social Hall)
Please come out to get your favorite cookies and support our Girl Scout Troop this year as they raise money for their annual camping trip! Thank you for your support!
Adventurefuls
Do-Si-Dos
Girl Scouts S’mores (retiring)
Lemon-ups
Samoas
Tagalongs
Thin Mints
Toffee-tastic (GF)
Trefoils
Learn more about our next Guatemala Mission Trip during our Info Meeting in March.
Guatemala Mission Trip Informational Meeting • March 16, 2025
Are you interested in going on a mission trip this coming August 8 to August 16? Do you have a desire to serve others in an underdeveloped country? Are you not sure about going, but want to learn more? Blaine will again partner with Mission Guatemala and send a mission team to San Andrés Semetebaj, Guatemala. Please join us for a short informational meeting Sunday, March 16, in the Webb Room at 12:00. If you have any questions, please contact Bob or Donna Sekijima at or Alice Ikeda.
50th Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival at Seattle Center • April 11-13, 2025
The Japanese Community and Cultural Center of Washington are asking for your help. They need refreshments for the Volunteer Hospitality Team who is working at the 50th Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival at the Seattle Center. They are requesting potluck dish donations of mochi, onigiri, spaghetti, different salads, beverages, snacks, hot dogs, etc.
Potluck dishes may lovingly be donated the days of Friday (4/11), Saturday (4/12), and Sunday (4/13) from 11:00AM-5:00PM. Questions? Please email Emiliano Baird or call (206) 372-5156.
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry @ Riverton Park UMC • Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm
Riverton Park UMC is in dire need of:
Diapers (sizes 3 through 7)
Diaper wipes
Kitchen pots and pans
Paper plates
Toothpaste
Long grain rice
Cooking oil
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Collection items can be dropped off to the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.
An All-Church Retreat to Refresh, Renew, and Rejoice! • August 22-24, 2025
We are bringing back the All-Church Camp Retreat! This year’s theme is Refresh, Renew and Rejoice! Please save the dates: August 22-24, 2025! Our campsite location will be in Olympia, WA. Please contact Harry Tang with questions. More information to be revealed…
The Beacon Newsletter is Now Available!
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