Posts by blaineoffice

Summer: We are together again! Comments Off on Summer: We are together again!

Summer: We are together again!

Posted by on Jun 13, 2023 in Pastors' Columns, Prayer

The Revs. John and Mia with Gloria and Grace enjoy dinner as a family.

Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection

Summer: We are together again!

By Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Assoc. Pastor

I am grateful to share that my mom, three older sisters, and one brother-in-law will be visiting us for the first time in early June. Even though time seems to be moving slowly, I’m grateful for the chance to prepare for their arrival. Seeing my mom’s smile when she arrives will bring me so much joy. I cannot wait for her to witness John’s and my ministries in the U.S. Although it was difficult for my mom to accept our decision not to return to our home country, she is beginning to understand that God works beyond our experiences and expectations.

Living far away from my mom and siblings has been challenging. Not being able to support them physically created feelings of guilt and resentment that have lingered for a long time. However, after witnessing how God has brought my family to know God and attend church, I’ve learned to trust that God is always there, guiding and protecting them through every step of their journey.

My mom’s childhood was difficult, as her family faced financial challenges. Only her brothers were able to attend school, so she didn’t learn how to read until she was in her mid-70s. When she started attending church, my mom became curious about the Bible. She was determined to learn how to read so she registered for a basic reading class at the senior center. Now, she can read hymns and the Bible, even if she doesn’t fully understand the meanings. I believe that the Holy Spirit inspired my mom to achieve her lifelong wish of learning how to read.

During their visit, I plan on taking my family to see the iconic Space Needle and explore Pike Place Market, where we can get my mom’s favorite fresh seafood. I’m also excited to show them around the church and visit some of the local parks and beaches, where we can spend quality time together and enjoy the beautiful summer weather.

As I prepare for my family’s visit, I’m filled with gratitude for this opportunity to spend quality time with them and create new memories together. I know it will be a time of joy and laughter, but also a time for us to reflect on our shared experiences and the ways in which our faith has brought us together. I’m excited to see how this visit will deepen our connection and strengthen our bonds as a family. I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a long time, and I can’t wait to show them the beauty of Seattle and the Blaine Memorial campus, which has become another home for me.

As summer begins, I am thrilled to announce that we will be offering special time for our children and youth through VBS and camps. This year’s VBS theme is “Food Truck Party On a Roll with God,” and it will run from Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 14, from 10 am to 3 pm. Registration for VBS is now open, and you can visit blaineonline.org to register your child or children.

I am excited to memorize John 10:10 with the children in June. The verse states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” My prayer is that our children and youth will experience the abundant life that our Lord provides, and that they will be filled with His peace.

In May, we were able to accomplish so much together, and I am truly thankful for all the hard work and dedication that was put into all ministries. We have so much to be grateful for Work party, Sukiyaki, uplifting worship services, etc. As we move into June, I am filled with anticipation for what’s to come and the new opportunities that await us. I am confident that with our collective efforts and God’s guidance, we will continue to grow and thrive as a community. Let’s make this next month even more amazing than the last!

The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park serves as the Associate Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.

June Lectionary

First Sunday after Pentecost
June 4, 2023
Genesis 1:1-2:4a Psalm 8 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20
Second Sunday after Pentecost
June 11, 2023
Genesis 12:1-9 Psalm 33:1-12 Hosea 5:15-6:6 Psalm 50:7-15 Romans 4:13-25 Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
Third Sunday after Pentecost
June 18, 2023
Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 Exodus 19:2-8a Psalm 100 Romans 5:1-8 Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23)
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
June 25, 2023
Genesis 21:8-21 Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 Jeremiah 20:7-13 Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18 Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:24-39

Read our latest issue of the Beacon!

The June edition of the Beacon features stories from our church in celebration of Summer! Download the PDF!

Learn More
Congrats Church School, BYG Leads, and Grads! Comments Off on Congrats Church School, BYG Leads, and Grads!

Congrats Church School, BYG Leads, and Grads!

Posted by on Jun 13, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Prayer, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation

Celebrating our Church School, BYG Leaders, and Graduates of 2023!

By Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Associate Pastor

As we rapidly approach the end of the fall 2022-Spring 2023 school year, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Church School teachers and youth group leaders. Throughout this post pandemic year, we have encountered numerous challenges, twists, and turns, but we have navigated them all with God’s grace and integrity. I am truly grateful for the entire church community coming together, united in faith. I want to extend a huge thank you to our Church School teachers and the members of the BYG Leadership team. Their dedication and love for our children and youth are immeasurable. When I think of Christian Education, the lyrics of the Hymn of Promise come to mind:

“In the bulb, there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; In cocoons, a hidden promise; butterflies will soon be free.”

I am filled with hope as I witness our children and youth growing in God’s love and grace, knowing that they are nurtured by our care and prayers. It brings me immense joy to reflect on another abundant and blessed year, and I want to take this opportunity to give a resounding shoutout to our Church School teachers and BYG Leadership team once again! Thank you so much for your dedicated hearts, all teachers and leaders!

Church School

Sai Hanaoka, Church School Superintendent

Arlene Mitsui, Teacher

Sylvia Wong, Teacher

Susan Lee, Teacher

Kim Furugori, Helper, not pictured

Dawn Sakaguchi-Tang, Teacher

BYG Leaders, Helpers, with Graduates of 2023

Lawrence Paltep, Outgoing Director

Lynne Onishi, Director

Kaylee Yokoyama, Assoc. Dir. Youth Ministries

Kai Yamamoto, Assoc. Dir. Youth Ministries

Michelle Yokoyama, Leader and College Graduate

Malia Yamamoto, Leader and College Graduate

Mariko Ronan, Leader

Kobe Yamamoto, Leader

Collin Ikeda, Advisor

Lorissa Ricord, Advisor

Jarrett Shirouzu, Advisor

Jenna Tong, Advisor

Joshua Santos, New Leader

Edwin Santos, New Leader

Jem Miyake, College Graduate

Allison Hall, H.S. Graduate

Read our latest issue of the Beacon!

The June edition of the Beacon features stories from our church in celebration of Summer! Download the PDF!

Learn More
The Pride of Blaine Comments Off on The Pride of Blaine

The Pride of Blaine

Posted by on Jun 13, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Innovation Hub, Small Groups

A few of our young adults explored Discovery Park in Magnolia to resume our hiking ministry for the summer!

Innovation Hub Update

Celebrating the Pride of Blaine

By Lynne Onishi

I can’t believe summer is just around the corner! The young adults are excited to pick up our hiking ministry, enjoy sunshine and fellowship in God’s creation, and work with our film crew about the possibility of more outdoor movie nights in the courtyard! The Reconciling Ministries team is excited about all things during Pride Month!

I’m getting ready to wrap up my one-year Ministry Innovation fellowship at Wesley Theological Seminary. Throughout the year, I’ve been learning about church innovation alongside a cohort of young adults. Together, we’ve spent the last several months connecting with pastors and church leaders who want to see new life in their ministries. I’ve gained so much from synthesizing what I’ve experienced in this program with my ministry work at this church. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned that we are not alone in our struggles. Churches all across the country are having the same conversations we’re having about the future of the Church, sustainability, the ever- changing culture, and the irrelevance of the Church in young people’s lives.

Now is a critical period in which the Church can respond to these needs and problem-solve. But that requires a shift in how Church happens. It requires that young people lead these conversations and, in return, the Church listens to and believes young people. That’s much easier said than done.

Our Young Peoples Survey from 2022 revealed that only half of those who grew up in a faith community were still active members as young adults. We heard stories of both beautiful community and heartbreaking pain young people experienced within churches and youth ministries. And we heard calls from young people for the church to respond to today’s crisis in a way that communicates to the world who Jesus is and what God stands for.

As we prepare to take a vote on our affiliation with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), I am mindful of the many fears that accompany making a public declaration. But this is a path many of our neighbor churches and Japanese American Caucus churches have already walked. We are not alone in this. Participating in the RMN is an opportunity to align our mission with what Jesus calls us to do as Christians – to side with the marginalized and oppressed and resist evil in all its forms (racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, etc.).

Churches join the RMN by voting to adopt a reconciling statement, which must receive support from 75% of the congregation. This statement is a declaration to both one another and the public that our congregation is committed to inclusivity and justice:

We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.

To believe this statement is only part of the story. To declare this statement is another. To declare this belief means that we will be held accountable for acting like we believe it. And I believe that we are ready to proclaim this Good News to our community!

The IH team and RM Task Force are always looking for new folks to join us. If you feel called to lend your voice to these important ministries, we invite you to join us at our next team zoom meeting. Please contact Lynne (lynneonishi@gmail.com) or IH team members for more info.

Important dates for June 2023

Sunday, June 25
Pride Sunday, Reconciling Ministries
Friday, June 30
IH Film and Discussion Night

Read our latest issue of the Beacon!

The June edition of the Beacon features stories from our church in celebration of Summer! Download the PDF!

Learn More
Second Sunday After Pentecost Comments Off on Second Sunday After Pentecost

Second Sunday After Pentecost

Posted by on Jun 11, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

  • June 11, 2023
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Thank you to the Watanabe Family for today’s flower arrangement. Bob K. Watanabe, 98, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Bob’s Celebration of Life service was yesterday, June 10 at BMUMC. May Bob rest in peace.
  • Continue scrolling for today’s bulletin or view the print version

Order of Worship

Prelude
As the Deer
Words and Music: Martin Nystrom
Miriam Tong
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Call to Worship
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
*Opening Hymn
Be Still My Soul (UMH #534)
Neal Komedal and Miriam Tong
Opening Prayer
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Scripture Reading
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (NRSVUE, JLB)
George Yates and Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Sai Hanaoka
Sermon
Off the Sidelines
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Hymn of Response
Grace Alone (TFWS #2162)
Neal Komedal and Miriam Tong
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94)
Miriam Tong
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Announcements
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Closing Hymn
We Are Called (TFWS #2172)
Neal Komedal and Miriam Tong
Benediction
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Postlude
He Is Exalted
Words and Music: Twila Paris
Miriam Tong
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Zoom Breakout Room
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn

Sermon Reflection Questions

  • Are there people that you have considered “not worth the trouble?” What is the rubric that goes into that conclusion?
  • How do you discern when someone is “beyond help” and when someone should be given more chances?
  • What shared values at Blaine Memorial UMC support this?

Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures

Monday, June 12, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48; Genesis 16:1-15; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:2

Complementary: Psalm 40:1-8 ; Leviticus 15:25-31; 22:1-9; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:2
Tuesday, June 13, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48; Genesis 17:1-27; Hebrews 13:1-16

Complementary: Psalm 40:1-8; Hosea 8:11-14; 10:1-2; Hebrews 13:1-16
Wednesday, June 14, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48; Genesis 18:16-33; Matthew 12:1-8

Complementary: Psalm 40:1-8; Hosea 14:1-9; Matthew 12:1-8
Thursday, June 15, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 21:1-7; Hebrews 3:1-6

Complementary: Psalm 100; Exodus 4:18-23; Hebrews 3:1-6
Friday, June 16, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 24:1-9; Acts 7:35-43

Complementary: Psalm 100; Exodus 4:27-31; Acts 7:35-43
Saturday, June 17, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 24:10-52; Mark 7:1-13

Complementary: Psalm 100; Exodus 6:28-7:13; Mark 7:1-13

Announcements

33rd Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • June 17, 9am

This year ACRS will hold its in-person Walk for Rice at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Seward Park! Team Blaine’s fundraising goal is $7,000. Help ACRS feed AAPI community members who are experiencing food insecurity by joining or donating to Team Blaine! Go to Team Blaine’s page at ACRS’s website to donate! Or mail your donation to the Blaine office (checks made out to “Walk for Rice”, memo: “Team Blaine”) . Thanks for your support! Read more.

Special Edition Print from Blaine’s own, Glenn Mitsui! • Purchase here

From the Asian Counseling and Referral Service: 

To celebrate the return of Walk for Rice to Seward Park, we are thrilled to offer a special-edition art print designed by local artist Glenn Mitsui, the son of Sam Mitsui, who co-founded the first Walk 33 years ago. 

“The piece celebrates the beauty of the park, which my dad loved. He ran the loop and swam to the buoys countless times…In short, Walk for Rice and Seward Park were two of my father’s loves. It was an honor to try to capture why in this piece.” 

All proceeds from this special art print will benefit the ACRS Food Bank, which provides culturally familiar foods to immigrants, refugees, elders and families throughout King County. 

Join or support a fundraising team and walk with us at Seward Park on Saturday, June 17!

Join us for Father’s Day Lunch! • Sunday, June 18

Following Worship in the Social Hall Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 18 as we celebrate Father’s Day by honoring the father, father-figures and men of Blaine! Join us after worship service in the Social Hall to celebrate Father’s Day!

Music of Summer Sunday! • June 25 in Worship

Join us for a special worship service with Music Sunday at Blaine! We will kick off the summer with music from the Blaine Memorial Choir, BUGS, some special music and soloists. Join us for a full worship service filled with music! This will be the last day where the Blaine Memorial Choir will perform before taking a summer break!

Pride Month Film Night • June 30, 6:30pm-8:30pm

RSVP here or contact Lynne Onishi for more info.

VBS Collections • July 8-16

We are preparing for this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) from July 10-14! This year’s theme is Food Truck Party on a Roll with God! We are asking kindly for the following items:

Portable Picnic Table with foldable seats: We are looking to borrow this from Saturday, July 8-Sunday, July 16.

Koinobori/Fish kite decorations: Indicate your name on each item so we can return it to you! Small packs of snacks including: granola bars dried fruit juice boxes soda pop

Hygiene products: soap toothbrushes toothpaste shampoo conditioner deodorant shaving gel hand sanitizer Please leave your donations in the black treasure chest box in the Narthex and feel free to contact Pastor Mia at miablaine2020@gmail.com and/or Susan Lee at blainevbs@gmail.com with questions.

Summer Camps & VBS 2023! • See Dates

This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Save dates for your children and youth!

June 25-30
Jr. High Camp
(for incoming 6th-9th graders):
Registration is now closed
July 10-14
Vacation Bible School
10am-3pm
Register now: blainevbs.square.site
July 23-28 Asian Camp
(for incoming 10th grade-2 years post-high school)
Register by June 25, here

Ongoing Request for Chips and Savory Treats

Thank you all for generously donating sweet and savory treats for post-worship fellowship time. Currently, we need more chips and savory items: wrapped bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos etc.) would be appreciated. Drop off your donations to the Narthex, Church Office, or Social Hall either on Sunday or during Church Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday 10:00AM-4:00PM). Help serve refreshments on Sundays after worship by contacting Julie Lock at: jtlock00@gmail.com

Ongoing Donations for Afghan and Ukrainian Refugees

Items being collected: At this time, we have an abundance of some items and so we are NOT in need of clothing or children’s toys. Especially needed items are women’s products, toothpaste, personal care items, rice cookers, blenders, mixing bowls, microwave ovens, toasters, mixers, irons, dish sets, towels, and blankets.

Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Collection items can be dropped off to the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday – Thursday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items. South King County Response Center Collection & Volunteer Hours: The Donation Center is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays from 10am-2pm, same time as the Tukwila Pantry at 3118 S. 140th St. Seattle.

Please text Kim Parks at (206) 683-1707 when you would like to help. Please wear a mask and bring a marking pen and measuring tape if possible. Please contact Donna Sekijima at: donnasek@outlook.com and/or Anne Arakaki-Lock at: aarakakilock@gmail.com.

Read our latest issue of the Beacon!

The June edition of the Beacon features stories from our church in celebration of Summer! Download the PDF!

What’s Happening in June 2023

Learn More
BYG: Welcome Kaylee & Kai! Comments Off on BYG: Welcome Kaylee & Kai!

BYG: Welcome Kaylee & Kai!

Posted by on Jun 9, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Small Groups, Weekly Calendar

BYG Update

By Lynne Onishi, BYG Director

It’s almost summer! When we asked the youth what they were most excited about in the upcoming weeks, we heard over and over again how much they’re looking forward to the end of the school year and the arrival of summer break. As this school year winds down, BYG is excited to celebrate our graduates and return to summer camps once more!

This is also a time of much transition for our leadership team. In April, Lawrence Paltep stepped down from his director position and we have since welcomed our two new associate directors: Kaylee Yokoyama and Kai Yamamoto! Let’s hear how they came to lead BYG…

Hello, my name is Kaylee Yokoyama. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Washington studying psychology. I have been a Blaine Youth Group leader for the past two years, and I am excited to step into this new role as an Associate Director of Youth Ministries. I have been attending Blaine since I was three years old, and Blaine to me is a welcoming faith community, where I grow in my faith and have developed many meaningful relationships. In my experiences as a youth, I have felt the warmth and guidance that BYG provided me. As a youth, I always admired my leaders and directors. I hope to provide the same comforts to the youth as an associate director and contribute to fostering a community of inclusion. I am excited about supporting the youth in their passions and engaging in opportunities to continue growing BYG. I hope to contribute to making BYG a community where youth can explore their faith through service, relationships, and curiosity.

Greetings, Blaine Community, my name is Kai Yamamoto, and I am excited to be working with Lynne and Kaylee as an Associate Director of Youth Ministries! I have been attending BYG since 6th grade and have been a part of BYG ever since. BYG has always been a special place for me, as it was a community of people who were around my age that also cared and looked out for me. After I graduated high school, I became a BYG leader to help facilitate and preserve this community. When Lawrence and Lynne approached me about this opportunity, I decided I wanted to take on this role, to ensure that this community will be there for both our current youth and future youth.

I am excited to be working with Lynne and Kaylee to plan different events and work with our youth to keep our community thriving!

Important dates for June 2023

Sunday June 4, 2023
Graduation Sunday
Saturday June 17, 2023
BYG Graduation Party, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (Location TBD)
Sunday, June 18
Last BYG Sunday Gathering of the school year
June 25-30, 2023
Junior High Camp

BYG meets on Sundays at 10:00 AM. We will gather in the sanctuary for the beginning of worship service before transitioning over to the Nishida Room for BYG time after the children’s message. Our last Sunday BYG Gathering of the school year will be on Sunday, June 18. BYG will be on break over the summer!

Blaine Youth Group (BYG) is a place where youth (6th-12th grade) are invited into a loving community and celebrated as they are. BYG provides a safe environment for youth to build lasting friendships, grow spiritually, learn acceptance of self and others, express compassion for the world, and develop a love for God and neighbor. BYG has a space for any person who is interested.

Director of Youth Ministry: Lynne Onishi, lynneonishi@gmail.com Associate Directors of Youth Ministry: Kai Yamamoto, kai.yamamo@gmail.com and Kaylee Yokoyama, kaylee.yokoyama1@rev-karen

Read our latest issue of the Beacon!

The June edition of the Beacon features stories from our church in celebration of Summer! Download the PDF!

Learn More