This beautiful Missal made from parchment originates from East Anglia. It is considered a very important manuscript as it is one of the earliest examples of a Missal of an English source. Sarum Missals were books produced by the Church during the Middle Ages for celebrating Mass throughout the year. Photo courtesy: National Library of Wales.
So what’s next after Holy Week?
By Anne Arakaki-Lock, photos courtesy of Wikipedia
The disciples experienced Jesus’ triumphant Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem, their Last Supper together, his betrayal and agonizing crucifixion, the darkness when he was in the tomb, and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. But what happened after that?
For 40 days before he went to heaven, I love how Jesus hung out with his disciple friends after his resurrection. Scriptures say they went fishing. They ate. He promised them that they would be getting a gift of the Holy Spirit, the Counselor who would comfort them and guide them as he commanded them to share his story with others:
A fresco at the Karlskirche in Vienna (by Johann Michael Rottmayr)
“… you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” – John 14:18.
“… the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” – John 14:26.
So, after Jesus’s ascension, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus’s disciples and other followers, marking the birth of the Church. At Pentecost, 50 days from Easter, we see God’s promise fulfilled. The disciples (learners) became apostles (messengers), filled with the Holy Spirit. So now, they were not as much supposed to show people what they could do for God, but what God had done for them: “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting… All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit” – Acts 2:1-4. Has the Holy Spirit descended on you and have you accepted this priceless gift from God?
Anne Arakaki-Lock serves as a member of Blaine Memorial’s Congregational Care Ministry.
Lectionary Readings
Fifth Sunday of Easter May 7, 2023 Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 1 Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14 Sixth
Sunday of Easter May 14, 2023 Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:8-20 1 Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21
Ascension of the Lord May 18, 2023 Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47 or Psalm 93 Ephesians 1:15-23 Luke 24:44-53
Seventh Sunday of Easter May 21, 2023 Acts 1:6-14 Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 John 17:1-11
Day of Pentecost May 28, 2023 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
Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth May 31, 2023 1 Samuel 2:1-10 Psalm 113 Romans 12:9-16b Luke 1:39-57
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The Rev. Karen Yokota Love presents a Reconciling Ministry Moment during Sunday Worship.
Pentecost: The Gift of Diversity
By Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Senior Pastor
“When the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.” Acts 2:1-4
In Acts 2, the disciples are huddled in the upper room. First, there is wind and fire. Then the disciples speak about Jesus, and the author Luke writes, “When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?’”
The image of a dove – a symbol of the Holy Spirit of God, peace, rest and humility, in the context of the symbol of the Holy Trinity.
Pentecost becomes an affirmation of God’s gift of diversity. Luke makes a point of listing all the places that the people had come from to be in Jerusalem. There were many different people from many different places speaking many different languages. Pentecost is a celebration of unity in diversity. Diversity can be difficult. The people of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church began conversations around LGBTQIA+ inclusion in July 2022. This is an ongoing process of prayer, learning, discernment, and conversation. The process will culminate with a congregational decision. Disaffiliation, or leaving the United Methodist Church as a denomination, has not been a part of these discussions. There is no intention of leaving the UMC. We continue to discuss what this outcome looks like for Blaine Memorial UMC and how this helps us be a more loving community. We might not always understand one another and there might be miscommunication. Social queues could be misinterpreted. Sometimes, understanding one another more effectively or efficiently can be frustrating.
However, the “birth” of the church is more than simply understanding one another more effectively or efficiently. The reign of God depends on diversity. The more we can widen and deepen our awareness of where the holy is at work among us, the more possibilities become reality for the peaceable kin-dom to come near.
Sometimes this work of deepening understanding and stretching our perceptions is the opposite of efficient. But it is worth the effort because we are talking about the dream of our hearts, initiated and fulfilled by our God. Sometimes we are tempted to confuse our own experience of “normal” with being faithful.
The Pentecost experience reminds us that God always is willing to break up and expand our perception of the norm to welcome every blessed variety of God’s beloved creation. The more we can hear, see, and experience the Spirit at work in the incredible diversity of our world, the more we receive the deep invitation to full life in Christ.
We are re-centered in God’s love as the ultimate “norm” for all life, and we begin to see the world anew. When we truly are baptized into Christ, we become a part of a new creation.
Every Pentecost is the re-birth of the church anew into a particular time and place and context, each with its own joys and sorrows. The visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost today may be very similar to the first Pentecost: reaching across boundaries to understand those who live differently, speak differently, experience reality differently. Our Spirit-given diversity challenges singular and dominating forms of power that dehumanize, and that ignore the breath of divine life, the Holy Spirit, who dwells in all creation, in every human being. This gift offers us countless and bold ways to build communion and inclusive community where diversity breathes life. Pentecost then is not so much the birth of the church, but a snapshot of the church in action through the power of the Holy Spirit: where diversity is chosen over division, where dialogue is chosen over conflict, and where all are cared for, not just the people of our tribe or clan. Pentecost screams the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ: all are invited and all are welcome here. May it be so.
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The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park leads Blaine Memorial UMC in prayer during Sunday Worship.
Grounded in faith, trusting in God
By Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
One of my reflective practices is to write a letter to my future self, expressing my hopes and prayers for myself. This practice has proven to be beneficial to me in many ways. Not only does it encourage and support me, but it also helps me view my situations and myself from a more objective perspective. When I write this letter, I imagine myself as one of my friends or neighbors and pour out my thoughts, encouragement, affirmation, and suggestions. Over time, I have accumulated many letters from myself that not only inspire and uplift me, but also provide moments of chuckles as the situations often turn out differently than I had anticipated.
Recently, I came across a letter I had written to myself about 20 years ago while on a plane during my very first trip to the U.S. I could feel the nervousness and anxiety I had experienced about flying into a place with an uncertain future. I remember vividly how my thoughts were wandering around without any rational connections, and I couldn’t sleep for the entire 10-hour flight. In the letter, I talked to myself in Korean, acknowledging my worries about my baggage, how to contact John if he wasn’t there to receive me, and the stress about John’s seminary acceptance and possibly moving in the near future. However, I reminded myself that God, who had led me on this journey of living in a foreign country, was already there to provide everything I needed. I also expressed my hope that I would get a chance for further education in the U.S. before returning to Korea.
Although the letter doesn’t apply exactly to my current situation, its message of grounding myself in faith and trusting in God still resonates deeply with me.
As I write this article, I am filled with both excitement and nervousness about my family’s upcoming visit in June. My mother, three older sisters, and one brother-in-law will be visiting me for the first time, and I am grateful for this opportunity. However, I also feel anxious about the logistics of their trip, particularly since my ordination service will take place in Meridian, Idaho on Sunday, June 11th. They will arrive in Seattle on June 5th, and John and I are prayerfully and carefully planning the trip with my family from Korea to Idaho and back to Seattle. After my family’s visit, our Jr. High campers will leave for camp, and in July, we will have Vacation Bible School for our children from July 10th-14th, from 10 am-3 pm. Additionally, our high schoolers will attend Asian Camp from July 23rd-28th. These are just a few of the events scheduled for my family and church.
I am praying for strength, guidance, and wisdom to make this spring and summer amazing. I already know that God will continue to deepen my faith and trust during this time, even when things sometimes turn out differently than what I anticipated. As I continue to write letters to myself, I hope to be able to look back on them with fondness and gratitude for how God has guided me through my journey. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I am also excited to share that the Church School in May will be memorizing the Lord’s Prayer, so I ask the families to support our children to memorize the Lord’s Prayer at home as well.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Church School teachers, BYG leadership, and the entire congregation for your dedication and commitment to our ministries. May will be an amazing month, and I look forward to experiencing it together.
Blaine Church members meet-and-greet with Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth. From (L-R): Sharon Maeda, Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth, Ron Nobuyama and Rev. Karen Yokota Love
We are resurrection people!
By Rev. Karen Yokota Love, additional photos by Lawrence Paltep and Jesse N. Love
Hallelujah! Christ is risen. Hallelujah! Christ is risen, indeed! I greet you with the miracle of Easter during this Eastertide season.
Members and friends of Blaine wrap the rice balls with anko. The rice balls were prepared the night before. Anko is a sweet red bean paste made from adzuki beans and sugar.
I’m thrilled because Blaine Memorial’s Sukiyaki Take Out benefit ministry event was an absolute success. After three years of being suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a great team of leadership resurrected Sukiyaki this year. Thank you for your generous support. This event can only be successful when folks like yourselves are willing to give your time, energy and commitment. Take a look at “Sukiyaki Photos 2023” to see all of the fun.
The Blaine Youth Group prepared a delicious breakfast for Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023.
To top that off, Easter Sunday at Blaine Memorial was magical this year. Our Blaine Youth Group (BYG) resurrected the Easter Breakfast! The BYG prepared and cooked a delicious Easter breakfast with all the fixings – scrambled eggs, mini sausages, fruit, cinnamon rolls, haupia, and so much more!
Steve Sofronas and Joseph Adriano set the flowered cross in the sanctuary.
The Worship Committee decorated the sanctuary on Holy Saturday. The altar was covered in lilies with white and gold touches. Joe Adriano, Steve Sofronas and Michael Corsilles carried in the flowered cross during the processional which magnified the sanctuary. Our Church School Teachers and BYG filled and hid 300 Easter Eggs in the Social Hall and Kono Chapel for our children. Even though it rained all morning, Easter was still special with Christ’s love surrounding us with breakfast, the flowering of the cross, a dynamic worship service and an Egg Hunt. Thank you for a special Easter, Blaine Memorial. Christ Is Risen, Indeed!
George Yates and Shig Nishida serve breakfast on Mother’s Day as Rev. Karen Yokota Love partakes in a hearty meal.
Speaking of eggs, our Mother’s Day Breakfast made a comeback! We honored the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, May 14. We showed love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today. The men of Blaine Memorial prepared breakfast early at 6am. Thank you to Howard Nakase for chairing this year’s Mother’s Day breakfast!
Team Blaine represents at the ACRS Walk for Rice!
May signals the importance of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. On Sunday, May 21, we will celebrate our long-standing relationship with Asian Counseling and Referral Services. Executive Director Michael Byun will join us in our worship service and share stories with us about ACRS’s long history with Blaine Memorial. ACRS promotes social justice and the well-being and empowerment of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities – including immigrants, refugees, and American-born – by developing, providing, and advocating for innovative, effective, and efficient community-based multilingual and multicultural services. We’ll also hear from Audrey Hwang and Justine about the upcoming Walk for Rice event in June. Visit “Walk for Rice 2023” for more info.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love presents a Reconciling Ministries Moment during Sunday Worship on May 7, 2023.
Also on Sunday, May 21, we will take a straw poll after worship. This poll is to identify if we can become a reconciling congregation. It will also give us an opportunity to measure our progress and to discuss further scripture texts, intentionally facilitate dialogue, and answer any questions that one might have to become a reconciling congregation. Please look at “God’s Radical Love: Diversity”, where Lynne Onishi discusses the process more in depth.
Earlier last month, I had the honor of meeting our new Greater Northwest Resident Area Bishop, Cedrick D. Bridgeforth at a Meet-and-Greet with the SeaTac District. We also had the chance to meet his spouse, Christopher. Bishop Cedrick expressed his great passion with a wide range of social justice issues, including restorative justice, homelessness, and hunger. He articulated in his sermon that one of his goals while he serves the Greater Northwest Area is to eradicate racism and discrimination of all kinds. I look forward to Bishop Cedrick’s leadership and where he will take this conference with his vision and innovative ideas.
As we move towards Pentecost, which signifies the birthday of the church, may you feel and know the power of the Holy Spirit this season. May you celebrate and be renewed with God’s Spirit. May you use this time of deep reflection and a renewal of faith. May God be with you. Blessings to you during this season!
Read the Beacon!
The latest issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for viewing! Printed versions are available in the office, sanctuary, and social hall!
Happy Spring from the Innovation Hub team! We’ve had an exciting month of ministry together. The young adults recently engaged in some friendly competition while playing a lively game of whirlyball (see photo). This young adult activity group is hoping to venture back outdoors for some beautiful Spring and Summer hikes. Please stay tuned for updates!
We also recently wrapped up a short Bible Study series that helped us to examine what it means to be faithful to scripture and inclusive of all people. We discussed different modes of Biblical interpretation and then looked at texts that have been used as weapons against LGBTQIA+ folks. It was quite an intellectual, spiritual, and emotional journey as we learned about cultural and historical contexts, church tradition, the difficulties around translation of Biblical texts, and our own unique relationships to the Bible.
Reconciling Ministries Q and A:
We are bringing back our Reconciling Ministries Q and A series this month! In previous newsletter articles, we explained what the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is, and we shared updates about our reconciling process at Blaine Memorial thus far.
Q: What are we voting on? What is the Reconciling Statement?
A: 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. Before we take a final vote, we will take a closer look at the Reconciling Statement:
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.
As you read this statement, what questions or reflections are you having? What makes sense to you? What seems confusing? How might Blaine Memorial commit to this vision of a radically inclusive and diverse faith community? We hope that you take the time to engage in conversation with one another and discuss how this reconciling statement fits with our mission and ministries at Blaine Memorial UMC.
By voting to adopt this statement, we are pledging to live out a life of faith that aligns with Jesus’s radical love for the world. We are excited to be going on this journey as a 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 or any of the other team members for more information.
Contact Lynne Onishi with questions about the Innovation Hub team or Reconciling Ministries, lynneonishi@gmail.com.
