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Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost Comments Off on Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by on Oct 29, 2023 in Archives, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

  • Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
  • October 29, 2023, 10:00am
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin
  • Thank you to Miriam Tong for today’s beautiful flower arrangement! 

Order of Worship

Prelude
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Song
Open the Eyes of My Heart
(Paul Baloche)
Blaine Memorial Praise Band
Opening Prayer
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading
Matthew 22:34-46 (NRSVUE, JLB)
Kai Yamamoto and Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music
One Song
(By Pepper Choplin)
Blaine Memorial Choir
Prayers of the People
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Second Scripture Reading
Luke 10:25-37 (CEB, JLB)
Donna Sekijima and Tsutomu Nagoya
Message
This is Me
M.I.L.E – E: Elimination of Racism
Dale Watanabe
Hymn of Reflection
We Are Called (TFWS #2172)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn
You Are Holy
(By Marc Imboden and Tammi Rhoton)
Blaine Memorial Praise Band
*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
We Are Called
(By David Haas)
Kathy Onishi

Sermon Questions

1. How have you supported someone in your family or community that was on the margins? 

2. How many different identities do you hold? 

3. What more can our church do to support those at the margins? 

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, October 30, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48;  Numbers 33:38-39; James 2:8-13
Complementary: Psalm 119:41-48; Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 20-25; James 2:8-13
Tuesday, October 31, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48; Exodus 34:29-35; James 2:14-26
Complementary: Psalm 119:41-48; Deuteronomy 10:10-22; James 2:14-26
Wednesday, November 1, 2023: All Saints Day
Thursday, November 2, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 1:1-11; Romans 2:17-29
Complementary: Psalm 43; 1 Samuel 2:27-36; Romans 2:17-29
Friday, November 3, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:1-14; 2 Peter 2:1-3
Complementary: Psalm 43; Ezekiel 13:1-16; 2 Peter 2:1-3
Saturday, November 4, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:15-24; Matthew 23:13-28
Complementary: Psalm 43; Malachi 1:6-2:9; Matthew 23:13-28

Announcements

Choir openings are available! Contact Eugene Onishi for more info!

Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7pm, Sun. at 9am, 11:45am

Join us as we bring musical messages to the Blaine family each week. If you sing, or if you would like to learn to sing, please come join! Whether you sing in public or just in the shower or are available “full-time” or “part-time,” all are welcome! Contact Eugene Onishi.

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Nov. 1 at 9am

The Wednesday Prayer group continues to meet each week. Our time together consists of a check-in question centering around United Methodist Founder John Wesley’s famous question, “How is it with your soul?” Our time together continues with a few readings from The Upper Room Magazine September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us!

For more information, contact the church office for details!

All Saints Sunday • Sunday, Nov. 5

On All Saints Day, United Methodists publicly remember and honor our loved ones who have passed away. We will say the names of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church members who passed away from November 1, 2022 – October 31, 2023 and a bell will be rung to remember them.

Please bring pictures of your loved ones (relatives, friends, animal companions) to honor and celebrate their memory and your time with them. You are welcome to bring photos, artwork, trinkets, tokens, prose, and poetry to place on the altar in remembrance of your dearly departed. Please bring items that you feel comfortable leaving on the altar as we will remember our departed ones at our All Saints Worship Service.

Reconciling Ministries Vote

Important Dates
Oct. 29-Nov. 4
• Return Mail-In Ballots
Nov. 5
• In-Person Voting

“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.” 

Register and vote in person at church, Nov. 5. 

Mail ballots to the church office or return them in-person between Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 (mail needs to be received by Nov. 4). Ballots will be counted after worship on Sunday, Nov. 5. 

Scan the QR code for the online registration form or sign up in-person on Sundays. Find our form in the office or social hall!

All-Church Conference Meeting • Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7pm

This year’s All-Church Conference will be on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm. This gathering holds great significance for our faith community as we come together to celebrate our ministries in 2023. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Derek Nakano will preside over the meeting. All are invited to hear about the state of our church and other important updates. More details to come!

Thanksgiving Meal Work Party • Sunday, Nov. 19 & Monday, Nov. 20

BYG is once again partnering with Kimball Elementary School to provide Thanksgiving meals for food-insecure families. We’ll gather on Sunday, November 19, after worship to prepare apple crisps together in the LAC kitchen. Additionally, on Monday evening at 6pm in the LAC kitchen, we’ll make mashed potatoes and bake apple crisps (a light dinner will be provided). We plan to deliver the meals to Kimball Elementary School on Tuesday, the 21st, in the morning. Please contact BYG Directors or Terri Adolfo for more details.

The Beacon is Now Available!

Read the latest issue of The Beacon newsletter, here!

October/November Calendar

Click on calendar to view the PDF.

Learn More
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Comments Off on Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by on Jul 29, 2023 in Archives, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Order of Worship

Prelude
Would I Have Answered When You Called
By Ralph Vaughan Williams
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Call to Worship
(Based on Psalm 105:1-11)
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
*Opening Hymn
Open the Eyes of My Heart
by Paul Baloche Eugene and Kathy Onishi, Michelle Vaughan, Miriam Tong, and Neal Komedal
Opening Prayer
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
First Scripture Reading
Romans 8:26-39 (NRSVUE, JLB)
Sylvia Wong, Mike Takahashi
Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music
Blessed Be Your Name
By Beth Redman, Matt Redman
Eugene and Kathy Onishi, Michelle Vaughan, Miriam Tong, Neal Komedal
Sermon
Life as Christians II
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection
Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone
By J. Newton, C. Tomlin and L. Giglio
Eugene and Kathy Onishi, Michelle Vaughan, Miriam Tong, Neal Komedal
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Announcements
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Closing Hymn
Forever by Chris Tomlin
Eugene and Kathy Onishi, Michelle Vaughan, Miriam Tong, Neal Komedal
*Benediction
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude
It Is Well with My Soul
By Philip P. Bliss and setting by John Carter
Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Sermon Questions

  • What are the roles of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian? 
  • According to Romans 8:28, what assurance do Christians have in their journey of life? 
  • Based on today’s passage, how can Christians find strength and courage to live boldly for and with Christ, no matter the circumstances they encounter? 
  • What practical steps can Christians take to strengthen a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit and experience the guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit in our lives? 

Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures

Monday, July 31, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 65:8-13; Genesis 30:25-36; James 3:13-18
Complementary: Psalm 119:121-128; 1 Kings 3:16-28; James 3:13-18
Tuesday, August 1, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 65:8-13; Genesis 30:37-43; Ephesians 6:10-18
Complementary: Psalm 119:121-128; 1 Kings 4:29-34; Ephesians 6:10-18
Wednesday, August 2, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 65:8-13; Genesis 46:2-47:12; Mark 4:30-34
Complementary: Psalm 119:121-128; Proverbs 1:1-7, 20-33; Mark 4:30-34
Thursday, August 3, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Isaiah 14:1-2; Philippians 4:10-15
Complementary: Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Proverbs 10:1-5; Philippians 4:10-15
Friday, August 4, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Isaiah 41:8-10; Romans 9:6-13
Complementary: Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Isaiah 51:17-23; Romans 9:6-13
Saturday, August 5, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Genesis 31:1-21; Matthew 7:7-11
omplementary: Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Isaiah 44:1-5; Matthew 7:7-11

Announcements

“Looking Back” by Fumiko Kimura

Sumi Strokes of Summer Exhibit • Now – August 24

Puget Sound Sumi Artists (PSSA) presents Sumi Strokes of Summer, an exhibit of Sumi Fine Art and a memorial tribute to its founder, Fumiko Kimura (December 1929-March 2023), and a retrospective of 37 years of PSSA art. This event will be held at the Premier Gallery at the Puyallup Activity Center (210 West Pioneer, Puyallup, WA 98371), July 5 – August 24, 9am-4pm, M-F (except holidays). Read more.

RM Q&A Session • Today!

Join the Reconciling Ministries team for a drop-in Q&A session on Sunday, July 30 during fellowship hour! We will meet in the Webb Room (adjacent to the social hall) for some fun treats and conversation about the reconciling ministry process. Please stop by to chat with the team, find resources, enjoy snacks, and join in some fun activities! All are welcome. Contact Lynne Onishi for more info!

Save the Date: Blessing of the Animals • Next Sunday, Aug. 6

Blaine Memorial UMC will have a Blessing of the Animals worship service on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 10:00AM in the Blaine Courtyard. Everyone is invited to bring pets (or pictures of pets) for the blessing. Dogs should be on leashes and other pets should be in appropriate carriers. Hope to see you there with your furry friend!

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 – Friday 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 July edition of the Beacon features stories from our church in celebration of Summer! Download the PDF!

July 2023 Calendar

Learn More
Senior Pastor News Comments Off on Senior Pastor News

Senior Pastor News

Posted by on Jul 8, 2023 in Archives, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Innovation Hub, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation

Together, we rise through faith

By Rev. Karen Yokota Love

It’s summertime. The weather is changing. It’s so much lighter, so much later – what a joy! I gazed outside a few evenings ago, assuming that at such a late hour the sun had retired for the day. To my surprise, the sun was shining with no sign of a sunset. I thought, “no matter how I think this should go, the sun will not set until it’s ready.” Imagine if we were such pillars of light that we allowed nothing to get in the way of our shining. When the sun rises, nothing can stop it, it is so high that nothing can get in its way.

This year, all our pillars of light are once again, rising! Nothing seems to get in the way of shining for the people at Blaine.

Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Masato Takahashi, Janet Kometani, Tom Kometani and Rev. Karen Yokota Love honor those who fought in combat and served our country.

Blaine Memorial UMC members showed up at Lakeview Cemetery for the 78th Annual Nisei Veterans Committee Memorial Day Service. Together we honored relatives, friends, and remembered those who fought in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, served in the Military Intelligence Service and remembered all the Japanese American soldiers who fought and died in wars thereafter.

Erika L. Moritsugu, Dale Watanabe, Rev. Karen Yokota Love, and Chaplain Lisa Ishihara each contributed the NVC Ceremony.

White House Deputy Assistant to President Biden and Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Senior Liaison Erika L. Moritsugu was this year’s keynote speaker. Church Member, Dale Watanabe, provided this year’s Christian-based message and tied in the history of his father and relatives who served in World War II. He also talked about the names that are listed on the Honor Roll Wall at the Minidoka National Historical Site in Hunt, Idaho. Minidoka had the highest percentage of incarcerees from the 10 incarceration camps to serve in the military. Dale tied this link to the Nisei War Memorial at Lakeview Cemetery which honors the 56 American soldiers of Japanese origin.

Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth preaches his Opening Sermon at PNWAC, Tacoma.

At this year’s PNW Annual Conference, Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth announced both Rev. Mia and my appointments to continue to serve as your pastors for the July 2023-June 2024 appointment year. Rev. Jeney and Rev. Mark are also appointed in secondary appointments serving at Blaine. I look forward to what this new year will bring for us and the sparks of light that will be ignited through our ministry together!

Rev. Mia gets ordained by Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth. Her mother, husband (Rev. John Go), mentor, and Rev. Karen (representing the PNW Board of Ordained Ministry) lay hands during service.

I also want to take the time to congratulate Rev. Mia MiKyung Park on her ordination as a Full Elder in the Oregon-Idaho Conference. This is a huge accomplishment and milestone in her life! Ron Nobuyama, Lawrence Paltep, and I flew to Meridian, Idaho, to witness Rev. Mia’s ordination on June 11. What an exciting moment to witness!

Rev. Karen, George Yates, and Ron Nobuyama sit together at the Closing Plenary at the PNW Annual Conference at Mason UMC in Tacoma. Rev. Karen is the clergy representative while George and Ron are lay delegates for BMUMC.

Susan Lee provides information on this year’s Vacation Bible School, during Sunday Worship.

Jr. High Camp, VBS and Asian Camp are standing pillars of light and reminders that we are in the thick of summer. It’s wonderful to see our Church School kids, youth and young adults meeting new friends, reconnecting with old friends while finding new ways to connect with God. This year’s VBS theme is Food Truck Party: On a Roll with God, and we are praying that everyone who joins this party will know and experience God’s love, presence, and faithfulness.

This Zoom-only event is coming soon. Contact Lynne Onishi for more details!

Our Reconciling Ministries Team continues to shine a light on an intentional discernment process to explore the outreach, affirmation, and intersectional ministry with and for LGBTQIA+ people at Blaine Memorial UMC. We will continue to engage in deep conversations over the summer by discussing what it means to celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. In our conversations, we continue to discuss what it means and looks like to 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.

At the end of July, I’ll be facilitating a retreat sponsored by the National Japanese American United Methodist Caucus at Lake Tahoe’s Zephyr Point. There will be 100 attendees and a few from Blaine Memorial are attending. Other attendees are coming from our sister Japanese American churches including Wesley UMC, Sacramento Japanese UMC, and members from other historical Japanese American churches of different denominations.

One of the many festive blooms from July 4th in Federal Way, Wash.

As we celebrated Independence Day, I continued noticing that the chains of slavery are just as present as they have ever been – whether it be the inequity that persists in the world, or something as mundane as our slavery to our work or our own busyness. I would like our community to channel the prophet inside of us. I’d like us to slow down and to take this freedom and privilege that we embody to the world and to every interaction we have with every person we meet.

With so much going on in the world, we, who are brave, must continue to be intentional about spreading God’s love. We must continue to rise and shine. Let’s look even deeper, get even more uncomfortable, and let our little lights come together to create a sun that doesn’t go down because someone thinks it should, but a sun that shines, no matter what time of day it is. It’s great to be in community with you and to do ministry with you. Be well and stay healthy. You are loved and a child of God. Be the hope and continue to help your neighbor! Rise up and shine your light of faith!

The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.

Read our latest issue of the Beacon!

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

July 2023 Calendar

Learn More
Trinity Sunday  Comments Off on Trinity Sunday 

Trinity Sunday 

Posted by on Jun 4, 2023 in Archives, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Prayer, Sermons, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

  • June 4, 2023
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Celebration of Teachers, BYG Leaders and Graduates of 2023
  • Thank you to the Yorozu Family for today’s flower arrangement. Arthur S. Yorozu, 95, passed away on September 26, 2022. Arthur’s Celebration of Life service was yesterday, June 3, 2023 at BMUMC.
  • For bulletin, continue scrolling or view print version
Learn More
Sixth Sunday of Easter Comments Off on Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Posted by on May 13, 2023 in Archives, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

Order of Worship

Prelude
Time Now to Gather
By M.N. Keithahn and J. D. Hormon
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Opening Hymn
For the Beauty of the Earth (UMH #92)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Mother’s Day Liturgy
Lynne Onishi
First Scripture Reading
John 14:15-21 (CEB, JLB)
Lynne Onishi & Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music
Love Comes From God
Blaine Memorial Choir
Sermon
The Great Comforter
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Response
Spirit of the Living God, Fall Afresh on Me
(UMH #393)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Reconciling Ministries Moment #2
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
(UMH #94)
Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn
Gift of Love
(UMH #408)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
He is Exalted
By Twila Paris
Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Breakout Room
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn

Announcements

Today! Blaine Memorial’s Mother’s Day Breakfast is back!

After worship!

Come join us as we give thanks to our mothers and mother-like figures in our lives! Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC. Our Mother’s Day Breakfast is back! During this time, we will honor, remember and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all of the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today.

Wednesday Coffee & Prayer

May 17 • 9am on Zoom

Please join Rev. Karen for a time of meditation and prayer on Wednesday, May 10 at 9am. The Wednesday Prayer group continues to meet each week. Our time together consists of a check-in question centering around United Methodist Founder John Wesley’s famous question, “How is it with your soul?” We continue our time together with a few readings out of The Upper Room Magazine May/June edition.

Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We pray for anyone who would like to be prayed for. Please join us! Brew a fresh cup of coffee or steep some tea. This is a great opportunity to pause in the middle of the week to check in with others. The Zoom link will be sent out prior to gathering on Tuesday.

Reconciling Ministries Team

Celebrating God’s Gift: Diversity

By Lynne Onishi

Greetings from the Reconciling Ministries (RM) team at Blaine! The RM team is a lay-led group of congregation members who are passionate about LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the church. We are here to help guide this church through a process of discernment as we consider affiliating with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN).

To affiliate with RMN, our church must vote to adopt a Reconciling Statement. We want to hear what you think about this statement before we take a final vote, so we are conducting a straw poll on May 21. As we prepare to take a straw poll, we invite you to look at the Reconciling Statement below:

“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.”

Why are you a part of the team?

I am a member of the Reconciling Ministry Team because I know a family whose son is non-binary. I have seen their fear when prejudice and hate were directed toward their child. And I have seen their reaction to be one of honesty, courage, and love. I believe the church can come alongside families like this to provide support and community.

Terri Pittman

I am part of the Reconciling Ministries Team because I grew up in this church and have always felt included, yet also off to the side, and want to see a place that is welcoming and affirming to all.

Dale H. Watanabe

I am a member of the Reconciling Ministries Team because we, as a church, love God and God’s people. We can show our love by openly expressing welcome to our friends who are often marginalized and hurt, even though that may not be our intention. As a teacher, I worked with many youth who suffered pain and rejection because of their sexual identities. Sometimes, the pain was too much to bear. Offering an accepting (Christian?) community can metaphorically and literally save lives.

Arlene Naganawa

Reconciling Ministries Team

Yoshi Kuramoto, Arlene Naganawa, Lynne Onishi, Lawrence Paltep, Terri Pittman, Mariko Ronan, Jarrett Shirouzu, Jenna Tong, Dale Watanabe, Malia Yamamoto

The Reconciling Ministries Team invites all who are interested to join in our work! Visit rmnetwork.org for more information.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Apply Now! Blaine Educational Scholarships

Due May 17

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. Applications are due May 17. We are blessed to offer the following scholarships: the Vera Ing Scholarship, Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship, Yasuda Scholarship, William S. Yorozu Scholarship, and the Robert S. Sato Scholarship. Read more.

Blaine Cookbook needs your recipes!

Due May 31

Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church will release a 120th Anniversary Edition of “Let’s Dine!”, the latest in a series of cookbooks produced by Blaine Memorial over the past 70 years. This cookbook will commemorate the 120th Anniversary of Blaine Memorial, with a scheduled release of January 2024. We are seeking submissions for the 2024 cookbook and are calling on you to contribute! Read more.

This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out!

Please save the dates for your children and youth! Summer Camps & VBS 2023!

June 25-30
Jr/High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders) Jr. High Camp registration is open now! Please register your youth by May 31!
July 10-14
Vacation Bible School 10am-3pm VBS registration is open now! Visit the VBS 2023 page and bookmark it for updates!
July 23-28
Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade- 2 yrs. post-high school)

The Beacon newsletter is ready for viewing!

Printed versions are available in the office, sanctuary, and social hall!

Check out what’s happening at Blaine!

Learn More
Fifth Sunday of Easter Comments Off on Fifth Sunday of Easter

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Posted by on May 6, 2023 in Archives, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Giving, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

Order of Worship

Prelude
“In Moments Like These”
by David Graham
Leann Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Opening Hymn and Opening Prayer
“How Can We Name a Love”
(UMH #111)
Miriam Tong, Leann Onishi, Neil Komedal
Transfer of Membership:
Alma Santos, Edwin Santos and Joshua Santos
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading
1 Peter 2:2-10 (CEB,JLB)
Kobe Yamamoto & Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Sai Hanaoka
Scripture Reading
Romans 12:9-21 (CEB,JLB)
Kobe Yamamoto & Tsutomu Nagoya
Sermon “#BeUMC: ??? People of God”
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection
“Help Us Accept Each Other”
(UMH #560)
Kathy & Eugene Onishi, Unison
Reconciling Ministry Moment
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Holy Communion
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
and Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Communion Special Music
“The Sweetness of Mary”
by Joan MacDonald Boes
arr. by Brenda Hunter

“Amber Waltz”
by Mick Doherty

Leann Onishi
Doxology
and Prayer of Dedication
“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
(UMH #94)
Miriam Tong, Leann Onishi, Neil Komedal
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn
“Because He Lives”
(UMH # 364)
Miriam Tong, Leann Onishi, Neil Komedal
Benediction
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude
Traditional American Fiddle Tunes
Leann Onishi
Zoom Breakout Room
Rev. Jeney Park-Hearn

Sermon Reflection Questions

  • As a church, we sometimes struggle with a diversity of opinions. What are the advantages of people not thinking alike? What are the challenges?
  • As you reflect on the conflicts in your life and in the church, what gives you hope?
  • How will you continue to remain faithful, even in the midst of difficult times?
  • The primary reason Christians are resilient is because we believe in resurrection. Death does not have the final word. Where have you seen resurrection in your life and in the lives of others?
  • How might God be asking you to stretch out of your comfort zone to be a welcoming presence to those who feel alone and separated from church, society, and others?

Sermon title and questions are adapted from #BeUMC campaign website.

Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures

Monday 5/8
Psalm 102:1-17; Exodus 13:17-22; Acts 7:17-40
Tuesday 5/9
Psalm 102:1-17; Proverbs 3:5-12; Acts 7:44-56
Wednesday 5/10
Psalm 102:1-17; Proverbs 3:13-18; John 8:31-38
Thursday 5/11
Psalm 66:8-20; Genesis 6:5-22; Acts 27:1-12
Friday 5/12
Psalm 66:8-20; Genesis 7:1-24; Acts 27:13-38
Saturday 5/13
Psalm 66:8-20; Genesis 8:13-19; John 14:27-29

Announcements

Next Week! Blaine Memorial’s Mother’s Day Breakfast is back!

Sunday, May 14, 8:30am-10:00am and after worship!

Come join us as we give thanks to our mothers and mother-like figures in our lives! Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC. Our Mother’s Day Breakfast is back! During this time, we will honor, remember and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all of the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today. Calling all men and those who identify as men at Blaine Memorial! We need your help! Help us prepare the breakfast beginning at 6:00am! Please contact Howard Nakase for more information.

Wednesday Coffee & Prayer

May 10 • 9am on Zoom

Please join Rev. Karen for a time of meditation and prayer on Wednesday, May 10 at 9am. The Wednesday Prayer group continues to meet each week. Our time together consists of a check-in question centering around United Methodist Founder John Wesley’s famous question, “How is it with your soul?” We continue our time together with a few readings out of The Upper Room Magazine May/June edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer.

We pray for anyone who would like to be prayed for. Please join us! Brew a fresh cup of coffee or steep some tea. This is a great opportunity to pause in the middle of the week to check in with others. The Zoom link will be sent out prior to gathering on Tuesday.

Blaine Memorial UMC Church Member Stephen Sumida in “Hometown Boy” play

Throughout the month of May

Seattle Public Theater presents “Hometown Boy,” starring our very own Stephen Sumida. Performances will run every weekend in May. If you’d like to see Steve perform as “Walter,” please purchase your tickets here.

If you have ticketing questions, or would like help with purchasing tickets, please contact the box office.

About Hometown Boy

James hasn’t been back to his rural Georgia hometown in over a decade, but reluctantly returns to check in on his father, whose behavior has become worryingly erratic. And since the South has a way of holding onto secrets, he soon stumbles into a life he thought he had left behind as a child. That stench in the air isn’t just his father’s decaying house, but the rotten core of long-buried secrets teeming just under the surface and ready to explode.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Apply Now! Blaine Educational Scholarships

Due May 17

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. Applications are due May 17. We are blessed to offer the following scholarships: the Vera Ing Scholarship, Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship, Yasuda Scholarship, William S. Yorozu Scholarship, and the Robert S. Sato Scholarship. Read more.

Blaine Cookbook needs your recipes!

Due May 31

Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church will release a 120th Anniversary Edition of “Let’s Dine!”, the latest in a series of cookbooks produced by Blaine Memorial over the past 70 years. This cookbook will commemorate the 120th Anniversary of Blaine Memorial, with a scheduled release of January 2024. We are seeking submissions for the 2024 cookbook and are calling on you to contribute! Read more.

This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out!

Please save the dates for your children and youth! Summer Camps & VBS 2023!

June 25-30
Jr/High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders) Jr. High Camp registration is open now! Please register your youth by May 31!
July 10-14
Vacation Bible School 10am-3pm VBS registration is open now! Visit the VBS 2023 page and bookmark it for updates!
July 23-28
Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade- 2 yrs. post-high school)

In case you missed it…

Making a Scene with Dr. Stephen Sumida

May 2023 calendar is available

Learn More