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 Scholarship
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
Yasuda Scholarship
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship
The Scholarships will be awarded under the following criteria:
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) 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.
Yasuda Scholarship
Award(s) will be made to high school seniors or college undergraduate.
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Awards will be made to a college sophomore, junior or senior and to a graduate student.
Blaine Memorial Scholarship
Award(s) will be made to high school seniors, community college, technical/trade school, and/or college undergraduate or graduate student.
Applications are available through emailing 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, 2024 for consideration. We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
Announcements
Read the latest issue of the Beacon!
Our March-April issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view – with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Earlier in February, Rev. Karen and church members met with the Tsuru for Solidarity leadership to organize for Day of Remembrance and future events.
Remembering the Past this Easter Season
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Easter is days away. Are you ready to receive the celebratory Alleluias? For Christians around the world, Holy Week and Easter are the high holy days of the liturgical year. During the holiest of times, we are invited to prayerfully commemorate and reflect upon the central events of our religious faith: the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Paschal Mystery.
Palm Sunday
On Sunday, March 24, Palm Sunday kicks off Holy Week by recalling the full sweep of Jesus’ last week on earth: his paradoxically humble-yet-triumphal entry to Jerusalem. During our 10:00AM Worship Service, you’re invited to wave palm leaves as we reenact the parade that Jesus walked on that faithful day. A big thank you to church member, Christine Yorozu, for generously giving the palm leaves to the church. We’ll save those leaves for next year’s ashes for Ash Wednesday. Usually, the Ash Wednesday ashes are created by burning palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration.
Good Friday at Japanese Baptist Church (JBC)
You’re invited to the long-standing tradition of Blaine Memorial and Japanese Baptist Church’s collaborative Good Friday Service on Friday, March 29. JBC will host Blaine this year. They are providing a simple soup supper at 5:45PM. Our worship together will begin at 7:00PM in the sanctuary. JBC is located at 160 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122. We are recommending that we meet at Blaine and then carpool together to JBC due to limited parking.
Together, we will remember Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, the arrest by the authorities, and denial by Peter; his interrogation and swift condemnation; and his torture, death and burial.
The Passion Narrative, as it is called, is a story of inherent drama: popular acclaim followed by public rejection; fear yet resolution at the prospect of suffering; betrayal, desertion and denial by close friends; the release of a guilty murderer named Barabbas (literally, “son of the father”) in exchange for the condemnation of the innocent Son of (God) the Father; cries of abandonment, prayers for forgiveness, and surrender into divine trust. Overall, we will remember the great love that Jesus has for us and the sacrifices that he made.
Join us on Easter Sunday for the Flowering of the Cross.
Easter Festivities at Blaine
All of this culminates to Easter where we celebrate the Risen Christ!
Easter Breakfast: Join us for Easter Breakfast in the LAC at 8:30AM as the Blaine Youth Group (BYG) will prepare, cook, and serve the breakfast. There will be two opportunities to eat: 8:30AM and after worship!
Flowering of the Cross: One of the most meaningful traditions that we celebrate on Easter Sunday is the Flowering of the Cross. It symbolizes new life in Christ. We invite all who are attending Easter Sunday worship (in person) to bring flowers from your garden (trimmed to a short stem). These flowers will be placed on the cross as you enter the Sanctuary for Easter worship.
Easter Egg Hunt: The Church School invites children to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt in the Courtyard (weather permitting). Please remind children to bring their own baskets, and feel free to invite your grandchildren, friends, and neighbors to join us for the hunt!
Join us as we celebrate the transformation of new life! The Paschal Mystery is so great and dense with meaning that the church dedicates the 50 days of Easter to celebrate it, to give it a chance to sink in. Jesus is raised. We are loved and forgiven by God. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work even now through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, slowly and inevitably transforming the world – and us – into a new creation, just as it transformed his bruised and battered body. Amen to that. Alleluia!
Taiko drummers perform at the Washington State Fairgrounds, last February
Recapping Day of Remembrance
The wind and the rain sure didn’t prevent hundreds of people, including two dozen of our own church members from Blaine Memorial, from showing solidarity and passion at Sunday’s two-prong action Day of Remembrance event on Sunday, February 18, a day prior to the actual Day of Remembrance. A consistent theme throughout the day reiterated why it’s important to connect past atrocities to the present atrocities and what we can do to make a difference to stop repeating history.
This year marked the 82anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, authorizing the forced removal and incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. The very first Day of Remembrance took place in Seattle in 1978, organized by Japanese Americans who would eventually lead a campaign for reparations from the federal government. This year, the Japanese American community of Western Washington commemorates our historical legacy by calling for closure of the Northwest Detention Center, an immigrant prison in Tacoma operated by GEO Group, a private corporation.
Sunday was just one out of a series of events as a part of a week of action. On Friday, February 16, activists blocked entry to the federal building in downtown Seattle to protest proposed funding for immigrant detention. On Tuesday, February 20, activists marched to the King County Airport to deliver a letter to ICE contractor Signature Aviation demanding an end to the deportation flights serving NWDC. The events were organized by Tsuru for Solidarity, La Resistencia, Densho, Seattle and Puyallup Valley JACL chapters, and the Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee demanding the shutdown of the Northwest Detention Center.
The remembrances began with a ceremony in Puyallup, WA at the Washington State Fairgrounds which was once called “Camp Harmony” – a euphemism that was coined by a journalist in 1942. Camp Harmony detained 7,000 Japanese Americans and Alaska Natives in 1942. The ceremony took place in the same spot, 82 years ago, where the Puyallup Assembly Center was erected in 1942. Later, in the afternoon, everyone caravaned to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, WA to protest and to be in solidarity with those who are currently confined. The Northwest Detention Center is an immigration prison located in Tacoma, Washington.
“The trauma of family separation, child imprisonment, poor sanitation, bad food, inadequate health care, and uncertain futures continues today at the Northwest Detention Center, just a 20-minute drive from Puyallup,” says Margaret Sekijima, a Tsuru for Solidarity organizer and Blaine Memorial church member.
Opened in 2004, the NWDC is privately owned and operated by the GEO Group on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The NWDC’s current capacity is 1,575 people, making it the fourth largest immigration prison in the United States.
In Puyallup, we heard powerful testimonies by many including a riveting testimonial from Mary Abo. Mary shared about her experience while witnessing her father being taken away by the FBI from her home in Juneau, Alaska. Shortly thereafter, she was shipped and detained with her family to the Puyallup Fairgrounds and the Minidoka Incarceration Camp. A highlight of her story included a memory of how her family was gifted a homemade chocolate cake while at Camp Harmony. The level of compassion and kindness moved her to tears and she’s carried that with her throughout her life. She chose to bring a homemade chocolate cake to a detainee from the Northwest Detention Center to pay the kindness forward.
In Tacoma, the echoing sounds of Taiko drums opened our time together to raise the roof with drums and voices, and to remind those held inside know that they are not forgotten. They are not alone.
There were many speakers which included Maru Mora-Villalpando, from La Resistencia. Maru was nearly deported due to her undocumented status. La Resistencia maintains contact with people inside and broadcast a video feed from an incarcerated person to the crowd protesting. Incarcerated people have been frequently going on hunger strikes this year over the center’s food and cleanliness.
Connecting and weaving the past atrocities from the First Nation peoples with a land acknowledgment to the Japanese American incarceration and then connecting the parallels of the immigrant prisoners at the Northwest Detention Center was a standout theme for the day.
It is not enough to remember the past injustices but we must work together to stop the current injustices.
May you find hope and peace during this Easter season as we continue to seek justice, love our neighbor, and walk humbly with God. May you look for God in every face you meet. You are called and you are blessed for such a time as this. May it be so.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Read the latest issue of the Beacon!
Our March-April issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view – with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
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 Scholarship
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
Yasuda Scholarship
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Robert S. Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships 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, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
Sermon The Power of Humility, Servanthood, and Obedience Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection More Like You TFWS #2167 Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Offertory Music The Walk to Calvary By N. Anderson Blaine Memorial Choir
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94
*Prayer of Dedication Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements Rev. Karen and Friends
*Closing Hymn The Old Rugged Cross UMH #504 Kathy & Eugene Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude Lamb of God By T. Paris Kathy Onishi
*Passing of the Peace Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Lectionary Questions
How does the humility of Christ, as described in this passage, challenge our modern understanding of power and authority and our cultural values of individualism and self-promotion?
Reflect on the implications of Jesus’ obedience unto death on a cross. What does this reveal about the nature of God’s love and redemption?
Reflect on the significance of Jesus taking on the form of a servant. How does this impact our understanding of leadership within the Christian community?
How can we practically apply the principles found in this passage to our relationships, workplaces, and communities?
Daily Lectionary Readings
Sunday, March 24, 2024: Liturgy of the Palms Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 • Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16
Sunday, March 24, 2024: Liturgy of the Passion Isaiah 50:4-9a • Psalm 31:9-16 • Philippians 2:5-11 • Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39, (40-47)
Monday, March 25, 2024: Annunciation of the Lord Isaiah 7:10-14 • Psalm 45 or Psalm 40:5-10 • Hebrews 10:4-10 • Luke 1:26-38
Monday, March 25, 2024: Monday of Holy Week Isaiah 42:1-9 • Psalm 36:5-11 • Hebrews 9:11-15 • John 12:1-11
Tuesday, March 26, 2024: Tuesday of Holy Week Isaiah 49:1-7 • Psalm 71:1-14 • 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 • John 12:20-36
Wednesday, March 27, 2024: Wednesday of Holy Week Isaiah 50:4-9a • Psalm 70 • Hebrews 12:1-3 • John 13:21-32
Friday, March 29, 2024: Good Friday Isaiah 52:13-53:12 • Psalm 22 • Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 • John 18:1-19:42
Saturday, March 30, 2024: Holy Saturday Job 14:1-14 or Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24 • Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 • 1 Peter 4:1-8 • Matthew 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42
FINAL NIGHT! NJAUMC Lenten Book Study ends on Monday, March 25!
You’re invited to join Rev. John Miyahara, Rev. Brian Lee, and members of the National Japanese American United Methodist Caucus (NJAUMC) congregations for the final night of the 6-week Lenten Zoom book study.
Author and Theologian Magrey DeVega will be present to converse with the students and answer any questions! The group has been reading Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross by Magrey DeVega. Please note that reading the book isn’t required and you can come as you are to meet new people. Join us for our final meeting tomorrow, Monday, March 25 from 4:30-6:00 PM (Hawaii), 6:30-8:00 PM (Pacific) and 7:30-9:00 PM (Mountain).
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Every Wednesday
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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Collaborative Good Friday Worship with Japanese Baptist Church • Friday, March 29
This year, Blaine Memorial UMC is invited to the annual collaborative Good Friday Service with Japanese Baptist Church (JBC) at 7:00PM.
JBC is hosting Blaine Memorial UMC with the annual tradition of worshiping together on Good Friday beginning with a simple soup supper meal at 6:00PM, followed with worship at 7:00PM.
Join us as we remember Jesus’ final words and actions before being crucified. We’ll remember Jesus’ love for us. JBC is located at 160 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122.
We are organizing a carpool from Blaine Memorial UMC to JBC due to limited parking. Please email the Church Office at blaineoffice@yahoo.com by Thursday (3/28), if you would like a ride. We will meet on Friday (3/29) at 5:00PM in the Blaine parking lot.
Sunday, March 31: Easter Sunday Schedule
Join us on Sunday, March 31 to celebrate the Risen Christ!
Easter Breakfast: Join us for Easter Breakfast in the LAC at 8:30AM as the Blaine Youth Group (BYG) will prepare, cook, and serve the breakfast. There will be two opportunities to eat: 8:30AM and after worship!
Flowering of the Cross: One of the most meaningful traditions that we celebrate on Easter Sunday is the Flowering of the Cross. It symbolizes new life in Christ. We invite all who are attending Easter Sunday worship (in person) to bring flowers from your garden (trimmed to a short stem). These flowers will be placed on the cross as you enter the Sanctuary for Easter worship.
Easter Egg Hunt: The Church School invites children to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt in the Courtyard (weather permitting). Please remind children to bring their own baskets, and feel free to invite your grandchildren, friends, and neighbors to join us for the hunt!
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
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 Scholarship
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
Yasuda Scholarship
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Robert S. Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships 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, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
Prelude Love the Lord Your God By Jean and Jim Strathdee Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Call to Worship Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Opening Hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing UMH #400 Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Opening Prayer Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
First Scripture Reading John 12:20-33 (JLB, CEB) Yuki Sofronas & Dale Watanabe
Children’s Message Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Blessing of the Blankets Rev. Karen Yokota Love & Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music Lord, Sanctify Me Wholly By Thomas Ken and Jean Pasquet Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading Matthew 18:15-22 (JLB, CEB) Yuki Sofronas & Dale Watanabe
Sermon How Many Times Should We Forgive? Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Affirmation of Faith Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection My Hope Is Built UMH #368 (Verses 1-2, 4) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Dale Watanabe
*Doxology Praise God,from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94
*Prayer of Dedication Dale Watanabe
Announcements Rev. Karen and Friends
*Closing Hymn Seek the Lord UMH #124 Kathy & Eugene Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude It Is Well with My Soul By Bliss/Carter Kathy Onishi
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Sermon Questions
Some translate Jesus’ response to Peter’s question in Matthew 18:22 as “seventy-seven times” and others translate it as “seventy times seven.” What is the significance of this? How do you calculate the math of grace?
What would this look like if applied on a larger scale, such as in our criminal justice system? Are there any specific situations or circumstances where you would choose not to follow this advice?
What do you think of Jesus’ step-by-step advice for dealing with conflict? Have you ever followed this when someone hurt you? How did that go?
Do we need to forgive a person if they haven’t asked for forgiveness yet?
Announcements
A beautiful landscape view of green plants on hills and Volcan de Fuego mountains on the horizon in Antigua, Guatemala
Guatemala Mission Meeting • Today
Our second Guatemala mission meeting will be Sunday, March 17 at 11:45 a.m. in the Webb Room. We hope to get a rough count on who is going so we can start looking into airfare. The trip date is August 16-24, 2024, only about 5 months away. If you can’t make the meeting but still are interested in going, please let us know.
Our February-March issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view. The March 2024 issue will be available very soon with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Lent Book Studies
The Third Day: Living the Resurrection Lenten Book Study
This year’s All Church Lenten study is The Third Day: Living the Resurrection by Tom Berlin and Mark A. Miller. Join us in this Zoom study on Tuesdays at 7:00PM, which is being facilitated by Rev. Mia MiKyung Park and Rev. Karen Yokota Love. The link will be emailed prior to the meeting date. Our last meeting will be March 19.
The Office is selling The Third Day: Living the Resurrection books for $14.00 and the Leader Guide is $12.00. You are welcome to buy the book in the Office and read with your small groups.
In The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, Tom Berlin uses his storytelling gifts and scriptural understanding to connect readers to the experiences of individuals around Jesus in his final days. The focus is on new life and redemption rather than loss.
Come and journey with characters like Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they experience the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study will explore events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives.
NJAUMC Lenten Book Study continues until March 25!
Join Rev. John Miyahara (UMC/US Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC), and members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus congregations in a 6-week Lenten book study. We are reading Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross by Magrey DeVega. Books are $17.00 in the Church Office. Please note that reading the book isn’t required! Join us tomorrow, Monday, March 18 from 4:30-6:00 PM (Hawaii), 6:30-8:00 PM (Pacific) and 7:30-9:00 PM (Mountain). The study will conclude on Mon., March 25.
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
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 Scholarship
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
Yasuda Scholarship
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Robert S. Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships 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, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
United States, Washington D. C. – September 20, 2019: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is located next to the National Mall, it includes the Stone of Hope, a granite statue of Civil Rights Movement
Listening and Hearing; Nudges and Action
By Anne Arakaki-Lock
We were well into the new year, and I had just talked to God about this year’s resolutions the night before Rev. Karen preached her sermon on Human Relations Sunday. She noted that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement began with prayer. Dr. King had heard God’s still voice, and he responded.
I had prayed about my 2024 resolutions and decided that this year I would aim to stay focused and have honest conversations with God and hear Him. I wanted to trust and feel His presence more. I knew that I had to intentionally pause and be still, to take a deep breath and settle my heart to feel His presence when I prayed, when I wanted to have conversation. You can imagine how affirming it was that Reverend Karen’s sermon addressed the resolution I had just made the night before. I was in sync with the Holy Spirit!
Reverend Karen noted, “God speaks to us all the time, but are we listening?” I honestly don’t always, but this time I know that my 2024 resolution had come from God. I also know, that life isn’t just about listening, it’s about hearing the calls to action, too. So the other half of the equation is equally as important as listening itself — that is, “responding to God’s voice?” What about “following with action?”
Immediately after the service, God had me in conversation with Gail Nomura, Archives Chair. In my heart, I had been carrying the weight of knowing I needed to do more for our 120th Anniversary… So do you think it was just a “coincidence” that it was Gail talking to me? I would say instead that it was the nudge.
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” Psalm 73:23 NIV
Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Our February-March issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view. The March 2024 issue will be available very soon with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Lent Book Studies
The Third Day: Living the Resurrection Lenten Book Study
This year’s All Church Lenten study is The Third Day: Living the Resurrection by Tom Berlin and Mark A. Miller. Just us in this Zoom study on Tuesdays at 7:00PM, which is being facilitated by Rev. Mia MiKyung Park and Rev. Karen Yokota Love. The link will be emailed prior to the meeting date. We will also meet on the remainig Tuesdays: 3/12, and 3/19 to discuss each chapter.
The Office is selling The Third Day: Living the Resurrection books for $14.00 and the Leader Guide is $12.00. You are welcome to buy the book in the Office and read with your small groups.
In The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, Tom Berlin uses his storytelling gifts and scriptural understanding to connect readers to the experiences of individuals around Jesus in his final days. The focus is on new life and redemption rather than loss.
Come and journey with characters like Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they experience the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study will explore events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives.
NJAUMC Lenten Book Study continues until March 25!
Join Rev. John Miyahara (UMC/US Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC), and members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus congregations in a 6-week Lenten book study. We are reading Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross by Magrey DeVega. Books are $17.00 in the Church Office. Please note that reading the book isn’t required! Join us tomorrow, Monday, March 11 from 4:30-6:00 PM (Hawaii), 6:30-8:00 PM (Pacific) and 7:30-9:00 PM (Mountain). The study will conclude on Mon., March 25.
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
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 Scholarship
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
Yasuda Scholarship
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Robert S. Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships 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, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
The Revs. Mia MiKyung Park and John Go spend family time together in Vancouver BC, Canada.
What is the meaning of “Love”?
By the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
February, the shortest month of the year, is brimming with events that beckon us to explore the depths of love. In this significant period, I find myself constantly reflecting on the profound meaning of love, often turning to the timeless words found in 1 Corinthians 13.
Love, as described in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, is truly mysterious. It thrives when shared generously but withers away when held back. The essence of love is symbolized by Jesus, who humbly walked the journey to the cross.
“Love is patient, kind, devoid of envy, boastfulness, arrogance, and rudeness. It does not insist on its own way, remains untroubled, and forgives without keeping a record of wrongs. Love does not delight in wrongdoing but finds joy in the truth. It bears all things, believes in all things, hopes through all things, and endures all things. Importantly, love never reaches an end,” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
As we approach Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday and coincides with Valentine’s Day this year, I want to take intentional time and effort to reflect on the selfless love of Jesus—a love without boundaries or limitations.
For 40 days, excluding Sundays, Lent is a season of self-examination, repentance, and reflection on Jesus’s sacrificial love. I want to walk towards a deeper understanding of that love. Jesus’s self-sacrificing love on the cross becomes powerful when it is not just spoken but lived out in our daily interactions. Also, this love is contagious and never contained in one place; it spreads out.
Jesus’s Agape love teaches us what it means to be a Christian, and this love will guide us humbly to walk the journey of faith. Jesus asks all of us personally, “Do you love me?” like Jesus asked Peter to affirm his love for Christ (John 21:15-19). Peter felt hurt since Jesus asked him three times. With each affirmation of love, Jesus tells Peter to “feed my lambs,” “take care of my sheep,” and “feed my sheep” (John 21:15-19).
Our Church School’s focus for Bible memorization in February is Matthew 7:12, known as the Golden Rule: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” This rule is made possible by the love that inspires and motivates us to mirror the life of Jesus, who continues to challenge us to get close to people who are marginalized in many ways to reach out to people beyond our abilities. The Golden Rule isn’t just a teaching or an ethical guideline; it’s a reflection of the love that underlies our faith. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we embody the self-giving, sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus. This love doesn’t discriminate; it flows freely and generously, reaching beyond our comfort zones, and we share this love freely because we also receive it freely.
As we navigate through February, may our hearts be open to the mysterious and transformative power of love—love that never ends, love that bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things and commands us to take care of God’s people including ourselves.
The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park serves as the Associate Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Our February-March issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view. The March 2024 issue will be available very soon with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Lent Book Studies
The Third Day: Living the Resurrection Lenten Book Study
This year’s All Church Lenten study is The Third Day: Living the Resurrection by Tom Berlin and Mark A. Miller. Just us in this Zoom study on Tuesdays at 7:00PM, which is being facilitated by Rev. Mia MiKyung Park and Rev. Karen Yokota Love. The link will be emailed prior to the meeting date. We will also meet on the remainig Tuesdays: 3/12, and 3/19 to discuss each chapter.
The Office is selling The Third Day: Living the Resurrection books for $14.00 and the Leader Guide is $12.00. You are welcome to buy the book in the Office and read with your small groups.
In The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, Tom Berlin uses his storytelling gifts and scriptural understanding to connect readers to the experiences of individuals around Jesus in his final days. The focus is on new life and redemption rather than loss.
Come and journey with characters like Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they experience the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study will explore events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives.
NJAUMC Lenten Book Study continues until March 25!
Join Rev. John Miyahara (UMC/US Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC), and members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus congregations in a 6-week Lenten book study. We are reading Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross by Magrey DeVega. Books are $17.00 in the Church Office. Please note that reading the book isn’t required! Join us tomorrow, Monday, March 11 from 4:30-6:00 PM (Hawaii), 6:30-8:00 PM (Pacific) and 7:30-9:00 PM (Mountain). The study will conclude on Mon., March 25.
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
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 Scholarship
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
Yasuda Scholarship
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Robert S. Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships 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, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
