Rev. Mia served at Blaine Memorial for four years, seeing the congregation through the pandemic period with care and grace. Here, she thanks the congregation for her time at Blaine Memorial during the closing of Sunday Worship.
Rev. Mia’s Potluck Photos
A Tribute Meal to Remember
By Jesse N. Love, et. al
Sunday, June 9, 2024 marked the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park’s last Sunday as Blaine Memorial’s Associate Pastor. What better way to send and bless Rev. Mia with a celebratory Potluck!
So much food was prepared – from fresh salads to sushi bake to hearty and savory meat dishes. There was even tortilla soup! Everyone expressed to our beloved Rev. Mia their gratitude for four years of ministry here at Blaine over a delicious meal with room for seconds.
As Rev. Mia embarks on a new chapter at Redeemer UMC in Kingston, we thank her for providing her care and wisdom for the Blaine Memorial family, especially for our BYG and Young Adults. Blessings to you and your family during this journey God has set forth! Jesse N. Love is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC
Joshua Santos serves up zesty and flavorful tortilla soup — a secret family recipe! Joshua’s pro-tip: don’t forget to add more tortillas to the soup!Immediately after Sunday Worship, Rev. Mia and the congregation zoomed over to the Lee Activity Center following the aroma of delicious foods that await. Keiko Yanagihara and the congregation choose a variety of their favorite, mouth-watering entrees as we remember Rev. Mia’s ministry moments at Blaine Memorial. Char siu pork, fried chicken, and even meatballs were offered!The Rev. Mia and Lynne Onishi close the potluck with fun and humorous reflections with their version of “Hot Ones”, a show that features interviews while eating foods with spicy sauces! Thank you, Rev. Mia!
Jesse Love is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt!
Blaine Memorial Church School and Blaine Youth Group Summer Schedule
July 13-20, 2024 (incuding travel time) • Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore (Incoming 10th – 2nd year college)
Blaine Benefit Bazaar Nominations • Due Friday June 28
The Bazaar Committee is seeking nominations for a beneficiary for the upcoming autumn bazaar! Submit a brief description of your recommended beneficiary recipient to the Church Office by Friday, June 28, 2024 for review and approval by Ad Board. Save the date: Blaine Memorial UMC’s Annual Bazaar will be on Saturday, October 5, 2024. If you have an organization in mind, please fill out the Beneficiary Nominations Form provided by our Church office. Contact Yuki Sofronas for more info.
The Revs. Karen Yokota Love, Mia MiKyung Park, and John Go in Richland, WA.
Senior Pastor Reflection
Marveling at God’s Masterpiece
By The Rev. Karen Yokota Love
I just returned from my month off of rest and time of renewal and it was marvelous. I spent much of my time in nature and marveled at God’s creation: “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 God is our master artist.
All of God’s works are originals. Original thoughts, original concepts, original drawings, original scenes of nature which include the ocean, the mountains, and the sky. God’s own creation moves and inspires God to continue painting, creating, sculpting, for us to receive and see. It’s up to us to be good stewards of this Earth and all of God’s resources. May we do just that.
Blaine Memorial class of 2024 grads along with friends and family celebrate together!
Much has happened since my return: we celebrated graduations: Allyson Sofronas, Aidan Lew, Mariko Ronan, and Kai Yamamoto; confirmands: Emma Hearn and Joshua Akiyama; we celebrated the nurturing work of our Church School Teachers, BYG Director, and Associate Directors and Leaders. We said farewell to Rev. Mia MiKyung Park as she’s been appointed to a new faith community at Redeemer UMC in Kingston, WA with a Blaine potluck celebration. I am truly grateful for the blessings and opportunity to work with Rev. Mia and to create some great ministry with her for the past four years! We blessed and celebrated her ministry.
Joshua Santos, Edwin Cruz, Ron Nobuyama, Lawrence Paltep, the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, George Yates and Lynne Onishi all attended this year’s PNW Annual Conference serving in various capacities.
At this year’s PNW Annual Conference, which was in Richland, WA. Ron Nobuyama, and George Yates served as your Annual Conference delegates. Lynne Onishi, Lawrence Paltep, Edwin Santos and Joshua Santos served as assistants to the PNW Conference Staff. Rev Mia and I were present as your clergy representatives. Resident PNW Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth announced my appointment to continue to serve as your pastor for the July 2024-June 2025 appointment year. I look forward to what this new year will bring to us and masterpieces that will be created through our ministry together.
Tyler Ikegami and Kai Yamamoto head to JHC!The Rev. Karen blesses our campers, counselors, and chaperones as they prepare to fly to California for Jr. High Camp.
Summer signals our annual rituals of gathering with friends at Jr. High Camp, Asian Camp and VBS. We just sent and blessed our campers, counselors and chaperones as they journey to Jr. High Camp at Camp Lodestar in Wilseyville, CA. Asian Camp will be in Southern California at Camp Gilmore, located in Calabasas, CA. Blaine is sending eight campers and two chaperones. 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.
Click this image to enroll in VBS 2024!
This year’s VBS times will be on consecutive Sundays: July 28, August 4, 11 and 18 from 10AM-12:30PM. Our theme is Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World. The focus is on mending, repairing, and restoring relationships with God, people, and creation which offers a theologically constructive and empowering message for all. Most of its treatments of scripture illuminate this theme in sound and fruitful ways. Click here to enroll now!
This is the first year Blaine Memorial UMC has attended the Seattle Pride Parade as a reconciling congregation in the United Methodist Church. We continue to work on the outreach, affirmation, and inter-sectional ministry with and for LGBTQIA+ people at Blaine Memorial UMC.
Finally, I give thanks as I remember and honor the legacy of a spiritual giant — the late Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., known as “the architect of the Civil Rights Movement,” who died on June 9, at the age of 95. He served as the pastor of Holman UMC in Los Angeles from 1974-1999 and served as pastor emeritus until his death. I had the chance to meet him while I attended Claremont School of Theology. He deeply influenced my faith by teaching United Methodists how to do public acts of nonviolent protest. The Rev. Lawson could make anyone take off any rose-colored glasses they had on, while believing that change is possible. Without his spiritual guidance, moral example and deep understanding of the principles and practices of nonviolent protest, the Civil Rights Movement as we know it might not have existed. May he rest in power.
With so much going on in the world, those who are brave, and intentional about spreading God’s love, must rise and create better ways of showing love and compassion. As always, as the landscape of our church continues to evolve and change, it’s great to be in community with you. You are such a blessing. You are loved and a child of God. Be the hope and may you be filled with God’s grace!
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt!
Blaine Memorial Church School and Blaine Youth Group Summer Schedule
July 13-20, 2024 (incuding travel time) • Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore (Incoming 10th – 2nd year college)
Blaine Benefit Bazaar Nominations • Due Friday June 28
The Bazaar Committee is seeking nominations for a beneficiary for the upcoming autumn bazaar! Submit a brief description of your recommended beneficiary recipient to the Church Office by Friday, June 28, 2024 for review and approval by Ad Board. Save the date: Blaine Memorial UMC’s Annual Bazaar will be on Saturday, October 5, 2024. If you have an organization in mind, please fill out the Beneficiary Nominations Form provided by our Church office. Contact Yuki Sofronas for more info.
Scripture Reading Mark 5:21-43 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Dale H. Watanabe
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
Prayers of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Second Scripture Reading Psalm 139 (NIV) Tsutomu Nagoya, Dale H. Watanabe
Sermon Love Never Ceases Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection In the Midst of New Dimensions (TFWS #2238) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Dale H. Watanabe
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Dale H. Watanabe
Announcements Rev. Karen and Friends
*Closing Hymn We Are Called (TFWS #2172) Kathy Onishi & Eugene Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude Kathy Onishi
Zoom Breakout Room Dale Kaneko
Sermon Questions
How has God used disease and death in your life to strengthen your faith in God?
Whom do we know who is sick or needing to be healed?
What do these stories reveal about the interplay between fear and faith in a relationship with Jesus? How are fear and faith present in your own relationship with Christ?
What moment in your life have you felt the most helpless? How did that moment lead you to look to Jesus? How should it have led you to look to Jesus?
Daily Lectionary
Sunday, June 30, 2024: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 and Psalm 130; Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15, 2:23-24 or Lamentations 3:22-33 and Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43
Saturday, July 6, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 48; 2 Samuel 3:31-38; Matthew 8:18-22 Complementary: Psalm 123; Jeremiah 7:27-34; Matthew 8:18-22
Announcements
Pride Worship Sunday, Seattle First UMC • Today
Every year during Seattle Pride, First UMC hosts other local reconciling churches for a worship service and opportunity to march in the parade and serve parade-goers! See more about the event here.
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt!
Blaine Memorial Church School and Blaine Youth Group Summer Schedule
July 13-20, 2024 (incuding travel time) • Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore (Incoming 10th – 2nd year college)
Blaine Benefit Bazaar Nominations • Due Friday June 28
The Bazaar Committee is seeking nominations for a beneficiary for the upcoming autumn bazaar! Submit a brief description of your recommended beneficiary recipient to the Church Office by Friday, June 28, 2024 for review and approval by Ad Board. Save the date: Blaine Memorial UMC’s Annual Bazaar will be on Saturday, October 5, 2024. If you have an organization in mind, please fill out the Beneficiary Nominations Form provided by our Church office. Contact Yuki Sofronas for more info.
Prelude More Like You By Scott Wesley Brown Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Call to Worship Adapted from Psalm 92:1-2; 95:1-2 Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Opening Prayer Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Congregational Song 10,000 Reasons By J. Myrin and M. Redman Blaine Worship Band
Scripture Reading Psalm 150 (JLB, CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Anne Arakaki-Lock
Prayer of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Choral Anthem How Can I Keep From Singing Arranged by Jeffrey Honore
My Lord, What a Morning Arranged by Jay Althouse
Blaine Memorial Choir
Moment of Silence for Dick Nagaoka
Special Music
E Ke Akua Mana E/How Great Thou Art Arranged by Rod Higuchi
Nandemo Dekiru (You Can Do It, If You Try) Composed by Alvin “Pops” Okami E Nonoi I Ka Haku/Kanaka Waiwai
By H.R. Palme/By John Kameaaloha Almeida
Blaine Ukulele Group of Seattle
Introduction to the Offering Anne Arakaki-Lock
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Anne Arakaki-Lock
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Final Song Blair’s Wedding Arranged by Dan Landrum Leann Onishi
Final Congregational Song Every Praise By Hezekiah Walker and John David Bratton Blaine Worship Team
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude We Are Family By Carol and Jimmy Owens Leann Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love Zoom
Breakout Room Dale Kaneko
Daily Lectionary
Sunday, June 23, 2024: 1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 and Psalm 9:9-20 or 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 18:10-16 and Psalm 133; Job 38:1-11 and Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41
Monday, June 24, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:113-128; 1 Samuel 18:6-30; Acts 27:13-38 Complementary: Psalm 65; Exodus 7:14-24; Acts 27:13-38
Tuesday, June 25, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:113-128; 1 Samuel 19:1-7; Acts 27:39-44 Complementary: Psalm 65; Exodus 9:13-35; Acts 27:39-44
Wednesday, June 26, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:113-128; 1 Samuel 19:8-17; Mark 6:45-52 Complementary: Psalm 65; Joshua 10:1-14; Mark 6:45-52
Saturday, June 29, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 130; 1 Samuel 20:27-42; Luke 4:31-37 Complementary: Psalm 30; Lamentations 2:18-22; Luke 4:31-37
Announcements
Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt!
Blaine Memorial Church School and Blaine Youth Group Summer Schedule
June 23-28, 2024 • Jr. High Camp at Camp Lodestar (Incoming 6th-9th grade)
July 13-20, 2024 (incuding travel time) • Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore (Incoming 10th – 2nd year college)
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
Pride Worship Sunday, Seattle First UMC • June 30 at 10am
Every year during Seattle Pride, First UMC hosts other local reconciling churches for a worship service and opportunity to march in the parade and serve parade-goers! See more about the event here.
Blaine Benefit Bazaar Nominations • Due Friday June 28
The Bazaar Committee is seeking nominations for a beneficiary for the upcoming autumn bazaar! Submit a brief description of your recommended beneficiary recipient to the Church Office by Friday, June 28, 2024 for review and approval by Ad Board. Save the date: Blaine Memorial UMC’s Annual Bazaar will be on Saturday, October 5, 2024. If you have an organization in mind, please fill out the Beneficiary Nominations Form provided by our Church office. Contact Yuki Sofronas for more info.
34th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • Saturday, June 29 at 9am (See Insert)
The ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9 AM. Blaine Memorial has a very special connection to the ACRS Walk for Rice.
In 1990, Herb and Bertha Tsuchiya, along with Blaine’s own Sam Mitsui, initiated a way for everyone to contribute to feeding the community. Although Sam passed away in 2019, Team Blaine walks to honor his memory and his significant role in starting the Walk for Rice 34 years ago.
ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9:00 AM. Last year, Team Blaine raised close to $12,000, securing second place! This year, our fundraising goal is $8,000. Help ACRS feed ANHPI (Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) community members facing food insecurity by joining Team Blaine as a walker and/or by donating to our team!
Alternatively, you can mail your donation (checks made out to “Walk for Rice,” memo: “Team Blaine”) to the Blaine office. Please contact Team Captain Justine for more details. Thank you for your continued support!
Prelude Great is thy Faithfulness By Chisholm/Runyan Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Michelle Vaughan
Call to Worship By Michelle Vaughan Miriam Tong
Opening Hymn What Gift Can We Bring UMH #87 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer Michelle Vaughan
First Scripture Reading 1 Samuel 17: 4-7,32,48-50 (JLB, CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Miriam Tong
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
Special Music We are the Family of Christ By D. Besig and N. Price Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading Mark 4:35-41 (JLB, CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Miriam Tong
Sermon Having a Big Faith Michelle Vaughan
Response Hymn This is My Song UMH #437 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Miriam Tong
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94 Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Miriam Tong
Announcements Friends of Blaine Memorial UMC
Closing Hymn All Creatures of Our God and King UMH #62 (V. 1, 5, and 7) Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Benediction Michelle Vaughan
Postlude It is Well with My Soul By Spafford and Bliss Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Passing of the Peace Michelle Vaughan
Zoom Breakout Room Dale Kaneko
Sermon Reflection Questions
How does your faith sustain you as you walk through our complicated world?
Think about times when you have been brave. How did your Faith in God, and in yourself, factor in supporting your bravery?
In the scripture from Mark, Chapter 4, what lesson do you think the disciples were meant to learn about faith when Jesus stopped the storm and then asked them about their faith?
Daily Lectionary
Sunday, June 16, 2024: Fourth Sunday of Easter 1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13 and Psalm 20 • Ezekiel 17:22-24 and Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 • 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 • Mark 4:26-34
Saturday, June 22, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 9:9-20 • 1 Samuel 18:1-4 • Luke 21:25-28 Complementary: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 • Job 37:1-13 • Luke 21:25-28
Announcements
Wednesday Prayer and Coffee on Zoom • June 19 at 9am
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesday (6/12) at 9:00 AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayercommunity. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt!
Blaine Memorial Church School and Blaine Youth Group Summer Schedule
June 23-28, 2024 • Jr. High Camp at Camp Lodestar (Incoming 6th-9th grade)
July 13-20, 2024 (incuding travel time) • Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore (Incoming 10th – 2nd year college)
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
34th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • Saturday, June 29 at 9am (See Insert)
The ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9 AM. Blaine Memorial has a very special connection to the ACRS Walk for Rice.
In 1990, Herb and Bertha Tsuchiya, along with Blaine’s own Sam Mitsui, initiated a way for everyone to contribute to feeding the community. Although Sam passed away in 2019, Team Blaine walks to honor his memory and his significant role in starting the Walk for Rice 34 years ago.
ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9:00 AM. Last year, Team Blaine raised close to $12,000, securing second place! This year, our fundraising goal is $8,000. Help ACRS feed ANHPI (Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) community members facing food insecurity by joining Team Blaine as a walker and/or by donating to our team!
Alternatively, you can mail your donation (checks made out to “Walk for Rice,” memo: “Team Blaine”) to the Blaine office. Please contact Team Captain Justine for more details. Thank you for your continued support!
Saturday, June 15, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 20; 1 Samuel 13:1-15a; Mark 4:1-20 Complementary: Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15; 2 Kings 14:1-14; Mark 4:1-20
Announcements
Love Offering for Rev. Mia MiKyung Park! • Today
As a way of showing our love and appreciation for Rev. Mia, we will be accepting a Love Offering for her today. Baskets will be provided in the Narthex and in the LAC during the potluck for your gifts! You may give cash or make a check directly to Mia MiKyung Park and drop it in the basket.
Wednesday Prayer and Coffee on Zoom • June 12 at 9am
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesday (6/12) at 9:00 AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayercommunity. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt!
Blaine Memorial Church School and Blaine Youth Group Summer Schedule
June 23-28, 2024 • Jr. High Camp at Camp Lodestar (Incoming 6th-9th grade)
July 13-20, 2024 • Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore (Incoming 10th – 2nd year college)
Four Sundays: July 28, August 4, August 11, August 18 • Vacation Bible School 2024 (Register here)
34th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • Saturday, June 29 at 9am (See Insert)
The ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9 AM. Blaine Memorial has a very special connection to the ACRS Walk for Rice.
In 1990, Herb and Bertha Tsuchiya, along with Blaine’s own Sam Mitsui, initiated a way for everyone to contribute to feeding the community. Although Sam passed away in 2019, Team Blaine walks to honor his memory and his significant role in starting the Walk for Rice 34 years ago.
ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9:00 AM. Last year, Team Blaine raised close to $12,000, securing second place! This year, our fundraising goal is $8,000. Help ACRS feed ANHPI (Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) community members facing food insecurity by joining Team Blaine as a walker and/or by donating to our team!
Alternatively, you can mail your donation (checks made out to “Walk for Rice,” memo: “Team Blaine”) to the Blaine office. Please contact Team Captain Justine for more details. Thank you for your continued support!
