Church News & Events

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Comments Off on Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by on Aug 6, 2023 in 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

Order of Worship

Prelude
As The Deer
By Martin J. Nystrom
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
*Call to Worship
(see cover)
*Opening Prayer
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
*Opening Hymn
Morning Has Broken
UMH #145
Kathy Onishi
First Scripture Reading
Matthew 14:13-21 (NRSVUE, JLB)
Arlene Naganawa, Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Second Scripture
Job 12:7-10 (CEB, JLB)
Arlene Naganawa, Tsutomu Nagoya
Homily
Animal Love
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Holy Communion
Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Blessing of the Animals
Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
TFWS #2171
Kathy Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
May You Run and Not Be Weary
Paul Murakami and Handt Hanson
Kathy Onishi

Lectionary

Monday, August 7, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Genesis 31:22-42; Romans 1:8-15
Complementary: Psalm 78:1-8, 17-29; Deuteronomy 8:1-10; Romans 1:8-15
Tuesday, August 8, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Genesis 32:3-21; Acts 2:37-47
Complementary: Psalm 78:1-8, 17-29; Deuteronomy 26:1-15; Acts 2:37-47
Wednesday, August 9, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Isaiah 43:1-7; Matthew 15:32-39
Complementary: Psalm 78:1-8, 17-29; Exodus 16:2-15, 31-35; Matthew 15:32-39
Thursday, August 10, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b; Genesis 35:22b-29; Acts 17:10-15
Complementary: Psalm 85:8-13; 1 Kings 18:1-16; Acts 17:10-15
Friday, August 11, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b; Genesis 36:1-8; Acts 18:24-28
Complementary: Psalm 85:8-13; 1 Kings 18:17-19, 30-40; Acts 18:24-28
Saturday, August 12, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b; Genesis 37:5-11; Matthew 16:1-4
Complementary: Psalm 85:8-13; 1 Kings 18:41-46; Matthew 16:1-4

Announcements

Kubota Garden Walk • August 12, 8:30AM

Meet at Blaine Memorial Join the Innovation Hub for a quiet walk and some spiritual reflection!

We will gather at 8:30 AM in the Blaine Memorial UMC parking lot and carpool to Kubota Garden at 9817 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 (there is limited parking on-site). Please wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes and consider bringing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. If folks are hungry after the walk, we will get okazu pan at Umami Kushi afterwards. Contact Lynne Onishi with questions: lynneonishi@gmail.com. Sign up here.

Coming up

  • Beacon newsletter, August 2023!
  • Zephyr Retreat Videos!
  • Bazaar 2023 web page!

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
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Comments Off on Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by on Jul 23, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship

Welcome!

Prelude
Awesome God by Rich Mullins
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Call to Worship
(Based on Psalm 139:1-12 and 23-24)
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Opening Hymn
Holy Ground X 2 (TFWS #2272)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
First Scripture Reading
Romans 8:12-25 (CEB) ???????? 8:12-25 (JLB)
Sai Hanaoka, Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Lawrence Paltep
Sermon
Life as Christians I
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection
Blest Are They (TFWS #2155)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering
Ron Nobuyama
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Ron Nobuyama
Announcements
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Closing Hymn
Sent Forth by God’s Blessing (UMH #664)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude
I Sing Praises to Your Name
By Terry MacAlmon Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Sermon Questions

  • What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ?
  • How can we actively participate in the process of transformation and growth as disciples of Christ?
  • How can we find strength and hope in the midst of challenges?
  • In what practical ways can we live out our discipleship, bearing witness to the transformative power of Christ’s love in our lives?

Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures

Monday, July 24, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 139:13-18; Genesis 32:3-21; Revelation 14:12-20
Complementary: Psalm 75; Nahum 1:1-13; Revelation 14:12-20
Tuesday, July 25, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 139:13-18; Genesis 33:1-17; Galatians 4:21-5:1 Complementary: Psalm 75; Zephaniah 3:1-13; Galatians 4:21-5:1
Wednesday, July 26, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 139:13-18; Genesis 35:16-29; Matthew 12:15-21
Complementary: Psalm 75; Daniel 12:1-13; Matthew 12:15-21
Thursday, July 27, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-11, 45b; Genesis 29:1-8; 1 Corinthians 4:14-20
Complementary: Psalm 119:129-136; 1 Kings 1:28-37; 1 Corinthians 4:14-20
Friday, July 28, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-11, 45b; Genesis 29:9-14; Acts 7:44-53
Complementary: Psalm 119:129-136; 1 Kings 1:38-48; Acts 7:44-53
Saturday, July 29, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-11, 45b; Genesis 29:31-30:24; Matthew 12:38-42
Complementary: Psalm 119:129-136; 1 Kings 2:1-4; Matthew 12:38-42

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 • July 30

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!

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
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Comments Off on Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by on Jul 16, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

  • Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
  • Hybrid Worship
  • July 16, 2023
  • Continue scrolling for the bulletin or view the print version.

Order of Worship

Prelude
You Are Mine
By David Haas
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
(Based on VBS Lessons)
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn
This Is the Day x2 (UMH #657)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading
Matthew 6:5-14 (NRSVUE, JLB)
Marisa Ikegami, Tsutomu Nagoya
Prayer of Commissioning
Asian Camp and Zephyr Point Campers
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music
Food Truck Party • Feed My Sheep
BS Volunteers, Campers, Church School
VBS Reflections
VBS Participants
Prayer of the People
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music for Offering
The Good Stuff
VBS Volunteers and Campers
Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn
We Are the Church (UMH #558)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
My Life Is In You, Lord
By Daniel Gardner Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

VBS Daily Themes and Scriptures

Food Truck Party Theme

• “Give Us Our Daily Bread.” (Matthew 6:11)

VBS Bible Stories

• Day 1: God Provides Manna and Quail (Exodus 16)

• Day 2: Elijah, the widow, and the Endless Oil (1 Kings 17:8-16)

• Day 3: Daniel and Friends Eating the Good Stuff (Daniel 1)

• Day 4: Jesus Feeds the 5,000 Plus (John 6: 1-13)

• Day 5: Jesus Cooks the Catch of the Day (John 21:1-17) Reflection Questions: How often do you ask God for what you need? Can you think of a time that God provided something that you really needed? If so, how did it happen? How are you spiritually nourished by God?

Reflection Questions

• How often do you ask God for what you need?

• Can you think of a time that God provided something that you really needed? If so, how did it happen?

• How are you spiritually nourished by God?

Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures

Monday, July 17, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 142; Micah 1:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Complementary: Psalm 92; Leviticus 26:3-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Tuesday, July 18, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 142; Jeremiah 49:7-11; Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Complementary: Psalm 92; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Wednesday, July 19, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 142; Obadiah 15-21; Matthew 13:10-17
Complementary: Psalm 92; Proverbs 11:23-30; Matthew 13:10-17
Thursday, July 20, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Isaiah 44:1-5; Hebrews 2:1-9
Complementary: Psalm 86:11-17; Isaiah 41:21-29; Hebrews 2:1-9
Friday, July 21, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Ezekiel 39:21-29; Hebrews 6:13-20
Complementary: Psalm 86:11-17; Isaiah 44:9-17; Hebrews 6:13-20
Saturday, July 22, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Exodus 14:9-25; Matthew 7:15-20
omplementary: Psalm 86:11-17; Isaiah 44:18-20; Matthew 7:15-20

Asian Camp! • July 23-28

(for incoming 10th grade-2 years post-high school)
Register by June 25, here

“Looking Back” by Fumiko Kimura

Sumi Strokes of Summer Exhibit • July 5 – 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.

Reconciling Ministries Virtual Film Screening (Zoom only) • July 18 and 19

Join the Blaine Innovation Hub and Reconciling Ministries team for a virtual film screening and discussion event. We’ll be watching and discussing the 2019 documentary film UnUnited: Fighting for LGBTQ Inclusion in the United Methodist Church.

We will host 2 different screening dates/times:

  • Tuesday, July 18 from 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
  • Wednesday, July 19 from 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM

The Zoom link to join this event will be shared via email on the day of the event. If you have any questions, please contact Lynne Onishi at lynneonishi@gmail.com.

Ongoing Donations for Afghan and Ukrainian Refugees

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

Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours:

Collection items can be dropped off to the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday – 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
Innovation Hub Update! Comments Off on Innovation Hub Update!

Innovation Hub Update!

Posted by on Jul 11, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Innovation Hub, Small Groups, Weekly Calendar

Reconciling Ministries Virtual Film Screening (Zoom Only) • July 18 & 19

Join the Blaine Innovation Hub and Reconciling Ministries team for a virtual film screening and discussion event. We’ll be watching and discussing the 2019 documentary film UnUnited: Fighting for LGBTQ Inclusion in the United Methodist Church.

We will host 2 different screening dates/times:

  • Tuesday, July 18 from 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
  • Wednesday, July 19 from 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM

The Zoom link to join this event will be shared via email on the day of the event. If you have any questions, please contact Lynne Onishi at lynneonishi@gmail.com.

A group of Blaine young adults and friends went hiking at Twin Falls and enjoyed a lunch together on Sunday, June 25.

New Summer Ministry Ways!

By Lynne Onishi

Greetings from the Innovation Hub!

We’re all looking forward to another summer of hikes, movie nights, fellowship, and adventure. We’re grateful and excited to be doing ministry in new ways that will speak to young people and folks of all ages. Here are just a few highlights of our summer so far. Take a look!

Film Nights:

The Innovation Hub is excited to put on more film and discussion nights this summer! As I’m writing this, the team is planning for a documentary screening and time of discussion around LGBTQ+ folks in the church.

Young Adult Hikes:

Summer is in full swing as our young adult hiking group hits the trails after a long winter season of indoor activities. This hiking ministry provides opportunities for young people to get outdoors, experience creation, and come to know one another more fully as we share in conversation and reflection.

RM Straw Poll:

On Sunday, May 21, the Reconciling Ministries team conducted a straw poll to learn about your attitudes about the reconciling statement and possible affiliation with Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). This is an important step in our congregation’s discernment process. It is not an official vote, but rather a way for our team to hear from you as we plan our next steps.

Church members participate in a straw poll ballot to voice their vote on becoming a Reconciling Ministries churc.

The straw poll ballot asked congregants to read a “reconciling statement” and then choose a number 1 through 5 to indicate current disagreement or support. We also included space for comments and questions for the team. Of the 73 ballots submitted, 66 ballots indicated support for the statement and affiliation with RMN. There were many important questions raised, and the RM team wants to be intentional about addressing your concerns so everyone in our church feels informed.

Friends met at Seattle First UMC to welcome Pride Parade guests.

Most of the questions we received revolved around the impact of affiliating with RMN. While there’s no way to know exactly how affiliating with RMN will impact our unique congregation, we can look for some resources and words of wisdom from other churches who have done this already. Our team is currently reaching out to other local churches who have been through the process, and we are hoping to put together a panel of church leaders to help answer some of your questions. We also want to offer you more space for questions and conversations with our team. The RM team will be hosting a drop-in time during fellowship hour some weeks after worship service. Please be on the lookout for additional details about this!

Lynne Onishi prepares to serve refreshments to parade attendees at last month’s Pride Parade.

The IH team and RM Task Force are always looking for new folks to join us. If you feel called to lend your voice to these important ministries, we invite you to join us at our next team zoom meeting.

Please contact Lynne (lynneonishi@gmail.com) or any of the other team members for more information. Lynne Onishi serves as the director for the Blaine Youth Group and is the Innovation Hub and Reconciling Ministries Convener.

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
BYG Update! Comments Off on BYG Update!

BYG Update!

Posted by on Jul 9, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation

BYG Graduation Celebration 2023 Celebrating Graduates: Allison Hall, Malia Yamamoto, and Michelle Yokoyama!

BYG Update: Graduations, summer programs, and more!

By Kaylee Yokoyama, Associate Director, BYG

It’s already that time of the year again! It’s summertime! We’re looking forward to the warmer weather, and time to relax, reflect, and prepare for the upcoming youth ministries next year. This also means that summer camps, retreats, and activities are coming up. BYG will be packed full of exciting opportunities such as Vacation Bible School, Junior High Camp, Asian American Summer Camp, and getting prepared for the upcoming school year. During the summer break, the BYG leadership team will also take the time to debrief, reflect, and plan for the upcoming year.

Michelle, Allison, and Malia!

This month is also special because we are celebrating graduates within BYG!

These graduates include:

  • Allison Hall, graduate from Bellevue High School
  • Michelle Yokoyama, graduate from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Malia Yamamoto, graduate from the University of Washington with degrees in Biochemistry and Sociology
  • Jem Miyake, graduate from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo with a degree in Environmental Management and Protection.

We had the opportunity to celebrate some of these graduates’ wonderful accomplishments with a BYG graduation celebration on June 17th in the Social Hall, with BYG graduates, family, and friends.

We enjoyed playing trivia about the graduates, having a delicious meal together, as well as spending time with one another. We are proud of these graduates and excited to see what’s next in their journey! We wish the graduates well in their future endeavors and know they will do great things!

Another exciting part of summer youth ministries is the camping ministry, such as Junior High Camp and Asian Camp. Junior High Camp was held June 25-30, while the high schoolers are preparing to head to Asian Camp later this month. This month we are also hoping to clean up the BYG room to prepare for the upcoming school year. It is always nice to start the year off with a clean and organized room, so we are hoping to clean the BYG room before we begin again!

Thank you for your continued support of BYG, which has allowed the youth the opportunities to attend camp, grow their faith, and develop meaningful relationships. Thank you Blaine Memorial congregation for supporting the youth in their passions and growth. Long story short be sure to keep your eyes open for updated announcements, fundraisers, and news!

Important Dates for July 2023

  • July 10-14: Vacation Bible School 10am-3pm
  • July 23-28: Asian American Summer Camp
  • TBD: BYG Room Clean up

We are looking forward to a spectacular summer! BYG will not meet on Sunday mornings throughout July and August. We encourage youth and families to attend worship together at 10:00 am in-person and via live stream! Blaine Youth Group (BYG) is a place where youth (6th-12th grade) are invited into a loving community and celebrated as they are. BYG provides a safe environment for youth to build lasting friendships, grow spiritually, learn acceptance of self and others, express compassion for the world, and develop a love for God and neighbor. BYG has a space for any person who is interested.

Directors of Youth Ministry: Lynne Onishi (lynneonishi@gmail.com), Kai Yamamoto (kai.yamamo@gmail.com), and Kaylee Yokoyama (kaylee.yokoyama1@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