By Jesse N. Love with Dr. Stephen Sumida,photos by Ryan Kozu
From the beginning of 2023, Dr. Stephen Sumida with Blaine members Shig Nishida and others have been working on a special video project for Blaine’s 120th anniversary depicting an unjust moment in US American history: a reenactment of the removal of Japanese Americans from Seattle’s Japantown in April 1942.
Working with our congregation and its tech crew, Sumida helped gather the congregation of Blaine as extras. Dressed in 1940s costume, our church is preparing vignettes of the lives deeply affected by internment. This project brought to life in modern times people like Henry Itoi and Minnie Yokoyama (portrayed by Jarrett Hirouzu and Lynne Onishi, respectively), an engaged couple in the middle of this massive removal working to capture one last moment before treading into an unknown future. Others such as Ada Mahon, Revs. Everett Thompson & Emery Andrews, Mr. E.L. Blaine, are historic figures who came to bear witness of this tragic event also portrayed by Blaine Memorial members.
Sumida guided Blaine’s tech teams to document behind-the-scenes footage. With help from Jesse N. Love and Glenn Mitsui, Sumida shares in this interview his goal of connecting the audience through humor and sadness in order to process this moment in history. This reenactment is a short, but important part, of an upcoming hour-long documentary scheduled for Blaine Memorial’s 120th Anniversary. Video projects such as this are not just our Archives Committee but serve as a detrimental part of telling Blaine Memorial’s origins. By remembering the past, we can ensure the future of Blaine Memorial UMC internalizes the history of its culture and faith.
Special thanks to Glenn Mitsui for preparing this video presentation of Dr. Stephen Sumida. Also, special thanks to the leadership of the Rev. David V. Valera and the PNW Conference for supporting this project.
Postlude “You Are Mine” by David Haas Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Jeney Park-Hearn
Sermon Questions
Ephesians 2:1-10 tells us that we are saved by God’s grace, which is important because it highlights that our salvation is not something we can earn or achieve through our own efforts. Why is it important to know that God’s grace saves us?
How does understanding salvation as a gift from God help us view our faith?
What are the characteristics of grace-filled people?
How does the fruit of their lives reflect this grace?
As grace-filled people, how do you plan to share the love and grace of God with others this week?
Saturday 5/6 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; Jeremiah 26:20-24; John 8:48-59
Announcements
New! 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, beginning on Friday, May 5, 2023. If you’d like to see Steve perform as “Walter,” please purchase your tickets at https://www.seattlepublictheater.org/. If you have ticketing questions, or would like help with purchasing tickets, please contact the box office at boxoffice@seattlepublictheater.org.
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.
Wednesday Coffee & Prayer
May 3 • 9am on Zoom
Please join Rev. Karen for a time of meditation and prayer on Wednesday, May 3 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.
JCCCW Community Event for Children’s Day
May 6
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.
Summer Camps & VBS 2023!
See Dates
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Please save the dates for your children and youth! 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 July 23-28 Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade- 2 yrs. post-high school)
Prelude “All I Need Is You” by Dan Adler Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Opening Hymn “Open The Eyes Of My Heart” (Worship & Song #3008) Kathy & Eugene Onishi, Unison
Litany for Christian Unity UMH #556 Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading Luke 24:13-18, 25-35 (CEB) Jordan L. & Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message Lawrence Paltep
Special Music I “There’s a Wilderness in God’s Mercy” The Onishi Family
Scripture Reading Romans 12:3-8 (CEB) Lawrence Paltep & Tsutomu Nagoya
Sermon “#BeUMC: Connected” Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music II “We Are Marching (Siyahamba)” (TFWS #2235-b) The Onishi Family
Introduction to the Offering Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Doxology “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (UMH #94) Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” (TFWS #2223) Kathy & Eugene Onishi, Unison
Benediction Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude “Give Me A Clean Heart” By Margaret P. Douroux Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Breakout Room Dale Kaneko
Sermon Reflection Questions
What does it mean to be “part” of the body? What part are you? What are the benefits of knowing you are joined with others in this body?
Do you feel reassured by the idea that we don’t have to accomplish everything alone and that by working together, we can achieve things that would be impossible for us to achieve individually?
In verse 5, we read that, “individually we belong to each other.” What is meant by that? How do you belong to your church? How do you belong to the United Methodist Church? How are you connected to Christians across the globe? Throughout time?
How will you nurture your connections to others? To your church? To God?
Sukiyaki is back! We are excited to bring back Sukiyaki to you. This year’s Sukiyaki Event/benefit is Take Out Only!
There is no ordering available through Realm. Please use one of the above methods to order your meals. Walk-ins are welcome! We will accept cash, credit cards, and checks.
Bring your own reusable bag and be eco-friendly! As a community, we strive to make a positive impact on our environment while delivering delicious meals and services. We are using recyclable products to reduce our carbon footprint.
Both cooked and uncooked sukiyaki will be available for $20.00 per serving. Ohagi, Tsukemono, our 2020 Blaine Memorial UMC cookbook will be available for purchase. We’ll also have a Bake Sale onsite, so bring some extra cash to buy some delicious treats!
This year’s benefit recipient is Rainier Valley Food Bank. If you’d like to make a donation directly to Rainier Valley Food Bank, you may do so when ordering your meal online, write us a check or pay with cash. The Rainier Valley Food Bank provides food assistance and other essential resources to the South Seattle Community.
Special thanks to our creatives who developed our Sukiyaki designs. We are also grateful for Ally and Steve who helped with the production process. We are excited to bring our delicious Sukiyaki back to you, your family and friends!
Blaine Memorial UMC continues to be a beacon of hope in Beacon Hill, Seattle, WA! May you experience Christ’s light and community through this opportunity to reconnect and to experience Blaine’s love!
Image courtesy of Wikipedia. For more information on this image, visit https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:University_of_Washington_Quad,_Spring_2007.jpg
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. Visit blaineonline.org for more information.
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! Visit blaineonline.org for info.
Summer Camps & VBS 2023!
See Dates
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Please save the dates for your children and youth!
June 25-30 Jr/High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders)
July 10-14 Vacation Bible School 10am-3pm
July 23-28 Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade-2 yrs. post-HS)
Jr. High Camp registration is open now! Please register your youth by May 31!
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn will facilitate today’s Fellowship Zoom Break Out Room following worship.
Sermon Reflection Questions
This passage tells us that we should do everything in the name of Jesus. What does that look like for you?
In what parts of your life do you find it challenging to remain Christ-centered?
John Wesley taught us that growing in our faith is not something we achieve. How does knowing that your growth is a gift by the sanctifying (or perfecting) grace of God shape your thinking about being a Christ-centered person of God?
Weds 4/19 Psalm 114; Jonah 2:1-10; Matthew 12:38-42
Thurs 4/20 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; Isaiah 25:1-5; 1 Peter 1:8b-12
Fri 4/21 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; Isaiah 26:1-4; 1 Peter 1:13-16
Sat 4/22 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; Isaiah 25:6-9; Luke 14:12-14
Announcements
Blaine Memorial Actors (church members) participated in a dress rehearsal of the Daikanreki Blaine Memorial documentary film on Sunday, March 19 after worship.
Filming of Documentary for 120th Anniversary
Immediately after worship!
The Blaine Memorial Archive Committee is producing a historical video documentary of the first 120 years of Blaine Memorial which will be in 2024. The film shoot is today, immediately after the day’s worship service. Please join us! We’d like 80-100 people or more in the crowd, of all ages from babies to youth to our wisest, of any race. Pizza will be offered to our actors. A love offering will be taken. Please plan to participate! Please turn in your PARTICIPANT RELEASE AGREEMENT form to the ushers. You may get a blank copy in the Narthex. Please contact Shig Nishida with any questions, insights or concerns.
Shig Nishida mends the cracks in the Trinity Gate.Kai Yamamoto pressure washes the entry walkway removing moss and debris. Anne Arakaki-Lock rakes bamboo leaves after pruning the trees. Everyone came out last summer to beautify our church campus!
NEW! All Church Work Party
Next Saturday, April 22 from 10am-2pm!
We’ll be beautifying the church campus and sprucing up the inside of the church to prepare for Blaine Memorial UMC’s upcoming Sukiyaki Take Out event! Please bring your own work tools for trimming bushes, pruning, and cutting down small trees if you plan to work outside. For those who are interested in working indoors, there will be plenty of opportunities available! Lunch will be provided. We look forward to working together to make our church a more beautiful and welcoming place!
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.
Summer Camps & VBS 2023!
See Dates
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Please save the dates for your children and youth!
June 25-30 Jr/High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders)
July 10-14 Vacation Bible School, 10am-3pm
July 23-28 Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade-2 yrs. post-HS)
Jr. High Camp registration is open now! Please register your youth by May 31!
Click the image above to place your orders for delicious sukiyaki dinner! Also, make a donation to Rainier Valley Food Bank or purchase a Blaine Memorial UMC Cookbook today!
Prelude “Easter Song” by Anne Herring Kathy Onishi
Carrying the Flowered Cross Michael Corsilles, Steve Sofronas, and Joseph Adriano
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Call to Worship Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Opening Hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” (UMH #302; verses 1,2,4,6) Eugene & Kathy Onishi, Unison
Easter Anthem “Mary at the Tomb” by Bradley Ellingboe Blaine Memorial Choir
First Scripture Reading Matthew 28:1-10 (NRSVUE) Sylvia Wong and Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Prayers of the People Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Easter Anthem “He is Not Here” by Russell Nagy Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading John 20:1-18 (NRSVUE) Stephen Sumida, Dale Watanabe, Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn, and Tsutomu Nagoya
Message “The Empty Tomb” Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Special Music (Bells and Piano) “He Walks with Me”, “In the Garden”, and “Open My Eyes” by C.A. Miles, C.H. Scott, and V.W. Stephenson Miriam Tong and Yuki Sofronas
Congregational Hymn “Easter People Raise Your Voices” (UMH #304) Eugene and Kathy Onishi, Unison
Introduction to the Offering Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Doxology “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements Rev. Karen and Friends
Closing Hymn He Lives (UMH #310) Eugene Onishi and Kathy Onishi, Unison
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude “The Risen Christ” by Phil Madeira and Keith Getty Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Please note: There WILL NOT be a Zoom Break Out Room today following worship.
Easter Lily Dedications 2023
We honor and offer prayers for these beloved persons and life circumstances for which these lilies are dedicated. Those persons who have dedicated lilies may take them home.
Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Jesse Love In honor of Itsuo and Elizabeth Yokota Arthur and Irma Love
Rev. Mia Park In loving memory of Soon Jae Park
Debbie Hisayasu and Ken Ronan In loving memory of Leroy Hisayasu, Clarence Ronan, and Catherine Ronan
Cal and Lorraine Hoshibata In loving memory of Yoshimi and Florence Hoshibata Nobuo, Alice, Ray and George Kondo
Margaret Inouye In loving memory of Paul and Ann Inouye
Stephen and Anne Lock In loving memory of Kamtang Lock
David and Pam Yorozu In loving memory of William and Yae Yorozu
Dick and Barbara Nagaoka In loving memory of Helen and Hiram Akita, Jane Akita, Pat and Wayne Miyahira
Dorothy Rutherford In celebration of The Risen Christ
Bob and Donna Sekijima In loving memory of Harpo and Toki Sekijima, Bob and Mariam Watanabe
Mike and Marcia Takahashi In loving memory of Yuki Lynn Takahashi, our beloved daughter
Sermon Reflection Questions
How have you seen God at work in your life this week?
Why do you think the women are afraid?
Put yourself in the disciples’ shoes. What emotions might they have felt? What thoughts might have run through their minds?
In what ways does the resurrection give you hope and change the way you live?
Wed • 4/12 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Joshua 3:1-17; Matthew 28:1-10
Thurs • 4/13 Psalm 16; Song of Solomon 2:8-15; Colossians 4:2-5
Fri • 4/14 Psalm 16; Song of Solomon 5:9-6:3; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Sat • 4/15 Psalm 16; Song of Solomon 8:6-7; John 20:11-20
Announcements
Filming of Documentary for 120th Anniversary
Next Sunday, April 16!
Blaine Memorial Actors (church members) participated in a dress rehearsal of the Daikanreki Blaine Memorial documentary film on Sunday, March 19 after worship.
The Blaine Memorial Archive Committee is producing a historical video documentary of the first 120 years of Blaine Memorial which will be in 2024. The video shoot is next Sunday, April 16, 2023, immediately after the day’s worship service. Participants may dress in clothes they think are somewhat appropriate to 1942 — hats, dresses and suits or jackets, overcoats, etc. But we’re not fussy about the “costumes,” because the scene will be videoed in a close-up of the jostling crowd, obscuring some details. We’d like 80 to 100 people or more in the crowd, of all ages from babies to the oldest, of any race. Please plan to participate!
Please contact Steve Sumida at stephen.sumida@gmail.com for any questions and please turn in your PARTICIPANT RELEASE AGREEMENT form to the ushers.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia. For more information on this image, visit https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:University_of_Washington_Quad,_Spring_2007.jpg
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. Visit blaineonline.org for more information. Scan the QR code for info.
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! Scan the QR code to visit blaineonline.org for more information.
Summer Camps & VBS 2023!
See Dates
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Please save the dates for your children and youth!
June 25-30 Jr/High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders)
July 10-14 Vacation Bible School, 10am-3pm
July 23-28 Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade-2 yrs. post-HS)
Jr. High Camp registration is open now! Please register your youth by May 31!
“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”
Thomas Merton
“Thoughts in Solitude”, (1958)
I pray that all of our Blaine Memorial community have a meaningful Lent. Each year I set a Lenten theme and this year’s theme is Coram Deo. Coram Deo means, “in the presence of God” and is an idea of Christians living in the presence of, under the authority of, and to the honor and glory of God. During this Lent, I pray to become more attentive in listening to God and I want to be more sincere and faithful in the presence of God each day. I am grateful to share that I passed the Oregon-Idaho Board of Ordained Ministry interview in February. I feel deeply appreciative and relieved. I want to express my gratitude to the village of Blaine Memorial for your continued prayer and support. It takes multiple villages to equip pastors and I want to say THANK YOU! I am preparing to present myself to the Oregon-Idaho Clergy Session in May, and I need to get 2/3 of their votes. This long path of my ordination journey has been intentional and a life-transforming experience.
Whenever I became vulnerable and discouraged, God’s grace lifted me up and guided my steps. The past seven years have been a unique wilderness and words from the Apostle Paul gave me strength and hope. The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 1:6, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” and Philippians 3:10-14, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal, but I press on to lay hold of that for which Christ has laid hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have laid hold of it, but one thing I have laid hold of: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal, toward the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”
I experienced Coram Deo, God’s presence, in my wilderness. I waited for God’s next move, prepared, and walked along the way with God. During this Lent, God invites me to submerge in this deep and intentional time of Coram Deo once again. I am excited that God will continue to give me hope in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus and will continue to do good works in me and through me.
In February, Miriam and the congregation of Blaine Memorial UMC raised their hands as they prayed for Rev. Mia MiKyung Park in preparation for her ordination interviews.
The memorization verse for Church School last March is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
During Lent, we follow the footsteps of Jesus who took 40 days of intentional time of Coram Deo. I pray that we become more grateful, faithful, and joyful as we walk this Lenten journey, including Holy Week, as a faith community. May God continue to bless and guide our faith journey as we live our daily lives as Coram Deo.
Pastor Mia Park serves as the Associate Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Lectionary Schedule
Sixth Sunday of Lent, Palm Sunday • April 2, 2023
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Matthew 21:1-11 Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 26:14-27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54
Resurrection of the Lord • April 9, 2023
Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43 John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10
Second Sunday of Easter • April 16, 2023
Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Psalm 16 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31
Third Sunday of Easter • April 23, 2023
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35
Fourth Sunday of Easter • April 30, 2023
Acts 2:42-47 Psalm 23 1 Peter 2:19-25 John 10:1-10
Fifth Sunday of Easter • May 7, 2023
Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 1 Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14
