Church News & Events

Easter Sunday Comments Off on Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday

Posted by on Apr 9, 2023 in Church News & Events, Sermons, Small Groups, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Resurrection of the Lord Sunday

In what ways does the resurrection give you hope and change the way you live?

Welcome!

  • Sunday April 9, 2023
  • Hybrid Worship
  • 10pm in the Sanctuary
  • Continue scrolling for the bulletin or view the printed version

Order of Worship

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?

Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures

Mon • 4/10
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21; Colossians 3:5-11
Tues • 4/11
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Exodus 15:1-18; Colossians 3:12-17
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!

Place your Sukiyaki orders NOW!

Click or tap the poster to order Sukiyaki for pick up on April 29!

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Intentional Coram Deo Comments Off on Intentional Coram Deo

Intentional Coram Deo

Posted by on Apr 7, 2023 in Church News & Events, Pastors' Columns

Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection

Coram Deo: In the presence of God

By Pastor Mia MiKyung Park, Associate Pastor

“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

Now Available!

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Innovation Hub Update Comments Off on Innovation Hub Update

Innovation Hub Update

Posted by on Apr 6, 2023 in Church News & Events, Innovation Hub, Small Groups

Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Lynne Onishi, Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Barbara, Miriam, and Anne Arakaki-Lock participated in a Zoom Reconciling Ministries Bible Study.

Listen, Discern, and Dream

By Lynne Onishi, B.Y.G. Co-Director

What does new life look like to you? As we welcome the Easter season and see signs of new life springing up around us, what are you noticing about the world? What are you noticing about yourself? What are you noticing about God?

Our Innovation Hub Team and Reconciling Ministries Task Force continue to wonder about new life in the context of this Church. What is God calling our church to do or be, but in ways that are new? Recently, we’ve learned how to foster community and belonging for young adults through our monthly activities and how to be both inclusive and faithful people of God through our Reconciling Ministries Bible study series. And yet, we know God has many more dreams for new life in this community! It is up to all of us to listen, discern, and dream alongside God in this innovative work!

Reconciling Ministries Q and A:

We are bringing back our Reconciling Ministries Q and A series this month! In previous newsletter articles, we explained what the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is and how joining the RMN would change things at Blaine Memorial UMC. This month, we would like to share more about the process of becoming officially reconciling and lay out our reconciling journey at Blaine Memorial thus far.

Q: What does a church have to do to become reconciling? Where is Blaine Memorial in this process, currently?

A: All churches who are discerning whether to become reconciling are first advised to form a team of congregation members to steer their church’s process. Because each church is unique, the team plays an important role in shaping their unique church’s reconciling journey. The team’s task is to help the congregation make informed decisions about joining RMN. This might mean answering questions from church members or providing education around LGBTQIA+ issues in the church. Churches join the RMN by voting to adopt a reconciling statement, which must receive support from 75% of the congregation. When the team feels like the congregation is ready to take a vote, they help the church set up protocols for voting.

Our Reconciling Ministries Task Force formed July 2022. Since then, we have been dialoguing with you all about what it means to be an accepting and affirming church. We surveyed dozens of you in August and September to hear your questions and concerns about becoming reconciling. We have hosted film and discussion events throughout the year to provide a space for candid sharing and processing. We are currently leading a Bible study that explores how United Methodists can be faithful and inclusive at the same time. We hope these have been meaningful and thought-provoking opportunities for you to share and learn alongside one another. This spring, we will prepare to take a vote. Before we do, we’d like to take a closer look at the Reconciling Statement with you all. Please stay tuned for more news on this!

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 for future Zoom meetings. Please contact Lynne or any of the other team members for more information.

On Wednesday, April 5 we met for our third Reconciling Ministries Bible Study Session over Zoom! At a future date, we will have a RM/Young Adult event to be announced soon!

Contact Lynne Onishi with questions about the IH team or Reconciling Ministries, lynneonishi@gmail.com. Onishi serves as the convener of the Innovation Hub Team.

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Photos: B.Y.G. Update! Comments Off on Photos: B.Y.G. Update!

Photos: B.Y.G. Update!

Posted by on Apr 4, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Sunday Worship

Blaine Youth Group supports Tent City 3 while fellowship continues going strong

By Lawrence Paltep, B.Y.G. Co-Director, Additional photos by Kai Yamamoto

Blaine Youth Group (B.Y.G.) is a thriving ministry at Blaine Memorial UMC, where youths are supported by leaders dedicated to their faith journey, pastors who nurture spiritual guidance, and families who provide for the needs of the group. The following are some of the photos from the past few months.

Collaborative Youth | On February 24 to 25, Beacon United Methodist Church and our B.Y.G. had a collaborative overnight event. About 40 people joined with 25 staying for the overnighter. In the spirit of community, we enjoyed a potluck, sang worship songs, did three devotionals, partook in communion, participated in small group workshops, and played games.

Leaders from Beacon and Blaine Memorial UMCs served dinner to our young people. There were diverse food options for the participants to enjoy. Youth and leaders introduced themselves and prayed over the various food brought by participants. They were asked to bring food that represented a part of who they are.

Revs. Karen Yokota Love and Mia MiKyung Park served the youth and leaders communion after the Lenten devotional led by Rev. Karen.

Fun & Games | During a Sunday gathering, B.Y.G. played a game where they tossed a ball in a specific order, passing the ball to everyone as fast as possible, which made people burst into laughter. Who knew you could be silly and serious all at the same time?

Playing with Food | In a workshop led by Kai Yamamoto, youth built structures from spaghetti and marshmallows. Aidan and Marcus show the tallest and most stable structure in the group.

Special Delivery | Due to the weather, B.Y.G. could not cook for Tent City 3 residents as scheduled. Instead of cooking and delivering a meal, Lawrence, Gloria, and Pastor Mia delivered pizza, fruit, and 14 blankets for them. Note: The B.Y.G. rescheduled their new service to Sunday, March 26.

Upcoming Plans for B.Y.G.

April 8-9
Easter Sunday Overnighter
April 16, 23, 30
Fellowship Gatherings

The Blaine Youth Group meets on Sundays at 10:00am in the sanctuary then in the Nishida Room. If you are interested in growing spiritually, learning acceptance of self and others, and developing a love for God and neighbor, contact Lynne Onishi & Lawrence Paltep – co-directors of Youth Ministry at Blaine Memorial UMC (lynneonishi@gmail.com or lawrence.byg@gmail.com respectively).

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Palm Sunday Comments Off on Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday

Posted by on Apr 1, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Giving, Innovation Hub, Sermons, Small Groups, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Where are you headed?

Has your path changed?

Palm Sunday

  • April 2, 2023
  • Hybrid Sunday Worship
  • 10am in the Sanctuary
  • Continue scrolling for the bulletin or view the printed version.

Order of Worship

Processional Prelude
“Hosanna, Hosanna”
by Cathy Townley
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of
Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Call to Worship
Rev. Dr. Jeney
Park-Hearn
Opening Hymn
“All Glory, Laud and Honor”
(UMH #280, verses 1-4) 
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer
Rev. Dr. Jeney
Park-Hearn
Scripture Reading
Matthew 21:1-11
(NRSVUE)
Rev. Dr. Mark C. Hearn
& Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music
“Triumphal Entry”
By Patti Drennan
and J. Paul Williams
Blaine Memorial Choir
Sermon
“Where Are You Headed?”
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Special Music
“Hosanna”
Lawrence Paltep, Lynne Onishi,
Isabella Tinte (Beacon UMC)
and Ryland Fernandez
(Sacramento Japanese UMC)
Holy Communion 
Revs. Karen, Mia,
Jeney and Mark
Special Music
“At This Table”
By Idina Menzel
and Jonas Myrin 
Marina Kozu
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 Yokota Love
Closing Hymn 
“Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”
(UMH #278)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
“Awesome God”
by Rich Mullins
Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace  
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Break Out Room 
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn

Sermon Reflection Questions

1. Imagine you are one of the disciples. You know all the threats mounting against Jesus; you know that the religious leaders are conspiring against him. As Jesus openly enters the city with a public procession, how do you feel? What do you fear? 

2. The proclamation, “Hosanna,” is a Hebrew imperative that was initially a cry for help, meaning, “Save us!” Over time, it was used liturgically in Psalm 118 as an expression of praise and adoration. Psalm 118 was sung at the Feast of Tabernacles, which was associated with palm branches. The crowd is described as shouting, or more accurately, “crying out.” Therefore, the tone of the parade is nuanced and complex. Some cry out with desperation. Some shout with adoration and praise. Some are there for the Festival of Passover and participate in the liturgical procession without giving it much thought at all. Some are threatened and afraid. 

Imagine the confusion and chaos of this scene. How would you find your way through the crowd?

Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures

Monday 
4/3		Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 36:5-11
Hebrews 9:11-15
John 12:1-11
Tuesday 
4/4		Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 71:1-14
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
John 12:20-36
Wednesday 
4/5		Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 70
Hebrews 12:1-3
John 13:21-32
Thursday 
4/6		Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Friday 
4/7		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
4/8		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

Announcements

Easter Cards Sale!

Today

The B.Y.G. continues fund raising today, during fellowship hour. Easter cards designed by Ally S. Each set of cards comes with 5 unique designs and 5 envelopes. Sets are $10. Proceeds will go to our Youth Camping Ministries Fund, to help our youth/leaders to attend Junior High Camp and Asian American

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 25-30Jr/High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders)
July 10-14Vacation Bible School, 10am-3pm
July 23-28Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade-2 yrs. post-HS)

Wednesday Coffee & Prayer

April 5 • 9am on Zoom

Please join Rev. Karen for a time of meditation and prayer on Wednesday, 9am. A few Lenten devotionals will be read. 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.

Chips, Savory Items Needed!

Thank you all for generously donating sweet and savory treats for post-worship fellowship time. If you are able to provide individually wrapped bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos etc.) that would be appreciated. Please drop off your donations to the Narthex, Church Office or Social Hall when convenient either on Sunday or during Church Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm). If you are interested in helping serve refreshments on Sundays after worship, please contact Julie Lock at: jtlock00@gmail.com.

Download the Beacon!

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The Three Marys Comments Off on The Three Marys

The Three Marys

Posted by on Mar 30, 2023 in Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Lenten Season, Spiritual Formation

Icon of the Three Marys in the Nea Moni Monastery of Chios (1100 AD)

Spiritual Formation Center

Can’t keep it to yourself

By Anne Arakaki-Lock, photo courtesy of Wikipedia

It’s Easter, Resurrection morning. I think about the Marys and how they are the first to check on Jesus in the tomb, Mary Magdalene, in particular. I resonate with this woman who was so initially sad, as she had just witnessed the crucifixion three days before at the Cross. At first, she couldn’t comprehend this unimaginable event of her Lord, her Savior, coming back to life! But then she does wipe off her tears, and in her excitement runs to tell others. So may I just say: I think it’s cool that a woman was chosen to be first to see, then tell others that Jesus was alive again?

The main point: she was excited and hurried to tell people. In fact, over and over, Scriptures remind us of the need to spread the Word and get others to know Jesus is alive.

I think about all the ways Blaine Memorial UMC lets the community know that Jesus is alive – in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. We have a vibrant worship service, in-person AND online, every Sunday. We have pastors that show up at events like the Day of Remembrance. Our Blaine Youth Group are hands and feet for Christ’s love at places like Kimball Elementary and the Tent Cities. Blaine’s newsletter circulation is over 600 subscribers strong and reaches beyond Seattle.

Then I also think of the not-so-obvious ways we let others know that Jesus is alive. We play basketball with non-Blaine folks. We buy altar flowers from folks who get to know us over the years. We tell our friends about the upcoming Sukiyaki Dinner who then come to know about the Rainier Valley Food Bank – which will receive some of the proceeds. We sit at Terry’s Kitchen and folks know we are Blaine people.

I guess we all have a little Mary Magdalene in us.  

Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Congregational Care Ministries of Blaine Memorial UMC.

Coming Soon!

Contact the Blaine Office or Rev. Karen if you would like a printed copy of the newsletter. Or, visit Blaine Memorial UMC and pick up a copy near the Sanctuary, Narthex, or Office.

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