Your favorite recipes and stories are needed for our new cookbook! Send in your submissions by May 31, 2023!
By Marina Furuta, photo by Ryan Kozu
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!
As we prepare for Easter, what ways will you prepare your own heart this Lenten season? Photo courtesy of Wikipedia. Learn more about this image atbit.ly/easter_egg_.
Spiritual Formation Center
Preparing for Easter
By Anne Arakaki-Lock, photo courtesy of Wikipedia
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will beno more death or mourningor crying or pain…”
-Revelation 21:4
I have been praying and looking for inspiration regarding my Lenten practice this year. My radar has been up as I listen for God to tell me what I should do during the 40-day period before Easter. How does He want me to prepare my heart? For my faith development, for me to grow closer to Him, it would involve discipline and being intentional.
For the last few weeks, I have wondered why God kept bringing up the subject of pain to me so often? I have been wondering what the subject of pain has to do with Lent. I hear the word pain on my various Zoom meetings or whenever I’m talking to my friends or relatives. I read about pain in Scriptures during my routine devotions. Recently there have been visible signs brought to my attention — Reverend Karen’s arm wrap, Jill’s crutches, Steve’s foot brace. Yet very often the pain is invisible too, whether physical or emotional.
We have many, many prayer requests in our Small Group and in Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen for pain related issues. We know that behind each described pain, there is worry, frustration, and even costs. It can be temporary, or it can be chronic. But it’s all pain. It all hurts.
So, what am I supposed to do with pain as I prepare for Easter? What can I do for Lent? Let me share what I have been inspired by God to do:
• I can step up my exercise routine. I can personally do something for my own pain that will remind me to think about Him.
• I can write up a prayer list and every morning pray for others in pain. I can also deliver a meal, share a bag of oranges, or run an errand for someone on the list.
• I can spend time in the Word highlighting and journaling and creating a list of verses that show how God is the Mighty Physician, the Healer, so that I can readily disciple when called.
• I can get together with others in my Small Group and share pain, talk about our hurts, and encourage each other.
I can do more almsgiving to organizations like South King County Response Center, our sister church who works with our refugee, unhoused, hungry neighbors or King County Youth Chaplaincy who serves our incarcerated youth in pain.
I have a lot to do this Lenten season to prepare my heart for Easter.
Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Congregational Care Ministries ofBlaine Memorial UMC.
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The Blaine Memorial UMC congregation raise hands and pray over Pastor Mia as she embarks on a week of interviews with the Oregon-Idaho Conference’s Board of Ordained Ministries – as they will determine if she will move forward with the ordination process.
The young people of Blaine Memorial UMC hosted a film screening bringing together many for cross-generational discussions on social and faith issues. Interested in supporting the Innovation hub? Contact Lynne Onishi!
Blaine collects hygiene products for Seattle Children’s
By Kaylee Yokoyama
Donations were collected at Blaine in the narthex outside of the sanctuary from December 2022 through January 2023.
Thank you Blaine for supporting Seattle Children’s Food Security Program with your new, unused hygiene products. This collection of hand soap, dish soap, menstrual products, underwear, diapers, toothpaste, and more will be vital for supporting our local community – all thanks to you! Your participation has positively impacted the lives of our greater community. Want more information or want to see more future community involvement? Contact Kaylee Yokoyama.
Blaine Memorial generously donated a variety of hygiene products. The items were sorted and organized at Seattle Children’s hygiene donation center by type of product and for the availability of individuals in need.The latest issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for viewing. Click the image above.Learn More
Applications for Blaine’s Educational Scholarships is now open through May 17, 2023!
The Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Educational Scholarships are designed to support the mission of the church through supporting a multitude of educational opportunities. We are proud to have helped students in their pursuit of continuing education since 1968. We encourage all applicants; from those just entering their next phase of education to those returning to complete or pursue continued education.
We are blessed to offer the following scholarships: the Vera Ing Scholarship, Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship, Yasuda Scholarship, William S. Yorozu Scholarship, and the Robert S. Sato Scholarship. The Scholarships will be awarded under the following criteria:
Vera Ing Community College/Trade School Scholarship
Established in 2016. Award(s) will be made to those pursuing continued education through community colleges and/or technical/trade schools. Other Eligibility Opportunities/Community Based Internships: For students who choose to intern at a nonprofit or community organization, where little or no compensation is offered, a scholarship is available. The internship period could be during the school year and/or summer months. Applicant will provide description of their opportunity.
Robert S. Sato Scholarship
Award(s) will be made to a college undergraduate and/or graduate student pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related fields of study.
Yasuda Scholarship
Award(s) will be made to high school seniors or college undergraduate.
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Two award(s) will be made, one for a college sophomore, junior or senior, then to a graduate student.
Blaine Memorial Scholarship
Award(s) will be made to high school senior, community college, technical/trade school, college undergraduate or graduate student.
Email BlaineUMCScholarships@gmail.com or contact the church office to access scholarship information. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay and church participation.
Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 17, 2023 for consideration. We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
Michelle Vaughan serves as Scholarship Chair forBlaine Memorial UMC.
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