Fall is here! We have been enjoying the last moments of sunshine and warmth before Winter arrives. Last September, we hosted a family film night in the social hall. We watched a lively animated musical and enjoyed plenty of food and snacks! The young adults also hiked up to Lake Twenty-Two, where we enjoyed spectacular views and plenty of sunshine! Many of our young adults also joined the BYG leaders retreat at Mercer Island UMC.
The Innovation Hub hosted a family movie night in September! We gathered for food, fellowship, and a movie screening. Our film nights are opportunities for people of all ages to gather and enjoy meaningful, inspirational, or thought-provoking movies.
Important! Reconciling Ministries Upcoming Vote
Since June 2022, the Reconciling Ministries Team has been leading the congregation in study and discernment about what it means to be an open and affirming church. One of the most important ways we can align ourselves with justice and reconciliation is to affiliate with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), an organization of United Methodist congregations committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in The United Methodist Church. After over a year of questioning, learning, and discussing, it’s time to take our vote – will we join the Network?
Affiliation with RMN requires that at least 75% of our congregation votes to adopt a Reconciling statement. We will be voting on this statement of reconciliation on Sunday, November 5:
We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.
Just like voting in your local elections, we will require that congregation members REGISTER TO VOTE! We will provide paper mail-in style ballots for all who register to vote. We chose this method for security and simple record-keeping reasons. If you have questions, please contact us!
Congregants were invited to register in-person or online by Sunday, October 22. If you are planning to attend church on November 5, you may register and vote in person on that date.
Ballots will be distributed the week of October 23-27. You may mail them to the church office or return them in-person between October 29 and November 5 (mail needs to be received by November 4). Ballots will be counted after worship on Sunday, November 5.
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 or any of the other team members for more information.
The Beacon is Now Available!
Read the latest issue of The Beacon newsletter, here!
Hymn of Meditation Be Thou My Vision(UMH #451) Eugene Onishi and Miriam Tong
Introduction to the Offering Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Offertory Music What Does the Lord Require of You (Jim Strathdee) Miriam Tong
Together We Serve (By Charles Damon) Miriam Tong
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Eugene Onishi and Miriam Tong
Prayer of Dedication Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn We Are Called (TFWS #2172) Eugene Onishi and Miriam Tong
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude Great is the Lord (By Michael W. Smith and Deborah D. Smith) Miriam Tong
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Sermon Questions
How have you experienced the presence of God in your ministry?
What gifts, skills, and abilities do you bring to Blaine Memorial UMC’s ministry?
What are you doing for personal spiritual growth?
Daily Lectionary
Monday, October 23, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 63:1-8; Exodus 40:34-38; Revelation 18:1-10, 19-20 Complementary: Psalm 98; Daniel 3:1-18; Revelation 18:1-10, 19-20
Tuesday, October 24, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 63:1-8; Numbers 12:1-9; Revelation 18:21-24 Complementary: Psalm 98; Daniel 3:19-30; Revelation 18:21-24
Wednesday, October 25, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 63:1-8; Numbers 13:1-2, 17-14:9; Matthew 17:22-27 Complementary: Psalm 98; Daniel 6:1-28; Matthew 17:22-27
Thursday, October 26, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; Deuteronomy 31:14-22; Titus 1:5-16 Complementary: Psalm 1; Numbers 5:5-10; Titus 1:5-16
Friday, October 27, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; Deuteronomy 32:1-14, 18; Titus 2:7-8, 11-15 Complementary: Psalm 1; Deuteronomy 9:25-10:5; Titus 2:7-8, 11-15
Saturday, October 28, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; Deuteronomy 32:44-47; John 5:39-47 Complementary: Psalm 1; Proverbs 24:23-34; John 5:39-47
Announcements
Celebrating the reappointments of our pastors for the 2023-2024 year. From (L-R): Deacon Rev. Dr. Mark C. Hearn, Associate Pastor Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Senior Pastor Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Deacon Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn.
Pastor’s Appreciation Celebration Lunch • Today after worship in the Social Hall!
Choir openings are available! Contact Eugene Onishi for more info!
Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7pm, Sun at 9am, 11:45am
Join us as we bring musical messages to the Blaine family each week. If you sing, or if you would like to learn to sing, please come join! Whether you sing in public or just in the shower or are available “full-time” or “part-time,” all are welcome! Contact Eugene Onishi (eaonishi@hotmail.com).
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Oct. 25 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?” Our time together continues with a few readings from The Upper Room Magazine September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us!
For more information, contact the church office for details!
Reconciling Ministries Voter Registration • See Dates Below
Important Dates
Today: Last Day for RM Voter Registration
Oct. 24, 7pm: Faith and Gender Workshop (Zoom)
Oct. 23-27: Ballot Distribution
Oct. 30-Nov. 4: Return Mail-In Ballots
Nov. 5: In-Person Voting
“We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.”
Register online or in-person by Sunday, October 22 for our Reconciling Ministries vote! Attend church on November 5 to register and vote in person. Ballots will be distributed the week of October 23-27. Mail them to the church office or return them in-person between October 29 and November 5 (mail needs to be received by November 4). Ballots will be counted after worship on Sunday, November 5. Scan the QR code for the online registration form or sign up in-person on Sundays. Find our form in the office or social hall!
Looking for a learning opportunity? Join us for a Gender and Faith Workshop on Tuesday, October 24 at 7:00 PM on Zoom. We’ll explore binaries, the difference between gender and sex, what it means to be intersex, and many other helpful and important topics.
Donations needed for Harvest Festival! • Saturday, Oct. 28, 11am-2:30pm
Donations are needed!
3 bags of Hot Dog Buns (24 per package)
2 packages of Kirkland Bun Size Hot Dogs (12 per package, 3-package bundle)
2 bags of Pirate’s Booty or something similar (contains no dairy or nuts and gluten-free)
2 bags of Family-sized Chips 1 bag of Cash & Carry Salad
This year’s All-Church Conference will be on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm. This gathering holds great significance for our faith community as we come together to celebrate our ministries in 2023. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Derek Nakano will preside over the meeting. All are invited to hear about the state of our church and other important updates. More details to come!
Thanksgiving Meal Work Party • Sunday, Nov. 19 & Monday, Nov. 20
BYG is once again partnering with Kimball Elementary School to provide Thanksgiving meals for food-insecure families. We’ll gather on Sunday, November 19, after worship to prepare apple crisps together in the LAC kitchen. Additionally, on Monday evening at 6pm in the LAC kitchen, we’ll make mashed potatoes and bake apple crisps (a light dinner will be provided). We plan to deliver the meals to Kimball Elementary School on Tuesday, the 21st, in the morning. Please contact BYG Directors or Terri Adolfo for more details.
The Beacon is Now Available!
Read the latest issue of The Beacon newsletter, here!
Prelude The Summons Traditional Scottish; by John Bell Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 106) Jordan L.
*Opening Hymn Sanctuary (TFWS #2164) x 2 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer Jordan L.
Scripture Reading Philippians 4:1-9 (NRSVUE, JLB) Mia I., Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music Draw the Circle Wide Blaine Memorial Choir
M. I. L. E. Laity Enhancement Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Faith Sharing of Camp Experiences Blaine Youth Group
JHC and Asian Camp Video Blaine Youth Group
Hymn of Reflection Matthew 11 Blaine Youth Group
Introduction to the Offering Marisa I.
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication Tala C.
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn Pass It On (UMH #572) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude He is God Words and Music by Wes Terasaki, arr. by Randy Way Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Camping Ministries Sunday!
About Junior High Camp
Junior High Camp is geared toward incoming 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. We strive for our youth to leave with a sense of relationship to Christ through tangible and practical life applications. In addition, we encourage their growth towards outreach through their local churches and leadership in their own communities.
About Asian Camp
The United Methodist Church Asian American Summer Camp, in its 49th year history of empowering and inspirational ministry, has developed a reputation amongst its participants as a family-like community, yielding lifelong relationships and faithful servants of God. Asian Camp is a camp geared towards incoming 10th, 2nd year college.
Wednesday, October 18, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 97; 2 Kings 17:7-20; John 6:25-35 Complementary: Psalm 34; Song of Solomon 7:10-8:4; John 6:25-35
Thursday, October 19, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 99; Exodus 33:7-11; 3 John 9-12 Complementary: Psalm 96:1-9; Judges 17:1-6; 3 John 9-12
Friday, October 20, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 99; Exodus 31:1-11; 1 Peter 5:1-5 Complementary: Psalm 96:1-9; Deuteronomy 17:14-20; 1 Peter 5:1-5
Saturday, October 21, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 99; Exodus 39:32-43; Matthew 14:1-12 Complementary: Psalm 96:1-9; Isaiah 14:3-11; Matthew 14:1-12
Announcements
Choir openings are available! Contact Eugene Onishi for more info!
Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7pm, Sun at 9am, 11:45am
Join us as we bring musical messages to the Blaine family each week. If you sing, or if you would like to learn to sing, please come join! Whether you sing in public or just in the shower or are available “full-time” or “part-time,” all are welcome! Contact Eugene Onishi (eaonishi@hotmail.com).
Free Hearing Tests! • Sunday Oct. 15 in the Library
Do you have trouble understanding conversation in noisy places? Do you ask people to repeat themselves? Have people told you to get your hearing checked? If you are experiencing any of these concerns, there will be an opportunity immediately after worship to have your hearing checked. Offerings include a free screening of your hearing, a free cleaning of your ears. If you use hearing aids, you can have those checked, as well. Please go to the Blaine Library to have your hearing checked!
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Oct. 18 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?” Our time together continues with a few readings from The Upper Room Magazine September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us!
Celebrating the reappointments of our pastors for the 2023-2024 year. From (L-R): Deacon Rev. Dr. Mark C. Hearn, Associate Pastor Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Senior Pastor Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Deacon Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn.
Pastor’s Appreciation Celebration Lunch • Sunday, Oct. 22 after worship in the Social Hall
For more information, contact the church office for details!
Donations needed for Harvest Festival! • Saturday, Oct. 28, 11am-2:30pm
Donations are needed!
3 bags of Hot Dog Buns (24 per package)
2 packages of Kirkland Bun Size Hot Dogs (12 per package, 3-package bundle)
2 bags of Pirate’s Booty or something similar (contains no dairy or nuts and gluten-free)
2 bags of Family-sized Chips 1 bag of Cash & Carry Salad
This year’s All-Church Conference will be on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm. This gathering holds great significance for our faith community as we come together to celebrate our ministries in 2023. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Derek Nakano will preside over the meeting. All are invited to hear about the state of our church and other important updates. More details to come!
Thanksgiving Meal Work Party • Sunday, Nov. 19 & Monday, Nov. 20
BYG is once again partnering with Kimball Elementary School to provide Thanksgiving meals for food-insecure families. We’ll gather on Sunday, November 19, after worship to prepare apple crisps together in the LAC kitchen. Additionally, on Monday evening at 6pm in the LAC kitchen, we’ll make mashed potatoes and bake apple crisps (a light dinner will be provided). We plan to deliver the meals to Kimball Elementary School on Tuesday, the 21st, in the morning. Please contact BYG Directors or Terri Adolfo for more details.
Bazaar in Photos!
Blaine Memorial UMC’s volunteers help grill chicken during the Bazaar. Thank you to our contributors!The Blaine Youth Group are ready to serve Suno Dogs at Bazaar!Jordan enjoys Suno Dogs!
Prelude We Will Glorify the King of Kings By Twila Paris Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 19) Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn How Great Thou Art (UMH #77) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading Matthew 21:33-46 (CEB, JLB) Eunice Gong, Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
Special Music There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading Luke 10:25-37 (CEB, JLB) Eunice Gong, Tsutomu Nagoya
Sermon M. I. L. E.: Itineration and Location Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection Seek Ye First (UMH#405) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn Living for Jesus (TFWS #2149) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude He Is Exalted By Twila Paris Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Sermon Reflection Questions
Consider the question that the expert in the law asked Jesus: “Who is my neighbor?”
How does this parable redefine the concept of a neighbor?
Who in your life might be considered an unexpected neighbor, and how can you extend love, compassion, and care to them?
Reflect on a time when you received help or kindness from an unexpected source. How did it affect your perspective on compassion and generosity?
In what ways can you practically apply the lessons from the Good Samaritan parable in your communities, workplaces, and families to create a positive impact that we could help our neighbors to be a better location of their well-being?
Daily Lectionary Readings
Monday, October 9, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; 1 Peter 2:4-10 Complementary: Psalm 144; Ezekiel 19:10-14; 1 Peter 2:4-10
Wednesday, October 11, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 6:10-25; John 11:45-57 Complementary: Psalm 144; Song of Solomon 8:5-14; John 11:45-57
Thursday, October 12, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Exodus 24:1-8; 1 Peter 5:1-5, 12-14 Complementary: Psalm 23; Isaiah 22:1-8a; 1 Peter 5:1-5, 12-14
Friday, October 13, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Exodus 24:9-11; James 4:4-10 Complementary: Psalm 23; Isaiah 22:8b-14; James 4:4-10
Saturday, October 14, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Exodus 24:12-18; Mark 2:18-22 Complementary: Psalm 23; Isaiah 24:17-23; Mark 2:18-22
Announcements
Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7p, Sun at 9a and 11:45a
The Blaine Choir love to sing to God. Rehearsals are Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings, and provide music for Blaine’s Sunday morning services. Our goal is to develop spiritually and musically through fellowship, singing and through scripture. Join us as we bring musical messages to the Blaine family each week. If you sing, or if you would like to learn to sing, please come join! Whether you sing in public or just in the shower – or are available “full-time” or “part-time”, all are welcome! Contact Eugene Onishi (eaonishi@hotmail.com).
Girl Scouts Meeting • Today at 11:30a
We will be restarting our Blaine Girl Scouts troop this month. We meet every second Sunday of the month from October to June so our first meeting will be next Sunday, Oct 8th from 11:30-2:30pm in the Education Wing. We start with a light lunch and then will begin our meeting at noon.
Our troop includes Brownie Girls starting in the 2nd grade and goes up to the Senior level which is 12th grade. For any girls who are interested in joining, you and your parents can come and learn about us for the first meeting. There is no commitment to attend the first meeting. There will also be a parents meeting at 1pm where all details and applications will be passed out.
We hope to have some new girls join us this year. We have a lot of fun activities like rock climbing, roller skating, ice skating, archery, selling cookies and more. If you have any questions, please come up to talk to Eunice Gong during social time or email Eunice G.
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Oct. 11 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?” Our time together continues with a few readings from The Upper Room Magazine September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us!
Bazaar in Photos!
Friends prepare Tsukemono, or salt-pickled cabbage.The Blaine Youth Group practices making Suno Dogs. Ohagi, or sweet rice balls, are made by our volunteers.Lesley leads us with pie-making.Our team helped marinate bbq chicken for the grill!
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn This Is My Father’s World (UMH #144) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading Matthew 21:23-32 (CEB, JLB) Susan Lee, Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Second Scripture Reading Mark 12:28-34 (NIV, JLB) Malia Yamamoto, Tsutomu Nagoya
Sermon You Must Love Your Neighbor as Yourself Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos Dir. of Hispanic/Latinx Ministries, The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church
Hymn of Reflection One Bread, One Body (UMH 620) B.U.G.S. (Blaine Ukulele Group Seattle)
Holy Communion Revs. Karen, Mia, and Cruz with Tsutomu
Introduction to the Offering Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn Here, I Am, Lord (UMH #593) B.U.G.S with Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
Postlude One God and Father of Us All By P. Carlson, K. Matthews, J. Carraway Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Sermon Reflection Questions
In what ways can we demonstrate that we love one another?
When you look around and see all the people created by God, what do you see?
What does the greatest commandment teach us? Jesus told the scribe that he is not far from the kingdom.
Why is he closer than the others? What is he still missing?
Saturday, October 7, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 19; Exodus 23:10-13; John 7:40-52 Complementary: Psalm 80:7-15; Jeremiah 6:1-10; John 7:40-52
Announcements
Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7p, Sun at 9a and 11:45a
The Blaine Choir love to sing to God. Rehearsals are Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings, and provide music for Blaine’s Sunday morning services. Our goal is to develop spiritually and musically through fellowship, singing and through scripture. Join us as we bring musical messages to the Blaine family each week. If you sing, or if you would like to learn to sing, please come join! Whether you sing in public or just in the shower – or are available “full-time” or “part-time”, all are welcome! Contact Eugene Onishi (eaonishi@hotmail.com).
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Oct. 4 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?” Our time together continues with a few readings from The Upper Room Magazine September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us!
Girl Scouts Meeting • Sunday, October 8 at 11:30a
We will be restarting our Blaine Girl Scouts troop this month. We meet every second Sunday of the month from October to June so our first meeting will be next Sunday, Oct 8th from 11:30-2:30pm in the Education Wing. We start with a light lunch and then will begin our meeting at noon.
Our troop includes Brownie Girls starting in the 2nd grade and goes up to the Senior level which is 12th grade. For any girls who are interested in joining, you and your parents can come and learn about us for the first meeting. There is no commitment to attend the first meeting. There will also be a parents meeting at 1pm where all details and applications will be passed out.
We hope to have some new girls join us this year. We have a lot of fun activities like rock climbing, roller skating, ice skating, archery, selling cookies and more. If you have any questions, please come up to talk to Eunice Gong during social time or email Eunice G.
Susan and Jim Tanioka from Merced, CA visit with Anne to explain the labor of love that they dedicate their lives to!
The Farmer
By Anne Arakaki-Lock
We can never say thank you enough. Gratitude is magical. It’s so therapeutic. I will strive to make gratitude my go-to, my pick-me-upper tool as I felt lifted up by simply experiencing thanksgiving first-hand on an almond farm.
One only needs to talk to a hard-working farmer to see the utmost respect and gratitude for God’s creation, as expressed by a caring spirit. The other day I had the privilege of witnessing a farmer’s labor of love. He showed me his 30-year old almond grove, rows and rows of trees painstakingly nurtured. They were healthy and robust, having produced nuts year after year for market. Proudly, the farmer shared the importance of good soil, the need to control weeds, the value of fertilizing (even to the point of including his son’s chemistry knowledge to research a recipe for fertilizer).
Then there were the precious tractors for every need — the mower to contain the grass and weeds, the raker, the fertilizer, the tree shaker, the harvest gatherer (I forgot the name of that one). I learned the value of the rams, lubricants and belts, and duh, the need for a sweeper attachment in front of and behind the big wheels so that the harvested almonds shaken to the ground would not get crushed by the tractor. Of course, there is always attention given to water, too — the wells, the river source, and the climate.
“I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts!” Psalm 92:4-5.
Mr. Jim Tanioka explains the balance of nature as he labors to produce almonds for the past 30+ years!
My field trip to the almond farm made me feel and get to know God even more. I saw more humbly the brilliance of His creation and the intricacies of what it takes to maintain and grow Nature. Of course, my little brain cannot even come close to truly, truly understanding all of God’s miracles and His design of our world. But the weekend made me thankful and brought me so much closer to our Master Farmer. I feel like I know God a little more now.
Thank you, Mr. Tanioka, for opening my eyes to the love and work it takes for me to enjoy God’s almond. Rev. Karen’s wonderful uncle from Merced, CA was my weekend farmer-teacher. “I give thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart.” Psalm 138:1
