A drive in Rocha Pinto towards Luanda, Angola (Africa) and away from the sunset. Courtesy of Al Monte Gomes/Wikipedia.
Loud and Clear
By Anne Arakaki-Lock, photo courtesy of Wikipedia
This past Tuesday, Terri Pittman and I paid a visit to one of our beloved elders. It’s a privilege to visit as many friends we know. Don’t we learn and gain something from them every time? Here was our big takeaway on this visit.
The three of us were chatting at the dining room table about an accident that our elderly friend had just avoided. She explained how she stopped her car on the side of the road one day and started getting out on the driver’s side. Though the other car was driving “fast” as she described, she claimed it was her fault. She explained how she had opened her door and the other car clipped her side view mirror as she was about to step out. Fortunately, she was not hurt. But when the other driver stopped and examined his damaged car, she immediately apologized. In turn though, his mirror was broken, she was surprised that he had played down the damage to her. She showed us her own car in the driveway and brushed off the little scratch on her side view mirror.
Our friend then looked at Terri and me and asked, “Isn’t it true: ‘…a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.’?” We both nodded in total agreement.
But the story doesn’t end here: that night I was doing my morning devotions (yes, I was late that day and did my devotions in the evening when I got home). The reading for that day was Proverbs 13, 14, 15. Do you think that was a coincidence that earlier in the day I had just heard Mrs. H quote Proverbs 15:1? The verse wouldn’t have stuck as well if God hadn’t used an angel to say it out loud to me earlier that same afternoon.
Sometimes, in fact, very often for me, God times His lessons so I can hear him even better.
Anne Arakaki-Lock serves as a member of Blaine Memorial UMC’s Congregational Care team.
July Lectionary
Season After Pentecost
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost July 2, 2023 Genesis 22:1-14 Psalm 13 Jeremiah 28:5-9 Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost July 9, 2023 Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 Psalm 45:10-17 or Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Zechariah 9:9-12 Psalm 145:8-14 Romans 7:15-25a? Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost July 16, 2023 Genesis 25:19-34 Psalm 119:105-112 Isaiah 55:10-13 Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13 Romans 8:1-11 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost July 23, 2023 Genesis 28:10-19a Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19 or Isaiah 44:6-8 Psalm 86:11-17 Romans 8:12-25 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost July 30, 2023 Genesis 29:15-28 Psalm 105:1-11, 45b or Psalm 128 1 Kings 3:5-12 Psalm 119:129-136 Romans 8:26-39 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
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!
Prelude Blessed Assurance Music by Phoebe P. Knapp Setting by John Carter Yuki Sofronas
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Call to Worship Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Opening Hymn Jesus Loves Me (UMH #191) Michelle Vaughan and Yuki Sofronas
Opening Prayer Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Scripture Reading Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (NRSVUE) Malia Yamamoto, Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
Special Music Just a Closer Walk with Thee (TFWS #2159) Phil Onishi and Yuki Sofronas
Sermon What is Your Call to Do and to Be? Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection What a Friend We Have in Jesus (UMH #526) Michelle Vaughan and Yuki Sofronas
Introduction to the Offering Malia Yamamoto
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Michelle Vaughan and Yuki Sofronas
Prayer of Dedication Malia Yamamoto
Announcements Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Closing Hymn You Are the Seed (UMH #583) Michelle Vaughan and Yuki Sofronas
*Benediction Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude Peaceful Meditation Music by Paul Fey Yuki Sofronas
Passing of the Peace Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Have a wonderful week!
Sermon Reflection Questions
In verses 16-19 in today’s passage, Jesus uses a metaphor of children in the marketplace. What is the meaning behind this metaphor, and what is Jesus trying to convey?
In verses 28-29, Jesus offers a famous invitation to those who are weary and burdened. What does he mean by “my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” and what does Jesus’ promise to those who come to him?
In verse 29, Jesus describes himself as “gentle and humble in heart.” What does this reveal about his character, and how does it apply to you?
What is an invitation of Jesus in today’s passage that applies to you, and how can you share it with others?
Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures
Monday, July 10, 2023 Semi-continuous: Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Genesis 27:30-46; Romans 1:18-25 Complementary: Psalm 131; Jeremiah 27:1-11, 16-22; Romans 1:18-25
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 Semi-continuous: Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Genesis 29:1-14; Romans 3:1-8 Complementary: Psalm 131; Jeremiah 28:10-17; Romans 3:1-8
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 Semi-continuous: Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Genesis 29:31-35; John 13:1-17 Complementary: Psalm 131; Jeremiah 13:1-11; John 13:1-17
Saturday, July 15, 2023 Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:105-112; Isaiah 2:1-4; John 12:44-50 Complementary: Psalm 65:9-13; Isaiah 52:1-6; John 12:44-50
Announcements
VBS is this week: July 10-14!
VBS Collections • July 8-16
We are preparing for this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) from July 10-14! This year’s theme is Food Truck Party on a Roll with God! We are asking kindly for the following items:
Portable Picnic Table with foldable seats: We are looking to borrow this from Saturday, July 8-Sunday, July 16.
Koinobori/Fish kite decorations: Indicate your name on each item so we can return it to you! Small packs of snacks including: granola bars dried fruit juice boxes soda pop
Hygiene products: soap toothbrushes toothpaste shampoo conditioner deodorant shaving gel hand sanitizer Please leave your donations in the black treasure chest box in the Narthex and feel free to contact Pastor Mia at miablaine2020@gmail.com and/or Susan Lee at blainevbs@gmail.com with questions.
VBS 2023 and Asian Camp!
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Save dates for your children and youth!
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!
Saturday, July 8, 2023 Semi-continuous: Psalm 45:10-17; Genesis 27:18-29; Luke 10:21-24 Complementary: Psalm 145:8-14; Zechariah 4:1-7; Luke 10:21-24
Announcements
Wednesday Coffee & Prayer • July 5, 9am on Zoom
Please join Rev. Karen for a time of meditation and prayer on Wednesday, July 5 at 9am. The Wednesday Prayer group continues to meet each week. Our time together consists of a checking-in with each other, reading devotionals, and we end in prayer. The Zoom link will be sent out prior to gathering on Tuesday.
VBS Collections • July 8-16
We are preparing for this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) from July 10-14! This year’s theme is Food Truck Party on a Roll with God! We are asking kindly for the following items:
Portable Picnic Table with foldable seats: We are looking to borrow this from Saturday, July 8-Sunday, July 16.
Koinobori/Fish kite decorations: Indicate your name on each item so we can return it to you! Small packs of snacks including: granola bars dried fruit juice boxes soda pop
Hygiene products: soap toothbrushes toothpaste shampoo conditioner deodorant shaving gel hand sanitizer Please leave your donations in the black treasure chest box in the Narthex and feel free to contact Pastor Mia at miablaine2020@gmail.com and/or Susan Lee at blainevbs@gmail.com with questions.
VBS 2023 and Asian Camp!
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Save dates for your children and youth!
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.
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!
Friday, June 30, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 13; 2 Chronicles 20:5-12; Galatians 5:7-12 Complementary: Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Jeremiah 25:8-14; Luke 17:1-4
Saturday, July 1, 2023: Semi-continuous: Psalm 13; Genesis 26:23-25; Luke 17:1-4 Complementary: Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Jeremiah 28:1-4; Luke 17:1-4
Music of Summer Sunday! • Today
Today, we’ll kick off the season of Summer with music from the Blaine Memorial Choir, Blaine Ukulele Group of Seattle (B.U.G.S.), and special music with soloists. This will be the last day where the Blaine Memorial Choir will perform before taking a summer break!
Puyallup Valley JACL at Blaine Memorial • Today
The Puyallup Valley JACL will be at Blaine Memorial UMC with their remembrance gallery of names next Sunday, June 25. This is a name wall that honors and remembers each family who was assembled at the Camp Harmony Assembly Center in Puyallup, WA in 1942. The wall of names will be displayed in the Social Hall. Please come to see your family name. They are researching to ensure that all names are spelled correctly.
The Puyallup Valley Chapter of the JACL seeks support and endorsement of its effort to build the “Puyallup Assembly Center” Remembrance Gallery on the Washington State Fair (WSF) located in Puyallup, Wash. It will be located inside the iconic grandstands, where up to 1 million annual visitors will pass.
This project works…
To honor the over 7,600 Japanese and Japanese Americans who were unjustly removed from their homes and imprisoned on the Puyallup fairground during WWII.
To highlight the social injustices of this wartime experience and make comparisons to those being denied justice today to ensure this part of history is never repeated.
We are preparing for this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) from July 10-14! This year’s theme is Food Truck Party on a Roll with God! We are asking kindly for the following items:
Portable Picnic Table with foldable seats: We are looking to borrow this from Saturday, July 8-Sunday, July 16.
Koinobori/Fish kite decorations: Indicate your name on each item so we can return it to you! Small packs of snacks including: granola bars dried fruit juice boxes soda pop
Hygiene products: soap toothbrushes toothpaste shampoo conditioner deodorant shaving gel hand sanitizer Please leave your donations in the black treasure chest box in the Narthex and feel free to contact Pastor Mia at miablaine2020@gmail.com and/or Susan Lee at blainevbs@gmail.com with questions.
VBS 2023 and Asian Camp!
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Save dates for your children and youth!
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.
Read our latest issue of the Beacon!
The June edition of the Beacon features stories from our church in celebration of Summer! Download the PDF!
Saturday, June 24, 2023 Semi-continuous: Psalm 86:1-10; Ezekiel 29:3-7; Luke 11:53-12:3 Complementary: Psalm 69:7-10, 16-18; Jeremiah 20:1-6; Luke 11:53-12:3
Saturday, June 24, 2023 Semi-continuous: Psalm 86:1-10; Ezekiel 29:3-7; Luke 11:53-12:3 Complementary: Psalm 69:7-10, 16-18; Jeremiah 20:1-6; Luke 11:53-12:3
Announcements
Join us for Father’s Day Lunch! • Today!
We’ll celebrate Father’s Day with a Hawaiian-themed plate lunch by honoring our Dads and the father-figures in our lives! Join us after worship in the Social Hall to celebrate Father’s Day!
Music of Summer Sunday! • June 25 in Worship
Join us for a special worship service with the Music of Summer Sunday at Blaine! We’ll kick off the season of Summer with music from the Blaine Memorial Choir, Blaine Ukulele Group of Seattle (B.U.G.S.), and special music with soloists. This will be the last day where the Blaine Memorial Choir will perform before taking a summer break!
Puyallup Valley JACL at Blaine Memorial • Next Sunday, June 25
The Puyallup Valley JACL will be at Blaine Memorial UMC with their remembrance gallery of names next Sunday, June 25. This is a name wall that honors and remembers each family who was assembled at the Camp Harmony Assembly Center in Puyallup, WA in 1942. The wall of names will be displayed in the Social Hall. Please come to see your family name. They are researching to ensure that all names are spelled correctly.
The Puyallup Valley Chapter of the JACL seeks support and endorsement of its effort to build the “Puyallup Assembly Center” Remembrance Gallery on the Washington State Fair (WSF) located in Puyallup, Wash. It will be located inside the iconic grandstands, where up to 1 million annual visitors will pass.
This project works…
To honor the over 7,600 Japanese and Japanese Americans who were unjustly removed from their homes and imprisoned on the Puyallup fairground during WWII.
To highlight the social injustices of this wartime experience and make comparisons to those being denied justice today to ensure this part of history is never repeated.
We are preparing for this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) from July 10-14! This year’s theme is Food Truck Party on a Roll with God! We are asking kindly for the following items:
Portable Picnic Table with foldable seats: We are looking to borrow this from Saturday, July 8-Sunday, July 16.
Koinobori/Fish kite decorations: Indicate your name on each item so we can return it to you! Small packs of snacks including: granola bars dried fruit juice boxes soda pop
Hygiene products: soap toothbrushes toothpaste shampoo conditioner deodorant shaving gel hand sanitizer Please leave your donations in the black treasure chest box in the Narthex and feel free to contact Pastor Mia at miablaine2020@gmail.com and/or Susan Lee at blainevbs@gmail.com with questions.
VBS 2023 and Asian Camp!
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Save dates for your children and youth!
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.
Read our latest issue of the Beacon!
The June edition of the Beacon features stories from our church in celebration of Summer! Download the PDF!
Thank you to the Watanabe Family for today’s flower arrangement. Bob K. Watanabe, 98, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Bob’s Celebration of Life service was yesterday, June 10 at BMUMC. May Bob rest in peace.
Semi-continuous: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 24:10-52; Mark 7:1-13
Complementary: Psalm 100; Exodus 6:28-7:13; Mark 7:1-13
Announcements
33rd Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • June 17, 9am
This year ACRS will hold its in-person Walk for Rice at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Seward Park! Team Blaine’s fundraising goal is $7,000. Help ACRS feed AAPI community members who are experiencing food insecurity by joining or donating to Team Blaine! Go to Team Blaine’s page at ACRS’s website to donate! Or mail your donation to the Blaine office (checks made out to “Walk for Rice”, memo: “Team Blaine”) . Thanks for your support! Read more.
Special Edition Print from Blaine’s own, Glenn Mitsui! • Purchase here
From the Asian Counseling and Referral Service:
To celebrate the return of Walk for Rice to Seward Park, we are thrilled to offer a special-edition art print designed by local artist Glenn Mitsui, the son of Sam Mitsui, who co-founded the first Walk 33 years ago.
“The piece celebrates the beauty of the park, which my dad loved. He ran the loop and swam to the buoys countless times…In short, Walk for Rice and Seward Park were two of my father’s loves. It was an honor to try to capture why in this piece.”
All proceeds from this special art print will benefit the ACRS Food Bank, which provides culturally familiar foods to immigrants, refugees, elders and families throughout King County.
Join or support a fundraising team and walk with us at Seward Park on Saturday, June 17!
Join us for Father’s Day Lunch! • Sunday, June 18
Following Worship in the Social Hall Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 18 as we celebrate Father’s Day by honoring the father, father-figures and men of Blaine! Join us after worship service in the Social Hall to celebrate Father’s Day!
Music of Summer Sunday! • June 25 in Worship
Join us for a special worship service with Music Sunday at Blaine! We will kick off the summer with music from the Blaine Memorial Choir, BUGS, some special music and soloists. Join us for a full worship service filled with music! This will be the last day where the Blaine Memorial Choir will perform before taking a summer break!
We are preparing for this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) from July 10-14! This year’s theme is Food Truck Party on a Roll with God! We are asking kindly for the following items:
Portable Picnic Table with foldable seats: We are looking to borrow this from Saturday, July 8-Sunday, July 16.
Koinobori/Fish kite decorations: Indicate your name on each item so we can return it to you! Small packs of snacks including: granola bars dried fruit juice boxes soda pop
Hygiene products: soap toothbrushes toothpaste shampoo conditioner deodorant shaving gel hand sanitizer Please leave your donations in the black treasure chest box in the Narthex and feel free to contact Pastor Mia at miablaine2020@gmail.com and/or Susan Lee at blainevbs@gmail.com with questions.
Summer Camps & VBS 2023! • See Dates
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Save dates for your children and youth!
June 25-30 Jr. High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders): Registration is now closed
Thank you all for generously donating sweet and savory treats for post-worship fellowship time. Currently, we need more chips and savory items: wrapped bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos etc.) would be appreciated. Drop off your donations to the Narthex, Church Office, or Social Hall either on Sunday or during Church Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday 10:00AM-4:00PM). Help serve refreshments on Sundays after worship by contacting Julie Lock at: jtlock00@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 – Thursday 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 June edition of the Beacon features stories from our church in celebration of Summer! Download the PDF!
