Scripture Reading Mark 5:21-43 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Dale H. Watanabe
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
Prayers of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Second Scripture Reading Psalm 139 (NIV) Tsutomu Nagoya, Dale H. Watanabe
Sermon Love Never Ceases Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection In the Midst of New Dimensions (TFWS #2238) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Dale H. Watanabe
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Dale H. Watanabe
Announcements Rev. Karen and Friends
*Closing Hymn We Are Called (TFWS #2172) Kathy Onishi & Eugene Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude Kathy Onishi
Zoom Breakout Room Dale Kaneko
Sermon Questions
How has God used disease and death in your life to strengthen your faith in God?
Whom do we know who is sick or needing to be healed?
What do these stories reveal about the interplay between fear and faith in a relationship with Jesus? How are fear and faith present in your own relationship with Christ?
What moment in your life have you felt the most helpless? How did that moment lead you to look to Jesus? How should it have led you to look to Jesus?
Daily Lectionary
Sunday, June 30, 2024: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 and Psalm 130; Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15, 2:23-24 or Lamentations 3:22-33 and Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43
Saturday, July 6, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 48; 2 Samuel 3:31-38; Matthew 8:18-22 Complementary: Psalm 123; Jeremiah 7:27-34; Matthew 8:18-22
Announcements
Pride Worship Sunday, Seattle First UMC • Today
Every year during Seattle Pride, First UMC hosts other local reconciling churches for a worship service and opportunity to march in the parade and serve parade-goers! See more about the event here.
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt!
Blaine Memorial Church School and Blaine Youth Group Summer Schedule
July 13-20, 2024 (incuding travel time) • Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore (Incoming 10th – 2nd year college)
Blaine Benefit Bazaar Nominations • Due Friday June 28
The Bazaar Committee is seeking nominations for a beneficiary for the upcoming autumn bazaar! Submit a brief description of your recommended beneficiary recipient to the Church Office by Friday, June 28, 2024 for review and approval by Ad Board. Save the date: Blaine Memorial UMC’s Annual Bazaar will be on Saturday, October 5, 2024. If you have an organization in mind, please fill out the Beneficiary Nominations Form provided by our Church office. Contact Yuki Sofronas for more info.
Prelude More Like You By Scott Wesley Brown Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Call to Worship Adapted from Psalm 92:1-2; 95:1-2 Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Opening Prayer Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Congregational Song 10,000 Reasons By J. Myrin and M. Redman Blaine Worship Band
Scripture Reading Psalm 150 (JLB, CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Anne Arakaki-Lock
Prayer of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Choral Anthem How Can I Keep From Singing Arranged by Jeffrey Honore
My Lord, What a Morning Arranged by Jay Althouse
Blaine Memorial Choir
Moment of Silence for Dick Nagaoka
Special Music
E Ke Akua Mana E/How Great Thou Art Arranged by Rod Higuchi
Nandemo Dekiru (You Can Do It, If You Try) Composed by Alvin “Pops” Okami E Nonoi I Ka Haku/Kanaka Waiwai
By H.R. Palme/By John Kameaaloha Almeida
Blaine Ukulele Group of Seattle
Introduction to the Offering Anne Arakaki-Lock
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Anne Arakaki-Lock
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Final Song Blair’s Wedding Arranged by Dan Landrum Leann Onishi
Final Congregational Song Every Praise By Hezekiah Walker and John David Bratton Blaine Worship Team
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude We Are Family By Carol and Jimmy Owens Leann Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love Zoom
Breakout Room Dale Kaneko
Daily Lectionary
Sunday, June 23, 2024: 1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 and Psalm 9:9-20 or 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 18:10-16 and Psalm 133; Job 38:1-11 and Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41
Monday, June 24, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:113-128; 1 Samuel 18:6-30; Acts 27:13-38 Complementary: Psalm 65; Exodus 7:14-24; Acts 27:13-38
Tuesday, June 25, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:113-128; 1 Samuel 19:1-7; Acts 27:39-44 Complementary: Psalm 65; Exodus 9:13-35; Acts 27:39-44
Wednesday, June 26, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:113-128; 1 Samuel 19:8-17; Mark 6:45-52 Complementary: Psalm 65; Joshua 10:1-14; Mark 6:45-52
Saturday, June 29, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 130; 1 Samuel 20:27-42; Luke 4:31-37 Complementary: Psalm 30; Lamentations 2:18-22; Luke 4:31-37
Announcements
Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt!
Blaine Memorial Church School and Blaine Youth Group Summer Schedule
June 23-28, 2024 • Jr. High Camp at Camp Lodestar (Incoming 6th-9th grade)
July 13-20, 2024 (incuding travel time) • Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore (Incoming 10th – 2nd year college)
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
Pride Worship Sunday, Seattle First UMC • June 30 at 10am
Every year during Seattle Pride, First UMC hosts other local reconciling churches for a worship service and opportunity to march in the parade and serve parade-goers! See more about the event here.
Blaine Benefit Bazaar Nominations • Due Friday June 28
The Bazaar Committee is seeking nominations for a beneficiary for the upcoming autumn bazaar! Submit a brief description of your recommended beneficiary recipient to the Church Office by Friday, June 28, 2024 for review and approval by Ad Board. Save the date: Blaine Memorial UMC’s Annual Bazaar will be on Saturday, October 5, 2024. If you have an organization in mind, please fill out the Beneficiary Nominations Form provided by our Church office. Contact Yuki Sofronas for more info.
34th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • Saturday, June 29 at 9am (See Insert)
The ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9 AM. Blaine Memorial has a very special connection to the ACRS Walk for Rice.
In 1990, Herb and Bertha Tsuchiya, along with Blaine’s own Sam Mitsui, initiated a way for everyone to contribute to feeding the community. Although Sam passed away in 2019, Team Blaine walks to honor his memory and his significant role in starting the Walk for Rice 34 years ago.
ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9:00 AM. Last year, Team Blaine raised close to $12,000, securing second place! This year, our fundraising goal is $8,000. Help ACRS feed ANHPI (Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) community members facing food insecurity by joining Team Blaine as a walker and/or by donating to our team!
Alternatively, you can mail your donation (checks made out to “Walk for Rice,” memo: “Team Blaine”) to the Blaine office. Please contact Team Captain Justine for more details. Thank you for your continued support!
Prelude Great is thy Faithfulness By Chisholm/Runyan Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Michelle Vaughan
Call to Worship By Michelle Vaughan Miriam Tong
Opening Hymn What Gift Can We Bring UMH #87 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer Michelle Vaughan
First Scripture Reading 1 Samuel 17: 4-7,32,48-50 (JLB, CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Miriam Tong
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
Special Music We are the Family of Christ By D. Besig and N. Price Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading Mark 4:35-41 (JLB, CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Miriam Tong
Sermon Having a Big Faith Michelle Vaughan
Response Hymn This is My Song UMH #437 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Miriam Tong
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94 Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Miriam Tong
Announcements Friends of Blaine Memorial UMC
Closing Hymn All Creatures of Our God and King UMH #62 (V. 1, 5, and 7) Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Benediction Michelle Vaughan
Postlude It is Well with My Soul By Spafford and Bliss Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Passing of the Peace Michelle Vaughan
Zoom Breakout Room Dale Kaneko
Sermon Reflection Questions
How does your faith sustain you as you walk through our complicated world?
Think about times when you have been brave. How did your Faith in God, and in yourself, factor in supporting your bravery?
In the scripture from Mark, Chapter 4, what lesson do you think the disciples were meant to learn about faith when Jesus stopped the storm and then asked them about their faith?
Daily Lectionary
Sunday, June 16, 2024: Fourth Sunday of Easter 1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13 and Psalm 20 • Ezekiel 17:22-24 and Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 • 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 • Mark 4:26-34
Saturday, June 22, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 9:9-20 • 1 Samuel 18:1-4 • Luke 21:25-28 Complementary: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 • Job 37:1-13 • Luke 21:25-28
Announcements
Wednesday Prayer and Coffee on Zoom • June 19 at 9am
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesday (6/12) at 9:00 AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayercommunity. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt!
Blaine Memorial Church School and Blaine Youth Group Summer Schedule
June 23-28, 2024 • Jr. High Camp at Camp Lodestar (Incoming 6th-9th grade)
July 13-20, 2024 (incuding travel time) • Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore (Incoming 10th – 2nd year college)
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
34th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • Saturday, June 29 at 9am (See Insert)
The ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9 AM. Blaine Memorial has a very special connection to the ACRS Walk for Rice.
In 1990, Herb and Bertha Tsuchiya, along with Blaine’s own Sam Mitsui, initiated a way for everyone to contribute to feeding the community. Although Sam passed away in 2019, Team Blaine walks to honor his memory and his significant role in starting the Walk for Rice 34 years ago.
ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9:00 AM. Last year, Team Blaine raised close to $12,000, securing second place! This year, our fundraising goal is $8,000. Help ACRS feed ANHPI (Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) community members facing food insecurity by joining Team Blaine as a walker and/or by donating to our team!
Alternatively, you can mail your donation (checks made out to “Walk for Rice,” memo: “Team Blaine”) to the Blaine office. Please contact Team Captain Justine for more details. Thank you for your continued support!
Saturday, June 15, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 20; 1 Samuel 13:1-15a; Mark 4:1-20 Complementary: Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15; 2 Kings 14:1-14; Mark 4:1-20
Announcements
Love Offering for Rev. Mia MiKyung Park! • Today
As a way of showing our love and appreciation for Rev. Mia, we will be accepting a Love Offering for her today. Baskets will be provided in the Narthex and in the LAC during the potluck for your gifts! You may give cash or make a check directly to Mia MiKyung Park and drop it in the basket.
Wednesday Prayer and Coffee on Zoom • June 12 at 9am
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesday (6/12) at 9:00 AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayercommunity. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt!
Blaine Memorial Church School and Blaine Youth Group Summer Schedule
June 23-28, 2024 • Jr. High Camp at Camp Lodestar (Incoming 6th-9th grade)
July 13-20, 2024 • Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore (Incoming 10th – 2nd year college)
Four Sundays: July 28, August 4, August 11, August 18 • Vacation Bible School 2024 (Register here)
34th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • Saturday, June 29 at 9am (See Insert)
The ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9 AM. Blaine Memorial has a very special connection to the ACRS Walk for Rice.
In 1990, Herb and Bertha Tsuchiya, along with Blaine’s own Sam Mitsui, initiated a way for everyone to contribute to feeding the community. Although Sam passed away in 2019, Team Blaine walks to honor his memory and his significant role in starting the Walk for Rice 34 years ago.
ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9:00 AM. Last year, Team Blaine raised close to $12,000, securing second place! This year, our fundraising goal is $8,000. Help ACRS feed ANHPI (Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) community members facing food insecurity by joining Team Blaine as a walker and/or by donating to our team!
Alternatively, you can mail your donation (checks made out to “Walk for Rice,” memo: “Team Blaine”) to the Blaine office. Please contact Team Captain Justine for more details. Thank you for your continued support!
What are some things we took for granted during Lent that we appreciate having now?
Upcoming Events
Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar May 9
Confirmation Class Session 5 May 12
Confirmation Class Session 6 May 16
Confirmation Retreat Session 7 & 8 @ Indianola May 26-27
How can we appreciate God’s gifts?
“Gratitude for the Lenten Journey”
By Kai Yamamoto
Lent, a time of reflection, a time to develop your relationship with God and those around you. In BYG, we learned about the three pillars of Lent, which are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We also talked about what is one thing we could do for Lent that focuses on one of these pillars.
This year for Lent, I gave up playing video games (fasting). I play video games mostly to pass time and socialize with my friends. I really missed this social time with my friends, as some of my friends live in another state, so I am not able to do much with them while school is in session. But the thing I missed most was that I was able to pass time and mindlessly play video games, without worrying too much about what is going on in the world around me. This past week, while I was reading a chapter about Lent in a book called “Soul Feast” by Marjorie J. Thompson, the author talks about forms of fasting which are not related to food, such as abstaining from using social media, or for me abstaining from playing video games. The author stated, “abstinence is to learn rightly to enjoy God’s gifts.” After reading the chapter, this sentence stood out to me. I thought about how grateful I am for video games. Although I get mad and upset at these games, I should always be grateful for all the people who poured in their time and energy to create these games. And I should be grateful for every single person who helped me get to the point of enjoying video games.
But as I began to think more about “learning rightly to enjoy God’s gifts,” I thought about my current role in BYG. I reflected on my time as a Youth, and how everything ran so seamlessly. Everything was so smooth, and there was no hiccups in our events and activities. And now that I help to plan these events and activities, I found a new appreciation for everyone who helped to make each event and activity successful.
Contact members of the Blaine Youth Group to purchase your own shirts, hoodies, and more in support of camping ministries!
“Confirmation Classes and Blaine Merch!”
By Kaylee Yokoyama
“Confirmation Classes and Blaine Merch!” hroughout April and May, the Blaine Youth Group will hold confirmation classes led by the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park. The purpose of the confirmation classes are for youth to reflect on their relationship with God and to reaffirm/understand the meaning of Christianity. There are a total of eight confirmation classes that will help Blaine’s youth explore their faith through journaling, watching videos, and reading scripture. At the end of the confirmation classes, BYG will head to Camp Indianola where the youth can further their understanding of God by spending time with one another, scripture reading, and participating in other faith-focused activities.
Edwin Santos, Lynne Onishi, Katelyn N., and Emma H. all sport Blaine Youth Group T-shirts!
The Blaine Youth Group is also excited to announce that we are selling BYG merchandise! This includes t-shirts, hoodies, hats, tote bags, and stickers. BYG is planning on selling our merch to fund-raise for camping ministries. Thank you to Jem Tong for your time and talents in creating this amazing BYG merch! Thank you Blaine for supporting youth throughout various events! Please make sure to keep a look out for upcoming BYG events, news, and announcements.
BYG Director, Lynne Onishi, with a friend sport Blaine Youth Group T-Shirts. Be sure to support the BYG Camping Ministries this Mother’s Day and purchase some merch!
BYG meets on Sundays at 10:00 AM. We will gather in the Sanctuary for the beginning of worship service before transitioning over to the Nishida Room for BYG time after the children’s message.
Blaine Youth Group (BYG) is a place where youth (6th-12th grade) are invited into a loving community and celebrated as they are. BYG provides a safe environment for youth to build lasting friendships, grow spiritually, learn acceptance of self and others, express compassion for the world, and develop a love for God. BYG has a space for any person who is interested and all are welcome.
Announcements
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Every Wednesday
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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Spring Reconciling Ministries Book Study • Every Thursday
The Reconciling team will begin hosting a new book study this Spring. We’ll read and discuss the book Outside the Lines by author and pastor Mihee Kim-Kort.
Kim-Kort’s book explores the relationship between queerness and spirituality. Queerness is not only an identity that many of us hold but a lens through which we can begin to understand God’s love for us.
Books can be purchased at the Church office for $16.
This book study is open to anyone who would like to participate! The Book Study Group will meet every Thursday evening at 7:00 PM on Zoom. We will read and discuss one chapter per week and open up space for questions, reflections, and sharing with one another.
Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar • Thursday, May 9, 2024
Join us for a special Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar on Thursday, May 9 at 7 pm. Our guest speaker is Rev. Dr. KilJae Park from the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. Contact Rev. Mia for more details.
Mother’s Day Brunch • Sunday, May 12, 2024
Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, May 12 from 8:30am-10am and then again, after worship. During this time, we will honor, remember, and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today. We need your help all men and those who identify as men at Blaine Memorial to prepare the breakfast beginning at 6am. Thank you to Howard Nakase for chairing this year’s Mother’s Day breakfast!
BYG Bake Sale, T-Shirt Sale for Camping Ministries • Sunday, May 12, 2024
Bake Sale on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12) in the Social Hall and T-Shirts (each $30) Pre-order Available till Sunday, May 12 Please email our BYG Directors for any questions. Thank you for your continued support!
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
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:
Vera Ing Scholarship
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
Yasuda Scholarship
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships or through the church office. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay, church participation and finances. Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 15, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
34th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • June 29, 2024
The ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9:00 am. Please visit www.walkforrice.org (you’ll be directed to the ACRS WFR event page) and search for “Team Blaine” to donate online! Alternatively, you can mail your donation (checks made out to “Walk for Rice”, memo: “Team Blaine”) to the Blaine office. Thank you for your con-tinued support! Please contact Justine Ing for more details. Read more.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt! This photo is from Asian Camp 2023. Contact BYG leadership for to register for this year’s Asian Camp!
Summer Youth Camps Schedule • See Dates
Jr. High Camp • June 23-28, 2024
Incoming 6th-9th grade
Camp Lodestar
6135 Blue Mountain Rd.
Wilseyville, CA 95257
Asian Camp • July 14-19, 2024
Incoming 10th- 2nd year college
Camp Gilmore
26801 Dorothy Drive
Calabasas, CA 91302
VBS 2023 provided quality time with our young people and adults alike. What are you looking forward to at VBS 2024?
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
Email: blainevbs@gmail.com to enroll now!
“Letters of Suresh” with Dr. Stephen Sumida! • April 24-May 18
Dr. Stephen Sumida will be performing in what may be his last center-stage role! In “Letters of Suresh”, Sumida will play Father Hashimoto mentoring the main character through life and spiritual matters. Contact Dr. Sumida for more info!
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Jesse Love celebrate Easter Sunday, placing flowers on the cross at Blaine Memorial UMC.
Hallelujah, rest and renewal during Eastertide
By The Rev. Karen Yokota Love, additional photos by Ryan Kozu
Keiko and Susan Yanagihara anxiously await for Easter worship to begin.
Hallelujah! Christ is risen! Hallelujah! Christ is risen, indeed! I greet you with the miracle of Easter during this Eastertide season.
Thank you to each of you who attended Blaine’s Easter Sunday festivities this year! For the second year in a row since the pandemic, the Blaine Youth Group (BYG) worked passionately to prepare a delicious Easter Breakfast with all the fixings – scrambled eggs, mini smokies, fruit, cinnamon rolls, and much more.
The Blaine Youth Group served a delicious Easter Breakfast consisting of eggs, fruit, pancakes, and sausages in support of Blaine’s Camping Ministries.
The altar was covered in lilies with white and gold touches. Howard Nakase, Jason Lew and Ron Nobuyama carried in the flowered cross during the processional. It magnified the sanctuary.
Jason Lew and Howard Nakase carry in the Flowered Cross into the Sanctuary during Easter Sunday Service.
Our Church School Teachers and BYG filled and hid 450 Easter Eggs in the Courtyard. The sun was shining and it was a perfect Easter morning – incredibly special with Christ’s love surrounding us with breakfast, the flowering of the cross, a dynamic worship service and an Egg Hunt. Thank you for a special Easter, Blaine Memorial. Christ Is Risen, Indeed!
Yoshi L. gets ready to place a flower on the cross.
During this Eastertide, and after serving full-time as a United Methodist minister for the past 10 years, I am taking a one month vacation with Jesse for rest and renewal in May. This is the first extended vacation that I am taking since my appointed time at Blaine Memorial UMC and it is fully supported and encouraged by SPRC.
Rest and renewal are deeply entrenched biblical principles; Jesus himself would often take time from active ministry to be with God. In the same way, I am grateful that the SPRC Team encourages to provide rhythms of rest and restoration to your spiritual leaders at Blaine. I plan on using this time to let the Holy Spirit teach myself as well as the congregation to guide us and prepare us so that we can be ready to do vibrant ministry for the upcoming year. I ask for your prayers for me and our staff and worship team here at Blaine Memorial UMC. I believe that God has great things planned for us!
Rev. Mia will oversee all duties at Blaine Memorial from May 1-31, 2024. On March 17, 2024 during worship, Arlene Naganawa, our esteemed SPRC Chair, announced that Rev. Mia MiKyung Park is to be appointed to Redeemer United Methodist Church in Kingston, WA as of July 1, 2024. Rev. Mia’s last day at Blaine Memorial UMC will be on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. From now until then, she will focus on wrapping up her work with current ministries that she oversees with the Children and Youth. I’m grateful for all of Rev. Mia’s work and her heartfelt ministry and I ask that we continue to enjoy her gifts, graces and presence. May God grant us faith and love as God leads us through this transition. Please come to her celebration send-off party on Sunday, June 9 with one of Blaine’s famous potlucks! Take a look at page 4 for more information.
During the month of May, there will not be a June printed newsletter. Our next newsletter will be the July/August issue. Any pertinent news will be emailed through Realm during this time. If you’d like to receive emails, please contact the Blaine Office.
In addition to the talented staff and leaders, many others will step in to fulfill areas of my role. I am fortunate that our ministers and staff are more than capable and ready to take on preaching, pastoral care, and administrative responsibilities. SPRC and Ad Board will also be available to support the ministers and staff in whatever ways necessary during this time. Our chairpersons are well-equipped to handle their various ministry teams, and our staff members are ready to help our ministries succeed to the fullest. I appreciate being at a church that cares about my self-care. I know that I can take a month off with a peaceful heart and mind because the church is not only in good shape, it’s also in good hands.
Thank you in advance for your understanding, and for playing your part while Jesse and I are away. May you be blessed every step of your path by the great God of light. I will see you upon my return and I’ll be ready to serve! Peace to you.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Every Wednesday
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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Spring Reconciling Ministries Book Study • Every Thursday
The Reconciling team will begin hosting a new book study this Spring. We’ll read and discuss the book Outside the Lines by author and pastor Mihee Kim-Kort.
Kim-Kort’s book explores the relationship between queerness and spirituality. Queerness is not only an identity that many of us hold but a lens through which we can begin to understand God’s love for us.
Books can be purchased at the Church office for $16.
This book study is open to anyone who would like to participate! The Book Study Group will meet every Thursday evening at 7:00 PM on Zoom. We will read and discuss one chapter per week and open up space for questions, reflections, and sharing with one another.
Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar • Thursday, May 9, 2024
Join us for a special Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar on Thursday, May 9 at 7 pm. Our guest speaker is Rev. Dr. KilJae Park from the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. Contact Rev. Mia for more details.
Mother’s Day Brunch • Sunday, May 12, 2024
Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, May 12 from 8:30am-10am and then again, after worship. During this time, we will honor, remember, and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today. We need your help all men and those who identify as men at Blaine Memorial to prepare the breakfast beginning at 6am. Thank you to Howard Nakase for chairing this year’s Mother’s Day breakfast!
BYG Bake Sale, T-Shirt Sale for Camping Ministries • Sunday, May 12, 2024
Bake Sale on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12) in the Social Hall and T-Shirts (each $30) Pre-order Available till Sunday, May 12 Please email our BYG Directors for any questions. Thank you for your continued support!
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
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:
Vera Ing Scholarship
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
Yasuda Scholarship
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships or through the church office. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay, church participation and finances. Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 15, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
34th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • June 29, 2024
The ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9:00 am. Please visit www.walkforrice.org (you’ll be directed to the ACRS WFR event page) and search for “Team Blaine” to donate online! Alternatively, you can mail your donation (checks made out to “Walk for Rice”, memo: “Team Blaine”) to the Blaine office. Thank you for your con-tinued support! Please contact Justine Ing for more details. Read more.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt! This photo is from Asian Camp 2023. Contact BYG leadership for to register for this year’s Asian Camp!
Summer Youth Camps Schedule • See Dates
Jr. High Camp • June 23-28, 2024
Incoming 6th-9th grade
Camp Lodestar
6135 Blue Mountain Rd.
Wilseyville, CA 95257
Asian Camp • July 14-19, 2024
Incoming 10th- 2nd year college
Camp Gilmore
26801 Dorothy Drive
Calabasas, CA 91302
VBS 2023 provided quality time with our young people and adults alike. What are you looking forward to at VBS 2024?
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
Email: blainevbs@gmail.com to enroll now!
“Letters of Suresh” with Dr. Stephen Sumida! • April 24-May 18
Dr. Stephen Sumida will be performing in what may be his last center-stage role! In “Letters of Suresh”, Sumida will play Father Hashimoto mentoring the main character through life and spiritual matters. Contact Dr. Sumida for more info!
