“I know my Redeemer lives, and that in the end, he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh, I will see God. “ Job 19:25-26.
God’s timing is always so perfect. As I am writing this article, at the same time I’m now getting text messages from my cousin about my aunty’s memorial service and inurnment in Hawaii. As I contact the pastor, think about the program, and select Scriptures, as I think about the eulogy, I am so at peace and joyful.
You see, my Aunty became a Christian later in life, enjoying her newfound faith before her dementia set in. We went to church together when I was there caring for my mom. Aunty enjoyed going to the church at Kahala Mall. She often told me that she would pray. There was always something or someone to pray about. So as her memorial was being discussed last week, my uncle didn’t hesitate. He wanted a Christian service for her. I praise God for this.
I know where Aunty is. In fact, as family will be flying in from Seattle and the Bay Area to join our Hawaii ohana, we will look forward to an Easter-like day in Hawaii at Diamond Head Cemetery. Yes, it will definitely be a celebration.
I love knowing that my mom and dad, Jesus, are with her now. It is comforting. There is no guessing where Aunty is and how she’s doing.
Easter, Resurrection Sunday marks Jesus’ victory over death, showing us his power to conquer evil and to give us a pain free, loving, beautiful everlasting life with him. Aunty’s last few years with Alzheimer’s Disease were rough. But now, she will live a wonderful life in eternity with God. “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” Revelation 21:3-4.
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26
Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Read the latest issue of the Beacon!
Our March-April issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view – with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
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!
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 S. 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.
John Lim and Harry Tong prepare delicious bag lunches for residents of Tent City 3. The children of Blaine Memorial UMC made 80 lunches to serve community.
Lent & Easter: What does God want you to replace?
By the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
How is your Lent going? I am curious and excited to know how your Lent has been going this year. Lent brings me such a deep sense of self-examination and reflection, which draws me into repentance, renewal, and hope. I like to choose a theme for Lent and Easter each year, and this year, I’ve decided the theme is “Replacing.” As I reflect on the theme, I recognize many aspects of myself that need to be replaced with something else.
I desire to replace disappointment with hope, knowing that God’s plans are greater than my own. Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us, “My plans aren’t your plans, nor are your ways my ways,” says the Lord. “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans.” In moments of disappointment, I seek to replace it with hope, reminding myself that there is a reason to be hopeful in Jesus, who conquers death to prove God’s unfailing and steadfast love.
I desire to replace anxiety with trust, believing that God is in control, and I am a witness to God’s mysterious works. The Apostle Paul advises us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.” Though challenges may overwhelm me, I remind myself to surrender my anxiety to God, who listens and answers in God’s time.
I desire to replace resentment with peace, finding solace in the words of our Lord Jesus who gives us true peace, saying, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). In times of turmoil, I find peace in knowing that God’s love surrounds me, calming my troubled heart.
Because of God’s grace, I am hopeful that I can lay down my disappointment, anxiety, resentment, etc., before God and ask them to be replaced with hope, trust, peace, etc.
I want to ask you: what do you think that God wants you to replace?
Our Church School children made 80 lunch bags for the residents at Tent City 3 on Sunday, February 4. Thanks to all the children, teachers, and dads who joyfully made the lunch bags to donate to Tent City 3. Also, I express my gratitude to those who provided individually packed snacks. I am thankful for this wonderful teamwork at Blaine! As a community, we continue to be the hands and feet of our Lord Jesus, embodying Christ’s love and compassion for those in need. The Church School’s March memorization verse is Revelation 3:20, where we are reminded, “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me.” Let us open our hearts to God’s presence and allow God to guide us on our Lenten journey of replacing old habits and attitudes with God’s love and grace.
God resurrected Jesus from the death which replaces human finitude to God’s eternity. I invite all of us to continue replacing what we don’t need with what we must have. May this Lenten season be a time of reflection, renewal, and transformation for us all, and may our Easter be a time of hope and rejoicing!
The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park is the Associate Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Read the latest issue of the Beacon!
Our March-April issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view – with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
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!
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 S. 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.
Blaine Memorial UMC’s Girl Scout Troop sells cookies at Sukiyaki!
Blaine Memorial supports Riverton Park UMC through Sukiyaki Dinner
By Lesley Okura, Photos by the Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Kai Yamamoto
Sukiyaki Dinner 2024 was such a success due to the contributions of many, many volunteers and leadership of the youth, congregation members, staff and friends. It has many moving parts and more than 150+ dedicated individuals–some pitching in more than one committee–made the whole of Sukiyaki come to life.
We will be able to assist Riverton Park United Methodist Church with much needed funds and more than 50 blankets through our collection call-out. This is the second Sukiyaki Dinner post-Covid and our modified in-dining was a welcome addition for our community members that crave the return of a gathering place for a special meal. Additionally, and more importantly, this is the first community event to help kick-off the celebration of the 120th year Anniversary of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church.
A huge thank you and arigato gozaimasu to all that participated generously with your time, talents and hard work. A big thank you also to our vendors with their generous donations that include SK Produce Company, Red Apple Market and Uwajimaya/Seattle. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the first Saturday in March for Sukiyaki Dinner 2025.
In Christ’s name, Committee Leaders for Sukiyaki Dinner 2024.
Church members make ohagi before Sukiyaki opens!Corky Kozu and Barbara Nagaoka chop green onions. Volunteers finish packing baked goods.Dale Kaneko creates a timeline of Blaine’s 120 years in ministry.Howard Nakase washes celery for Sukiyaki.Teresa Yagi chops celery for the Sukiyaki. Ryan Kozu seasons and stirs the pork broth for the Sukiyaki.
Announcements
Read the latest issue of the Beacon!
Our March-April issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view – with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
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!
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 S. 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.
Lynne Onishi recently visited the Farminary at Princeton Theological Seminary where students learn about both theology and ecology.
Fueling new growth, change for future
By Lynne Onishi
Hello! As we journey through Lent and the Easter season, I wonder what kind of reflections you’re having about God, your spiritual life, and what it means to be a neighbor. I’m reminded of my time at the Farminary at Princeton Theological Seminary this past Fall. The seminary has its own farm, where students learn about ecology and theology. Our cohort toured the farm and listened as the director, Nathan Stucky, explained the origins of the Farminary and offered words of wonder and intrigue about what God might be communicating through the land.
Fresh carrots from the Farminary at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Through storytelling, quiet reflection, finding peace in the beautiful natural surroundings, and the act of working the land (I was selected to harvest carrots!), I found myself surprised by all that God was telling me about life and death. What does the compost pile of my own life look like? What is dying or dead in my own life? And how might God take that very same material and transform it into fertilizer for new growth?
The Resurrection is a reminder that God springs forth renewal and new life from what we once thought was dead. But in a world full of so much death and destruction, I struggle to believe that message of hope at times. How can I have hope when Palestinian families are dying underneath rubble, and the world just watches? How will God bring justice, hope, and healing to people living under occupation or to people who have been trafficked and remain unsafe or to people living behind bars and separated from their families because they seek a better life in a new country? Lord, in your mercy… Hear our prayer.
It’s not hard to see why people of my generation maintain such a cynical view of our world. Death and despair are all around us. And we’ve simply never seen a world that tells a different story. But what if we could imagine a world that truly reflects the Kin-dom of God? What kind of waste from our world do we need to compost in order to fuel new growth and actual change for our present and our future? May this Easter be a reminder that God is not done transforming death into life.
Spring Reconciling Ministries Book Study
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.
The Innovation Hub and Reconciling Ministries Teams 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. Questions? Send an email.
Announcements
Read the latest issue of the Beacon!
Our March-April issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view – with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
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!
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 S. 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.
Earlier in February, Rev. Karen and church members met with the Tsuru for Solidarity leadership to organize for Day of Remembrance and future events.
Remembering the Past this Easter Season
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Easter is days away. Are you ready to receive the celebratory Alleluias? For Christians around the world, Holy Week and Easter are the high holy days of the liturgical year. During the holiest of times, we are invited to prayerfully commemorate and reflect upon the central events of our religious faith: the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Paschal Mystery.
Palm Sunday
On Sunday, March 24, Palm Sunday kicks off Holy Week by recalling the full sweep of Jesus’ last week on earth: his paradoxically humble-yet-triumphal entry to Jerusalem. During our 10:00AM Worship Service, you’re invited to wave palm leaves as we reenact the parade that Jesus walked on that faithful day. A big thank you to church member, Christine Yorozu, for generously giving the palm leaves to the church. We’ll save those leaves for next year’s ashes for Ash Wednesday. Usually, the Ash Wednesday ashes are created by burning palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration.
Good Friday at Japanese Baptist Church (JBC)
You’re invited to the long-standing tradition of Blaine Memorial and Japanese Baptist Church’s collaborative Good Friday Service on Friday, March 29. JBC will host Blaine this year. They are providing a simple soup supper at 5:45PM. Our worship together will begin at 7:00PM in the sanctuary. JBC is located at 160 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122. We are recommending that we meet at Blaine and then carpool together to JBC due to limited parking.
Together, we will remember Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, the arrest by the authorities, and denial by Peter; his interrogation and swift condemnation; and his torture, death and burial.
The Passion Narrative, as it is called, is a story of inherent drama: popular acclaim followed by public rejection; fear yet resolution at the prospect of suffering; betrayal, desertion and denial by close friends; the release of a guilty murderer named Barabbas (literally, “son of the father”) in exchange for the condemnation of the innocent Son of (God) the Father; cries of abandonment, prayers for forgiveness, and surrender into divine trust. Overall, we will remember the great love that Jesus has for us and the sacrifices that he made.
Join us on Easter Sunday for the Flowering of the Cross.
Easter Festivities at Blaine
All of this culminates to Easter where we celebrate the Risen Christ!
Easter Breakfast: Join us for Easter Breakfast in the LAC at 8:30AM as the Blaine Youth Group (BYG) will prepare, cook, and serve the breakfast. There will be two opportunities to eat: 8:30AM and after worship!
Flowering of the Cross: One of the most meaningful traditions that we celebrate on Easter Sunday is the Flowering of the Cross. It symbolizes new life in Christ. We invite all who are attending Easter Sunday worship (in person) to bring flowers from your garden (trimmed to a short stem). These flowers will be placed on the cross as you enter the Sanctuary for Easter worship.
Easter Egg Hunt: The Church School invites children to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt in the Courtyard (weather permitting). Please remind children to bring their own baskets, and feel free to invite your grandchildren, friends, and neighbors to join us for the hunt!
Join us as we celebrate the transformation of new life! The Paschal Mystery is so great and dense with meaning that the church dedicates the 50 days of Easter to celebrate it, to give it a chance to sink in. Jesus is raised. We are loved and forgiven by God. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work even now through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, slowly and inevitably transforming the world – and us – into a new creation, just as it transformed his bruised and battered body. Amen to that. Alleluia!
Taiko drummers perform at the Washington State Fairgrounds, last February
Recapping Day of Remembrance
The wind and the rain sure didn’t prevent hundreds of people, including two dozen of our own church members from Blaine Memorial, from showing solidarity and passion at Sunday’s two-prong action Day of Remembrance event on Sunday, February 18, a day prior to the actual Day of Remembrance. A consistent theme throughout the day reiterated why it’s important to connect past atrocities to the present atrocities and what we can do to make a difference to stop repeating history.
This year marked the 82anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, authorizing the forced removal and incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. The very first Day of Remembrance took place in Seattle in 1978, organized by Japanese Americans who would eventually lead a campaign for reparations from the federal government. This year, the Japanese American community of Western Washington commemorates our historical legacy by calling for closure of the Northwest Detention Center, an immigrant prison in Tacoma operated by GEO Group, a private corporation.
Sunday was just one out of a series of events as a part of a week of action. On Friday, February 16, activists blocked entry to the federal building in downtown Seattle to protest proposed funding for immigrant detention. On Tuesday, February 20, activists marched to the King County Airport to deliver a letter to ICE contractor Signature Aviation demanding an end to the deportation flights serving NWDC. The events were organized by Tsuru for Solidarity, La Resistencia, Densho, Seattle and Puyallup Valley JACL chapters, and the Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee demanding the shutdown of the Northwest Detention Center.
The remembrances began with a ceremony in Puyallup, WA at the Washington State Fairgrounds which was once called “Camp Harmony” – a euphemism that was coined by a journalist in 1942. Camp Harmony detained 7,000 Japanese Americans and Alaska Natives in 1942. The ceremony took place in the same spot, 82 years ago, where the Puyallup Assembly Center was erected in 1942. Later, in the afternoon, everyone caravaned to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, WA to protest and to be in solidarity with those who are currently confined. The Northwest Detention Center is an immigration prison located in Tacoma, Washington.
“The trauma of family separation, child imprisonment, poor sanitation, bad food, inadequate health care, and uncertain futures continues today at the Northwest Detention Center, just a 20-minute drive from Puyallup,” says Margaret Sekijima, a Tsuru for Solidarity organizer and Blaine Memorial church member.
Opened in 2004, the NWDC is privately owned and operated by the GEO Group on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The NWDC’s current capacity is 1,575 people, making it the fourth largest immigration prison in the United States.
In Puyallup, we heard powerful testimonies by many including a riveting testimonial from Mary Abo. Mary shared about her experience while witnessing her father being taken away by the FBI from her home in Juneau, Alaska. Shortly thereafter, she was shipped and detained with her family to the Puyallup Fairgrounds and the Minidoka Incarceration Camp. A highlight of her story included a memory of how her family was gifted a homemade chocolate cake while at Camp Harmony. The level of compassion and kindness moved her to tears and she’s carried that with her throughout her life. She chose to bring a homemade chocolate cake to a detainee from the Northwest Detention Center to pay the kindness forward.
In Tacoma, the echoing sounds of Taiko drums opened our time together to raise the roof with drums and voices, and to remind those held inside know that they are not forgotten. They are not alone.
There were many speakers which included Maru Mora-Villalpando, from La Resistencia. Maru was nearly deported due to her undocumented status. La Resistencia maintains contact with people inside and broadcast a video feed from an incarcerated person to the crowd protesting. Incarcerated people have been frequently going on hunger strikes this year over the center’s food and cleanliness.
Connecting and weaving the past atrocities from the First Nation peoples with a land acknowledgment to the Japanese American incarceration and then connecting the parallels of the immigrant prisoners at the Northwest Detention Center was a standout theme for the day.
It is not enough to remember the past injustices but we must work together to stop the current injustices.
May you find hope and peace during this Easter season as we continue to seek justice, love our neighbor, and walk humbly with God. May you look for God in every face you meet. You are called and you are blessed for such a time as this. May it be so.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Read the latest issue of the Beacon!
Our March-April issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view – with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
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!
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 S. 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.
Sermon The Power of Humility, Servanthood, and Obedience Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection More Like You TFWS #2167 Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Offertory Music The Walk to Calvary By N. Anderson Blaine Memorial Choir
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94
*Prayer of Dedication Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements Rev. Karen and Friends
*Closing Hymn The Old Rugged Cross UMH #504 Kathy & Eugene Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude Lamb of God By T. Paris Kathy Onishi
*Passing of the Peace Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Lectionary Questions
How does the humility of Christ, as described in this passage, challenge our modern understanding of power and authority and our cultural values of individualism and self-promotion?
Reflect on the implications of Jesus’ obedience unto death on a cross. What does this reveal about the nature of God’s love and redemption?
Reflect on the significance of Jesus taking on the form of a servant. How does this impact our understanding of leadership within the Christian community?
How can we practically apply the principles found in this passage to our relationships, workplaces, and communities?
Daily Lectionary Readings
Sunday, March 24, 2024: Liturgy of the Palms Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 • Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16
Sunday, March 24, 2024: Liturgy of the Passion Isaiah 50:4-9a • Psalm 31:9-16 • Philippians 2:5-11 • Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39, (40-47)
Monday, March 25, 2024: Annunciation of the Lord Isaiah 7:10-14 • Psalm 45 or Psalm 40:5-10 • Hebrews 10:4-10 • Luke 1:26-38
Monday, March 25, 2024: Monday of Holy Week Isaiah 42:1-9 • Psalm 36:5-11 • Hebrews 9:11-15 • John 12:1-11
Tuesday, March 26, 2024: Tuesday of Holy Week Isaiah 49:1-7 • Psalm 71:1-14 • 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 • John 12:20-36
Wednesday, March 27, 2024: Wednesday of Holy Week Isaiah 50:4-9a • Psalm 70 • Hebrews 12:1-3 • John 13:21-32
Friday, March 29, 2024: Good Friday 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, March 30, 2024: Holy Saturday 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
FINAL NIGHT! NJAUMC Lenten Book Study ends on Monday, March 25!
You’re invited to join Rev. John Miyahara, Rev. Brian Lee, and members of the National Japanese American United Methodist Caucus (NJAUMC) congregations for the final night of the 6-week Lenten Zoom book study.
Author and Theologian Magrey DeVega will be present to converse with the students and answer any questions! The group has been reading Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross by Magrey DeVega. Please note that reading the book isn’t required and you can come as you are to meet new people. Join us for our final meeting tomorrow, Monday, March 25 from 4:30-6:00 PM (Hawaii), 6:30-8:00 PM (Pacific) and 7:30-9:00 PM (Mountain).
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!
Collaborative Good Friday Worship with Japanese Baptist Church • Friday, March 29
This year, Blaine Memorial UMC is invited to the annual collaborative Good Friday Service with Japanese Baptist Church (JBC) at 7:00PM.
JBC is hosting Blaine Memorial UMC with the annual tradition of worshiping together on Good Friday beginning with a simple soup supper meal at 6:00PM, followed with worship at 7:00PM.
Join us as we remember Jesus’ final words and actions before being crucified. We’ll remember Jesus’ love for us. JBC is located at 160 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122.
We are organizing a carpool from Blaine Memorial UMC to JBC due to limited parking. Please email the Church Office at blaineoffice@yahoo.com by Thursday (3/28), if you would like a ride. We will meet on Friday (3/29) at 5:00PM in the Blaine parking lot.
Sunday, March 31: Easter Sunday Schedule
Join us on Sunday, March 31 to celebrate the Risen Christ!
Easter Breakfast: Join us for Easter Breakfast in the LAC at 8:30AM as the Blaine Youth Group (BYG) will prepare, cook, and serve the breakfast. There will be two opportunities to eat: 8:30AM and after worship!
Flowering of the Cross: One of the most meaningful traditions that we celebrate on Easter Sunday is the Flowering of the Cross. It symbolizes new life in Christ. We invite all who are attending Easter Sunday worship (in person) to bring flowers from your garden (trimmed to a short stem). These flowers will be placed on the cross as you enter the Sanctuary for Easter worship.
Easter Egg Hunt: The Church School invites children to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt in the Courtyard (weather permitting). Please remind children to bring their own baskets, and feel free to invite your grandchildren, friends, and neighbors to join us for the hunt!
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 S. 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.
