The Blaine Youth Group worked as a team to prepare for Bazaar, serving delicious treats for our guests.
Blaine Memorial UMC Benefit Bazaar Thank-Yous!
By Lesley Okura and Howard Nakase
This year’s Benefit Bazaar could not have been successful without our guests and the teams of volunteers who prepared, cooked, and cleaned during this busy time. Mission Guatemala, this year’s beneficiary, will certainly receive a boost in support thanks to the time and talent of our friends and faith community. The leadership of Lesley Okura and Howard Nakase thank you.
Blaine Memorial UMC’s annual Benefit Bazaar 2024 is now a footnote in its 120th Anniversary history. Bazaar has many moving parts — and many leaders and volunteers to make those parts move. The list below is just a fraction of the members, friends, and families that contributed to make this a success. Big thank you to all of you and please forward any additional names to my attention.
I want to thank our committee leaders:
Tsukemono
Jim Okura
Dave Hayasaka
Dai Ichikawa and Jason Lew prepare salmon.
Grill Pitmasters
Joe Adolfo
Jason Lew
Tim Ikegami
Howard Nakase
Steve Sofronas
Marination Masters
Steve Sakahara
Lisa Mar
Rice Head
John Hodge
Bazaar Poster Design Team
Ally Sofronas
Steve Sofronas
Gail Nomura purchases some fresh vegetables from Jarrett Shirouzu and friend at the Farmers Market.
Farmers Market
Stacy Nagaoka Shirouzu
Wendy Yates
Exceptional Donations
SK Produce
Dave Yorozu
Lesley Okura, Tina Fujii, and Anne Arakaki-Lock prepare delicious pies at Bazaar.
Bakery Sales
Julie Lock
Sharon Maeda, Karen Kozu, and Arlene Mitsui helped serve ohagi and baked goods at Bazaar.
Pie and Ohagi Sales
Terri Adolfo
Ohagi
Donna Sekijima
Curry Crew Leadership
Tina Fujii
Jesse Love helps distribute prep ingredients for yakisoba.
Vegetarian Yakisoba Introduction
Howard Nakase
Roberta Yoshioka, Jackie Sakamoto, and Wendee Ong help fill up pies for Bazaar.
The Pied Piper Pie-Makers
Ruth Watanabe
Tom Yoshioka
Roberta Yoshioka
Our Blaine Youth Group served delicious Suno Dogs, Italian sodas, and other refreshments to help support this year’s Bazaar.
Suno Dog and Beverage Sales
Kaylee Yokoyama
Kai Yamamoto
Kobe Yamamoto
Blaine Youth Group
Payment & Processing
Susan Lee-Yamamoto (who has diligently brought us up-to-speed with payment processing technology again this year)
Dishwashing, Clean-up and Garbage Detail
Harry Tang
Joel Ing
After Sales
Lisa Mar
Collin Ikeda
Sylvia Wong
Lillian Hayashi and Barbara Nagaoka greet each other. Lillian makes the best banana chiffon pies, bars, and cookies that she kindly donates to our Baked Goods booth to sell.
Paper Goods Schleppers & Support
Ron Nobuyama
Barbara Nagaoka
Jill Fluvog and George Yates with Wendy Yates
Cashiering
Barbara Nagaoka and George Yates (for handling the cashiering and not again, giving any change. Thank you for your donations!)
Take-Out Support
Dale Watanabe
Eugene and Kathy Onishi (Thank you for sacrificing your Huskies vs Michigan football tickets!!)
Arlene Naganawa
Sally Sekijima and Barbara Kanaya helped serve Bazaar guests at the take-out booth.
Outstanding Committee Helpmates at Large
The rest of the committee who were outstanding helpmates and handled all our shortcomings and are my best friends:
Ron Nobuyama
Barbara Nagaoka
Sally Sekijima
Anne Arakaki-Lock
Howard Nakase (Your future leader in all things)
Procurement, All-Around Guy
Brian Okura
Tom Yoshioka, Amy Kaminishi, and Pearl Yamamoto prepare filling for blueberry pies.
Recycle/Compost/Trash Monitor
Pearl Yamamoto
Administration
Yuki Sofronas (Thank you for taking care of the many inquiries, the posters and printing, the questions, and all things related to managing the behind-the-scenes activities)
Alma Santos, the Rev. Cruz Santos, Lourdes Tifre, the Rev. Karen, and Rev. Zulma Tifre gather at Bazaar.
Compost Guru
Rev. Karen (Thank you for arranging composting and being our support guru)
Additional thank-yous to many others who were recruited, asked, and accepted. I am certain, in their hearts, these volunteers wanted to help build up the contribution toward Misson Guatemala and its education efforts for the children of their country. Our gratitude goes out to our volunteers for Bazaar 2024.
Thank you all for a wonderful community-based event that we have welcomed back at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church!
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Joey Lopez (Executive Director, The Church Council of Greater Seattle) greet each other!
Lesley Okura and Howard Nakase served as leadership for this year’s Blaine Memorial UMC Benefit Bazaar.
Our young folks and parents prepare peeled apples to make apple crisp as part of a hearty Thanksgiving meal for Kimball Elementary School families. Sign up now to volunteer or donate, now!
Sign-Up Now: Thanksgiving Meals and Giving Tree 2024!
By Terri Adolfo
Upcoming Events
Apple Crisp Work Party Sunday, November 10, 2024, after fellowship, Lee Activity Center
Mashed Potatoes Work Party Sunday, November 24, 2024, after fellowship, Lee Activity Center
Kimball Elementary Food Delivery Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 10:00AM
Giving Tree Sunday, November 17- Sunday, December 1, 2024
Giving Tree, Wrapped Gifts Due Sunday, December 8, 2024
Support Kimball Elementary School by either volunteering or providing financial support to help meet the needs of our low-income neighbors.
This year, we are partnering with Kimball Elementary School to provide Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts for their underprivileged students and families. To increase our capacity to serve more families, Thanksgiving meals will mostly be store-bought. Like last year, we will gather to make apple crisp and mashed potatoes (see above dates). Everyone is welcome — so please come join us. We are accepting donations to help pay for the meals and ingredients.
Terri Adolfo hangs Giving Tree gift tags for the Blaine Memorial community.
The Giving Tree decorated with gift tags will be in the Social Hall from November 17 to December 1, 2024. Please reach out to the Church Office to arrange for tag pickups during office hours if you are not able to pick them up after service. Gift tags not taken by Sunday, December 1 will be collected and distributed to volunteer shoppers. If you are not able to take tags but would like to participate or help, we are gratefully accepting donations.
Note: Please return wrapped gifts with a tag securely attached no later than Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Kimball Elementary anticipates a greater need from their student community this year due to the increased student enrollment.
Donations for the Thanksgiving Service and the Giving Tree can be made through Blaine Memorial’s website (scan the QR code), text/SMS, cash/check, and Realm. For Thanksgiving meals, please select “BYG” and type in “Thanksgiving” in the memo field. For the Giving Tree, please select “Special Donations/Other” and write “Giving Tree” in the memo field.
Thank you for your ongoing generosity and support to help bless those in need in our community!
Terri Adolfo is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC, Seattle, Wash.
Announcements
Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am
Join Anne Arakaki-Lock 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.
Afghanistan and Ukrainian Refugee Donation Ministry
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 include 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 at the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday-Friday between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 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, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 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. Other Questions? Please contact Donna Sekijima or Anne Arakaki-Lock.
Saturday, October 26, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 34:1-8 • Job 42:7-9 • Mark 8:22-26; Complementary: Psalm 126 • Jeremiah 29:24-32 • Mark 8:22-26
Announcements
Pastor Appreciation Lunch • Today after Worship
Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month? Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is hosting a Pastor Appreciation Lunch next Sunday, October 20, immediately after worship in the Social Hall. Join us for a delicious meal and celebrate Revs. Karen, Jeney, Mark, and Cruz!
This celebration was established in 1992 with a mission of uplifting and encouraging pastors, missionaries and religious workers. Let’s celebrate our pastors and lift them up for their hard work, ministry, and dedication to Blaine Memorial UMC.
Reflections on 120 Years of Grace Discussion: “Into the Future” • Today, 11:45a-12:45p
The Archives Committee concludes the discussion series on the 120-year history and future of Blaine Memorial UMC, titled “Reflections on 120 Years of Grace.” The discussion sessions will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. after Sunday service in the Social Hall on October 13 and 20, 2024. Light refreshments will be served.
Today’s final session, titled “Into the Future,” will reflect on what we have learned and discuss our visions for the future development of the church. Materials will be presented from the archives as well as church members knowledgeable about each period will speak of their experiences.
There will be ample time for participants to ask questions and share their own thoughts. Please join us in learning more about our church’s history and begin discussions on our visions for the next 120 years.
Creative Competition • Submissions due October 27
In conjunction with this discussion series, the Archives Committee is organizing another “competition” organized by Shig Nishida. We are asking members to submit their reflections on the history and future of Blaine Memorial UMC. This can take the form of submitting a few sentences, a paragraph, a short essay, short graphic novel/cartoon/anime, short play, a prayer, poems, music/song (new composition or lyrics sung to the tune of a known song), artwork, video, dance, etc. Let us read/hear/see/feel your thoughts on the 120 years of Grace and the next 120 years of Grace for Blaine Memorial UMC. Submit your entries to the Blaine Memorial UMC office by October 27, 2024 (sooner than later is preferred).
The Archives Committee continually seeks relevant church documents, photographs, and other materials and memorabilia to add to our archival records and illuminate previously unknown parts of our church’s history. Please let the committee know if you have any materials to donate or materials for the committee to scan and add to the archives. Monetary donations in support of the work of the archives are also appreciated.
“Context: Putting Scripture in Its Place” Fall Book Study Continues • October 22
You’re invited to join Rev. Dr. John Miyahara (UMC Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC in Arvada, CO), and congregation members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus in a 6-week book study. We will be reading Context: Putting Scripture in its Place. Please note that reading the book isn’t required!
Books are available in the Church Office for $17.00. The study continues on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 6:30-8:00 PM. The Zoom link will be sent out closer to the beginning of the book study date. Please contact Rev. Karen will any questions.
Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am
Join us 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.
Trunk or Treat! • Sunday, October 27 after Worship Service
Trunk-or-Treat is a wonderful opportunity for our church to provide a safe trick-or-treat experience for families.
Costumes are encouraged! We love to see everyone dressed up, even the adults!
Once again, please be sensitive in regards to costumes that are too scary or gory. We also ask that your costume not have a mask that covers your entire face of that your face is painted in a way that makes you unrecognizable. For safety reasons, all adults should be able to recognize the faces of the other adults.
Would you like to participate and/or decorate your trunk? Please contact Jennifer Lew.
Afghanistan and Ukrainian Refugee Donation Ministry
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 include 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 at the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday-Friday between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 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, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 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. Other Questions? Please contact Donna Sekijima or Anne Arakaki-Lock.
When: Sunday, October 27 after Sunday Worship Service
Thank you in advance for your consideration to participate in Trunk-or-Treat. Trunk-or-Treat is a wonderful opportunity for our Church to provide a trick-o- treat experience for families.
Below are some guidelines for participation and a tentative schedule of events.
Preparing your car for Trunk-or-Treat:
Decorate your trunk! Pinterest and Google Images are great places to go for help with a theme. You can get creative, but please be sensitive to the wide age range of our children participating (some as little as 3 years old) as well as our Christian witness, avoiding trunk themes that are frightening or gory.
Electricity will not be available in the parking lot, so please consider using battery-operated decorations such as lights.
Costumes are encouraged. We love to see everyone dressed up, even the adults, and having fun. Once again, please be sensitive in regard to costumes that are too scary or gory. We also ask that your costume not have a mask that covers your entire face or that your face is painted in a way that makes you unrecognizable. For safety reasons, all adults should be able to recognize the faces of the other adults.
Please plan on providing treats or small toys at your trunk for 25-35 kids. If you run out, we will have some donated candy as well. “Due to food sensitivities, we’d like to have some cars designated as “teal pumpkin” spots, meaning the car will only distribute non-food items (eg-stickers).
You can choose to have a game at your trunk. This is a great idea and can be a lot of fun! if you do set up a game, please keep it close to your trunk.
On the day of the event and depending on the weather, you will either park under the LAC or in a row outside in the parking lot. Look for signs and/or for me on Sunday morning to tell you where to park.
The Trunk or Treat Schedule as follows:
11:30ish • (Immediately following church) – please decorate your trunk.
12:35ish • All cars participating should be parked, decorated & ready to go!
12:30ish • Kids will be led to the parking area for Trunk-or-Treat.
1:30p • End
1:45p • Clean-up
Announcements
Reflections on 120 Years of Grace Discussion Sessions, “Into the Future” • October 20
The Archives Committee continues the discussion series on the 120-year history and future of Blaine Memorial UMC, titled “Reflections on 120 Years of Grace.” The final discussion session will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. after Sunday service in the Social Hall on October 20, 2024. Light refreshments will be served.
The final session, titled “Into the Future,” will reflect on what we have learned and discuss our visions for the future development of the church. Materials will be presented from the archives as well as church members knowledgeable about each period will speak of their experiences.
There will be ample time for participants to ask questions and share their own thoughts. Please join us in learning more about our church’s history and begin discussions on our visions for the next 120 years.
Creative Competition • Submissions due October 27
In conjunction with this discussion series, the Archives Committee is organizing another “competition” organized by Shig Nishida. We are asking members to submit their reflections on the history and future of Blaine Memorial UMC. This can take the form of submitting a few sentences, a paragraph, a short essay, short graphic novel/cartoon/anime, short play, a prayer, poems, music/song (new composition or lyrics sung to the tune of a known song), artwork, video, dance, etc. Let us read/hear/see/feel your thoughts on the 120 years of Grace and the next 120 years of Grace for Blaine Memorial UMC. Submit your entries to the Blaine Memorial UMC office by October 27, 2024 (sooner than later is preferred).
The Archives Committee continually seeks relevant church documents, photographs, and other materials and memorabilia to add to our archival records and illuminate previously unknown parts of our church’s history. Please let the committee know if you have any materials to donate or materials for the committee to scan and add to the archives. Monetary donations in support of the work of the archives are also appreciated.
“Context: Putting Scripture in Its Place” Fall Book Study Continues • October 22
You’re invited to join Rev. Dr. John Miyahara (UMC Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC in Arvada, CO), and congregation members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus in a 6-week book study. We will be reading Context: Putting Scripture in its Place. Please note that reading the book isn’t required!
Books are available in the Church Office for $17.00. The study continues on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 6:30-8:00 PM. The Zoom link will be sent out closer to the beginning of the book study date. Please contact Rev. Karen will any questions.
Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am
Join Anne Arakaki-Lock 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.
Pastor Appreciation Lunch • Next Sunday, October 20 after Worship
Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month? Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is hosting a Pastor Appreciation Lunch next Sunday, October 20, immediately after worship in the Social Hall. Join us for a delicious meal and celebrate Revs. Karen, Jeney, Mark, and Cruz!
This celebration was established in 1992 with a mission of uplifting and encouraging pastors, missionaries and religious workers. Let’s celebrate our pastors and lift them up for their hard work, ministry, and dedication to Blaine Memorial UMC.
Afghanistan and Ukrainian Refugee Donation Ministry
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 include 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 at the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday-Friday between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 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, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 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. Other Questions? Please contact Donna Sekijima or Anne Arakaki-Lock.
On May 26-27, 2024 the Blaine Youth Group “retreated” to Camp Indianola to reflect on our relationship with God.
BYG Update
Retreating from Our Busy-ness
By Kai Yamamoto
The Blaine Youth Group celebrate the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park’s final Sunday as Associate Pastor at Blaine Memorial UMC.
I can’t believe that Rev. Mia MiKyung Park is off to serve at Kingston UMC. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with Rev. Mia, as she is so passionate towards our Blaine Youth Group and is one of the nicest people to be around. As one final project for BYG, Rev. Mia led a series of Confirmation classes which included special guests such as Revs. Jeney Park-Hearn, Mark Hearn, and Cruz Edwin Santos. We also went on a retreat at Camp Indianola in May to “retreat” from our busy lives and take time to slow down and develop our relationships with each other and God.
The retreat was a time of relaxation and reflection. We are constantly busy, going from one thing to the next, and we often do not get a chance to reflect on how amazing our God is. During this retreat, we took time to experience nature, and the beautiful campsite we stayed at. We also took time to reflect on what God has done in our lives, and how God is always with us.
Blaine Memorial’s youth confirmands take a break from activities during a Confirmation Retreat at Camp Indianola.
For one of our confirmation classes, we talked about our relationship with God, and how it is not always perfect. Rev. Mark discussed his relationship with God throughout his life, and how there were times in his life he grew closer to God, but also grew distant from God. But God was always there for him no matter what and he knows God will always walk beside him and care for him. We also took time to reflect on the message and think of times when God was there for us when we didn’t think they were there. I thought about times when things were not going my way and times when I was rejected and felt sad and angry. At the time, I felt like God was not looking after me and I felt my relationship with God was strained. But looking back at it now, I know God was always with me and was doing what was best for me.
Kai Yamamoto serves as the Associate Co-Director of the Blaine Youth Group.
More Stuff!
BYG raised $1,000 for Camping Ministries during our Bake Sale! BYG celebrating our five amazing graduates: Kai Yamamoto, Aiden Lew, Ally Sofronas, Mariko Ronan, and Grace Go.
BYG will not meet on Sunday mornings throughout the summer. Join us for Sundays at 10:00am in-person worship or live stream! The 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
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.
The Revs. Mia MiKyung Park and John Go spend family time together in Vancouver BC, Canada.
What is the meaning of “Love”?
By the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
February, the shortest month of the year, is brimming with events that beckon us to explore the depths of love. In this significant period, I find myself constantly reflecting on the profound meaning of love, often turning to the timeless words found in 1 Corinthians 13.
Love, as described in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, is truly mysterious. It thrives when shared generously but withers away when held back. The essence of love is symbolized by Jesus, who humbly walked the journey to the cross.
“Love is patient, kind, devoid of envy, boastfulness, arrogance, and rudeness. It does not insist on its own way, remains untroubled, and forgives without keeping a record of wrongs. Love does not delight in wrongdoing but finds joy in the truth. It bears all things, believes in all things, hopes through all things, and endures all things. Importantly, love never reaches an end,” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
As we approach Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday and coincides with Valentine’s Day this year, I want to take intentional time and effort to reflect on the selfless love of Jesus—a love without boundaries or limitations.
For 40 days, excluding Sundays, Lent is a season of self-examination, repentance, and reflection on Jesus’s sacrificial love. I want to walk towards a deeper understanding of that love. Jesus’s self-sacrificing love on the cross becomes powerful when it is not just spoken but lived out in our daily interactions. Also, this love is contagious and never contained in one place; it spreads out.
Jesus’s Agape love teaches us what it means to be a Christian, and this love will guide us humbly to walk the journey of faith. Jesus asks all of us personally, “Do you love me?” like Jesus asked Peter to affirm his love for Christ (John 21:15-19). Peter felt hurt since Jesus asked him three times. With each affirmation of love, Jesus tells Peter to “feed my lambs,” “take care of my sheep,” and “feed my sheep” (John 21:15-19).
Our Church School’s focus for Bible memorization in February is Matthew 7:12, known as the Golden Rule: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” This rule is made possible by the love that inspires and motivates us to mirror the life of Jesus, who continues to challenge us to get close to people who are marginalized in many ways to reach out to people beyond our abilities. The Golden Rule isn’t just a teaching or an ethical guideline; it’s a reflection of the love that underlies our faith. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we embody the self-giving, sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus. This love doesn’t discriminate; it flows freely and generously, reaching beyond our comfort zones, and we share this love freely because we also receive it freely.
As we navigate through February, may our hearts be open to the mysterious and transformative power of love—love that never ends, love that bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things and commands us to take care of God’s people including ourselves.
The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park serves as the Associate Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Our February-March issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view. The March 2024 issue will be available very soon 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!
Lent Book Studies
The Third Day: Living the Resurrection Lenten Book Study
This year’s All Church Lenten study is The Third Day: Living the Resurrection by Tom Berlin and Mark A. Miller. Just us in this Zoom study on Tuesdays at 7:00PM, which is being facilitated by Rev. Mia MiKyung Park and Rev. Karen Yokota Love. The link will be emailed prior to the meeting date. We will also meet on the remainig Tuesdays: 3/12, and 3/19 to discuss each chapter.
The Office is selling The Third Day: Living the Resurrection books for $14.00 and the Leader Guide is $12.00. You are welcome to buy the book in the Office and read with your small groups.
In The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, Tom Berlin uses his storytelling gifts and scriptural understanding to connect readers to the experiences of individuals around Jesus in his final days. The focus is on new life and redemption rather than loss.
Come and journey with characters like Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they experience the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study will explore events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives.
NJAUMC Lenten Book Study continues until March 25!
Join Rev. John Miyahara (UMC/US Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC), and members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus congregations in a 6-week Lenten book study. We are reading Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross by Magrey DeVega. Books are $17.00 in the Church Office. Please note that reading the book isn’t required! Join us tomorrow, Monday, March 11 from 4:30-6:00 PM (Hawaii), 6:30-8:00 PM (Pacific) and 7:30-9:00 PM (Mountain). The study will conclude on Mon., March 25.
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.
