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.
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.
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.
Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos gather with George Yates, Dorine Nakamura, Rae and Shig Nishida at the 120th Anniversary Potluck luncheon.
Figuring out our Faith
By The Rev. Karen Yokota Love, photos by Kai Yamamoto
Yesterday, I took a walk around the church neighborhood to get some exercise. Many of the trees lost their leaves because of the dreary winter season. Suddenly, my eyes lit up by the sight of tiny buds poking out at the tips of the limbs. I could see signs of hope and signs of spring. I’m grateful that God continues to carry me through the dark and weary winter months and that hope is just around the bend.
“Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!” – Song of Solomon 2:11-13
Let’s thank the Lord for this new day that is unfolding around us! Blaine Memorial continues to be a vibrant place for ministry with new ideas, new ministry activities, while continuing to revive much loved events. Recently, we celebrated the vibrancy of Blaine’s ministries by celebrating our 120th Anniversary on January 28, 2024. Please take a look at our celebration on page 6.
Our Sukiyaki Benefit Fundraiser is right around the bend. It’ll take place at Blaine Memorial UMC on Saturday, March 2 from 1pm-6pm. This year’s benefit recipient will be the Migrant Support Services at Riverton Park UMC in Tukwila, WA. Currently, there are 500+ migrants camping outside on the lawn of Riverton Park UMC and they need basic resources. We are also asking every person that comes to Sukiyaki to bring a gently used blanket. The migrants are sleeping outside in tents are asking for a warm blanket to help them during the rainy and cold season.
This Lent, we are focusing on the life and faith of one of Jesus’ most famous disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves. By following Peter’s journey, we watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of a very normal human trying to figure it all out — just like us.
Peter had a wandering heart. Jesus was always there to catch Peter, to walk beside him, to wash his feet, and to offer love. In Peter’s story, we find Jesus. Peter’s wandering faith ebbed and flowed, pushed away and pulled close. He was always tethered to the love of God. In our Lent series, we want to affirm that faith is a constant journey of steadfast pursuit, one that ebbs and flows. We want to affirm that wandering is exploration, not necessarily distance from God.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love preaches her sermon, “Go Forth in Faith”, during Blaine Memorial’s Anniversary Sunday.
As we prepare for this journey in the wilderness with our own wandering hearts, I want to invite you to our events during Holy Week – put these dates and times on your calendar! During the last week in March, we’ll begin the week with:
Palm Sunday (3/24), where we will celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with palm fronds!
On Good Friday (3/29) at 7:00PM, Japanese Baptist Church is inviting Blaine members to worship together at JBC. Together, we will remember Jesus’ sacrifices and unwavering love for us. It will be wonderful to see our JBC friends and worship with them. People are invited to come at 5:00PM for a simple soup supper meal. Please come! We would love to have a hearty group of church members from both worshiping communities for a reunion!
Finally, on Easter Sunday (3/31), you are invited to come to Easter Breakfast hosted by the BYG at 8am in the LAC. Bring flowers from your garden for the Flowering of the Cross which will take place before worship. Afterwards, children and youth are invited to join in on an Easter Egg Hunt which will be in the Courtyard.
This Lent, we’re joining Peter in figuring out faith.We will look for ourselves in the stepping stones of Peter’s story. We will reflect on the stages of our own faith journeys as well as who and what has shaped us along the way. As we wander, let us tune our hearts to sing God’s grace. May we rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church.
Welcome of Graceand Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship By Hancock,Discipleship Ministries Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Opening Hymn Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days UMH #269, Verses 1-3 Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Opening Prayer Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Scripture Reading Genesis 9:8-17 (CEB, JLB) Tsutomu Nagoya and Nina Chinn
Children’s Message Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Pastoral Prayer Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Special Music Without His Cross By Joseph M. Martin Blaine Memorial UMC Choir
Scripture Reading Matthew 25:35-40 (CEB) ?25:35-40 Tsutomu Nagoya and Nina Chinn
Introduction to Day of Remembrance Gail Nomura
Poetry Reading Another Day of Infamy Suma Yagi
Personal Testimonials Keiko Yanagihara Susan Yanagihara Tom Kometani Susan Dittman Kenji Onishi
Day of Remembrance Video Gail Nomura The Archives Committee
Song of Reflection I Believe The Kenji Onishi Family
Closing Lenten Meditation Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Introductionto the Offering Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Doxology Praise God, from WhomAll Blessings Flow Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn Holy, Holy, Holy!Lord God Almighty (UMH #64) Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude We are Called Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Sermon Questions
Please watch and reflect on the feelings and emotions of our congregation in 1942 going into the wilderness not knowing what will happen to them but going forth in faith in God. Knowing this story, what steps should we all take to safeguard the human and civil rights of all people during times of crisis?
Why is it important for a community and society at large, to remember its past errors? What are some ways that the Japanese American community remember the incarceration? What are some ways that the Japanese American community commemorates the incarceration?
With an awareness of the history and lessons of the Japanese American incarceration, what can we do to ensure that such an injustice is not repeated, for any group of people?
Lectionary Readings
Sunday, February 18, 2024: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
Monday, February 19, 2024: Psalm 77; Job 4:1-21; Ephesians 2:1-10
Tuesday, February 20, 2024: Psalm 77; Job 5:8-27; 1 Peter 3:8-18a
Wednesday, February 21, 2024: Psalm 77; Proverbs 30:1-9; Matthew 4:1-11
Friday, February 23, 2024: Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 16:1-6; Romans 4:1-12
Saturday, February 24, 2024: Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 16:7-15; Mark 8:27-30
Announcements
Last year at the Day of Remembrance Part II, members of Blaine Memorial UMC caravaned to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Wash. The solidarity with the Japanese American community and those who are in the NWDC link the past and present injustices, drew attention to worsening conditions inside NWDC. Photo by Ryan Kozu.
Day of Remembrance 2024 “Remember & Resist”
Sunday, February 18, 1:00 – 3:30 pm (One event at TWO sites)
Washington State Fairgrounds’ Agriplex 5th St SW, Puyallup, WA 98371 1:00 – 1:45pm
Northwest Detention Center 1623 E J Street, Tacoma, WA 98421 2:30 – 3:30 pm
February 19, 2024 will mark 82 years since the signing of Executive Order 9066, ordering the forced removal and mass incarceration of Japanese Americans on the West Coast. Most Japanese Americans in the Seattle area spent their first few months in detention at the Puyallup Assembly Center, ironically nicknamed “Camp Harmony.” It’s now the site of the State fairgrounds.
The trauma of family separation, child imprisonment, poor sanitation, bad food, inadequate health care, and uncertain futures CONTINUES today at Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, just a 20 minute drive from Puyallup. NWDC is a private prison with capacity to hold 1500 immigrants, but Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) is secretive and never disclose how many are incarcerated or who they are. We know most are from Mexico, Central & South America, Southeast Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East who seek asylum and opportunity in the US.
Conditions inside are horrific; detainees often hold long hunger strikes demanding humane treatment and their legal rights. There were 7 last year and another in January. This private for profit prison in our state must shut down.
Join us to hear from incarceration survivors at both Puyallup and Tacoma – Japanese American camp survivors and people recently detained at NWDC. There will be Taiko! When we raise the roof with drums and voices, those held inside know they are not forgotten.
Please come to both parts of this important event – we will remember our past AND speak out for the rights of others.
Organized by Tsuru for Solidarity, La Resistencia, Puyallup and Seattle chapters of the JACL, Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee, and Densho. For more information, media inquiries, and to find out about volunteer opportunities email info@seattlejacl.org.
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • February 21 at 9am
The Wednesday Prayer group continues to meet each week. Our time together consists of a check-in question centering around United Methodist Founder John Wesley’s famous question, “How is it with your soul?” Our time together continues with a few readings from The Upper Room Magazine. 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. This study will begin on Tuesday, February 13, at 7 pm via Zoom and will be 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 Tuesdays: 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, 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 begins on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024!
You’re invited to join Rev. John Miyahara (US Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC), and members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus congregations in a 6-week Advent book study. We will be 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! The first session will start on Monday, February 19 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.
Sukiyaki Dinner Returns!
Saturday, March 2, 2024 • Blaine Memorial UMC
More information to come!
Afghanistan and Ukranian Refugee Donation Ministry
At this time, 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. No to clothes or toys.
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.
South King County Response Center Collection Volunteer Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00AM-2:00PM, 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 at: donnasek@outlook.com and/or Anne Arakaki-Lock at: salock@comcast.net.
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Order of Worship
Prelude Dear Lord and Fatherof Mankind (UMH #358) Yuki Sofronas
Opening Prayer Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Congregational Hymn Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days Verses 1-3 (UMH #269) Yuki Sofronas
Scripture Reading Joel 2:12-13 Barbara Nagaoka
Prayer of Confession Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Scripture Reading Genesis 3:19 Barbara Nagaoka
Scripture Reading Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Barbara Nagaoka
Meditation Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn ofContemplation Jesus, Remember Me (UMH #488) Yuki Sofronas
Explanation of the Recognition of Ashes Rev. Mia MiKyung Park Take Time to Be Holy (UMH #395) Yuki Sofronas
Closing Hymn I Surrender All (UMH #354) Yuki Sofronas
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days (UMH #269) Yuki Sofronas
Sermon Questions
How is the Ash Wednesday Gospel message more about our motives than our actions? (Matt 6:1-6, 16-21)
What do we learn about the character of God from Joel 2:12-13?
How can you return to/reboot your relationship with God?
Lectionary Readings
Wednesday, February 14, 2024: Ash Wednesday Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Thursday, February 15, 2024: Psalm 25:1-10; Daniel 9:1-14; 1 John 1:3-10
Friday, February 16, 2024: Psalm 25:1-10; Daniel 9:15-25a; 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Saturday, February 17, 2024: Psalm 25:1-10; Psalm 32; Matthew 9:2-13
Announcements
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. This study will begin on Tuesday, February 13, at 7 pm via Zoom and will be 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 Tuesdays: 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, 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 begins on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024!
You’re invited to join Rev. John Miyahara (US Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC), and members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus congregations in a 6-week Advent book study. We will be 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! The first session will start on Monday, February 19 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.
Bob Ross Painting Night • Friday, February 16!
Join the Innovation Hub for an evening of fellowship, painting, and relaxing while we watch Bob Ross on Friday, February 16 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM in the Social Hall! We will provide some light snacks and beverages as well as painting supplies and materials! All are welcome. Scan the QR code or sign up here: https://forms.gle/5eLsmiRjoP3FFbaz6
Please email Lynne Onishi at lynneonishi@gmail.com with any questions. We can’t wait to see you there!
Last year at the Day of Remembrance Part II, members of Blaine Memorial UMC caravaned to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Wash. The solidarity with the Japanese American community and those who are in the NWDC link the past and present injustices, drew attention to worsening conditions inside NWDC. Photo by Ryan Kozu.
Day of Remembrance 2024 “Remember & Resist”
Sunday, February 18, 1:00 – 3:30 pm (One event at TWO sites)
Washington State Fairgrounds’ Agriplex 5th St SW, Puyallup, WA 98371 1:00 – 1:45pm
Northwest Detention Center 1623 E J Street, Tacoma, WA 98421 2:30 – 3:30 pm
February 19, 2024 will mark 82 years since the signing of Executive Order 9066, ordering the forced removal and mass incarceration of Japanese Americans on the West Coast. Most Japanese Americans in the Seattle area spent their first few months in detention at the Puyallup Assembly Center, ironically nicknamed “Camp Harmony.” It’s now the site of the State fairgrounds.
The trauma of family separation, child imprisonment, poor sanitation, bad food, inadequate health care, and uncertain futures CONTINUES today at Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, just a 20 minute drive from Puyallup. NWDC is a private prison with capacity to hold 1500 immigrants, but Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) is secretive and never disclose how many are incarcerated or who they are. We know most are from Mexico, Central & South America, Southeast Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East who seek asylum and opportunity in the US.
Conditions inside are horrific; detainees often hold long hunger strikes demanding humane treatment and their legal rights. There were 7 last year and another in January. This private for profit prison in our state must shut down.
Join us to hear from incarceration survivors at both Puyallup and Tacoma – Japanese American camp survivors and people recently detained at NWDC. There will be Taiko! When we raise the roof with drums and voices, those held inside know they are not forgotten.
Please come to both parts of this important event – we will remember our past AND speak out for the rights of others.
Organized by Tsuru for Solidarity, La Resistencia, Puyallup and Seattle chapters of the JACL, Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee, and Densho. For more information, media inquiries, and to find out about volunteer opportunities email info@seattlejacl.org.
Sukiyaki Dinner Returns!
Saturday, March 2, 2024 • Blaine Memorial UMC
More information to come!
Afghanistan and Ukranian Refugee Donation Ministry
At this time, 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. No to clothes or toys.
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.
South King County Response Center Collection Volunteer Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00AM-2:00PM, 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 at: donnasek@outlook.com and/or Anne Arakaki-Lock at: salock@comcast.net.
