The Revs. Karen Yokota Love, Mia MiKyung Park, and John Go in Richland, WA.
Senior Pastor Reflection
Marveling at God’s Masterpiece
By The Rev. Karen Yokota Love
I just returned from my month off of rest and time of renewal and it was marvelous. I spent much of my time in nature and marveled at God’s creation: “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 God is our master artist.
All of God’s works are originals. Original thoughts, original concepts, original drawings, original scenes of nature which include the ocean, the mountains, and the sky. God’s own creation moves and inspires God to continue painting, creating, sculpting, for us to receive and see. It’s up to us to be good stewards of this Earth and all of God’s resources. May we do just that.
Blaine Memorial class of 2024 grads along with friends and family celebrate together!
Much has happened since my return: we celebrated graduations: Allyson Sofronas, Aidan Lew, Mariko Ronan, and Kai Yamamoto; confirmands: Emma Hearn and Joshua Akiyama; we celebrated the nurturing work of our Church School Teachers, BYG Director, and Associate Directors and Leaders. We said farewell to Rev. Mia MiKyung Park as she’s been appointed to a new faith community at Redeemer UMC in Kingston, WA with a Blaine potluck celebration. I am truly grateful for the blessings and opportunity to work with Rev. Mia and to create some great ministry with her for the past four years! We blessed and celebrated her ministry.
Joshua Santos, Edwin Cruz, Ron Nobuyama, Lawrence Paltep, the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, George Yates and Lynne Onishi all attended this year’s PNW Annual Conference serving in various capacities.
At this year’s PNW Annual Conference, which was in Richland, WA. Ron Nobuyama, and George Yates served as your Annual Conference delegates. Lynne Onishi, Lawrence Paltep, Edwin Santos and Joshua Santos served as assistants to the PNW Conference Staff. Rev Mia and I were present as your clergy representatives. Resident PNW Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth announced my appointment to continue to serve as your pastor for the July 2024-June 2025 appointment year. I look forward to what this new year will bring to us and masterpieces that will be created through our ministry together.
Tyler Ikegami and Kai Yamamoto head to JHC!The Rev. Karen blesses our campers, counselors, and chaperones as they prepare to fly to California for Jr. High Camp.
Summer signals our annual rituals of gathering with friends at Jr. High Camp, Asian Camp and VBS. We just sent and blessed our campers, counselors and chaperones as they journey to Jr. High Camp at Camp Lodestar in Wilseyville, CA. Asian Camp will be in Southern California at Camp Gilmore, located in Calabasas, CA. Blaine is sending eight campers and two chaperones. It’s wonderful to see our Church School kids, youth and young adults meeting new friends, reconnecting with old friends while finding new ways to connect with God.
Click this image to enroll in VBS 2024!
This year’s VBS times will be on consecutive Sundays: July 28, August 4, 11 and 18 from 10AM-12:30PM. Our theme is Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World. The focus is on mending, repairing, and restoring relationships with God, people, and creation which offers a theologically constructive and empowering message for all. Most of its treatments of scripture illuminate this theme in sound and fruitful ways. Click here to enroll now!
This is the first year Blaine Memorial UMC has attended the Seattle Pride Parade as a reconciling congregation in the United Methodist Church. We continue to work on the outreach, affirmation, and inter-sectional ministry with and for LGBTQIA+ people at Blaine Memorial UMC.
Finally, I give thanks as I remember and honor the legacy of a spiritual giant — the late Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., known as “the architect of the Civil Rights Movement,” who died on June 9, at the age of 95. He served as the pastor of Holman UMC in Los Angeles from 1974-1999 and served as pastor emeritus until his death. I had the chance to meet him while I attended Claremont School of Theology. He deeply influenced my faith by teaching United Methodists how to do public acts of nonviolent protest. The Rev. Lawson could make anyone take off any rose-colored glasses they had on, while believing that change is possible. Without his spiritual guidance, moral example and deep understanding of the principles and practices of nonviolent protest, the Civil Rights Movement as we know it might not have existed. May he rest in power.
With so much going on in the world, those who are brave, and intentional about spreading God’s love, must rise and create better ways of showing love and compassion. As always, as the landscape of our church continues to evolve and change, it’s great to be in community with you. You are such a blessing. You are loved and a child of God. Be the hope and may you be filled with God’s grace!
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
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.
Scripture Reading Mark 5:21-43 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Dale H. Watanabe
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
Prayers of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Second Scripture Reading Psalm 139 (NIV) Tsutomu Nagoya, Dale H. Watanabe
Sermon Love Never Ceases Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection In the Midst of New Dimensions (TFWS #2238) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Dale H. Watanabe
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Dale H. Watanabe
Announcements Rev. Karen and Friends
*Closing Hymn We Are Called (TFWS #2172) Kathy Onishi & Eugene Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude Kathy Onishi
Zoom Breakout Room Dale Kaneko
Sermon Questions
How has God used disease and death in your life to strengthen your faith in God?
Whom do we know who is sick or needing to be healed?
What do these stories reveal about the interplay between fear and faith in a relationship with Jesus? How are fear and faith present in your own relationship with Christ?
What moment in your life have you felt the most helpless? How did that moment lead you to look to Jesus? How should it have led you to look to Jesus?
Daily Lectionary
Sunday, June 30, 2024: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 and Psalm 130; Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15, 2:23-24 or Lamentations 3:22-33 and Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43
Saturday, July 6, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 48; 2 Samuel 3:31-38; Matthew 8:18-22 Complementary: Psalm 123; Jeremiah 7:27-34; Matthew 8:18-22
Announcements
Pride Worship Sunday, Seattle First UMC • Today
Every year during Seattle Pride, First UMC hosts other local reconciling churches for a worship service and opportunity to march in the parade and serve parade-goers! See more about the event here.
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt!
Blaine Memorial Church School and Blaine Youth Group Summer Schedule
July 13-20, 2024 (incuding travel time) • Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore (Incoming 10th – 2nd year college)
Blaine Benefit Bazaar Nominations • Due Friday June 28
The Bazaar Committee is seeking nominations for a beneficiary for the upcoming autumn bazaar! Submit a brief description of your recommended beneficiary recipient to the Church Office by Friday, June 28, 2024 for review and approval by Ad Board. Save the date: Blaine Memorial UMC’s Annual Bazaar will be on Saturday, October 5, 2024. If you have an organization in mind, please fill out the Beneficiary Nominations Form provided by our Church office. Contact Yuki Sofronas for more info.
The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park and family enjoy some time rest and relaxation.
Upcoming Events
Vacation Bible School Sunday Sundays, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11, and 8/14 10am-12:30pm (with lunch)
This year’s theme is “Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World” Registration for each Sunday per child will be $20 (Note: siblings will have a different fee, TBD.)
Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar Thursday, May 9, 7pm
For all Church School and BYG parents! Guest speaker: The Rev. Dr. KilJae Park from The Greater New Jersey Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Nurturing the Faith and Spirit of Blaine Memorial UMC
By the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
The blooming of flowers heralds the arrival of warm and gentle weather, bringing a rush of excitement to my heart. Amidst the ministries at Blaine Memorial and with my family, I find myself brimming with gratitude in this spring—from Lent, through Easter Sunday, and into this time of Eastertide. One particularly sunny morning during Lent, with the air filled with promise, I decided to go outside and spend time with Nooni, our ten-month-old puppy, whatever satisfied us both. I allowed Nooni to play while I set about pulling weeds and admiring the flowers. The soil yielded easily, the tiny weeds’ shallow roots offering little resistance. After about 30 minutes of diligent weeding and tending to the flowers, a portion of our front lawn looked revitalized. Despite not being a gardening expert, I derive immense joy from caring for plants and trees. Through trial and error, I’ve learned valuable lessons, gradually becoming more adept at tending to the plants surrounding our parsonage.
My mother is an expert in caring for plants and boasts an impressive collection in her living room, each lovingly tended to with care. She speaks to her plants (I know some of you do the same), treating them with the same tenderness she shows to loved ones. Her approach emphasizes the uniqueness of each plant, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t do. With careful attention to detail, she ensures each plant receives the specific care it needs, whether it’s cleaning their leaves, fertilizing the soil, providing enough sunlight and water, or less, etc. And when pruning is necessary, it’s done with the plant’s well-being in mind rather than its appearance.
In the quiet moments spent tending to plants, I find joy and gratitude for the wisdom passed down from my mother. I’m reminded of the profound truth that growth, whether of plants or souls, requires patience, care, and diligence. It’s a reminder of the divine interconnectedness that binds us all together and the importance of nurturing the roots of faith to produce bountiful fruits of love, compassion, and understanding.
As the days grow warmer and Mother’s Day draws near, I’m reminded of the valuable lessons my mother imparted on plant care. As a pastor, I find myself drawing parallels between nurturing plants and nurturing souls. Just as a plant requires the right conditions to thrive, so do individuals. People require spiritual guidance, support, and love to flourish in their faith journeys.
Church School’s May memorization is John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” My prayer for our children is for them to root their faith in our risen Christ, grow healthy, and produce abundant fruit in their future.
May God continue to bless our ministries at Blaine Memorial and I pray for your well-being and wish you a blessed spring!
The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park serves as the Associate Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Every Wednesday
The Wednesday Prayer group continues to meet each week. Our time together consists of a check-in question centering around United Methodist Founder John Wesley’s famous question, “How is it with your soul?” Our time together continues with a few readings from The Upper Room Magazine. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Spring Reconciling Ministries Book Study • Every Thursday
The Reconciling team will begin hosting a new book study this Spring. We’ll read and discuss the book Outside the Lines by author and pastor Mihee Kim-Kort.
Kim-Kort’s book explores the relationship between queerness and spirituality. Queerness is not only an identity that many of us hold but a lens through which we can begin to understand God’s love for us.
Books can be purchased at the Church office for $16.
This book study is open to anyone who would like to participate! The Book Study Group will meet every Thursday evening at 7:00 PM on Zoom. We will read and discuss one chapter per week and open up space for questions, reflections, and sharing with one another.
Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar • Thursday, May 9, 2024
Join us for a special Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar on Thursday, May 9 at 7 pm. Our guest speaker is Rev. Dr. KilJae Park from the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. Contact Rev. Mia for more details.
Mother’s Day Brunch • Sunday, May 12, 2024
Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, May 12 from 8:30am-10am and then again, after worship. During this time, we will honor, remember, and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today. We need your help all men and those who identify as men at Blaine Memorial to prepare the breakfast beginning at 6am. Thank you to Howard Nakase for chairing this year’s Mother’s Day breakfast!
BYG Bake Sale, T-Shirt Sale for Camping Ministries • Sunday, May 12, 2024
Bake Sale on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12) in the Social Hall and T-Shirts (each $30) Pre-order Available till Sunday, May 12 Please email our BYG Directors for any questions. Thank you for your continued support!
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
The Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Educational Scholarships are designed to support the mission of the church through supporting a multitude of educational opportunities. We are proud to have helped students in their pursuit of continuing education since 1968. We encourage all applicants; from those just entering their next phase of education to those returning to complete or pursue continued education.
We are blessed to offer the following scholarships:
Vera Ing Scholarship
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
Yasuda Scholarship
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships or through the church office. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay, church participation and finances. Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 15, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
34th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • June 29, 2024
The ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9:00 am. Please visit www.walkforrice.org (you’ll be directed to the ACRS WFR event page) and search for “Team Blaine” to donate online! Alternatively, you can mail your donation (checks made out to “Walk for Rice”, memo: “Team Blaine”) to the Blaine office. Thank you for your con-tinued support! Please contact Justine Ing for more details. Read more.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt! This photo is from Asian Camp 2023. Contact BYG leadership for to register for this year’s Asian Camp!
Summer Youth Camps Schedule • See Dates
Jr. High Camp • June 23-28, 2024
Incoming 6th-9th grade
Camp Lodestar
6135 Blue Mountain Rd.
Wilseyville, CA 95257
Asian Camp • July 14-19, 2024
Incoming 10th- 2nd year college
Camp Gilmore
26801 Dorothy Drive
Calabasas, CA 91302
VBS 2023 provided quality time with our young people and adults alike. What are you looking forward to at VBS 2024?
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
Email: blainevbs@gmail.com to enroll now!
“Letters of Suresh” with Dr. Stephen Sumida! • April 24-May 18
Dr. Stephen Sumida will be performing in what may be his last center-stage role! In “Letters of Suresh”, Sumida will play Father Hashimoto mentoring the main character through life and spiritual matters. Contact Dr. Sumida for more info!
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Jesse Love celebrate Easter Sunday, placing flowers on the cross at Blaine Memorial UMC.
Hallelujah, rest and renewal during Eastertide
By The Rev. Karen Yokota Love, additional photos by Ryan Kozu
Keiko and Susan Yanagihara anxiously await for Easter worship to begin.
Hallelujah! Christ is risen! Hallelujah! Christ is risen, indeed! I greet you with the miracle of Easter during this Eastertide season.
Thank you to each of you who attended Blaine’s Easter Sunday festivities this year! For the second year in a row since the pandemic, the Blaine Youth Group (BYG) worked passionately to prepare a delicious Easter Breakfast with all the fixings – scrambled eggs, mini smokies, fruit, cinnamon rolls, and much more.
The Blaine Youth Group served a delicious Easter Breakfast consisting of eggs, fruit, pancakes, and sausages in support of Blaine’s Camping Ministries.
The altar was covered in lilies with white and gold touches. Howard Nakase, Jason Lew and Ron Nobuyama carried in the flowered cross during the processional. It magnified the sanctuary.
Jason Lew and Howard Nakase carry in the Flowered Cross into the Sanctuary during Easter Sunday Service.
Our Church School Teachers and BYG filled and hid 450 Easter Eggs in the Courtyard. The sun was shining and it was a perfect Easter morning – incredibly special with Christ’s love surrounding us with breakfast, the flowering of the cross, a dynamic worship service and an Egg Hunt. Thank you for a special Easter, Blaine Memorial. Christ Is Risen, Indeed!
Yoshi L. gets ready to place a flower on the cross.
During this Eastertide, and after serving full-time as a United Methodist minister for the past 10 years, I am taking a one month vacation with Jesse for rest and renewal in May. This is the first extended vacation that I am taking since my appointed time at Blaine Memorial UMC and it is fully supported and encouraged by SPRC.
Rest and renewal are deeply entrenched biblical principles; Jesus himself would often take time from active ministry to be with God. In the same way, I am grateful that the SPRC Team encourages to provide rhythms of rest and restoration to your spiritual leaders at Blaine. I plan on using this time to let the Holy Spirit teach myself as well as the congregation to guide us and prepare us so that we can be ready to do vibrant ministry for the upcoming year. I ask for your prayers for me and our staff and worship team here at Blaine Memorial UMC. I believe that God has great things planned for us!
Rev. Mia will oversee all duties at Blaine Memorial from May 1-31, 2024. On March 17, 2024 during worship, Arlene Naganawa, our esteemed SPRC Chair, announced that Rev. Mia MiKyung Park is to be appointed to Redeemer United Methodist Church in Kingston, WA as of July 1, 2024. Rev. Mia’s last day at Blaine Memorial UMC will be on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. From now until then, she will focus on wrapping up her work with current ministries that she oversees with the Children and Youth. I’m grateful for all of Rev. Mia’s work and her heartfelt ministry and I ask that we continue to enjoy her gifts, graces and presence. May God grant us faith and love as God leads us through this transition. Please come to her celebration send-off party on Sunday, June 9 with one of Blaine’s famous potlucks! Take a look at page 4 for more information.
During the month of May, there will not be a June printed newsletter. Our next newsletter will be the July/August issue. Any pertinent news will be emailed through Realm during this time. If you’d like to receive emails, please contact the Blaine Office.
In addition to the talented staff and leaders, many others will step in to fulfill areas of my role. I am fortunate that our ministers and staff are more than capable and ready to take on preaching, pastoral care, and administrative responsibilities. SPRC and Ad Board will also be available to support the ministers and staff in whatever ways necessary during this time. Our chairpersons are well-equipped to handle their various ministry teams, and our staff members are ready to help our ministries succeed to the fullest. I appreciate being at a church that cares about my self-care. I know that I can take a month off with a peaceful heart and mind because the church is not only in good shape, it’s also in good hands.
Thank you in advance for your understanding, and for playing your part while Jesse and I are away. May you be blessed every step of your path by the great God of light. I will see you upon my return and I’ll be ready to serve! Peace to you.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Every Wednesday
The Wednesday Prayer group continues to meet each week. Our time together consists of a check-in question centering around United Methodist Founder John Wesley’s famous question, “How is it with your soul?” Our time together continues with a few readings from The Upper Room Magazine. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Spring Reconciling Ministries Book Study • Every Thursday
The Reconciling team will begin hosting a new book study this Spring. We’ll read and discuss the book Outside the Lines by author and pastor Mihee Kim-Kort.
Kim-Kort’s book explores the relationship between queerness and spirituality. Queerness is not only an identity that many of us hold but a lens through which we can begin to understand God’s love for us.
Books can be purchased at the Church office for $16.
This book study is open to anyone who would like to participate! The Book Study Group will meet every Thursday evening at 7:00 PM on Zoom. We will read and discuss one chapter per week and open up space for questions, reflections, and sharing with one another.
Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar • Thursday, May 9, 2024
Join us for a special Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar on Thursday, May 9 at 7 pm. Our guest speaker is Rev. Dr. KilJae Park from the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. Contact Rev. Mia for more details.
Mother’s Day Brunch • Sunday, May 12, 2024
Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, May 12 from 8:30am-10am and then again, after worship. During this time, we will honor, remember, and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today. We need your help all men and those who identify as men at Blaine Memorial to prepare the breakfast beginning at 6am. Thank you to Howard Nakase for chairing this year’s Mother’s Day breakfast!
BYG Bake Sale, T-Shirt Sale for Camping Ministries • Sunday, May 12, 2024
Bake Sale on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12) in the Social Hall and T-Shirts (each $30) Pre-order Available till Sunday, May 12 Please email our BYG Directors for any questions. Thank you for your continued support!
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
The Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Educational Scholarships are designed to support the mission of the church through supporting a multitude of educational opportunities. We are proud to have helped students in their pursuit of continuing education since 1968. We encourage all applicants; from those just entering their next phase of education to those returning to complete or pursue continued education.
We are blessed to offer the following scholarships:
Vera Ing Scholarship
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
Yasuda Scholarship
William S. Yorozu Scholarship
Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships or through the church office. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay, church participation and finances. Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 15, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
34th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • June 29, 2024
The ACRS will host the Walk for Rice on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Seward Park starting at 9:00 am. Please visit www.walkforrice.org (you’ll be directed to the ACRS WFR event page) and search for “Team Blaine” to donate online! Alternatively, you can mail your donation (checks made out to “Walk for Rice”, memo: “Team Blaine”) to the Blaine office. Thank you for your con-tinued support! Please contact Justine Ing for more details. Read more.
Everyone smiles for a whole Asian Camp photo in the camp T-shirt! This photo is from Asian Camp 2023. Contact BYG leadership for to register for this year’s Asian Camp!
Summer Youth Camps Schedule • See Dates
Jr. High Camp • June 23-28, 2024
Incoming 6th-9th grade
Camp Lodestar
6135 Blue Mountain Rd.
Wilseyville, CA 95257
Asian Camp • July 14-19, 2024
Incoming 10th- 2nd year college
Camp Gilmore
26801 Dorothy Drive
Calabasas, CA 91302
VBS 2023 provided quality time with our young people and adults alike. What are you looking forward to at VBS 2024?
Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.
Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.
Email: blainevbs@gmail.com to enroll now!
“Letters of Suresh” with Dr. Stephen Sumida! • April 24-May 18
Dr. Stephen Sumida will be performing in what may be his last center-stage role! In “Letters of Suresh”, Sumida will play Father Hashimoto mentoring the main character through life and spiritual matters. Contact Dr. Sumida for more info!
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
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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.
