Prayer

Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost Comments Off on Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

Posted by on Oct 15, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

Order of Worship

Prelude
The Summons
Traditional Scottish; by John Bell
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
(Based on Psalm 106)
Jordan L.
*Opening Hymn
Sanctuary (TFWS #2164) x 2
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer
Jordan L.
Scripture Reading
Philippians 4:1-9 (NRSVUE, JLB)
Mia I., Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music
Draw the Circle Wide
Blaine Memorial Choir
M. I. L. E. Laity Enhancement
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Faith Sharing of Camp Experiences
Blaine Youth Group
JHC and Asian Camp Video
Blaine Youth Group
Hymn of Reflection
Matthew 11
Blaine Youth Group
Introduction to the Offering
Marisa I.
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
(UMH #94)

Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Tala C.
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn
Pass It On (UMH #572)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude
He is God
Words and Music by Wes Terasaki,
arr. by Randy Way

Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Camping Ministries Sunday!

About Junior High Camp

Junior High Camp is geared toward incoming 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. We strive for our youth to leave with a sense of relationship to Christ through tangible and practical life applications. In addition, we encourage their growth towards outreach through their local churches and leadership in their own communities.

About Asian Camp

The United Methodist Church Asian American Summer Camp, in its 49th year history of empowering and inspirational ministry, has developed a reputation amongst its participants as a family-like community, yielding lifelong relationships and faithful servants of God. Asian Camp is a camp geared towards incoming 10th, 2nd year college.


Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, October 16, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 97; Exodus 32:15-35; Jude 17-25
Complementary: Psalm 34; Exodus 19:7-20; Jude 17-25
Tuesday, October 17, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 97; Exodus 33:1-6; Philippians 3:13-4:1
Complementary: Psalm 34; Amos 9:5-15; Philippians 3:13-4:1
Wednesday, October 18, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 97; 2 Kings 17:7-20; John 6:25-35
Complementary: Psalm 34; Song of Solomon 7:10-8:4; John 6:25-35
Thursday, October 19, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 99; Exodus 33:7-11; 3 John 9-12
Complementary: Psalm 96:1-9; Judges 17:1-6; 3 John 9-12
Friday, October 20, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 99; Exodus 31:1-11; 1 Peter 5:1-5
Complementary: Psalm 96:1-9; Deuteronomy 17:14-20; 1 Peter 5:1-5
Saturday, October 21, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 99; Exodus 39:32-43; Matthew 14:1-12
Complementary: Psalm 96:1-9; Isaiah 14:3-11; Matthew 14:1-12


Announcements

Choir openings are available! Contact Eugene Onishi for more info!

Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7pm, Sun at 9am, 11:45am

Join us as we bring musical messages to the Blaine family each week. If you sing, or if you would like to learn to sing, please come join! Whether you sing in public or just in the shower or are available “full-time” or “part-time,” all are welcome! Contact Eugene Onishi (eaonishi@hotmail.com).

Free Hearing Tests! • Sunday Oct. 15 in the Library

Do you have trouble understanding conversation in noisy places? Do you ask people to repeat themselves? Have people told you to get your hearing checked? If you are experiencing any of these concerns, there will be an opportunity immediately after worship to have your hearing checked. Offerings include a free screening of your hearing, a free cleaning of your ears. If you use hearing aids, you can have those checked, as well. Please go to the Blaine Library to have your hearing checked!

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Oct. 18 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 September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us!

Celebrating the reappointments of our pastors for the 2023-2024 year. From (L-R): Deacon Rev. Dr. Mark C. Hearn, Associate Pastor Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Senior Pastor Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Deacon Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn.

Pastor’s Appreciation Celebration Lunch • Sunday, Oct. 22 after worship in the Social Hall

For more information, contact the church office for details!

Donations needed for Harvest Festival! • Saturday, Oct. 28, 11am-2:30pm

Donations are needed!

  • 3 bags of Hot Dog Buns (24 per package)
  • 2 packages of Kirkland Bun Size Hot Dogs (12 per package, 3-package bundle)
  • 2 bags of Pirate’s Booty or something similar (contains no dairy or nuts and gluten-free)
  • 2 bags of Family-sized Chips 1 bag of Cash & Carry Salad
  • 1 bag of Red Delicious Apples
  • 4 containers of grapes (red and green)

Questions? Please contact Susan Lee at susanslee@comcast.net.

All-Church Conference Meeting • Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7pm

This year’s All-Church Conference will be on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm. This gathering holds great significance for our faith community as we come together to celebrate our ministries in 2023. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Derek Nakano will preside over the meeting. All are invited to hear about the state of our church and other important updates. More details to come!

Thanksgiving Meal Work Party • Sunday, Nov. 19 & Monday, Nov. 20

BYG is once again partnering with Kimball Elementary School to provide Thanksgiving meals for food-insecure families. We’ll gather on Sunday, November 19, after worship to prepare apple crisps together in the LAC kitchen. Additionally, on Monday evening at 6pm in the LAC kitchen, we’ll make mashed potatoes and bake apple crisps (a light dinner will be provided). We plan to deliver the meals to Kimball Elementary School on Tuesday, the 21st, in the morning. Please contact BYG Directors or Terri Adolfo for more details.

Bazaar in Photos!

Blaine Memorial UMC’s volunteers help grill chicken during the Bazaar. Thank you to our contributors!

The Blaine Youth Group are ready to serve Suno Dogs at Bazaar!

Jordan enjoys Suno Dogs!


October Calendar

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Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost Comments Off on Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Posted by on Oct 8, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Lenten Season, Miscellaneous, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome

  • Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost
  • October 8, 2023, 10am
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin

Order of Worship

Prelude
We Will Glorify the King of Kings
By Twila Paris
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
(Based on Psalm 19)
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn
How Great Thou Art (UMH #77)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading
Matthew 21:33-46 (CEB, JLB)
Eunice Gong, Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Sai Hanaoka
Special Music
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading
Luke 10:25-37 (CEB, JLB)
Eunice Gong, Tsutomu Nagoya
Sermon
M. I. L. E.: Itineration and Location
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection
Seek Ye First
(UMH#405)

Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
(UMH #94)

Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn
Living for Jesus
(TFWS #2149)

Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude
He Is Exalted
By Twila Paris

Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Sermon Reflection Questions

  • Consider the question that the expert in the law asked Jesus: “Who is my neighbor?”
  • How does this parable redefine the concept of a neighbor?
  • Who in your life might be considered an unexpected neighbor, and how can you extend love, compassion, and care to them?
  • Reflect on a time when you received help or kindness from an unexpected source. How did it affect your perspective on compassion and generosity?
  • In what ways can you practically apply the lessons from the Good Samaritan parable in your communities, workplaces, and families to create a positive impact that we could help our neighbors to be a better location of their well-being?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, October 9, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; 1 Peter 2:4-10
Complementary: Psalm 144; Ezekiel 19:10-14; 1 Peter 2:4-10
Tuesday, October 10, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 5:22-6:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Complementary: Psalm 144; Isaiah 27:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Wednesday, October 11, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 6:10-25; John 11:45-57
Complementary: Psalm 144; Song of Solomon 8:5-14; John 11:45-57
Thursday, October 12, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Exodus 24:1-8; 1 Peter 5:1-5, 12-14
Complementary: Psalm 23; Isaiah 22:1-8a; 1 Peter 5:1-5, 12-14
Friday, October 13, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Exodus 24:9-11; James 4:4-10
Complementary: Psalm 23; Isaiah 22:8b-14; James 4:4-10
Saturday, October 14, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Exodus 24:12-18; Mark 2:18-22
Complementary: Psalm 23; Isaiah 24:17-23; Mark 2:18-22

Announcements

Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7p, Sun at 9a and 11:45a

The Blaine Choir love to sing to God. Rehearsals are Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings, and provide music for Blaine’s Sunday morning services. Our goal is to develop spiritually and musically through fellowship, singing and through scripture. Join us as we bring musical messages to the Blaine family each week. If you sing, or if you would like to learn to sing, please come join! Whether you sing in public or just in the shower – or are available “full-time” or “part-time”, all are welcome! Contact Eugene Onishi (eaonishi@hotmail.com).

Girl Scouts Meeting • Today at 11:30a

We will be restarting our Blaine Girl Scouts troop this month. We meet every second Sunday of the month from October to June so our first meeting will be next Sunday, Oct 8th from 11:30-2:30pm in the Education Wing. We start with a light lunch and then will begin our meeting at noon.

Our troop includes Brownie Girls starting in the 2nd grade and goes up to the Senior level which is 12th grade. For any girls who are interested in joining, you and your parents can come and learn about us for the first meeting. There is no commitment to attend the first meeting. There will also be a parents meeting at 1pm where all details and applications will be passed out.

We hope to have some new girls join us this year. We have a lot of fun activities like rock climbing, roller skating, ice skating, archery, selling cookies and more. If you have any questions, please come up to talk to Eunice Gong during social time or email Eunice G.

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Oct. 11 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 September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us! 


Bazaar in Photos!

Friends prepare Tsukemono, or salt-pickled cabbage.

The Blaine Youth Group practices making Suno Dogs.

Ohagi, or sweet rice balls, are made by our volunteers.

Lesley leads us with pie-making.

Our team helped marinate bbq chicken for the grill!

Save the date: Harvest Festival 2023!


October Calendar

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Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Comments Off on Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by on Oct 1, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

Order of Worship

Prelude
Holy, Holy By Jimmy Owens
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn
This Is My Father’s World
(UMH #144)

Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading
Matthew 21:23-32 (CEB, JLB)
Susan Lee, Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Second Scripture Reading
Mark 12:28-34 (NIV, JLB)
Malia Yamamoto, Tsutomu Nagoya
Sermon
You Must Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
Dir. of Hispanic/Latinx Ministries, The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church
Hymn of Reflection
One Bread, One Body
(UMH 620)

B.U.G.S. (Blaine Ukulele Group Seattle)
Holy Communion
Revs. Karen, Mia, and Cruz with Tsutomu
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
(UMH #94)

Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn
Here, I Am, Lord
(UMH #593)

B.U.G.S with Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
Postlude
One God and Father of Us All
By P. Carlson, K. Matthews, J. Carraway

Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Sermon Reflection Questions

  • In what ways can we demonstrate that we love one another?
  • When you look around and see all the people created by God, what do you see?
  • What does the greatest commandment teach us? Jesus told the scribe that he is not far from the kingdom.
  • Why is he closer than the others? What is he still missing?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, October 2, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 42; Exodus 18:1-12; Philippians 1:3-14
Complementary: Psalm 28; Judges 14:1-20; Philippians 1:3-14
Tuesday, October 3, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 42; Exodus 18:13-27; Philippians 1:15-21
Complementary: Psalm 28; Judges 16:1-22; Philippians 1:15-21
Wednesday, October 4, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 42; Exodus 19:9b-25; Matthew 9:2-8
Complementary: Psalm 28; Judges 16:23-31; Matthew 9:2-8
Thursday, October 5, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 19; Exodus 23:1-9; Colossians 2:16-23
Complementary: Psalm 80:7-15; Jeremiah 2:14-22; Colossians 2:16-23
Friday, October 6, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 19; Exodus 23:14-19; Philippians 2:14-18; 3:1-4a
Complementary: Psalm 80:7-15; Jeremiah 2:23-37; Philippians 2:14-18; 3:1-4a
Saturday, October 7, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 19; Exodus 23:10-13; John 7:40-52
Complementary: Psalm 80:7-15; Jeremiah 6:1-10; John 7:40-52

Announcements

Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7p, Sun at 9a and 11:45a

The Blaine Choir love to sing to God. Rehearsals are Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings, and provide music for Blaine’s Sunday morning services. Our goal is to develop spiritually and musically through fellowship, singing and through scripture. Join us as we bring musical messages to the Blaine family each week. If you sing, or if you would like to learn to sing, please come join! Whether you sing in public or just in the shower – or are available “full-time” or “part-time”, all are welcome! Contact Eugene Onishi (eaonishi@hotmail.com).

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Oct. 4 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 September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us! 

Girl Scouts Meeting • Sunday, October 8 at 11:30a

We will be restarting our Blaine Girl Scouts troop this month. We meet every second Sunday of the month from October to June so our first meeting will be next Sunday, Oct 8th from 11:30-2:30pm in the Education Wing. We start with a light lunch and then will begin our meeting at noon.

Our troop includes Brownie Girls starting in the 2nd grade and goes up to the Senior level which is 12th grade. For any girls who are interested in joining, you and your parents can come and learn about us for the first meeting. There is no commitment to attend the first meeting. There will also be a parents meeting at 1pm where all details and applications will be passed out.

We hope to have some new girls join us this year. We have a lot of fun activities like rock climbing, roller skating, ice skating, archery, selling cookies and more. If you have any questions, please come up to talk to Eunice Gong during social time or email Eunice G.


Pre-Order and Save the Date: Bazaar 2023!

Click poster to view Bazaar 2023 Updates!

Save the date: Harvest Festival 2023!

Read the latest issue of the Beacon!


October Calendar

Learn More
Spiritual Formation Center Comments Off on Spiritual Formation Center

Spiritual Formation Center

Posted by on Sep 26, 2023 in Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Prayer, Spiritual Formation


Susan and Jim Tanioka from Merced, CA visit with Anne to explain the labor of love that they dedicate their lives to!

The Farmer

By Anne Arakaki-Lock

We can never say thank you enough. Gratitude is magical. It’s so therapeutic. I will strive to make gratitude my go-to, my pick-me-upper tool as I felt lifted up by simply experiencing thanksgiving first-hand on an almond farm.

One only needs to talk to a hard-working farmer to see the utmost respect and gratitude for God’s creation, as expressed by a caring spirit. The other day I had the privilege of witnessing a farmer’s labor of love. He showed me his 30-year old almond grove, rows and rows of trees painstakingly nurtured. They were healthy and robust, having produced nuts year after year for market. Proudly, the farmer shared the importance of good soil, the need to control weeds, the value of fertilizing (even to the point of including his son’s chemistry knowledge to research a recipe for fertilizer).

Then there were the precious tractors for every need — the mower to contain the grass and weeds, the raker, the fertilizer, the tree shaker, the harvest gatherer (I forgot the name of that one). I learned the value of the rams, lubricants and belts, and duh, the need for a sweeper attachment in front of and behind the big wheels so that the harvested almonds shaken to the ground would not get crushed by the tractor. Of course, there is always attention given to water, too — the wells, the river source, and the climate.

“I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts!” Psalm 92:4-5.

Mr. Jim Tanioka explains the balance of nature as he labors to produce almonds for the past 30+ years!

My field trip to the almond farm made me feel and get to know God even more. I saw more humbly the brilliance of His creation and the intricacies of what it takes to maintain and grow Nature. Of course, my little brain cannot even come close to truly, truly understanding all of God’s miracles and His design of our world. But the weekend made me thankful and brought me so much closer to our Master Farmer. I feel like I know God a little more now.

Thank you, Mr. Tanioka, for opening my eyes to the love and work it takes for me to enjoy God’s almond. Rev. Karen’s wonderful uncle from Merced, CA was my weekend farmer-teacher. “I give thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart.” Psalm 138:1


Pre-Order and Save the Date: Bazaar 2023!

Click poster to view Bazaar 2023 Updates!

Save the date: Harvest Festival 2023!

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Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection Comments Off on Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection

Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection

Posted by on Sep 26, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation

Pastors John and Mia enjoyed the sunset at Deception Pass on one of their Sabbath days in July.

“Never place a period where God has placed a comma!”

By the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

This quote is attributed to comedian Gracie Allen in a letter she wrote to her husband, which was found after her death. As I reflect on this quote, it recalls numerous occasions when I attempted to impose a period when God was putting a comma. Additionally, I contemplate my intentions of adding commas where God was putting a period.

The Fruitfulness Project Team concluded after about 18 months. They delivered the donations and sandwiches to Tent City 3 and had a final meeting enjoying shaved ice.

I am grateful that God placed a period on my ordination process, the Fruitfulness Project, all the summer activities at the church, and a couple of projects with the family during this summer. These events are now closed with a resounding period. Additionally, I experienced a situation where God placed a comma where I thought there was a period.

I lost contact with one of my good seminary friends who had supported me greatly during my time in seminary. One night, probably in my second semester, a few of us were preparing for final exams and writing final papers together in the downstairs lounge of the dormitory where we used to study, talk, play ping-pong, and have late-night snacks. That night, I was feeling discouraged by the constant pressure from studying away from the family more than usual. My friend not only prayed for me with other friends but also proofread one of my papers voluntarily before he completed his paper for the same class, enabling me to move on to the next assignments. I was deeply moved by his friendship.

However, some difficult challenges arose for him, preventing him from completing his studies. He left the campus during our last semester, but we lost contact with him. It was deeply heartbreaking for us to disconnect from our dear friend and couldn’t help him. I thought it was the end of our friendship. Surprisingly, we reconnected with him in the middle of August when he reached out to one of our group friends. We will soon set up a Zoom meeting to see each other, including my friend, who hadn’t been in contact for over four years. What a surprising gift of a comma! What I had thought was the end of our friendship turned out to be just a comma, and I am very grateful for God’s comma.

When I think it’s time for a period, God’s comma opens my mind if it’s God’s timing for a comma. This punctuation pause allows me to take a deep breath, inhale the freshness and excitement of the moment, and oxygenate my mind. Also, God’s period helps me to move on from the previous situations, knowing and grounding in confidence that God will take care of every situation. Sooner or later, I come to realize from all those experiences of periods and commas that God has other plans that are way beyond my thoughts and expectations. Those experiences have taught me to open my mind and ground myself in the affirmation of the Bible verse, “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.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

For the September’s Bible memorization in the Church School, we’ll be focusing on Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to me, and I will answer you and reveal to you wondrous and hidden things that you have not known.”


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Innovation Hub Update Comments Off on Innovation Hub Update

Innovation Hub Update

Posted by on Sep 26, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Innovation Hub, Prayer, Spiritual Formation

Blaine congregation members visit Kubota Gardens in a contemplative silent walk to mindfully reflect on the symbolic significance of the beautiful Japanese garden before them.

Kubota garden walk & RM drop-in usher fall season of innovation!

By Lynne Onishi

As the summer winds down and we get ready for fall, the Innovation Hub continues (in true innovative fashion) to create spaces for new expressions of ministry. We hope you enjoy some of these photos from our most recent events and the things we’re trying!

Kubota Garden Walk

On August 12, a group of congregation members carpooled to Kubota Garden and enjoyed a peaceful morning walk through the park. We talked about the spiritual significance and symbolism in a Japanese garden and then set out for a time of silent reflection. When we came back together as a group, it was interesting to hear what stood out to folks most. We each experienced the silent reflection time in different ways!

Some mentioned seeing wildlife like turtles and blue jays, while others reflected on the peace that accompanied a few minutes of slowing down. I took notice of the flowers blooming around the garden and the way some of them were growing in unexpected directions. I think we all gained something meaningful from setting aside that intentional time for silence and reflection. It made me wonder about how I might find ways to have a snippet of this kind of silence in my everyday life.

Reconciling Ministries drop-in Q&A session.

Reconciling Ministries Fellowship Hour Drop-In

The Reconciling Ministries team hosted a drop-in activity and Q&A session during social hour on July 30. The team offered resources, delicious (and beautiful) treats, and space to discuss questions about the reconciling ministry journey. We also asked folks to contribute their hopes for an inclusive future at our church and created a colorful poster with all their responses. We encourage you to check out this poster next time you’re in the Social Hall and read about all our hopes and dreams for Blaine Memorial!

The IH team and RM Task Force are always looking for new folks to join us. Please contact Lynne or any of the other team members for more information.

Contact Lynne Onishi with questions about the Innovation Hub team or Reconciling Ministries lynneonishi@gmail.com


Pre-Order and Save the Date: Bazaar 2023!

Click poster to view Bazaar 2023 Updates!

Save the date: Harvest Festival 2023!

Read the latest issue of the Beacon!

Learn More