Prayer

Summer pilgrimage offers reflection on gratitude

By Rev. Karen Yokota Love, additional photos by Ryan Kozu, Roger Tanioka, and Kai Yamamoto

Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. Matthew 17:7-8

We are deep into the summer months now as we approach mid-August. For many people it is a time of rest and relaxation, some are enjoying the last few days of vacation, and, for some, school is beginning. 

Why do we look forward to vacations so much? Even if we enjoy our regular routine, whether at home, school, or in the office, we also enjoy doing different and fun experiences. We even use an interesting word to describe these events. We call them, “recreational.”

As I reflect on that word, recreation, it means to “re-create” or “create anew.” It implies that what is being re–created in your life is, well … in need of it! After all, things wear down, and our own energy and spirit can wear down over time as well. A few days away from our usual daily routine can help us develop a different overall perspective that can come from a relaxing time at the beach, or a hike to see a beautiful and scenic mountainside, or just about any great vacation place. 

Even staying at home for a “staycation” can help! Matthew 17:7-8 offers something that will never fade, never diminish, and never wear down. Jesus knows his disciples are about to enter a secular world to bring the message of salvation and love to a sometimes, hostile world. Jesus knows it will be hard and stressful work at times. He wants them to rely on something that will always be at full strength for them wherever they are.

Jesus took several of his closest friends to a mountaintop and was transfigured before them. No one today knows exactly what happened, but the testimony of his disciples was that it was wonderful.  They never forgot it and it stayed with them for the rest of their lives. Jesus replicated that event through the holy ritual of Holy Communion. Jesus continues to be the daily bread that sustains the disciples in all of their future adventures – no matter how stressful. 

The very best “re-creation” comes from time spent with Our Lord! We had the opportunity to recreate ministry adventures this summer and bring a new twist on everything! 

Many of our youth went to Jr. High Camp and Asian Camp and had a wonderful time connecting with new and old friends while growing deep in their faith with Christ. I’m also grateful for a wonderful week of Vacation Bible School (VBS) which proved to be another successful year with this year’s theme, “Food Truck Party.”

I also had the opportunity to serve as a faith leader at this year’s Minidoka Pilgrimage. Around 250 pilgrims journeyed to Twin Falls, ID, 131 miles southeast of Boise. The three-day event consisted of educational lectures, and workshops at the College of Southern Idaho. We shared meals and made new friends. On Saturday, we hopped on charter buses to visit the Minidoka Incarceration site in Hunt, ID. Stories were told – tragic stories, as well as stories of great healing. Today, the site continues to hold a mixture of memories and strong emotions – feelings of denial, distrust, shame. There is also a keen sense of joy and recognition of community and love who care for each other. This year’s pilgrimage theme was grounded with the question, “What kind of ancestors do we want to be?” (The typography on the front cover is created by Artist and Designer Erin Shigaki.)

The pilgrimage was attended by former incarcerees, their family members, friends, and allies. It offers an opportunity to safely revisit the land and the memories amidst family, friends, supporters, and National Park Service officials. On the final day of the pilgrimage, the National Park Services unveiled a revamped Honor Roll of those who were incarcerated who served in the military. The Honor Roll listed an additional 150 names. We also learned about the existential threat that Minidoka currently faces from the massive Lava Ridge wind farm. If the wind farm is built, it will destroy the sacred land of Minidoka and that could erase the preservation and sacredness of the site. 

At the end of July, I was honored to serve as the primary speaker at the NCJCCF Zephyr Point Church Retreat at Lake Tahoe, NV. I spent a week guiding 50 participants through a journey about aging. Aging can happen through three areas of life that we all need to face which encompasses moving through our grief, having gratitude, and seeing God’s grace. The week was woven together with pilgrims’ faith journey stories, golfing, swimming, line dancing, learning about other church ministries, Japanese card making, and learning how to use the Apple iMovie software program to create and edit video! Blaine’s very own Dale Kaneko taught the group how to use iMovie and folks were asked to create 30-second videos. The week proved to be a time to get deep with our small group friends, and closer to Christ, and, of course, to have fun!

As we look towards autumn, I’m excited to announce that we’re having our well-known and much anticipated Blaine Memorial Bazaar! This year’s Bazaar is on Saturday, October 7, from 11am-5pm. We’ll have our favorites which include BBQ chicken, udon, curry, baked goods and a Farmer’s Market. 

Among my prayers this month is for August to be a month of summer blessings. May your time with each other be relaxing and joyful. May the arrival of autumn also be a time of celebration and hope.

The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.

Bazaar 2023 is coming!

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