Sermons

Second Sunday After Pentecost Comments Off on Second Sunday After Pentecost

Second Sunday After Pentecost

Posted by on Jun 11, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

  • June 11, 2023
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Thank you to the Watanabe Family for today’s flower arrangement. Bob K. Watanabe, 98, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Bob’s Celebration of Life service was yesterday, June 10 at BMUMC. May Bob rest in peace.
  • Continue scrolling for today’s bulletin or view the print version


Order of Worship

Prelude
As the Deer
Words and Music: Martin Nystrom

Miriam Tong
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Call to Worship
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
*Opening Hymn
Be Still My Soul (UMH #534)
Neal Komedal and Miriam Tong
Opening Prayer
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Scripture Reading
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (NRSVUE, JLB)
George Yates and Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Sai Hanaoka
Sermon
Off the Sidelines
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Hymn of Response
Grace Alone (TFWS #2162)
Neal Komedal and Miriam Tong
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94)
Miriam Tong
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Announcements
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Closing Hymn
We Are Called (TFWS #2172)
Neal Komedal and Miriam Tong
Benediction
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Postlude
He Is Exalted
Words and Music: Twila Paris

Miriam Tong
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Zoom Breakout Room
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn

Sermon Reflection Questions

  • Are there people that you have considered “not worth the trouble?” What is the rubric that goes into that conclusion?
  • How do you discern when someone is “beyond help” and when someone should be given more chances?
  • What shared values at Blaine Memorial UMC support this?

Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures

Monday, June 12, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48; Genesis 16:1-15; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:2

Complementary: Psalm 40:1-8 ; Leviticus 15:25-31; 22:1-9; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:2
Tuesday, June 13, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48; Genesis 17:1-27; Hebrews 13:1-16

Complementary: Psalm 40:1-8; Hosea 8:11-14; 10:1-2; Hebrews 13:1-16
Wednesday, June 14, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48; Genesis 18:16-33; Matthew 12:1-8

Complementary: Psalm 40:1-8; Hosea 14:1-9; Matthew 12:1-8
Thursday, June 15, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 21:1-7; Hebrews 3:1-6

Complementary: Psalm 100; Exodus 4:18-23; Hebrews 3:1-6
Friday, June 16, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 24:1-9; Acts 7:35-43

Complementary: Psalm 100; Exodus 4:27-31; Acts 7:35-43
Saturday, June 17, 2023:

Semi-continuous: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 24:10-52; Mark 7:1-13

Complementary: Psalm 100; Exodus 6:28-7:13; Mark 7:1-13


Announcements

33rd Annual ACRS Walk for Rice • June 17, 9am

This year ACRS will hold its in-person Walk for Rice at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Seward Park! Team Blaine’s fundraising goal is $7,000. Help ACRS feed AAPI community members who are experiencing food insecurity by joining or donating to Team Blaine! Go to Team Blaine’s page at ACRS’s website to donate! Or mail your donation to the Blaine office (checks made out to “Walk for Rice”, memo: “Team Blaine”) . Thanks for your support! Read more.

Special Edition Print from Blaine’s own, Glenn Mitsui! • Purchase here

From the Asian Counseling and Referral Service: 

To celebrate the return of Walk for Rice to Seward Park, we are thrilled to offer a special-edition art print designed by local artist Glenn Mitsui, the son of Sam Mitsui, who co-founded the first Walk 33 years ago. 

“The piece celebrates the beauty of the park, which my dad loved. He ran the loop and swam to the buoys countless times…In short, Walk for Rice and Seward Park were two of my father’s loves. It was an honor to try to capture why in this piece.” 

All proceeds from this special art print will benefit the ACRS Food Bank, which provides culturally familiar foods to immigrants, refugees, elders and families throughout King County. 

Join or support a fundraising team and walk with us at Seward Park on Saturday, June 17!

Join us for Father’s Day Lunch! • Sunday, June 18

Following Worship in the Social Hall Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 18 as we celebrate Father’s Day by honoring the father, father-figures and men of Blaine! Join us after worship service in the Social Hall to celebrate Father’s Day!

Music of Summer Sunday! • June 25 in Worship

Join us for a special worship service with Music Sunday at Blaine! We will kick off the summer with music from the Blaine Memorial Choir, BUGS, some special music and soloists. Join us for a full worship service filled with music! This will be the last day where the Blaine Memorial Choir will perform before taking a summer break!

Pride Month Film Night • June 30, 6:30pm-8:30pm

RSVP here or contact Lynne Onishi for more info.

VBS Collections • July 8-16

We are preparing for this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) from July 10-14! This year’s theme is Food Truck Party on a Roll with God! We are asking kindly for the following items:

Portable Picnic Table with foldable seats: We are looking to borrow this from Saturday, July 8-Sunday, July 16.

Koinobori/Fish kite decorations: Indicate your name on each item so we can return it to you! Small packs of snacks including: granola bars dried fruit juice boxes soda pop

Hygiene products: soap toothbrushes toothpaste shampoo conditioner deodorant shaving gel hand sanitizer Please leave your donations in the black treasure chest box in the Narthex and feel free to contact Pastor Mia at miablaine2020@gmail.com and/or Susan Lee at blainevbs@gmail.com with questions.

Summer Camps & VBS 2023! • See Dates

This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Save dates for your children and youth!

June 25-30
Jr. High Camp
(for incoming 6th-9th graders):
Registration is now closed
July 10-14
Vacation Bible School
10am-3pm
Register now: blainevbs.square.site
July 23-28 Asian Camp
(for incoming 10th grade-2 years post-high school)
Register by June 25, here

Ongoing Request for Chips and Savory Treats

Thank you all for generously donating sweet and savory treats for post-worship fellowship time. Currently, we need more chips and savory items: wrapped bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos etc.) would be appreciated. Drop off your donations to the Narthex, Church Office, or Social Hall either on Sunday or during Church Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday 10:00AM-4:00PM). Help serve refreshments on Sundays after worship by contacting Julie Lock at: jtlock00@gmail.com

Ongoing Donations for Afghan and Ukrainian Refugees

Items being collected: At this time, we have an abundance of some items and so we are NOT in need of clothing or children’s toys. Especially needed items are women’s products, toothpaste, personal care items, rice cookers, blenders, mixing bowls, microwave ovens, toasters, mixers, irons, dish sets, towels, and blankets.

Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Collection items can be dropped off to the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday – Thursday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items. South King County Response Center Collection & Volunteer Hours: The Donation Center is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays from 10am-2pm, 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. Please contact Donna Sekijima at: donnasek@outlook.com and/or Anne Arakaki-Lock at: aarakakilock@gmail.com.


Read our latest issue of the Beacon!

The June edition of the Beacon features stories from our church in celebration of Summer! Download the PDF!


What’s Happening in June 2023

Learn More
Trinity Sunday  Comments Off on Trinity Sunday 

Trinity Sunday 

Posted by on Jun 4, 2023 in Archives, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Prayer, Sermons, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

  • June 4, 2023
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Celebration of Teachers, BYG Leaders and Graduates of 2023
  • Thank you to the Yorozu Family for today’s flower arrangement. Arthur S. Yorozu, 95, passed away on September 26, 2022. Arthur’s Celebration of Life service was yesterday, June 3, 2023 at BMUMC.
  • For bulletin, continue scrolling or view print version
Learn More
Seventh Sunday of Easter Comments Off on Seventh Sunday of Easter

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Posted by on May 20, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Innovation Hub, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!


Order of Worship

Prelude
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
By James K. Manley
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Call to Worship
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Opening Prayer
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Opening Hymn
Sois la Semilla (You are the Seed)
(UMH #583)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
First Scripture Reading
Acts 1:6-14 (CEB, JLB)
Terri Pittman & Yuki Sofronas
Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music
O Jesus, I Have Promised
By J.E. Bode, A.H. Mann
Blaine Memorial Choir
Mission Moment: ACRS/Walk For Rice
Michael Byun, Executive Director;
Audrey Hwang and Justine
Second Scripture Reading
John 17:1-11 (NRSVUE, JLB)
Terri Pittman & Yuki Sofronas
Sermon
The Struggle for Love
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Response
Blest Be The Tie That Binds
Eugene and Kathy Onishi (UMH #557)
Reconciling Ministries Moment #3
Arlene Naganawa
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Doxology
(UMH #94) Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn
They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love
(TFWS #2223)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
Across the Lands
By Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
Kathy Onishi
Straw Poll
Arlene Naganawa
Not at in-person worship? Send your vote by May 21, 2023 at 2pm to blaineoffice@yahoo.com. This method is not anonymous.
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Breakout Room
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn


Sermon Reflection Questions

  • What is a stream of Christian spirituality that you feel at odds with?
  • How is the Spirit inviting you to integrate some of their practices into your life?
  • What is a fragment of your story that you are ashamed of?
  • How is the Spirit inviting you to integrate it back into your life?


Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures

Monday, May 22, 2023
Psalm 99; Leviticus 9:1-11, 22-24; 1 Peter 4:1-6
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Psalm 99; Numbers 16:41-50; 1 Peter 4:7-11
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Psalm 99; 1 Kings 8:54-65; John 3:31-36
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Psalm 33:12-22; Exodus 19:1-9a; Acts 2:1-11
Friday, May 26, 2023
Psalm 33:12-22; Exodus 19:16-25; Romans 8:14-17
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Psalm 33:12-22; Exodus 20:1-21; Matthew 5:1-12


Announcements

Reconciling Ministries Straw Poll

Today after worship

The Reconciling Ministries Team will conduct a straw poll on Sunday, May 21. This poll is not a final vote on affiliation with Reconciling Ministries. The team is simply conducting a poll of our congregation to better understand your thoughts, feelings, and concerns about the reconciling statement. The vote will take place after the service is finished, and your participation is required.

VBS Volunteers Meetings

May 21 & June 4

We will be holding volunteer meetings on the following Sundays: May 21st and June 4th, after the service, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Webb Room. If you are planning to volunteer at VBS this year, please make sure to attend these meetings.

Wednesday Coffee & Prayer

May 24 • 9am on Zoom

Please join Rev. Karen for a time of meditation and prayer on Wednesday, May 24 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?”

Please join us! Brew a fresh cup of coffee or steep some tea. This is a great opportunity to pause in the middle of the week to check in with others. The Zoom link will be sent out prior to gathering on Tuesday.


33rd Annual ACRS Walk for Rice

June 17 • 9am

This year ACRS will hold its in-person Walk for Rice at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Seward Park! Team Blaine’s fundraising goal is $7,000. Help ACRS feed AAPI community members who are experiencing food insecurity by joining or donating to Team Blaine! 

Go to: https://give.acrs.org/team/498138 to donate online! Or mail your donation to the Blaine office (checks made out to “Walk for Rice”, memo: “Team Blaine”) . Thanks for your support! Read more.

Blaine Cookbook needs your recipes!

Due May 31

Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church will release a 120th Anniversary Edition of “Let’s Dine!”, the latest in a series of cookbooks produced by Blaine Memorial over the past 70 years. This cookbook will commemorate the 120th Anniversary of Blaine Memorial, with a scheduled release of January 2024. We are seeking submissions for the 2024 cookbook and are calling on you to contribute! Read more.

Ongoing Donations for Afghan and Ukrainian Refugees

Items being collected: At this time, we have an abundance of some items and so we are NOT in need of clothing or children’s toys. Especially needed items are women’s products, toothpaste, personal care items, rice cookers, blenders, mixing bowls, microwave ovens, toasters, mixers, irons, dish sets, towels, and blankets.

Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Collection items can be dropped off to the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday – Thursday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items. South King County Response Center Collection & Volunteer Hours: The Donation Center is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays from 10am-2pm, 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. Please contact Donna Sekijima at: donnasek@outlook.com and/or Anne Arakaki-Lock at: aarakakilock@gmail.com.

This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out!

Please save the dates for your children and youth! Summer Camps & VBS 2023!

June 25-30
Jr/High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders) Jr. High Camp registration is open now! Please register your youth by May 31!
July 10-14
Vacation Bible School 10am-3pm VBS registration is open now! Visit the VBS 2023 page and bookmark it for updates!
July 23-28
Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade- 2 yrs. post-high school)

Ongoing Request for Chips and Savory Treats

Thank you all for generously donating sweet and savory treats for post-worship fellowship time. Currently, we need more chips and savory items: wrapped bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos etc.) would be appreciated. Drop off your donations to the Narthex, Church Office, or Social Hall either on Sunday or during Church Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday 10:00AM-4:00PM). Help serve refreshments on Sundays after worship by contacting Julie Lock at: jtlock00@gmail.com

The Beacon newsletter is ready for viewing!

Printed versions are available in the office, sanctuary, and social hall!


Check out what’s happening at Blaine!

Learn More
Senior Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection Comments Off on Senior Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection

Senior Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection

Posted by on May 16, 2023 in Church News & Events, Innovation Hub, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Spiritual Formation

The Rev. Karen Yokota Love presents a Reconciling Ministry Moment during Sunday Worship.

Pentecost: The Gift of Diversity

By Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Senior Pastor

“When the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.” Acts 2:1-4

In Acts 2, the disciples are huddled in the upper room. First, there is wind and fire. Then the disciples speak about Jesus, and the author Luke writes, “When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?’”

The image of a dove – a symbol of the Holy Spirit of God, peace, rest and humility, in the context of the symbol of the Holy Trinity.

Pentecost becomes an affirmation of God’s gift of diversity. Luke makes a point of listing all the places that the people had come from to be in Jerusalem. There were many different people from many different places speaking many different languages. Pentecost is a celebration of unity in diversity. Diversity can be difficult. The people of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church began conversations around LGBTQIA+ inclusion in July 2022. This is an ongoing process of prayer, learning, discernment, and conversation. The process will culminate with a congregational decision. Disaffiliation, or leaving the United Methodist Church as a denomination, has not been a part of these discussions. There is no intention of leaving the UMC. We continue to discuss what this outcome looks like for Blaine Memorial UMC and how this helps us be a more loving community. We might not always understand one another and there might be miscommunication. Social queues could be misinterpreted. Sometimes, understanding one another more effectively or efficiently can be frustrating.

However, the “birth” of the church is more than simply understanding one another more effectively or efficiently. The reign of God depends on diversity. The more we can widen and deepen our awareness of where the holy is at work among us, the more possibilities become reality for the peaceable kin-dom to come near.

Sometimes this work of deepening understanding and stretching our perceptions is the opposite of efficient. But it is worth the effort because we are talking about the dream of our hearts, initiated and fulfilled by our God. Sometimes we are tempted to confuse our own experience of “normal” with being faithful.

The Pentecost experience reminds us that God always is willing to break up and expand our perception of the norm to welcome every blessed variety of God’s beloved creation. The more we can hear, see, and experience the Spirit at work in the incredible diversity of our world, the more we receive the deep invitation to full life in Christ.

We are re-centered in God’s love as the ultimate “norm” for all life, and we begin to see the world anew. When we truly are baptized into Christ, we become a part of a new creation.

Every Pentecost is the re-birth of the church anew into a particular time and place and context, each with its own joys and sorrows. The visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost today may be very similar to the first Pentecost: reaching across boundaries to understand those who live differently, speak differently, experience reality differently. Our Spirit-given diversity challenges singular and dominating forms of power that dehumanize, and that ignore the breath of divine life, the Holy Spirit, who dwells in all creation, in every human being. This gift offers us countless and bold ways to build communion and inclusive community where diversity breathes life. Pentecost then is not so much the birth of the church, but a snapshot of the church in action through the power of the Holy Spirit: where diversity is chosen over division, where dialogue is chosen over conflict, and where all are cared for, not just the people of our tribe or clan. Pentecost screams the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ: all are invited and all are welcome here. May it be so.


Read the Beacon!

The latest issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for viewing! Printed versions are available in the office, sanctuary, and social hall!

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Sixth Sunday of Easter Comments Off on Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Posted by on May 13, 2023 in Archives, 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
Time Now to Gather
By M.N. Keithahn and J. D. Hormon
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Opening Hymn
For the Beauty of the Earth (UMH #92)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Mother’s Day Liturgy
Lynne Onishi
First Scripture Reading
John 14:15-21 (CEB, JLB)
Lynne Onishi & Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music
Love Comes From God
Blaine Memorial Choir
Sermon
The Great Comforter
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Response
Spirit of the Living God, Fall Afresh on Me
(UMH #393)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Reconciling Ministries Moment #2
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
(UMH #94)
Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn
Gift of Love
(UMH #408)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
He is Exalted
By Twila Paris
Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Breakout Room
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn


Announcements

Today! Blaine Memorial’s Mother’s Day Breakfast is back!

After worship!

Come join us as we give thanks to our mothers and mother-like figures in our lives! Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC. Our Mother’s Day Breakfast is back! During this time, we will honor, remember and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all of the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today.

Wednesday Coffee & Prayer

May 17 • 9am on Zoom

Please join Rev. Karen for a time of meditation and prayer on Wednesday, May 10 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?” We continue our time together with a few readings out of The Upper Room Magazine May/June edition.

Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We pray for anyone who would like to be prayed for. Please join us! Brew a fresh cup of coffee or steep some tea. This is a great opportunity to pause in the middle of the week to check in with others. The Zoom link will be sent out prior to gathering on Tuesday.


Reconciling Ministries Team

Celebrating God’s Gift: Diversity

By Lynne Onishi

Greetings from the Reconciling Ministries (RM) team at Blaine! The RM team is a lay-led group of congregation members who are passionate about LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the church. We are here to help guide this church through a process of discernment as we consider affiliating with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN).

To affiliate with RMN, our church must vote to adopt a Reconciling Statement. We want to hear what you think about this statement before we take a final vote, so we are conducting a straw poll on May 21. As we prepare to take a straw poll, we invite you to look at the Reconciling Statement below:

“We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.”

Why are you a part of the team?

I am a member of the Reconciling Ministry Team because I know a family whose son is non-binary. I have seen their fear when prejudice and hate were directed toward their child. And I have seen their reaction to be one of honesty, courage, and love. I believe the church can come alongside families like this to provide support and community.

Terri Pittman

I am part of the Reconciling Ministries Team because I grew up in this church and have always felt included, yet also off to the side, and want to see a place that is welcoming and affirming to all.

Dale H. Watanabe

I am a member of the Reconciling Ministries Team because we, as a church, love God and God’s people. We can show our love by openly expressing welcome to our friends who are often marginalized and hurt, even though that may not be our intention. As a teacher, I worked with many youth who suffered pain and rejection because of their sexual identities. Sometimes, the pain was too much to bear. Offering an accepting (Christian?) community can metaphorically and literally save lives.

Arlene Naganawa

Reconciling Ministries Team

Yoshi Kuramoto, Arlene Naganawa, Lynne Onishi, Lawrence Paltep, Terri Pittman, Mariko Ronan, Jarrett Shirouzu, Jenna Tong, Dale Watanabe, Malia Yamamoto

The Reconciling Ministries Team invites all who are interested to join in our work! Visit rmnetwork.org for more information.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Apply Now! Blaine Educational Scholarships

Due May 17

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. Applications are due May 17. We are blessed to offer the following scholarships: the Vera Ing Scholarship, Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship, Yasuda Scholarship, William S. Yorozu Scholarship, and the Robert S. Sato Scholarship. Read more.

Blaine Cookbook needs your recipes!

Due May 31

Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church will release a 120th Anniversary Edition of “Let’s Dine!”, the latest in a series of cookbooks produced by Blaine Memorial over the past 70 years. This cookbook will commemorate the 120th Anniversary of Blaine Memorial, with a scheduled release of January 2024. We are seeking submissions for the 2024 cookbook and are calling on you to contribute! Read more.

This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out!

Please save the dates for your children and youth! Summer Camps & VBS 2023!

June 25-30
Jr/High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders) Jr. High Camp registration is open now! Please register your youth by May 31!
July 10-14
Vacation Bible School 10am-3pm VBS registration is open now! Visit the VBS 2023 page and bookmark it for updates!
July 23-28
Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade- 2 yrs. post-high school)

The Beacon newsletter is ready for viewing!

Printed versions are available in the office, sanctuary, and social hall!

Check out what’s happening at Blaine!

Learn More