I Am Angry

By Anne Arakaki-Lock

As a United Methodist I am committed to our church’s mission to “helping people become devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” I value our focus of “loving God and serving our neighbors.” I am proud of our commitment to “actively pursue justice and solidarity with the marginalized and acting as a welcoming community.” (Read more about Blaine Memorial UMC’s Mission and Core Values)

From his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 61:1,2

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind to let the oppressed go free to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:16-19

With the state of the Union and the turmoil in our streets today, I feel that it is very important to claim our position as a Church, as a Body of Christ. I feel a justified anger towards the hate and violence being promoted by power-hungry “Christians” who are threatening the lives of my new, innocent baby grandchildren. I believe the religious hypocrites are not practicing the Gospel of the Jesus I know. 

“Then the King will say… For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger (an immigrant) and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you? The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers in my name, you did for me…’ Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)

Now, this is the Jesus whom I know.

Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC in Seattle.

Announcements

Dates to Remember

Scholarship recommendation letter reminder

It’s scholarship season! If you need a recommendation letter from Rev. Karen, please request it at least two weeks before the scholarship deadline.

Rev. Karen carries many responsibilities and often receives multiple requests for recommendation letters. Last-minute requests — especially those submitted the night before the deadline — can be very difficult to accommodate, as completing a letter depends on her current workload.

To ensure she has enough time to write thoughtful and effective recommendations, please plan ahead and submit your requests well in advance.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

The 2026 educational scholarships

Application Deadline: May 19, 2026

Since 1968, Blaine Memorial UMC has been honored to support students in their educational journeys. We encourage applicants of all ages — those entering new programs and those returning to continue their education.

Scholarships include:

• Vera Ing Scholarship
• Blaine Memorial UMC Scholarship
• Ted and Margaret Yasuda Scholarship
• Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship

Applications are available by emailing BlaineUMCScholarships@gmail.com or contacting the church office. Two letters of recommendation are required.

We look forward to supporting those eager to grow, learn and serve. Thank you to Michelle Vaughan, scholarship chair, for her leadership.

Hospitality request — chips and savory treats needed

Calling all snack lovers! We’re running low on chips and savory treats for Fellowship Time — there’s only one box left.

If you’re able, we would be grateful for donations of individually wrapped snack-size bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos or other savory favorites).

Please drop off your donations in the narthex, church office or social hall at your convenience — either on Sunday morning or during church office hours (Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM).

Thank you for your continued generosity in providing both sweet and savory treats for Fellowship Time. Your hospitality helps make our time together even more welcoming and joyful.

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