Fueling new growth, change for future
By Lynne Onishi
Hello! As we journey through Lent and the Easter season, I wonder what kind of reflections you’re having about God, your spiritual life, and what it means to be a neighbor. I’m reminded of my time at the Farminary at Princeton Theological Seminary this past Fall. The seminary has its own farm, where students learn about ecology and theology. Our cohort toured the farm and listened as the director, Nathan Stucky, explained the origins of the Farminary and offered words of wonder and intrigue about what God might be communicating through the land.
Through storytelling, quiet reflection, finding peace in the beautiful natural surroundings, and the act of working the land (I was selected to harvest carrots!), I found myself surprised by all that God was telling me about life and death. What does the compost pile of my own life look like? What is dying or dead in my own life? And how might God take that very same material and transform it into fertilizer for new growth?
The Resurrection is a reminder that God springs forth renewal and new life from what we once thought was dead. But in a world full of so much death and destruction, I struggle to believe that message of hope at times. How can I have hope when Palestinian families are dying underneath rubble, and the world just watches? How will God bring justice, hope, and healing to people living under occupation or to people who have been trafficked and remain unsafe or to people living behind bars and separated from their families because they seek a better life in a new country? Lord, in your mercy… Hear our prayer.
It’s not hard to see why people of my generation maintain such a cynical view of our world. Death and despair are all around us. And we’ve simply never seen a world that tells a different story. But what if we could imagine a world that truly reflects the Kin-dom of God? What kind of waste from our world do we need to compost in order to fuel new growth and actual change for our present and our future? May this Easter be a reminder that God is not done transforming death into life.
Spring Reconciling Ministries Book Study
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.
The Innovation Hub and Reconciling Ministries Teams are always looking for new folks to join us. If you feel called to lend your voice to these important ministries, we invite you to join us at our next team zoom meeting. Please contact Lynne or any of the other team members for more information. Questions? Send an email.
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!
You can access past issues in our archive.
.
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!
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.
View the March-April 2024 Calendar
Stay connected with Blaine Memorial on Facebook!
