Haiku and Senryu poems highlight community’s meaning of Christmas and more!
By Shig Nishida, photos by Yuki Sofronas
The first Blaine Memorial haiku/senryu contest was a resounding success. There were 36 entries and they were all winners. Since there were only six prizes, a jury of their peers had the difficult task of picking six “winners”. Congratulations to Kim Akimoto, Neal Komedal, Barbara Nagaoka, Gail Nomura, Lesley Okura, and Mike Takahashi.
Each winner received a gift card that is worth $25. One was for a gourmet ice cream and the rest is for Starbucks.
Congratulations to the winners and be sure to enter another poem for the next contest!
BYG made and delivered spaghetti for Tent City 3. TC3 is located a block away from Blaine Memorial UMC.
BYG Ministry in ‘23 sets up impact for ‘24
By Kaylee Yokoyama
At this time of year we are all setting New Year resolutions by reflecting on the past year. As we reflect on BYG, this past year, BYG has engaged in various events and activities throughout 2023.
We started off the year by fundraising through candle making. This was a time where the youth came together and taught one another how to make a candle. Also, BYG was fortunate enough to establish a relationship with Tent City 3. Throughout the year, BYG served food to Tent City 3 on multiple occasions, especially during times of need. The youth were able to support Tent City 3 through making blankets during the winter. Additionally, BYG was able to bring back many popular events such as overnighters and serving Easter breakfast. This is a time for youth and leaders to gather and spend time reflecting and have fun!
BYG organized another Bake Sale to raise funds for Jr. High Camp and Asian Camp.
In the summer, we were able to send our youth to Junior High Camp and Asian Camp (a total of 15 youth!). Youth worked diligently to fund-raise for camping ministries through various activities. These included bake sales, candle making, and volunteering their time at receptions. Also during this time, our youth volunteered as leaders for VBS. It was amazing to see the youth grow from campers into stepping into these important leadership roles (WOW! Time flies!).
BYG had a White Elephant gift exchange at a BYG Christmas party overnighter. Everyone had a marvelous time!
As we transitioned into Autumn, we brought back the Youth Booth for Bazaar. Some of our younger youth, who have never experienced working in the Youth booth, learned how to make their first Suno Dog! Transitioning to November, we participated in the famous Thanksgiving service project. Our youth made mashed potatoes and apple crisps by hand, for a total of 24 Kimball families!
Finally, ending the year, our youth volunteered to participate in the various Christmas festivities at church. This included roles in the Christmas play and music ministries. Youth dedicated their time to showcase their performing talents for the congregation. We cannot thank the youth enough for all the talent they brought to us in the month of December.
BYG constructed the Twelve Days of Christmas signs to accompany the Blaine Ukulele Group of Seattle’s musical performance for Christmas Music Sunday. The beautiful art work is designed by Ally S.
We have done so much this year! BYG thanks you for your continued support. Without congregational support, BYG would not be able to do all we have done. We look forward to this upcoming year, where we can continually showcase our talents and remain involved in the church community!
Continue to check the church calendar and BYG weekly updates for events!
BYG meets on Sundays at 10:00 AM. We will gather in the Sanctuary for the beginning of worship service before transitioning over to the Nishida Room for BYG time after the children’s message. Blaine Youth Group (BYG) is a place where youth (6th-12th grade) are invited into a loving community and celebrated as they are.
BYG provides a safe environment for youth to build lasting friendships, grow spiritually, learn acceptance of self and others, express compassion for the world, and develop a love for God. BYG has a space for any person who is interested and all are welcome.
The Blaine Memorial Staff celebrates Christmas with a surprise visit from Santa Claus after the Children’s Play.
Happy New Year: Arise and Shine!
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Happy New Year, Beloved Community! Another year passed and a new year is in front of us. We concluded the Christmas season with the feast of Epiphany, a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Isaiah, often referred to as the “prophet of hope,” invites us to “Arise and Shine.” What an invitation and command to hear, especially, as we start a new year! Thank you, Blaine, for a wonderful Christmas season. It was lovely to celebrate the season together with our full-fledged ministries on fire!
Individually and collectively, we are called to arise and awaken spiritually from the slumber of complacency and the darkness of sin. We are called to open our eyes to God’s truth, God’s presence, and God’s guidance, lifting our eyes to see and experience the glory of the Lord.
Much like the wise people from the East, we are invited to follow the guiding light — moments of inspiration, encounters with wisdom, and signs of grace. Like the magi, we are invited on a spiritual journey, to offer our best talents, resources, time, and, most importantly, our hearts to God.
We are not who we were before the pandemic. We are not who we were even six months ago. To look to our past organization as a guide for the future would be a mistake; like putting new wine into old wineskins. Instead, as we continue the process of adaptive change as a community of faith, we become stronger, healthier, and better able to say “yes” to the life-giving ministries we are called to, and “no” to those things that suck the energy of the congregation without positive effect. Sometimes, these changes feel like they’re slower than molasses, and sometimes it feels as if they have been sprung upon us with no warning. As we look to a new year, we’ll continue to navigate new changes and new ministry offerings at Blaine Memorial.
The Young Adults gathered to have a Merry Swiftmas and celebrate Taylor Swift’s concert movie, “The Eras Tour”.
As we move into the new year, and feel the forward motion in our individual lives, I ask that you pray regularly and sincerely for the health and future of Blaine Memorial UMC. Pray for our Leadership Team. Pray for the new people finding their way into this congregation. Pray for the staff. Pray for me. Pray with joy and with concern. This is a beautiful and vigorous congregation, and I am absolutely inspired about our life together moving forward in 2024! It’s not always easy, but it is indeed always good. Just like God is always creating something new, so we, too, are renewed. Thanks be to God!
Friday, February 2 Presentation of the Lord Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 84 or Psalm 24:7-10; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40; Psalm 147: 1-11, 20c; Job 36:1-23; 1 Corinthians 9:1-16
Saturday February 3 Psalm 147: 1-11, 20c; Isaiah 46:1-13; Matthew 12: 9-14
Announcements
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • January 31 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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
RM Book Study Kickoff – Sunday, February 4
This Spring, the Reconciling Team invites you to participate in a new Book Study Group! We’ll read and discuss Outside the Lines by author and Pastor Mihee Kim-Kort. Learn more at our kickoff meeting on Sunday, February 4 after worship service. If you would like to participate in the study but cannot make it to the kickoff meeting, please let us know. Contact Lynne Onishi with questions: lynneonishi@gmail.com
Last year at the Day of Remembrance Part II, members of Blaine Memorial UMC caravaned to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Wash. The solidarity with the Japanese American community and those who are in the NWDC link the past and present injustices, drew attention to worsening conditions inside NWDC. Photo by Ryan Kozu.
Day of Remembrance 2024 “Remember & Resist”
Sunday, February 18, 1:00 – 3:30 pm (One event at TWO sites)
Washington State Fairgrounds’ Agriplex 5th St SW, Puyallup, WA 98371 1:00 – 1:45pm
Northwest Detention Center 1623 E J Street, Tacoma, WA 98421 2:30 – 3:30 pm
February 19, 2024 will mark 82 years since the signing of Executive Order 9066, ordering the forced removal and mass incarceration of Japanese Americans on the West Coast. Most Japanese Americans in the Seattle area spent their first few months in detention at the Puyallup Assembly Center, ironically nicknamed “Camp Harmony.” It’s now the site of the State fairgrounds.
The trauma of family separation, child imprisonment, poor sanitation, bad food, inadequate health care, and uncertain futures CONTINUES today at Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, just a 20 minute drive from Puyallup. NWDC is a private prison with capacity to hold 1500 immigrants, but Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) is secretive and never disclose how many are incarcerated or who they are. We know most are from Mexico, Central & South America, Southeast Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East who seek asylum and opportunity in the US.
Conditions inside are horrific; detainees often hold long hunger strikes demanding humane treatment and their legal rights. There were 7 last year and another in January. This private for profit prison in our state must shut down.
Join us to hear from incarceration survivors at both Puyallup and Tacoma – Japanese American camp survivors and people recently detained at NWDC. There will be Taiko! When we raise the roof with drums and voices, those held inside know they are not forgotten.
Please come to both parts of this important event – we will remember our past AND speak out for the rights of others.
Organized by Tsuru for Solidarity, La Resistencia, Puyallup and Seattle chapters of the JACL, Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee, and Densho. For more information, media inquiries, and to find out about volunteer opportunities email info@seattlejacl.org.
Sukiyaki Dinner Returns!
Saturday, March 2, 2024 • Blaine Memorial UMC
More information to come!
Afghanistan and Ukranian Refugee Donation Ministry
At this time, needed items include women’s products, toothpaste, personal care items, rice cookers, blenders, mixing bowls, microwave ovens, toasters, mixers, irons, dish sets, towels, and blankets. No to clothes or toys.
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.
South King County Response Center Collection Volunteer Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00AM-2:00PM, 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. Other Questions? Please contact Donna Sekijima at: donnasek@outlook.com and/or Anne Arakaki-Lock at: salock@comcast.net.
Scripture Reading Matthew 2:1-12 (CEB, JLB) Stephen Sumida & Tsutomu Nagoya
Poem Journey of the Magi By T.S. Eliot Stephen Sumida
Sermon Revealed on the Journey Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection We Three Kings UMH #254 (Verses 1-4) Kathy Onishi
Holy Communion Rev. Karen Yokota Love Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Holy Communion Music Star Child By Onishi, Tsuki, Taki, Yamada Leann Onishi & Mako Willett
Introduction tothe Offering Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Offertory Music Amazing Grace Leann Onishi & Mako Willett
Doxology UMH #94 Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements Rev. Karen and Friends
*Closing Hymn Joy to the World UMH #246 (Verses 1-4) Kathy Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Postlude Hamachiduri Traditional Okinawan Song Leann Onishi & Mako Willett
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Sermon Questions
1. Describe a recent epiphany that you’ve had or an Aha moment. How did that change you?
2. What are the barriers to faith and following Jesus that you must contend with in your life right now (ex: doubt, negative church experiences, etc.)? What are some the current faith struggles that you are dealing with?
3. How is the Christian life exemplified in the magi (seeking Jesus, worshiping Jesus, offering our gifts to Jesus)?
4. How might you better live as a Christian this coming year? How can this group help?
Daily Lectionary Readings
Sunday, January 7, 2024: Baptism of the Lord Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11
Saturday, January 13, 2024: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; 1 Samuel 2:21-25; Matthew 25:1-13
Announcements
Ozoni • Today, after service
Ozoni is returning to Blaine! Welcome back to eating ozoni mochi soup after the church worship service, today.
The Blaine Memorial Choir is resuming the customary making and serving of the New Year’s rice-cake ozoni, after three years of missing this celebration because of the pandemic. The Choir is happy to serve you best wishes for the new year of 2024 in every bowl of ozoni!
De-greening, removing the Christmas decorations • Today, after lunch
The Worship Committee is needing your help and calling all Blaine Memorial members! We need help on Sunday (1/7) to remove the Christmas decorations in the Sanctuary! We’ll also need help removing all the swag around the church campus. Immediately after the Ozoni soup lunch, please stick around to help take down the decorations. If we have more helping hands, the de-greening will go faster! We thank you in advance!
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • January 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?” 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!
A beautiful landscape view of green plants on hills and Volcan de Fuego mountains on the horizon in Antigua, Guatemala
Guatemala Mission Trip Info Meeting • January 21, 2024
Are you interested in going on a mission trip this coming August? Do you have a desire to serve others in an underdeveloped country? Are you not sure about going, but want to learn more?
Blaine will again partner with Mission Guatemala and send a mission team to San Andrés Semetebaj, Guatemala. Please join us for a short informational meeting Sunday, January 21 in the Webb Room at 12:00. If you have any questions, please contact Bob or Donna Sekijima at b_d_sekijima@comcast.net.
Blaine Memorial UMC’s 120th Anniversary • Sunday, January 28, 2024
It is such a great joy to celebrate Blaine Memorial UMC’s 120th Anniversary! We’ll honor our church members and friends who have or will have reached by the end of January, the glorious age of 88 and older by reading their names aloud during worship.
What’s a better way than to show our appreciation to our 88+ year old church members than having a ’Blaine’ potluck? We are asking folks to contribute! (If you are single, please feel free to bring just one of the items. If you are 88+ years old, you do not need to bring a dish. This celebration is for you!):
A-H: Main dish/dessert
I-S: Main dish/salad
T-Z: Main dish/rice
We hope that you can join us on to joyfully celebrate our 88+ year old church members and loved ones!
Special thanks to Glenn Mitsui for this year’s spectacular design!
Sukiyaki Dinner Returns!
Saturday, March 2, 2024 • Blaine Memorial UMC
More information to come!
Afghanistan and Ukranian Refugee Donation Ministry
At this time, needed items include women’s products, toothpaste, personal care items, rice cookers, blenders, mixing bowls, microwave ovens, toasters, mixers, irons, dish sets, towels, and blankets. No to clothes or toys.
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.
South King County Response Center Collection Volunteer Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00AM-2:00PM, 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. Other Questions? Please contact Donna Sekijima at: donnasek@outlook.com and/or Anne Arakaki-Lock at: salock@comcast.net.
Prelude Sing We Now of Christmas By Martin Shaw Kathy Onishi
Words ofGrace and Greeting Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Call to Worship David Yorozu
*Opening Hymn Angels fromthe Realms of Glory UMH #220 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer David Yorozu
Scripture Reading Luke 2:22-40 (NRSVUE, JLB) Michelle Yokoyama and Tsutomu Nagoya
Messagefor the Children Sai Hanaoka
Special Music Carols Around(And a Round) By Carl J. Nygard, Jr. Blaine Memorial Choir
Sermon God’s Timing Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Music of Reflection Joy to the World(Unspeakable Joy) By Watts, Handel, Tomlin, Cash, and Gilder Blaine Memorial Worship Band
Offertory Invitation David Yorozu
Doxology Praise God fromWhom All Blessings Flow UMH #94 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication David Yorozu
Prayer of Dedication David Yorozu
Announcements Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Closing Hymn There is Song in the Air UMH #249 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Benediction Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude Once in Royal David’s City By Gauntlett
Angels We Have Heard on High By Barnes, Lovelace
Kathy Onishi
*Passing of the Peace Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Sermon Questions
1. Simeon and Anna spent much of their lives in anticipation of the Messiah. How can we cultivate patience and trust in God’s timing in our own lives? What lessons can we draw from their waiting period?
2. In verses 25-32, the Holy Spirit played a crucial role in Simeon’s life. How can we be more attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives?
Daily Lectionary Readings
Sunday, December 31, 2023: First Sunday afterChristmas Day Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 14, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40
Monday, January 1, 2024: Holy Name of Jesus Numbers 6:22-27, Psalm 8, Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 2:15-21
Monday, January 1, 2024: New Year’s Day Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Psalm 8, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46
Tuesday, January 2, 2024: Psalm 148; Proverbs 1:1-7; James 3:13-18
Wednesday, January 3, 2024: Psalm 110; Proverbs 1:20-33; James 4:1-10
Thursday, January 4, 2024: Psalm 110; Proverbs 3:1-12; James 4:11-17
Friday, January 5, 2024: Psalm 110; Proverbs 22:1-9; Luke 6:27-31
Saturday, January 6, 2024: Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12
Announcements
Holiday Office and Campus Closure
The Blaine Memorial UMC Church Office and the ENTIRE CAMPUS will be CLOSED from January 1-2, 2024.
The Church Office and Campus will open on Wednesday, January 3, 2024; all groups may resume activities at this time. We wish you a very Happy New Year!
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • January 3 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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Ozoni • January 7, after service
Ozoni is returning to Blaine! Welcome back to eating ozoni mochi soup after the church worship service on January 7.
The Blaine Memorial Choir is resuming the customary making and serving of the New Year’s rice-cake ozoni, after three years of missing this celebration because of the pandemic. The Choir is happy to serve you best wishes for the new year of 2024 in every bowl of ozoni!
A beautiful landscape view of green plants on hills and Volcan de Fuego mountains on the horizon in Antigua, Guatemala
Guatemala Mission Trip Info Meeting • January 21, 2024
Are you interested in going on a mission trip this coming August? Do you have a desire to serve others in an underdeveloped country? Are you not sure about going, but want to learn more?
Blaine will again partner with Mission Guatemala and send a mission team to San Andrés Semetebaj, Guatemala. Please join us for a short informational meeting Sunday, January 21 in the Webb Room at 12:00. If you have any questions, please contact Bob or Donna Sekijima at b_d_sekijima@comcast.net.
Blaine Memorial UMC’s 120th Anniversary • Sunday, January 28, 2024
Be there…and bring your family and friends! More details to come!
Special thanks to Glenn Mitsui for this year’s spectacular design!
