Weekly Calendar

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost  Comments Off on Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost 

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost 

Posted by on Nov 5, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Miscellaneous, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

  • All Saints Sunday 
  • November 5, 2023,
  • 10am • Hybrid Worship
  • Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin

Order of Worship 

Prelude 
Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether 
(Music: Harold Friedell, Words: Percy Dearmer)
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Opening Hymn 
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
(UMH #110, verses 1,2) 
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Call to Worship 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
*Hymn 
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
(UMH #110, v.3-4) 
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
First Scripture Reading 
Matthew 23:1-12 (CEB, JLB)
Kaylee Yokoyama and Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park 
The children are dismissed to the Ed. Wing.
Special Music 
They Shall Soar Like Eagles 
Words and Music by Laura Manzo
Eugene and Kathy Onishi, Leann Onishi, Lisa Hirayama, and Miriam Tong 
Prayers of the People 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Second Scripture Reading 
Matthew 6:20-31 (CEB, JLB)
Kaylee Yokoyama and Tsutomu Nagoya
Third Scripture Reading 
Hebrews 11:1-2 (NRSVUE)
Kaylee Yokoyama and Tsutomu Nagoya
Sermon
Gratitude for Our Saints 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Sermon
Gratitude for Our Saints 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Response 
For All the Saints
(UMH #711, verses 1, 2, 4, 6) 
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Holy Communion with The Reading of Our Saints 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Shig Nishida and Gail Nomura
Introduction to the Offering 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Doxology 
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Song 
Hymn of Promise (UMH #707) 
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Benediction 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude 
One God and Father of Us All
By P. Carlson, K. Matthews, J. Carraway 
Kathy Onishi
Zoom Breakout Room 
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn

Reading of Our Saints on All Saints Day

From November 1, 2022 – October 31, 2023

Arthur Yorozu, September 26, 2022
Minoru Uchimura, October 19, 2022 
Atsu Sato, November 7, 2022
Tak Chikamura, November 17, 2022 
Kiyo Toda, November 26, 2022
Kevin Graham, February 10, 2023
George Kaminishi, February 14, 2023
Masa Hirano, February 25, 2023
Christine Yada, March 10, 2023
Bob Watanabe, March 14, 2023
Mary Maniwa, April 2023
Miyeko Mochizuki, April 9, 2023
June Sato, June 15, 2023
Connie Kobata, July 11, 2023
Shizue Watanabe, July 13, 2023
Tami Mitsui, July 13, 2023
Satoshi Yamamoto, July 17, 2023
Akemi Sanaye Kurushima, August 1, 2023

Sermon Questions

1. What saint in your life has had the greatest influence on your faith? 

2. It is common to think about “saints” as holier-than-thou and as the rare few. By virtue of our baptism, we are all called toward being saints. Do you think of yourself as called to be a saint? Why or why not? What difference would it make if you thought of yourself as a saint? 

3. What does it mean to be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, November 6, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 128; Joshua 4:1-24; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
Complementary: Psalm 5; Jeremiah 5:18-31; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
Tuesday, November 7, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 128; Joshua 6:1-16, 20; Acts 13:1-12
Complementary: Psalm 5; Lamentations 2:13-17; Acts 13:1-12
Wednesday, November 8, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 128; Joshua 10:12-14; Matthew 15:1-9
Complementary: Psalm 5; Proverbs 16:21-33; Matthew 15:1-9
Thursday, November 9, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78:1-7; Joshua 5:10-12; Revelation 8:6-9:12
Complementary: Psalm 70; Amos 1:1-2:5; Revelation 8:6-9:12
Friday, November 10, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78:1-7; Joshua 8:30-35; Revelation 9:13-21
Complementary: Psalm 70; Amos 3:1-12; Revelation 9:13-21
Saturday, November 11, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78:1-7; Joshua 20:1-9; Matthew 24:1-14
Complementary: Psalm 70; Amos 4:6-13; Matthew 24:1-14


Announcements

All Saints Sunday • Today

On All Saints Day, United Methodists publicly remember and honor our loved ones who have passed away. We will say the names of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church members who passed away from November 1, 2022 – October 31, 2023 and a bell will be rung to remember them.

Please bring pictures of your loved ones (relatives, friends, animal companions) to honor and celebrate their memory and your time with them. You are welcome to bring photos, artwork, trinkets, tokens, prose, and poetry to place on the altar in remembrance of your dearly departed. Please bring items that you feel comfortable leaving on the altar as we will remember our departed ones at our All Saints Worship Service.

Poinsettias on the Altar • Order now through December 17, 2023

Advent season is here and it is time to sign up for poinsettias for the altar. You may dedicate a poinsettia in celebration of a person or an event, in memory of a loved one or to honor God’s glory. Poinsettias may be taken home after our Christmas Eve services. Each plant is $12.00. The deadline for Poinsettia Orders will be Sunday, December 17, 2023.

Download the order form here.

College Application Zoom Meeting • Saturday, Nov. 11, 7pm

College application season is upon us so if you are a parent of a current college applicant, a parent of a prospective applicant or someone with questions about the process, please join us for a panel discussion! All are welcome to join our Zoom meeting on Saturday, November 11th at 7pm PST. 

Our panel of parents and college students will be available to answer all your questions. We will begin with a brief presentation on a few key topics and then open the floor to questions. There are no trivial concerns so please bring all your questions, big or small. 

If you plan on attending the event or just want to send in a question, scan the QR code and fill out the form! E-mail any concerns about the event itself, here. Absolutely everyone is welcome so if you know anyone who would benefit from this discussion, feel free to invite them to our event. We hope to see you all there!

Check out the RSVP and Question Submission

Choir openings are available! Contact Eugene Onishi for more info!

Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7pm, Sun. at 9am, 11:45am

Join us as we bring musical messages to the Blaine family each week. If you sing, or if you would like to learn to sing, please come join! Whether you sing in public or just in the shower or are available “full-time” or “part-time,” all are welcome! Contact Eugene Onishi.

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Nov. 8 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 September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us!

For more information, contact the church office for details!

All-Church Conference Meeting • Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7pm

This year’s All-Church Conference will be on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm. This gathering holds great significance for our faith community as we come together to celebrate our ministries in 2023. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Derek Nakano will preside over the meeting. All are invited to hear about the state of our church and other important updates. More details to come!

Thanksgiving Meal Work Party • Sunday, Nov. 19 & Monday, Nov. 20

BYG is once again partnering with Kimball Elementary School to provide Thanksgiving meals for food-insecure families. We’ll gather on Sunday, November 19, after worship to prepare apple crisps together in the LAC kitchen. Additionally, on Monday evening at 6pm in the LAC kitchen, we’ll make mashed potatoes and bake apple crisps (a light dinner will be provided). We plan to deliver the meals to Kimball Elementary School on Tuesday, the 21st, in the morning. Please contact BYG Directors or Terri Adolfo for more details.


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Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost Comments Off on Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by on Oct 29, 2023 in Archives, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

  • Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
  • October 29, 2023, 10:00am
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin
  • Thank you to Miriam Tong for today’s beautiful flower arrangement! 

Order of Worship

Prelude
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Song
Open the Eyes of My Heart
(Paul Baloche)

Blaine Memorial Praise Band
Opening Prayer
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading
Matthew 22:34-46 (NRSVUE, JLB)
Kai Yamamoto and Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music
One Song
(By Pepper Choplin)

Blaine Memorial Choir
Prayers of the People
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Second Scripture Reading
Luke 10:25-37 (CEB, JLB)
Donna Sekijima and Tsutomu Nagoya
Message
This is Me
M.I.L.E – E: Elimination of Racism

Dale Watanabe
Hymn of Reflection
We Are Called (TFWS #2172)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn
You Are Holy
(By Marc Imboden and Tammi Rhoton)

Blaine Memorial Praise Band
*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
We Are Called
(By David Haas)

Kathy Onishi

Sermon Questions

1. How have you supported someone in your family or community that was on the margins? 

2. How many different identities do you hold? 

3. What more can our church do to support those at the margins? 

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, October 30, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48;  Numbers 33:38-39; James 2:8-13
Complementary: Psalm 119:41-48; Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 20-25; James 2:8-13
Tuesday, October 31, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48; Exodus 34:29-35; James 2:14-26
Complementary: Psalm 119:41-48; Deuteronomy 10:10-22; James 2:14-26
Wednesday, November 1, 2023: All Saints Day
Thursday, November 2, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 1:1-11; Romans 2:17-29
Complementary: Psalm 43; 1 Samuel 2:27-36; Romans 2:17-29
Friday, November 3, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:1-14; 2 Peter 2:1-3
Complementary: Psalm 43; Ezekiel 13:1-16; 2 Peter 2:1-3
Saturday, November 4, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:15-24; Matthew 23:13-28
Complementary: Psalm 43; Malachi 1:6-2:9; Matthew 23:13-28


Announcements

Choir openings are available! Contact Eugene Onishi for more info!

Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7pm, Sun. at 9am, 11:45am

Join us as we bring musical messages to the Blaine family each week. If you sing, or if you would like to learn to sing, please come join! Whether you sing in public or just in the shower or are available “full-time” or “part-time,” all are welcome! Contact Eugene Onishi.

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Nov. 1 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 September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us!

For more information, contact the church office for details!

All Saints Sunday • Sunday, Nov. 5

On All Saints Day, United Methodists publicly remember and honor our loved ones who have passed away. We will say the names of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church members who passed away from November 1, 2022 – October 31, 2023 and a bell will be rung to remember them.

Please bring pictures of your loved ones (relatives, friends, animal companions) to honor and celebrate their memory and your time with them. You are welcome to bring photos, artwork, trinkets, tokens, prose, and poetry to place on the altar in remembrance of your dearly departed. Please bring items that you feel comfortable leaving on the altar as we will remember our departed ones at our All Saints Worship Service.

Reconciling Ministries Vote

Important Dates
Oct. 29-Nov. 4
• Return Mail-In Ballots
Nov. 5
• In-Person Voting

“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.” 

Register and vote in person at church, Nov. 5. 

Mail ballots to the church office or return them in-person between Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 (mail needs to be received by Nov. 4). Ballots will be counted after worship on Sunday, Nov. 5. 

Scan the QR code for the online registration form or sign up in-person on Sundays. Find our form in the office or social hall!

All-Church Conference Meeting • Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7pm

This year’s All-Church Conference will be on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm. This gathering holds great significance for our faith community as we come together to celebrate our ministries in 2023. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Derek Nakano will preside over the meeting. All are invited to hear about the state of our church and other important updates. More details to come!

Thanksgiving Meal Work Party • Sunday, Nov. 19 & Monday, Nov. 20

BYG is once again partnering with Kimball Elementary School to provide Thanksgiving meals for food-insecure families. We’ll gather on Sunday, November 19, after worship to prepare apple crisps together in the LAC kitchen. Additionally, on Monday evening at 6pm in the LAC kitchen, we’ll make mashed potatoes and bake apple crisps (a light dinner will be provided). We plan to deliver the meals to Kimball Elementary School on Tuesday, the 21st, in the morning. Please contact BYG Directors or Terri Adolfo for more details.


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October/November Calendar

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Spiritual Formation Center Comments Off on Spiritual Formation Center

Spiritual Formation Center

Posted by on Oct 24, 2023 in Prayer, Service Opportunities, Spiritual Formation, Weekly Calendar

Lahaina, Hawaii (Aug. 16, 2023) – Wildfire damage in Lahaina. Remains of the U.S. Seamen’s Hospital (U.S. Marine Hospital), 1024 Front Street, Lahaina, Hawaii, first built 1833, in Lahaina Historic District, National Register of Historic Places. Photo courtesy of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Dominick Del Vecchio

Our Bazaar: “Sowing Generously” for Maui

By Anne Arakaki-Lock

As I write, my heart aches for my fellow Hawaiians who have lost family, homes, jobs, and maybe even hope due to recent wildfires. I cry for their pain. Then I think about all the willing people, members as well as friends of Blaine – who with no second thoughts – want to help at our upcoming Bazaar coming up on October 7. 

God will provide the resources we are to use for His work – the “seeds” that we will cultivate to produce the “crops” to send to Maui through UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). Bringing Lahaina back is daunting, but we know that our Almighty God is big and does miracles. 

On August 8, the island of Maui experienced a major wildfire disaster fueled by windy and dry conditions. As of the time of writing, much of the community of Lahaina was considered destroyed and 97 fatalities had been discovered. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Hawai’i Pacific District 14.

We are to just give of ourselves generously and give thanks to Him. God will bless and do the rest. The generosity of our community, the use of resources that God has given us to do his work are plentiful. We know that it must be put to good use. Lord, I pray that the generous spirit of our people will reap a harvest so bountiful for our brothers and sisters in Maui, so they can find new life. May we always serve you with a generous heart so others will see your light.  

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God,” -2 Corinthians 10-11.

Burned out cars and the remains of buildings are seen in Lahaina town in this image captured Wednesday by U.S. Civil Air Patrol. View is on 900 block of Front Street, looking Northwest. Photo courtesy of US Civil Air Patrol.

Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Blaine UMC’s Congregational Care team.


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Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection Comments Off on Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection

Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection

Posted by on Oct 24, 2023 in Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Weekly Calendar

Rev. Mia and her family celebrated ChuSeok (Korean Thanksgiving) while watching a traditional Korean dance performance at McCaw Hall.

A Reflection on Rainy Days

By the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Coolness brings the refreshing essence of the season, with the changing colors of the leaves serving as a vivid reminder that we are truly in the midst of fall. The arrival of the rain deepens the season and stirs my emotions.

I have always had a deep affection for rain. During my childhood, rainy days held a special place in my heart. These were the days when my parents would finish their work in the fields earlier than usual and return home. I eagerly anticipated the delightful homemade snacks that my mother would prepare. She would be at home before my siblings and I returned from school. My excitement would escalate as the last school bell rang.

One memory that stands out is when my father surprised me by visiting my elementary school. That morning, I had forgotten to carry an umbrella in my backpack, even though rain was expected. My dad reminded me to take the umbrella, but I forgot. I distinctly remember sitting in class, gazing out of the window, and spotting my dad making his way towards my classroom, passing by the playground. (Back then, parents could visit their children’s classrooms without going through the administration office.) He returned home early, saw my umbrella sitting by the shoe rack, and didn’t bother to bring it to me.

Sometimes, I wondered if my parents truly loved us. They didn’t always express their love in words, but moments like my mother making homemade snacks even when she was tired and my father’s unspoken gesture with the umbrella were testaments to their deep and unspoken love. These are the moments that anchored my heart with the love and care of my parents.

However, after experiencing two dreadful floods that affected my parents and learning about the challenges faced by the homeless during bad weather, I began to struggle with my emotions on rainy days. It is heartbreaking to know that many people are not sheltered during challenging weather days.

I find myself caught between loving memories of my childhood and the heartache of reality. I become vulnerable once again. Such struggles never truly cease, I know. I will continue to grapple with them as I practice loving God and loving my neighbors as I love myself. Right before our children started school, all four of us fell ill one by one. I was the last to get sick, so I took care of the rest of the family. However, when I wasn’t feeling well, it was a significant struggle to look after everyone else.

What does God want me to do? What is the best way to love God and my neighbors as I love myself? I understand that it’s not just my challenges but everyone’s.

For the October Bible memorization in the Church School, we’ll be memorizing Matthew 22:37-39: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

These words guide us on our journey to love and care for one another. Love is mysterious, and it only grows when we share it, but it will decrease if we don’t share. As we navigate the changing seasons and the seasons of life, let us remember God’s love and compassion for each and every one and God’s blessing upon us as a gateway of heavenly blessings through us. 

Our children, youth, and their parents at Blaine Memorial seem to be settling into their new schedules, and it’s a joy to hear about their weekly activities, which will strengthen them physically and intellectually. Our Church School and BYG are in full swing with lessons and activities that will help our children and youth grow spiritually. I am grateful to our Church School teachers and BYG Directors and Leaders for their dedicated work. A huge thanks to them and to you all for sharing your love whenever you can! Have a great October!

The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park serves as the Associate Pastor of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church.


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Innovation Hub Update Comments Off on Innovation Hub Update

Innovation Hub Update

Posted by on Oct 24, 2023 in Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Innovation Hub, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Weekly Calendar

Blaine young adults hiking up to Lake 22 near Granite Falls on a beautiful September day!

Upcoming Vote on Nov. 5 to determine affiliation with Reconciling Ministries Network

By Lynne Onishi, photos by Kai Yamamoto

Important! Register now for our upcoming vote! Make your voice heard!

Innovation Hub Events

Fall is here! We have been enjoying the last moments of sunshine and warmth before Winter arrives. Last September, we hosted a family film night in the social hall. We watched a lively animated musical and enjoyed plenty of food and snacks! The young adults also hiked up to Lake Twenty-Two, where we enjoyed spectacular views and plenty of sunshine! Many of our young adults also joined the BYG leaders retreat at Mercer Island UMC. 

The Innovation Hub hosted a family movie night in September! We gathered for food, fellowship, and a movie screening. Our film nights are opportunities for people of all ages to gather and enjoy meaningful, inspirational, or thought-provoking movies.

Important! Reconciling Ministries Upcoming Vote

Since June 2022, the Reconciling Ministries Team has been leading the congregation in study and discernment about what it means to be an open and affirming church. One of the most important ways we can align ourselves with justice and reconciliation is to affiliate with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), an organization of United Methodist congregations committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in The United Methodist Church. After over a year of questioning, learning, and discussing, it’s time to take our vote – will we join the Network? 

Affiliation with RMN requires that at least 75% of our congregation votes to adopt a Reconciling statement. We will be voting on this statement of reconciliation on Sunday, November 5:

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.

Just like voting in your local elections, we will require that congregation members REGISTER TO VOTE! We will provide paper mail-in style ballots for all who register to vote. We chose this method for security and simple record-keeping reasons. If you have questions, please contact us!

Congregants were invited to register in-person or online by Sunday, October 22. If you are planning to attend church on November 5, you may register and vote in person on that date. 

Ballots will be distributed the week of October 23-27. You may mail them to the church office or return them in-person between October 29 and November 5 (mail needs to be received by November 4). Ballots will be counted after worship on Sunday, November 5.

Click the link for the online registration form or sign up in-person on Sundays. Find our form in the office or social hall! 

The IH team and RM Task Force 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.


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BYG Update Comments Off on BYG Update

BYG Update

Posted by on Oct 24, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Weekly Calendar

Kobe and Tyler are assembling an amazing Suno dog during taste-testing before Bazaar.

BYG Suno Dogs support Maui relief!

By Kaylee Yokoyama, photos by Kai Yamamoto

It’s already Fall! Blaine Youth Group has begun a brand new school year. The youth are meeting on Sundays in the Nishida Room. We are excited for a fresh start to youth ministries. This past month was filled with tons of exciting and fun events. 

One of those events being the long-awaited Blaine Bazaar! BYG featured a Youth Booth where youth served delicious suno dogs and sodas. Youth plan to work diligently through their various roles in serving suno dogs, sodas, and collecting cash/donations to support Maui disaster recovery via the United Methodist Committee on Relief. In preparation for the Bazaar, BYG held a Suno Dog/Youth Booth training night, where youth learned all the essential roles to run the Youth Booth. Youth were taught proper food safety, how to assemble suno dogs, provide excellent customer service, and how to best run the Youth Booth through their various roles. Afterwards, the youth were rewarded with also being able to get a taste of the famous suno dogs for dinner. We are very excited for the return and appearance of the BYG Youth Booth iconic hot dog mascot during Bazaar! Thank you, Blaine Congregation, for continuing to support youth throughout various Blaine events! 

Justine and Zach preparing daikon for some delicious Suno dogs. We are so grateful that BYG stepped up and sold about 120 suno dogs at Bazaar, with proceeds helping those in need in Maui.

As this new school year begins, BYG is excited to welcome new youth. We are excited for the upcoming school year and have lots in store for BYG. Please make sure to keep a look out for upcoming BYG events, news, and announcements! Again, thanks to your continued support which has allowed the youth the opportunities to grow their faith and develop meaningful relationships.

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.

Contact Information:

Director of Youth Ministry: Lynne Onishi

Associate Directors of Youth Ministry: Kai Yamamoto and Kaylee Yokoyama


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