(Cover) Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata preaches during Blaine Memorial UMC’s 120th Anniversary Celebration. Bishop Bob pens this special message on the history of the LAC. (Video) View the history of the development of the Lee Activity Center with interviews, photos, and a retrospective on why this extended space to the community is sacred.
A Special Message from Bishop Bob
The Lee Activity Center Dream
By Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata, Retired
Special Video Presentation by Dale Kaneko
Photos by Blaine Memorial UMC
Retired Bishop Bob Hoshibata pens a letter to his former congregation reminiscing on the vision of the construction of our Patricia Chikamoto Lee Activity Center.
Looking back 25 years, I don’t remember exactly how the idea germinated for the building that has become the Patricia Chikamoto Lee Activity Center. Perhaps it was because the Blaine Memorial Nikkei Volleyball teams had no gym of their own in which to practice (the teams needed a lot of practice, if I recall!). Somehow, the idea was born for a gym where persons from the Church and community could come for fellowship and enjoy team play. Leaders of the church enthusiastically supported the idea. Planning began, the idea grew and developed, and the dream began to materialize.
For 25 years, the Lee Activity Center has been more than a “gym”. It’s a place for finding God, sharing meals, meeting community leaders, and more.
With the support of many people, the seed was planted and excitement and energy blossomed. So many people contributed in many ways – not only with financial support, but also with their prayers and encouragement. Soon, we were envisioning not only building a “gym,” but creating a place with the potential for much more than volleyball or basketball games on a court. It was an exercise in faith: how to turn a humble dream into a magnificent reality which would become what it is today: a space for growing, laughing and working together, a place of outreach in the name of Christ, where all persons are welcomed to celebrate together, to worship and hear the Word preached, to lean on each other for comfort, to rejoice in celebration, to break bread together, to excite and energize the community to social action.
Over the years, the Lee Activity Center has served as a worship hub, gathering many in the community for worship, political discussions, and more.
Dreaming was the easy part. Designing the activity center was the exciting part. Raising funds was perhaps the most challenging part. But dreaming, designing, and donating all became part of the joy of seeing a dream become reality; of discovering the power of community, connecting, and sharing together.
Now, 25 years later, we give thanks for all who had a part in bringing the dream to reality. We are grateful for those who now continue to make the Patricia Chikamoto Lee Activity Center a sacred space where relationships are built as part of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church’s legacy and gift to God and the community.
The dream lives on in you! Thanks be to God!
Blessings,
Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata (Retired)
Blaine Memorial UMC celebrated 25 years of the LAC with a curry chicken lunch.
BMUMC Announcements
Dates to Remember
| Thursday, December 25, 2025 – Monday, January 5, 2026 • OFFICE CLOSED | |||
| Friday, December 27-31, 2025 • Christmas Institute 2025 “Balikbayan” at Lake Retreat Camp | |||
| Wednesday, December 31, 2025 • New Year’s Eve | |||
| Thursday, January 1, 2026 • New Year’s Day | |||
| Sunday, January 4, 2026 • New Year’s Ozoni Soup Meal |
Sunday January 4, 2026: New Year’s Ozoni Soup Meal after Worship!
Ozoni mochi soup will be joyfully prepared and served following worship on Sunday, January 4. The Blaine Memorial Choir will host us in the customary making and serving of this traditional New Year’s rice-cake soup. Each bowl of ozoni comes with the Choir’s heartfelt wishes for a blessed and joyful New Year in 2026. Please join us after worship as we celebrate the New Year together in fellowship and gratitude. Happy New Year from the Blaine Memorial Choir!
Wednesday, January 14, 2026: Wednesday Prayer & Coffee Update
Wednesday Prayer and Coffee will be taking two Wednesdays off. Please join Rev. Karen as we resume our time together on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM on Zoom.
Our time together includes brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. It’s a wonderful way to start your morning —clearing and centering your mind while connecting with God and your prayer community. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee or tea, and a bite to eat.
We hope to see you on Wednesday, January 14, 2026!
Holiday Office Closure from December 25, 2025 – January 5, 2026
The Blaine Memorial UMC Office will be celebrating Christmas and Japanese New Year at the end of this month, which will alter our regular business hours. The Church Office will be closed from Thursday, December 25, 2025-January 5, 2026. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Our regular hours are 10AM to 4PM — Tuesday through Friday.
New P.O. Box Address for Blaine Memorial UMC (Paper) Mail!
We have a new mailing address! Blaine Memorial UMC would like to direct all new mail to the following address:
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 24065
Seattle, WA 98124
Blaine Memorial’s mailing address has changed to a P.O. Box for improved security. Please save this address! Please send your mail and future giving to this address. All new mail that you receive will have the P.O. Box as Blaine Memorial UMC’s new return address.
The Beacon is Now Available!
