All are Welcome!
- Seventh Sunday of Easter
- May 17, 2026
- View the livestream
Video
Sermon Questions
- What in this prayer of Jesus gives us hope? What challenges us?
- What does Christian disunity look like? What does Christian unity look like?
- When, where, and how do you witness evidence of Christian unity?
- Jesus prays that his followers may be one with one another; do you have hope and trust in this prayer?
- What kinds of prayers—such as prayers of lament—could we pray as a community so that by breaking silences together with and for those who are suffering (especially in silence), we might embody the Christian unity Jesus prayed for us to live out today?
- Recently, UMC News shared a short documentary video regarding the history of our Central Jurisdiction as we journey toward the 2028 General Conference. Watch the video and share your reflections in light of Jesus’ prayer.
Order of Worship
| Prelude “Welcome” W&S #3152 David Ige |
| Welcome of Grace and Greeting Ron Nobuyama |
| *Call to Worship Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, October 2025 Arlene Mitsui |
| *Opening Hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” UMH #110 Eugene Onishi and David Ige |
| *Opening Prayer Arlene Mitsui |
| First Scripture Reading Revelation 21:1-6 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Arlene Mitsui |
| Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka Church School Superintendent |
| Special Music “Called Me Higher” Words and Music by Leslie Jordan Blaine Memorial Praise Band |
| Second Scripture Reading John 17:1-11 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Arlene Mitsui |
| Sermon Rev. Wongee Joh Guest Preacher |
| Hymn of Reflection “Lord, Be Glorified” TFWS #2150 Eugene Onishi and David Ige |
| Introduction to the Offering Arlene Mitsui |
| Offertory Music “Seek Ye First” UMH #405 David Ige |
| *Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94 Eugene Onishi and David Ige |
| *Prayer of Dedication Arlene Mitsui |
| Announcements Ron Nobuyama |
| *Closing Song “Thy Holy Wings, O Savior” UMH #502 Eugene Onishi and David Ige |
| *Benediction Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, October 2025 Rev. Wongee Joh |
| Postlude “How Majestic Is Your Name” TFWS #2023 David Ige |
| Altar Flowers TBD |
Daily Lectionary Readings*
| Sunday, May 17, 2026: Seventh Sunday of Easter Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11 |
| Monday, May 18, 2026: Psalm 99; Leviticus 9:1-11, 22-24; 1 Peter 4:1-6; |
| Tuesday, May 19, 2026: Psalm 99; Numbers 16:41-50; 1 Peter 4:7-11; |
| Wednesday, May 20, 2026: Psalm 99; 1 Kings 8:54-65; John 3:31-36; |
| Thursday, May 21, 2026: Psalm 33:12-22; Exodus 19:1-9a; Acts 2:1-11; |
| Friday, May 22, 2026: Psalm 33:12-22; Exodus 19:16-25; Romans 8:14-17; |
| Saturday, May 23, 2026: Psalm 33:12-22; Exodus 20:1-21; Matthew 5:1-12; |
*Daily Lectionary Readings are provided by Bible Gateway and Vanderbilt University.
Announcements
Dates to Remember
| Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC | |||
| Wednesdays • Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen | |||
| Tuesday, May 19 • 2026 Educational Scholarship Deadline | |||
| Monday, May 25, 10–11 a.m. • Nisei Veterans Committee and NVC Foundation Present: 81st Annual Memorial Day Service | |||
| Tuesday, May 26, 2026 • Church Office Closure for Memorial Day | |||
| July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala |
Read the latest issue of The Beacon!
Our monthly collection of ministry stories can be found in the Beacon. Happenings, Faith & Ministries, Visions, and Connections can be enjoyed through our PDF versions of the newsletter. If you would like to subscribe to a printed version, contact the Church Office for more information.
Nisei Veterans Committee and NVC Foundation Present: 81st Annual Memorial Day Service
Monday, May 25, 2026 | 10–11 a.m.
Location: Lake View Cemetery, 1554 15th Ave. E., Seattle, WA
Each year, Blaine Memorial participates in the NVC Memorial Day Service. This year, the Rev. Karen Yokota-Love will join the Rev. Lisa Ishihara, a UMC colleague and scholar, in offering the Christian reflection. Blaine Memorial UMC also will present a wreath.
The Nisei Veterans Committee has held a Memorial Day service every year since 1946 to honor Japanese American and other veterans who gave their lives in service to our country. Over the years, it has become one of the oldest and largest Memorial Day services in the Northwest, with several hundred people gathering at the Nisei War Memorial, a 22-foot granite obelisk inscribed with the sites of major campaigns of World War II in Europe and the Pacific, as well as the names of Japanese American service members killed in action during the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the invasion of Grenada. This year bears special significance as we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Most of the Nisei World War II veterans served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team/100th Battalion, the most highly decorated unit for its size and length of service in U.S. military history. Others served in the Military Intelligence Service, a unit credited by a member of Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s headquarters staff with shortening the war in the Pacific by two years. Many served in these segregated units while the U.S. government incarcerated their families in concentration camps behind barbed wire. Eighty years later, the Japanese American community and friends still gather to honor the Nisei veterans’ service and loyalty to the country as we strive to continue their legacy of courage and sacrifice. We also honor those who gave their lives in subsequent wars and conflicts around the globe.
The Memorial Day Service will begin with a presentation of colors by Seattle Buddhist Temple Boy Scout Troop 252, followed by prayers and meditations from Christian and Buddhist perspectives, a keynote address, and a presentation of floral wreaths by 15 community and veterans organizations in memory of our fallen heroes. The public is cordially invited to attend and pay their respects. May peace and justice prevail.
Church Office Closure for Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Please note that the church office will be closed Tuesday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Because the office is normally closed on Mondays, we will observe the holiday on Tuesday instead. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we remember and honor those who have served.
Wednesday Coffee and Prayer
Wednesdays | 9 a.m. | Zoom
Join Barbara Mulford and Dale Kaneko for a time of connection, a short devotional, and prayer. Bring a cup of coffee or tea and begin your day centered in Christ. The Zoom link will be sent Tuesday.
2026 Educational Scholarships
Application deadline: May 19, 2026
Since 1968, Blaine Memorial UMC has been honored to support students in their educational journeys. We welcome applicants of all ages — those entering new programs and those continuing their studies.
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. Two letters of recommendation are required.
We look forward to supporting those who are eager to grow, learn and serve.
Thank you to Michelle Vaughan, scholarship chair, for her leadership.
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC
Riverton Park UMC needs:
- Diapers (sizes 3 through 7)
- Diaper wipes
- Kitchen pots and pans
- Paper plates
- Toothpaste
- Long-grain rice
- Cooking oil
Blaine Memorial UMC collection hours: Items can be dropped off at the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call the church office at (206) 723-1536 before dropping off your items.