Gail Nomura (center) invites University of Washington exchange students to help at Sukiyaki, and Rev. Karen is delighted.
Annual Sukiyaki raises $30k supporting PNW disaster fund
By Lesley Okura and the Sukiyaki Committee 2026, photos by the Rev. Karen Yokota Love
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)
These words above from the Bible reflect our message to you all. On March 7, 2026 we celebrated the coming of spring with our Annual Sukiyaki Dinner. We challenged the congregation to help meet our ambitious goal of raising $30,000 to benefit the Pacific Northwest Conference Disaster Fund. A portion of the proceeds is earmarked to provide assistance and relief to evacuees and survivors of the winter 2025 flooding in Washington state. The challenge was met, and our gross total reached slightly more than $30,000. What a joyous occasion!
As a congregation, we know this important event cannot be done alone. We are a community. Each year, we are supported by many volunteers who assist with chopping, cooking, packaging and preparing delicious food. Our volunteer count reaches into the hundreds, with many individuals serving on multiple committees. We were also grateful for volunteer support from outside our church community, including students from the University of Washington from Japan and taiko members from Seattle University. It is meaningful to connect with young adults beyond our church walls.
This year, we reached out to members residing in assisted living and delivered more than 30 meals to those unable to join us in person. We are proud and grateful for our members who invite friends and family to contribute their time and talents for the betterment of our community and church family, while also enjoying our famous sukiyaki. This is service in action —“The Blaine Way.”
A special thank-you to SK Produce for providing generous savings on our produce order, and to Uwajimaya for its continued support of our events.
Learn about our beneficiary: PNW Conference Disaster Fund
More Photos
Lesley Okura is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Also read:
United Methodists surpass $1 Million in disaster recovery support in the Pacific Northwest
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 | |||
| Saturday, June 6, 1-3 p.m. • Author Conversation With Tamiko Nimura | |||
| Sunday, June 7, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. • “I Am American” Film Presentation by Kelsi Umeko • BYG Udon Pop-Up Lunch Fundraiser | |||
| Sunday, June 14 • Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers • Last Day of BYG (End-of-Year Party) | |||
| June 28–July 3 • NJAUMC Asian American Summer Camp Gathering | |||
| July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala |
Wednesday Coffee and Prayer
- Wednesdays
- 9 a.m.
- Zoom
Join Rev. Karen 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.
“I Am American” Film Presentation by Kelsi Umeko
- Sunday, June 7, 2026
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Blaine Memorial UMC
- Social Hall
On Sunday, June 7, we are pleased to welcome a special presentation about a new film currently in pre-production, “I Am American,” by filmmaker Kelsi Umeko.
This powerful story follows a Japanese picture bride who immigrates from Japan to America in 1915 to meet her husband. Together, they build a thriving business, raise Japanese American children and become part of their local community. Their lives are profoundly changed following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.
At its heart, “I Am American” is the story of an immigrant family’s journey in pursuit of the American dream. This deeply personal narrative is inspired by the filmmaker’s grandparents and reflects the experiences of more than 120,000 Nikkei families. The story is being shared in hopes of preserving this history for future generations.
The film is being shot in the greater Seattle area and will recreate historical moments from this important period. During the presentation, we will hear more about the story, the vision behind the film, filming locations and the production team. A pitch deck also will be shared.
Kelsi will offer a short presentation during social hour following worship, and a light lunch will be provided, including Spam musubi, sandwich rolls, fruit and vegetables.
To learn more, visit www.CKfilmspro.com.
Kelsi’s previous feature film, “Second Chance” — a faith-based romantic drama that she wrote, directed and starred in alongside her husband — is also available on the website.
We hope you will join us in supporting this meaningful project and helping share this important story with the wider community.
Free Treasures in the Social Hall
Many people have been hard at work cleaning and organizing areas of our church as part of our spring-cleaning efforts. As a result, there is a wonderful assortment of free items available on tables in the Social Hall.
Please stop by and take a look — you may find something interesting or useful to take home. We have all sorts of goodies, including CD cases, CDs, flower vases, punch bowls, cups, paper goods, binders, office supplies, name-tag holders and many other treasures.
If you feel so moved, we invite you to make a donation to the church. Your generosity will help support our ministries and the ongoing work of our congregation.
Thank you, and happy treasure hunting! This Sunday will be the final opportunity to browse the tables. Afterward, all remaining items will be donated to Goodwill.
Author Conversation With Tamiko Nimura
- Saturday, June 6, 2026
- 1-3 p.m.
- Blaine Memorial UMC Social Hall
Join local writer Tamiko Nimura for a special conversation about her new memoir, “A Place for What We Lose: A Daughter’s Return to Tule Lake” (UW Press), moderated by UW Professor of American Ethnic Studies Vince Schleitwiler.
In this moving discussion, Nimura will reflect on themes of family history, memory, identity and her return to Tule Lake, one of the incarceration camps where Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II.
This event is co-sponsored by Seattle Tsuru for Solidarity.
Following the conversation:
- Books available for purchase from Madison Books
- Author book signing
- Light refreshments provided
We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful community gathering.
- Eventbrite registration
- Read Vince Schleitwiler’s review in the International Examiner
Celebrating the 2025-26 School Year: Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers
Sunday, June 14, will mark the close of the school year for the BYG Youth Group and Church School. During worship, we will offer a blessing for our youth, leaders and teachers. Following the service, we will gather in the Social Hall for a celebration honoring the commitment, dedication and service they have shown throughout the year.
We look forward to coming together in gratitude and celebration as we conclude another meaningful year.
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.
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