All are Welcome!
- Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
- July 26, 2026
- 10:00 a.m.
- View the livestream
Sermon Questions
- Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed and yeast — small things that quietly transform the world. Looking back on your own life, what “small seed” of faith, kindness, or encouragement has had a much greater impact than you could have imagined?
- Like Odysseus, we are all on a journey home, and the journey changes us. Where do you see God shaping you through the unexpected detours, challenges, or blessings of your own life? How has your understanding of “home” changed over time?
- This season invites us to remember those who have gone before us. Who planted seeds of faith, hope, or love in your life? In what ways is God calling you now to plant those same kinds of seeds for future generations?
Order of Worship
| Prelude “Open the Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche David Ige |
| Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Land Acknowledgement Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| *Call to Worship Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| *Opening Song “Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song” UMH #544 Michelle Vaughan and David Ige |
| Opening Prayer George Yates |
| Scripture Reading Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 (NRSVUE) Tsutomu Nagoya, George Yates |
| Pastoral Prayer Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Sermon “The Treasure that Finds Us” Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Hymn of Reflection “In His Time” TFWS #2203 Michelle Vaughan and David Ige |
| Introduction to the Offering George Yates (You may use your Realm sign-in, onrealm.org.) |
| *Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94 Michelle Vaughan and David Ige |
| *Prayer of Dedication George Yates |
| Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| *Closing Hymn “The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve” TFWS #2241 Michelle Vaughan and David Ige |
| *Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Postlude “Be Thou My Vision” UMH #451 David Ige |
| Altar Flowers Miriam Tong |
Daily Lectionary Readings*
*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, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. • Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen on Zoom | |||
| Sundays (until August 23) • Vacation Bible School 2026! (View more) | |||
| Sunday, July 26, 2026 • Celebrating the Life of Chikai “Bill” Sakaguchi at Merrill Gardens Renton Centre | |||
| July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala (View more) | |||
| Sunday. Aug. 2 • Annual Interfaith Hiroshima/Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Victims’ Memorial Service Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple |
Celebrating the Life of Chikai “Bill” Sakaguchi
- Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026
- Time: 1:30 p.m.
- Location: The Boeing Room at Merrill Gardens Renton Centre
104 Burnett Ave. S., Renton, WA 98057
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
— Matthew 5:4
With sadness and hope in Christ, we share the passing of Chikai “Bill” Sakaguchi, who went home to be with our gracious God on July 6, 2026, at the age of 86.
A Celebration of Life service honoring Bill will be held:
We invite the Blaine Memorial UMC community to gather with the Sakaguchi family to share memories, offer comfort, and give thanks to God for Bill’s life and legacy.
Bill will be lovingly remembered for his kindness, patience, humor, and the joy he brought to those around him. He was a cherished member of our church family and a person of remarkable gifts and dedication.
As a strategic, artistic and precise engineer, Bill used his talents in service to others, including his work with the Board of Trustees and his important role in the design and construction of Trinity Gate. Through his friendship, faith and faithful presence, Bill touched many lives and left a lasting impact on our community.
Please continue to keep Bill’s family and loved ones in your prayers as they grieve and give thanks for his life. May they experience God’s comfort, peace and strength as they celebrate the life of a beloved husband, father, family member, friend and brother in Christ.
To learn more about Bill’s life and read his obituary, please visit: Chikai Sakaguchi Obituary
Annual Interfaith Hiroshima/Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Victims’ Memorial Service
- Aug. 2, 2026
- 10 a.m.
- Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
Blaine Memorial UMC members are warmly invited to join Rev. Karen at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. for the annual Interfaith Hiroshima/Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Victims’ Memorial Service, “Reflection on Peace.”
Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
1427 S. Main St.
Seattle, WA 98144
Since 1975, this service has brought together people of many faith traditions to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Rev. Karen has been invited to offer a prayer, poem or brief reflection as part of this meaningful interfaith gathering.
Rev. Karen is deeply grateful to Rev. Cruz Santos, who will preach and lead worship at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, Aug. 2. Rev. Cruz will also administer Holy Communion for those who choose to worship with the Blaine Memorial UMC community that morning.
Whether you gather at Seattle Betsuin for the interfaith memorial service or worship at Blaine Memorial UMC, we invite you to join in a spirit of remembrance, hope and faith as we seek peace, compassion and reconciliation.
Everyone is welcome. We hope you will join us.
Benefit Bazaar Beneficiary Nominations Due Sunday, Aug. 9
The Bazaar Committee is currently seeking nominations for a beneficiary for this year’s autumn Bazaar. Please submit a brief description of your recommended beneficiary to the church office by Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026.
If you have an organization in mind, please complete the Beneficiary Nomination Form, above. If you have any questions, please contact Yuki Sofronas at office@blaineonline.org.
Save the date! Blaine Memorial UMC’s annual Bazaar will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. Visit our Bazaar 2026 page for updates!
Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer
- July 29
- 9 a.m.
- Zoom
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and fellowship on Wednesday, July 29, at 9 a.m. on Zoom. Our time together includes brief check-ins, a devotional and prayer. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee or tea and something light to eat. We hope to see you on Wednesday!
Links are usually sent on Tuesdays. Contact office@blaineonline.org to receive the link to Zoom!
VBS 2026: Discover Your Strength in God!
Church School has wrapped up for the 2025-26 year, and now it’s time for VBS 2026! This year’s theme, Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God!, is based on Psalm 34:14b: “Do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Children will learn about biblical heroes who used their God-given strengths to serve and glorify God. Join us every Sunday from now through Aug. 23 for a fun-filled, faith-building experience. All children entering kindergarten through sixth grade for the 2026-27 school year are welcome.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity for children and adults alike to grow in faith and fellowship!
Visit and bookmark our VBS page for more updates!
Church Facility Reminder!
As we continue caring for our church home, we kindly ask everyone to be mindful of cleaning up after using the Social Hall, LAC and all other areas of the church. Please take out the garbage promptly after your event or meeting.
We are currently experiencing an ongoing ant problem. Ants become especially active during hot weather and after rainfall. To help reduce the problem, please rinse out cans and bottles containing sugary drinks, soda or other sweet beverages before placing them in recycling or garbage bins.
We know many people use the LAC for basketball, pickleball, volleyball and other sports activities. After your activities, please take a few moments to clean up any food, crumbs, spills or greasy stains from the stage and gym floor.
If you are changing a diaper, please place the soiled diaper in a sealed bag, dispose of it in the garbage and take the trash to the outside garbage bin when your session is complete. Please do not leave dirty diapers in classrooms, on the stage or anywhere else in the building.
Cleaning up after each group’s use of the facility is the responsibility of those using the space. Our onsite staff is here to maintain the building, but caring for our shared church home is a responsibility we all share.
Our church is an older building, and while professional pest control helps, the most effective way to reduce pests is by removing the food and trash that attract them.
Thank you for helping keep our church clean, welcoming and well cared for.
Important Safety Reminder
When coming to church, please do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle. Make sure all items are hidden from sight, and if you have anything of value — especially electronics — please bring it into the church with you rather than leaving it in your car.
There have been multiple vehicle break-ins and thefts recently during the day, after church services and throughout the week. Taking a few extra precautions can help protect your belongings.
Thank you for helping keep our church community safe and aware.
Read the latest issue of The Beacon!
- Senior Pastor Reflection: A Season of Belonging, Gratitude and Grace
- Sign up now: ACRS Food Bank
- Team Blaine Raises More Than $20,000 for This Year’s Walk for Rice
- Annual Sukiyaki raises $30k supporting PNW disaster fund
- Ireicho visits Blaine Memorial UMC in powerful act of remembrance and shared reflection
- BYG Update Faithfulness…Through You!
- Spiritual Formation Center Practice Replacing Worry
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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