All are Welcome!
- Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
- July 19, 2026
- 10:00 a.m.
- View the livestream
Sermon Questions
- The parable reminds us that wheat and weeds grow together until the harvest. How does this help us understand the presence of both good and evil in our world, and how does it encourage us to trust God’s timing rather than our own?
- Jesus calls His followers to be faithful while they wait for the harvest. What are some practical ways you can continue to grow as “good seed” and bear fruit for God’s Kingdom in your daily life?
- Jesus promises that “the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” How does this hope shape the way you face challenges, extend grace to others, and live with confidence in God’s future?
Order of Worship
| Prelude “Gather Us In” TFWS #2236 Kathy Onishi |
| Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Land Acknowledgement Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| *Call to Worship Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| *Opening Song “God of Wonders” Words and Music by Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong Blaine Praise Band |
| Opening Prayer Dale Kaneko |
| Psalm Reading Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 (NRSVUE) Tsutomu Nagoya, Dale Kaneko |
| Blessing and Commissioning of the Mission Guatemala Team Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Special Music “Sacred Silence” By Tom Booth, Jenny Pixler and Anthony Kuner Blaine Praise Band |
| Gospel Scripture Reading Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (NRSVUE) Tsutomu Nagoya, Dale Kaneko |
| Sermon “Growing Together Until the Harvest” Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Hymn of Reflection “Spirit of the Living God” UMH #393 Kathy and Eugene Onishi |
| Introduction to the Offering Dale Kaneko |
| Offertory Music “My Gratitude Now Accept, O God” TFWS #2044 Kathy Onishi |
| *Prayer of Dedication Dale Kaneko |
| Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| *Closing Hymn “All the People Said Amen” Words and Music by Matt Maher, Trevor Morgan and Paul Moak Blaine Praise Band |
| *Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Postlude “Reprise: All the People Said Amen” Words and Music by Matt Maher, Trevor Morgan and Paul Moak Blaine Praise Band |
| Altar Flowers Carol Kastrup |
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 | |||
| July 19 – August 23 (Sundays) • Vacation Bible School 2026! (View more) | |||
| July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala (View more) |
Celebrating the Life of Chikai “Bill” Sakaguchi
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
— Matthew 5:4
It is with sadness and hope in Christ, I 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’s life will be held:
Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: The Boeing Room at Merrill Gardens Renton Centre
104 Burnett Avenue South
Renton, WA 98057
We invite our Blaine Memorial UMC community to gather in support of the Sakaguchi family, to share memories, offer comfort, and give thanks to God for the life and legacy of Bill.
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 man 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 pivotal role in the design and building of Trinity Gate. Through his friendship, faith, and faithful presence, Bill touched many lives and left a lasting impact on our community.
Please join us in keeping Bill’s family and loved ones in prayer during this time of grief and thanksgiving. 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
Celebrating the Life of the Rev. Robert “Bob” Yamashita
The family of Robert Mitsuo Yamashita of Tacoma, Washington, announces his passing on July 10, 2026, at the age of 90.
Throughout his life and ministry, the Rev. Bob embodied Christ’s love through humble service, compassionate leadership and a generous spirit. He faithfully answered God’s call wherever he was sent, leaving a lasting impact on the churches, communities and countless individuals he served.
Bob attended Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary from 1958 to 1962. Following graduation, he was appointed to Whitney Memorial United Methodist Church in Tacoma, where he served from 1962 to 1968. During his first year of ministry, he also served Wapato Japanese United Methodist Church as part of a two-point charge.
In 1968, the Rev. Bob became executive director of Tacoma Community House, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 1995. Through his compassionate leadership, commitment to justice and dedication to the community, he enriched countless lives and strengthened the ministry of Tacoma Community House.
Retirement did not end his calling. From 1996 to 1997, he served The Pacific Northwest United Methodist Conference, traveling throughout the region to encourage ethnic churches, listen to their stories and offer support wherever it was needed.
Bob was also a faithful and active member of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus. He treasured the relationships he built through this community and held many of his colleagues in deep affection. Among his closest friends were the late the Rev. Ed Iwamoto and the late the Rev. Wes Yamaka, friendships that reflected his lifelong commitment to the Japanese American United Methodist community and the enduring bonds of shared ministry.
I am honored to be working with Bob’s family as we plan a celebration of his life, which will be held at a later date.
Bob remained deeply connected to Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church throughout his later years. He generously supported our church community, including each of our Bazaar and Sukiyaki benefit fundraising events, and faithfully joined worship online each Sunday. His encouragement, generosity and commitment to the ministry of the church were a beautiful expression of his enduring faith and love for God’s people.
Bob’s life was a testimony to steadfast faith, servant leadership and Christlike love. He is survived by his beloved wife, Michie; daughters Ruth (Mike) and Heidi; granddaughters Kelly and Laura; brothers Al (Sno) and Don; dear friend Carmen; and many nieces and nephews.
We give thanks to God for Bob’s faithful witness and the many ways he reflected God’s grace to the world. May God’s peace and comfort surround his family and all who mourn his passing, and may his memory continue to be a blessing. With deep gratitude, we honor the Rev. Robert “Bob” Yamashita’s life, ministry and enduring legacy of faith, service, generosity and love.
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 July 19 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!
Wednesday Coffee and Prayer
We hope you’ll join us as we begin the morning together in faith and community. We’ll also begin reading the July/August Upper Room devotional.
A Zoom link will be sent on Tuesdays. Contact office@blaineonline.org for more information.
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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