All are Welcome!
- Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
- September 6, 2026
- 10:00 a.m.
- View the livestream
Sermon Questions
- Is there someone I need to approach with honesty and love, rather than talking about them to others? What is keeping me from taking that first step?
- How can I practice both truth and grace when dealing with conflict, correction, or hurt within my relationships and church community?
- What would change in my relationships if I truly believed that Christ is present whenever we gather in His name — even in difficult conversations?
Order of Worship
| Prelude “O Lord, Your Tenderness” TFWS #2143 Kathy Onishi |
| Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Land Acknowledgement Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| *Call to Worship Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, May 2026 Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| *Opening Song “God Is Here” UMH #660 Eugene and Kathy Onishi |
| Opening Prayer Howard Nakase |
| Scripture Reading Matthew 18:15-20 (NRSVUE) Michiko Ono, Howard Nakase |
| Sermon “When We Belong to One Another” Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Hymn of Reflection “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether” UMH #632 Eugene and Kathy Onishi |
| Holy Communion Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn |
| Introduction to the Offering Howard Nakase |
| Offertory Music “Thy Word Is a Lamp” UMH #601 Kathy Onishi |
| *Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94 Eugene and Kathy Onishi |
| *Prayer of Dedication Howard Nakase |
| Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Closing Hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” TFWS #2223 Eugene and Kathy Onishi |
| Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Postlude “All I Need is You” TFWS #2080 Kathy Onishi |
| Altar Flowers Miriam Tong |

Daily Lectionary Readings*
Blaine Memorial UMC Weekly 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 | |||
| Tuesday, Sept. 8 • Church office closure for Labor Day holiday | |||
| Saturday, Sept. 12 • All-Church Clean-Up | |||
| Sunday, Sept. 13, after worship! • Ministries Fair | |||
| Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. • Bazaar Pie-Making Party | |||
| Oct. 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Bazaar 2026 (View updates!) |

Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer
- September 9, 2026
- 9 a.m.
- Zoom
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and fellowship Wednesdays 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!

Church office closure for Labor Day holiday on Tuesday (9/8)!
As we observe Labor Day, we take a moment to give thanks for the dignity and value of work and to recognize the many contributions of workers who help strengthen our families, communities and nation. It is also a meaningful opportunity to pause, rest and be grateful for God’s provision.
Please note that our church office will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 8, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Since our office and campus are normally closed on Mondays, we will observe Tuesday as our holiday closure day.
Our church office will reopen for regular hours Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We pray that you and your loved ones have a safe, restful and refreshing holiday. May you find time to slow down, give thanks and enjoy the blessings God has provided.

Rally Sunday (9/13) — A new school year begins!
Rally Sunday is coming Sunday, Sept. 13! Join us as we kick off a new school year and celebrate all that the year ahead has in store for our church family.
As part of our celebration, we’ll have a special Blessing of the Backpacks. Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks, devices, hip bags and school supplies forward as we pray for a safe, meaningful and successful school year. Everyone who participates will receive a special backpack tag as a reminder of God’s love and our church family throughout the year.
We’ll also take time to bless and celebrate Sam Grant as he comes to the end of his official service as our Summer Ministry Youth Apprentice. We are so grateful for the energy, leadership and joy Sam has shared with us this summer. As he heads back to work and begins his next chapter, we’ll send him off with our prayers, gratitude and many thanks!
Come celebrate, reconnect and help us rally together for a wonderful new year!

Special Ministries Fair on Sunday (9/13) after worship!
This past February, the Ad Board created an action plan to explore ways to strengthen our focus on “Belonging” within our church family and community. Our first opportunity to increase awareness will be a Special Ministries Fair on Sunday, Sept. 13, after worship.
Many groups within our church community will be represented, showcasing their committees and providing information about their goals and missions. Representatives will also be available to answer questions.
The youth will offer a box lunch, and we hope to have many groups represented. We’ll gather in the LAC and be among the first groups to use the newly spruced-up chairs!
We hope to see you there! Please contact Lesley Okura or Arlene Naganawa with questions.

All-Church Clean-Up on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Board of Trustees invites everyone to our biannual All-Church Clean-Up on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by lunch.
Please sign up here
Our campus is used by many groups and hosts numerous events throughout the year, and it needs some extra care beyond what our weekly janitorial service provides. A variety of activities will be available to accommodate all skill levels, energy levels and time commitments.
Some of the areas we will focus on include gardening and cleanup around the courtyard and steps, as well as cleaning the sanctuary, social hall and social hall kitchen. The church will provide some supplies, but if you have your own gardening gloves or tools, please bring them.
We would greatly appreciate everyone’s help and hope you can join us! A sign-up sheet will be available in the social hall, or you can contact Ron, Tim Ikegami or Jason Lew so we can get an approximate headcount for lunch.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing everyone there!

Bazaar Pie-Making Party on Saturday (9/26) at 10 a.m.!
Bazaar pie-making will be one week earlier than usual this year! Bring your rolling pins, lace up your comfy shoes and get ready to “roll” on Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 10 a.m. in the LAC kitchen.
Many hands are needed to make our pie-making day a success, especially since our pies are always in high demand!
Sign-up sheets will be available at the Special Ministries Fair on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Thank you for helping make our Bazaar a success!
View the Bazaar 2026 updates page!

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.
Our Story Continues

Our monthly collection of ministry stories can be found in the Beacon newsletter. 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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