All are Welcome!
- Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
- September 20, 2026
- 10:00 a.m.
- View the livestream
Video
Sermon Refection Questions
Where am I tempted to compare my life, faith or blessings with someone else’s — and how does that comparison affect my gratitude?
How do I respond when God shows generosity, forgiveness or blessing to someone I believe doesn’t deserve it?
What would it look like for me to stop “keeping score” and live more fully as someone who receives and shares God’s grace?
Order of Worship
| Prelude “The Dark Times” By Alexandra “Ahlay” Blakely Leann Onishi, Mako Willett IVocals, dulcimer) |
| 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, July 2026 Linda Fazio |
| *Opening Song “He is Exalted“ TFWS #2070 Michelle Vaughan and Miriam Tong |
| Opening Prayer Linda Fazio |
| Scripture Reading Matthew 20:1-16 (NRSVUE) Tsutomu Nagoya, Linda Fazio |
| Children’s Sermon Sai Hanaoka |
| Special Music “Rainbow Connection” Leann Onishi, Mako Willett Vocals, dulcimer, ukulele |
| Sermon “Grace Isn’t a Competition” Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Hymn of Reflection “God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian” UMH #648 |
| Introduction to the Offering Linda Fazio |
| Offertory Music Okinawan Music Mako Willett on vocals and sanshin |
| *Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94 |
| *Prayer of Dedication Linda Fazio |
| Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| *Closing Hymn “Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing” UMH #671 |
| *Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Postlude “McDonald’s Reel” Leann Onishi, Mako Willett (Sanshin and dulcimer) |
| Altar Flowers Carol Kastrup |
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 | |||
| Sunday, Sept. 20 • Safety and Security Meeting, Immediately After Worship • Young Adult Gathering Lunch, 11:45 a.m. | |||
| 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!) |
Safety and Security Meeting
- Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
- Immediately After Worship
- In the Sanctuary
Please join us immediately after worship on Sunday, Sept. 20, for a brief 15- to 20-minute, in-person presentation on safety and security at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church.
This will be the first of several short presentations we will offer over the coming months. Our hope is that by learning together and taking steps to care for one another, you will feel God’s love more deeply as you feel safe, welcomed and valued in our church community.
Thank you for helping us build a caring, safe and welcoming community for everyone. If you have questions or concerns, or if you would like to join us in these efforts, please speak with Arlene Naganawa, Dale Kaneko or Steve Sakahara.
Young Adult Gathering Lunch
- Sunday, Sept. 20
- 11:45 a.m.
Rev. Karen would love to kick off our new monthly young adult gatherings with a casual lunch together!
If you’re a young adult — college-age through your 20s and 30s (roughly ages 20–35) — we’d love for you to join us. We’ll gather after worship and head out together around 11:45 a.m. for lunch. We’ll choose the restaurant that day, so come ready for good food, good conversation and a chance to get to know one another!
Whether you’ve been part of Blaine Memorial for years or are newer to our church family, come join us! Let’s build community, share some laughs and see where these monthly gatherings take us.
Questions? See Rev. Karen. We hope to see you there!
Hot Pot Is Back!
Join us Sunday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m. in the Social Hall for an evening of hot pot, games, fellowship and reconnecting with friends and families. We will have ’90s-themed trivia! This is our first Hot Pot gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re excited to get our community gatherings going again!
Since Hot Pot is a communal meal, please bring an ingredient to share — beef, pork, shrimp, shiitake noodles, enoki mushrooms, vegetables, tofu or any of your favorite hot pot ingredients.
Families coming out for basketball will likely join us afterward, too!
Come hungry, bring something to share and bring a friend! We can’t wait to see everyone! Questions? Please contact Marina Kozu.
Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer
- September 23, 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!
Bazaar Pie-Making Party
- Saturday, Sept. 26
- 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.