From Summer’s Gifts to Autumn’s Promise
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, additional photos by Hailey Ishita
As I look back on this summer, I’m filled with gratitude for all we have shared as a spiritual community — and for the many ways our ministry has come alive. It has been a full and joyful season at Blaine, with opportunities to worship, serve, laugh, learn and simply spend time together. We’ve supported our youth, reached beyond our walls, welcomed new people and made significant improvements to our church home. As autumn begins, I’m grateful for everyone who has helped make this ministry possible and for the many ways God continues to work through our community. I’m excited for what lies ahead.
Sam Grant brought joy and wonderful energy to our ministry as our Summer Youth Ministry Apprentice. With creativity and enthusiasm, Sam helped organize several fun experiences, including a Mariners game and a hike to Twin Falls. These moments reminded us that ministry happens not only within our church walls but also at ballparks, on hiking trails and wherever we gather.
We sent 13 youth, accompanied by four adult chaperones, including me, to Asian Camp. Camp provided a meaningful space for our youth to build friendships, deepen their faith and connect with other Asian American youth. It was a joy and blessing to witness them grow closer to God, worship, laugh and form bonds that will continue beyond camp.
Members of our congregation once again traveled to Mission Guatemala, continuing our commitment to serving alongside others, building relationships across cultures and sharing their gifts through dental ministry, Vacation Bible School and construction work.
We also gathered at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple for an interfaith service commemorating the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Together, people from diverse faith traditions remembered those who lost their lives and the suffering caused by nuclear weapons while affirming our shared commitment to peace. It was a powerful reminder that, despite our differences, we can find common ground and work together toward a more peaceful world.
Caring for Our Church Home
While summer brought many opportunities for fellowship, service and ministry, we have also been busy behind the scenes making significant improvements to our church home. Caring for these spaces is itself part of our ministry — it helps us create welcoming places where people can worship, gather, serve and grow. I am deeply grateful to our trustees and volunteers for the time, energy and expertise they have given to this work, helping us steward what we have while preparing Blaine for the ministry God is calling us to in the future.
This summer, the overgrown nursery area bordering the Social Hall was cleared to prepare for battery storage to support our upcoming solar panel project. New parking lot lights were installed, and our trustees are working toward installing heat pumps. Nearly 300 chairs in the Lee Activity Center were also refurbished, giving them new life and helping us make good use of what we already have.
More recently, our trustees led a church cleanup, trimming hedges, pruning trees, deep-cleaning the sanctuary and kitchens, power-washing the grounds and washing the windows. Our church grounds are sparkling!
We also welcomed a new janitor this summer who has been faithfully caring for our facilities and even tackling those less glamorous jobs — like removing years of stubborn rings from the toilet bowls! We are grateful for everyone who helps care for Blaine and makes it a welcoming place for all.
Welcoming a New Season
Recently, we gathered for Rally Sunday, celebrating the beginning of our autumn season and the start of a new school year. It was a joyful day filled with blessings, farewells, welcomes and opportunities to reconnect as a church community.
We blessed backpacks, work totes, devices and school supplies as our children and youth began a new school year. We offered a farewell blessing to Sam, giving thanks for his summer ministry among us. We also warmly welcomed our new BYG youth director, Adam Drake.
Adam brings extensive youth ministry experience from El Paso, Texas, along with a background in the Anglican Church. He is currently studying at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. In addition to his passion for youth ministry, Adam is a gifted musician.
Most of all, we are excited for our youth to have the opportunity to get to know Adam and experience the gifts, energy and enthusiasm he brings to our church community. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome!
The Ad Board sponsored a Ministry Fair. Leaders from a variety of Blaine’s ministries gathered to share information, answer questions and invite members to become more involved in the life of our church. It was a wonderful opportunity to discover the many ways we can worship, learn, serve, build community and put our faith into action.
BYG hosted a simple box lunch to help raise funds for Asian Camp 2027. Thank you to everyone who supported this effort and helped make it a success!
Thank you for making this summer such a wonderful season. As we welcome autumn, may we carry with us the joy, connections and blessings of these past months. With grateful hearts and hopeful spirits, we look forward to all that God has in store for us in the season ahead.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as senior pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC in Seattle.
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!) |
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.