Belonging to God’s Family: Paul reminds us that we are no longer strangers or outsiders but members of God’s household. What does it mean to belong to God’s family, and how can we help others feel welcomed and included?
Building on a Strong Foundation: Paul describes Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of our faith. How does keeping Christ at the center influence our relationships, decisions and actions?
Growing Together in Faith: Paul describes believers as being joined together to become a dwelling place for God. How can we grow together as a church community while embracing our different backgrounds, experiences and gifts?
Order of Worship
Prelude “Lord, Be Glorified” TFWS #2150 Kathy Onishi
Land Acknowledgment Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship Written by Rev. Karen Yokota Love Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn “Thy Word Is a Lamp” UMH #601 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer Shig Nishida
First Scripture Reading Matthew 25:1–13 (New Interconfessional Translation and Common English Bible) Tsutomu Nagoya, Shig Nishida
Children’s Message Church School Superintendent Sai Hanaoka
Special Music “Down to the Water to Pray” Traditional; additional lyrics and arrangement by Pepper Choplin Leann Onishi, Michelle Vaughan, Miriam Tong, Rev. Dione Corsilles, Eugene Onishi
Second Scripture Reading Ephesians 2:19–22 (NIT and CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Shig Nishida
Sermon “Belonging: Blessed to Be a Blessing” Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Response “O Jesus, I Have Promised” UMH #396 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Shig Nishida
Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Shig Nishida
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Song “We Are God’s People” TFWS #2220 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude “The First Song of Isaiah” TFWS #2030 Kathy Onishi
Check out what’s happening at Blaine Memorial UMC!
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
Wednesday, Nov. 11 • Veterans Day, Church Office is CLOSED
Blaine Memorial UMC’s 2027 stewardship campaign, “Belonging: Blessed to Be a Blessing,” invites us to celebrate God’s gifts by sharing our time, talents and resources to strengthen our church and serve others.
Stewardship 2027: Belonging — Blessed to Be a Blessing
What a blessing it is to belong to a church family where we grow in faith, share in community and care for one another!
Throughout November, we’ll explore our stewardship theme, “Belonging: Blessed to Be a Blessing.” This theme reminds us that all we have is a gift from God and that we are called to share those blessings with others through our time, talents and giving.
Watch your mailbox! A stewardship letter and pledge card will arrive soon. We invite you to prayerfully consider how you can participate in the work God is doing through our church.
We belong. We are blessed. We bless others!
Join us this Wednesday as we catch up, fellowship, and study Scripture together.
Wednesday Coffee and Prayer with Pastor Karen
Nov. 11, 2026 | 9 a.m. | Zoom
Join Rev. Karen for Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer. We’ll share brief check-ins, a short devotional and prayer together. Bring a cup of coffee or tea and begin your day centered in Christ and connected to one another. The Zoom link will be sent Tuesday.
Blaine Memorial UMC honors and thanks our nation’s veterans for their courage, sacrifice and service, with the church office closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
Wednesday, Nov. 11: Church Office Closed for Veterans Day
Our church office will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
We pause to honor and give thanks to all who have served in our nation’s military. We are grateful for their courage, sacrifice and dedication to protecting our freedom.
Please join us in thanking our veterans for their service!
Support Riverton Park UMC’s Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry by donating diapers, baby wipes, kitchen pots and pans, paper plates, toothpaste, long-grain rice and cooking oil at Blaine Memorial UMC’s Social Hall, Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC
Riverton Park UMC needs:
Diapers (sizes 3-7)
Baby wipes
Kitchen pots and pans
Paper plates
Toothpaste
Long-grain rice
Cooking oil
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours
Donations can be dropped off at Blaine Memorial UMC’s Social Hall Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call the church office at 206-723-1536 before dropping off your items.
Our Story Continues
The latest issue of the Beacon newsletter is now available! Click or tap to view!
BYG Update: Reflections of a Spiritual Summer at Blaine (Coming Soon!)
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.
Who has helped shape your faith, your values, or your understanding of love, and what part of their legacy do you carry with you today?
Jesus teaches that greatness is found in humble service. How might you live differently if you focused less on being recognized and more on helping others experience God’s love?
As we remember those who have died, what is one act of love, kindness, or service you can practice today that will help carry God’s love into the next generation?
Order of Worship
Prelude “The Family Prayer Song” TFWS #2188 Kathy Into
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Land Acknowledgment Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn “For All the Saints” UMH #711, Verses 1, 2, 4, 6 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer Sarah Agtarap
First Scripture Reading Matthew 23:1-12 (New Interconfessional Translation, Common English Bible) Tsutomu Nagoya and Sarah Agtarap
Children’s Message
Church School Superintendent Sai Hanaoka
Special Music “Credo” By Jane M. Marshall Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 (NIT, CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya and Sarah Agtarap
Third Scripture Reading 1 John 3:1-3 (NIT, CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya and Sarah Agtarap
Sermon “The Lives We Touch, the Love We Leave” Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Response “As We Gather at Your Table” TFWS #2268 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Holy Communion With the Reading of Our Saints Revs. Karen Yokota Love and Cruz Edwin Santos
Introduction to the Offering Sarah Agtarap
Doxology “Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94 Eugene and Kathy Into
Prayer of Dedication Sarah Agtarap
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Song “Go Forth for God” UMH #670 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Check out what’s happening at Blaine Memorial UMC!
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, Nov. 1 • All Saints’ Sunday • Trunk-or-Treat!
Wednesday, Nov. 11 • Veterans Day, Church Office is CLOSED
Blaine Memorial UMC celebrated its ministries, outreach and vibrant church community at the Oct. 29 All-Church Conference, presided over by the Rev. Laura Baumgartner of Haller Lake United Methodist Church.
Thank You for a Wonderful All-Church Conference!
A big thank-you to everyone who attended our All-Church Conference on Thursday, Oct. 29! What a wonderful and successful gathering!
We were especially grateful to welcome the Rev. Laura Baumgartner from Haller Lake United Methodist Church, who presided over our meeting. She was genuinely impressed by our congregation, our ministries and all that we have to share. It was a joy to open our doors, share our stories and celebrate the many ways God is at work in and through Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church.
We had so many joys to share! From our ministries and outreach to the relationships we continue to build and the ways we serve our community, there was much to celebrate. The gathering was a beautiful reminder that our church is alive with faith, compassion, creativity and a deep commitment to making God’s love visible.
Thank you to everyone who participated, helped prepare, shared stories and contributed to making the evening such a success. Your presence and enthusiasm helped showcase the heart of our congregation. Thank you for being part of this wonderful church community!
Join us Sunday, Nov. 1, for a special All Saints’ Sunday worship service featuring Holy Communion, Día de los Muertos traditions and an ofrenda where we can honor and remember our departed loved ones.
On Sunday, we will celebrate the lives of our loved ones, honor the saints who have shaped our faith and remember those who have gone before us. Our service will include Holy Communion and elements of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), guided by the knowledge and wisdom of Rev. Cruz and Alma Santos.
All Saints, All Souls and Halloween: A Season of Remembrance
These traditions are connected through a shared time of remembering the dead and celebrating the enduring bonds of love and faith. Halloween, celebrated Oct. 31, comes from All Hallows’ Eve, the evening before All Saints’ Day. All Saints’ Day, observed Nov. 1, honors the saints and faithful people whose lives inspire us. All Souls’ Day, observed Nov. 2, is a time when many Christians remember loved ones who have died and offer prayers for the departed.
Together, these observances invite us to reflect on life, death, faith and the hope that sustains us. This year, we will bring these traditions together in worship as we remember our loved ones and celebrate the communion of saints.
Remembering Our Loved Ones
As part of our service, we will remember Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church members who died between Nov. 1, 2025, and Nov. 1, 2026. As each name is spoken, a bell will be rung in their honor. We will also celebrate Holy Communion, gathering at Christ’s table in remembrance, gratitude and hope.
We will incorporate an ofrenda, a memorial altar inspired by Día de los Muertos. Traditionally, Mexican families create these colorful altars with photographs, candles, flowers, favorite foods and meaningful keepsakes to honor and remember their departed loved ones.
You are invited to bring an offering for the ofrenda to honor and remember your loved ones, including relatives, friends and animal companions. Photographs, artwork, small keepsakes, tokens, prose and poetry are all welcome. Please bring items you feel comfortable leaving on the altar as we remember and celebrate the lives of those we hold dear.
As we gather in worship, share Holy Communion, ring the bell in remembrance and create space for our memories, may we find comfort in one another and give thanks for the love that continues to connect us across generations.
We look forward to remembering, honoring and celebrating our saints together.
Join us Sunday, Nov. 1, for a fun-filled Trunk-or-Treat after worship, featuring decorated cars, costumes, candy and games, and sign up to volunteer by decorating your trunk and handing out treats!
Sunday, Nov. 1: Trunk-or-Treat in the Church Parking Lot!
After Worship, join us for a fun-filled Trunk-or-Treat as we celebrate Halloween, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day!
Helpful Details for Participants
Decorate Your Trunk
Let your creativity shine! Pinterest and Google Images are great places to find inspiration. Please keep decorations appropriate for all ages and avoid overly scary or gory themes.
Power-Free Décor
There will be no electricity available in the parking lot, so battery-operated lights and decorations are great ways to brighten up your display.
Costumes Welcome
Everyone is encouraged to dress up! Have fun with your costume, but please avoid anything too frightening or graphic. For safety reasons, full-face masks and heavy face paint that make participants unrecognizable are not permitted. Adults should remain easily identifiable.
Treats and Teal Pumpkins
Please plan to bring candy or small prizes for approximately 20-25 children.
Trunk Games
Want to add a little extra fun? Consider including a simple game or activity near your trunk. Please keep the setup close to your vehicle so children can easily participate.
Parking on Event Day
Parking arrangements will depend on the weather. You may be directed to park under the LAC or in a designated area of the parking lot. Please look for signs or check with Adam on Sunday morning for specific instructions.
Event Schedule — Sunday, Nov. 1
11:15 a.m.: Begin decorating your trunk immediately after worship.
Noon: All participating cars should be parked, decorated and ready.
1 p.m.: Event ends and cleanup begins.
Thank you for helping make Trunk-or-Treat such a wonderful community tradition! We look forward to celebrating faith, remembering our loved ones, sharing treats and enjoying fellowship with you.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Lew and Adam Drake
Blaine Memorial UMC’s 2027 stewardship campaign, “Belonging: Blessed to Be a Blessing,” invites us to celebrate God’s gifts by sharing our time, talents and resources to strengthen our church and serve others.
Stewardship 2027: Belonging — Blessed to Be a Blessing
What a blessing it is to belong to a church family where we grow in faith, share in community and care for one another!
Throughout November, we’ll explore our stewardship theme, “Belonging: Blessed to Be a Blessing.” This theme reminds us that all we have is a gift from God and that we are called to share those blessings with others through our time, talents and giving.
Watch your mailbox! A stewardship letter and pledge card will arrive soon. We invite you to prayerfully consider how you can participate in the work God is doing through our church.
We belong. We are blessed. We bless others!
Join us this Wednesday as we catch-up, fellowship, and study scripture together.
Wednesday Coffee and Prayer With Pastor Karen
Nov. 4, 2026 | 9 a.m. | Zoom
Join Rev. Karen for Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer. We’ll share brief check-ins, a short devotional and prayer together. Bring a cup of coffee or tea and begin your day centered in Christ and connected to one another. The Zoom link will be sent Tuesday.
Blaine Memorial UMC honors and thanks our nation’s veterans for their courage, sacrifice and service, with the church office closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
Wednesday, Nov. 11: Church Office Closed for Veterans Day
Our church office will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
We pause to honor and give thanks to all who have served in our nation’s military. We are grateful for their courage, sacrifice and dedication to protecting our freedom.
Please join us in thanking our veterans for their service!
Support Riverton Park UMC’s Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry by donating diapers, baby wipes, kitchen pots and pans, paper plates, toothpaste, long-grain rice and cooking oil at Blaine Memorial UMC’s Social Hall, Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC
Riverton Park UMC needs:
Diapers (sizes 3-7)
Baby wipes
Kitchen pots and pans
Paper plates
Toothpaste
Long-grain rice
Cooking oil
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours
Donations can be dropped off at Blaine Memorial UMC’s Social Hall Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call the church office at 206-723-1536 before dropping off your items.
Our Story Continues
The latest issue of the Beacon newsletter is now available! Click or tap to view!
BYG Update: Reflections of a Spiritual Summer at Blaine (Coming Soon!)
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.
