Summer Youth Ministry Apprentice Sam Grant served with Blaine Youth this summer – eating Korean fried chicken, hiking at Twin Falls, attending a Mariners game, and sharing plenty of smiles along the way!
BYG Update
Reflections of a Spiritual Summer at Blaine
By Sam Grant, additional photos by the Rev. Karen Yokota Love
As my time working with Blaine and BYG has drawn to a close, I find myself reflecting on the meaningful experiences and connections I’ve made throughout the summer. Though short, it had a meaningful impact and influenced me to remain a part of the community moving forward.
I had the chance to meet so many wonderful people through this opportunity and truly find a sense of community as I made my move to Seattle. I came to Blaine somewhat by chance. For the past several months, I had been working with the Puyallup School District, serving directly with children and families. Since I had the summer off from school, I was looking for summer work when I found out that Blaine was looking for someone to lead the Blaine Youth Group (BYG). I had worked with youth in several capacities in the past, but this was my first opportunity to work with a church in this way.
From my very first Sunday leading BYG, it was immediately apparent how welcoming the Blaine community is. Whether it was spending time with the youth and young adults in the Nishida Room during worship or meeting members of the congregation at the reception afterward, I quickly felt welcomed and included.
During my time working with BYG, in addition to leading Youth Group sessions on Sundays, we also had the chance to spend time together outside of worship. Early on, we had the opportunity to attend a Mariners game with about 10 members of BYG. Though the Mariners did not give us much to be excited about that day, losing 8-0, it was still a great time to bond and enjoy the stadium. A few weeks later, some of us went on a hike at Twin Falls in North Bend. It was another great chance to bond, be out in nature and enjoy some delicious milkshakes afterward.
The story of my time at BYG would not be complete without mentioning all the great food I enjoyed with various groups. To my pleasant surprise, I quickly learned that sharing a meal is one of the many ways community is built here at Blaine. Whether it was going out to eat after worship, sharing a meal at a potluck or grabbing food after an event, I knew I was being welcomed into the community whenever someone offered me a plate or invited me to join them for a meal.
Though this marks the end of my working role at Blaine, it will not be a goodbye. I look forward to remaining a part of the congregation, continuing to get to know everyone and finding new ways to be involved in the community. I am grateful that I happened to find Blaine this summer, and I look forward to what is ahead.
Sam Grant served as Summer Youth Ministry Apprentice for Blaine Memorial UMC.
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 |
| Wednesday, Nov. 11 • Veterans Day, Church Office is CLOSED |
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!
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!
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
- Senior Pastor Reflection: From Summer’s Gifts to Autumn’s Promise
- WFR and Blaine Memorial UMC raise $20,325 for families in need!
- LAC Chairs Are ‘Like New’ Now
- Our Scholarship Recipients for 2026
- VBS 2026! Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God!
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.