In Photos – Sukiyaki Benefit connects neighbors, supports disaster relief
By Lesley Okura, photos by the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Jesse N. Love, and Kai Yamamoto
As we continue to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Blaine Memorial UMC, we reflect on our church community and the world at large. We have suffered many challenges so early in the year and pray for peace and harmony going forward. To this end, the first of our annual fundraising events, Sukiyaki 2025, was a resounding success with our meal numbers up and our contribution to the California Wildfire Disaster Response through United Methodist Committee on Relief totaling more than $20,000.
The Sukiyaki Committee appreciates all the support of the congregation, their families and friends to help make Sukiyaki such a success. With over 150 souls working pre-, during, and post-Sukiyaki Dinner, making all the working parts move in sync (including many behind-the-scenes individuals) guests were treated to an efficient and flawless dinner service. It is a blessing to be able to serve our church and surrounding communities with many selfless members who do so with grace and gratitude.
If you would like to support future fundraising events for Blaine Memorial UMC or disaster response for California Wildfire Disaster Response, contact Rev. Karen or the church office for more details. Thank you for your support!
Announcements
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2025 Educational Scholarships • Application period open through May 15, 2025
The Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Educational Scholarships are designed to support the mission of the church through supporting a multitude of educational opportunities. We are proud to have helped students in their pursuit of continuing education since 1968. We encourage all applicants; from those just entering their next phase of education to those returning to complete or pursue continued education.
We are blessed to offer the following scholarships:
- Vera Ing Community College/ Trade School Scholarship
- Robert and Lucy Sato Scholarship
- Blaine Memorial Scholarship
- Ted and Margaret Yasuda Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Michelle Vaughan or through the church office. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay, church participation and finances. Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 15, 2025 for consideration. We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
For more information, visit and bookmark the Educational Scholarships 2025 page.
Ireicho: Book of Names • See Dates, Sign Up Now!
Request to stamp the Ireicho: Book of Names in Seattle, in Puyallup, and on Bainbridge Island in 2026!
The Irei Project, in conjunction with the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Puyallup Valley Chapter and Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association, is pleased to offer appointments to stamp the Ireicho at the Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church in Seattle on March 27, 2026, at the Expo Hall and Remembrance Gallery in Puyallup on March 28, 2026, and at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial on March 29 and March 30, 2026. Stamping is by appointment only.
Currents: An Operetta featuring Gail Nomura and Shigeru Nishida in a Discussion Panel • May 7, 2025, 7:00PM
Join Gail Nomura and Shig Nishida at McMenamin’s Anderson School, Hayne’s Hall in Bothell, WA on May 7, 2025 at 7:00PM at Currents: An Operetta! The event is free, both you’ll need to register here.
Location: Haynes’ Hall, 18607 Bothell Way NE- Bothell
All ages welcome!
Urgent Help Needed for Asylum Seekers at Fairwood UMC/El Dios Viviente UMC
As the needs of our refugee siblings continue to grow, Fairwood UMC and El Dios Viviente UMC remain committed to providing essential services and shelter for refugee families at Fairwood UMC in Renton.
Right now, there are urgent needs for the asylum seeker program shelter, and we are reaching out for your support. The following items are needed:
- Queen-size air mattresses (24-inch)
- Blankets (any size)
- Gift cards
- Toilet paper
- White rice (grain)
- Cooking oil (Crisco or Mazola)
- Trash bags (55-60 gallon)
- Laundry detergent
- Black totes (45-gallon)
If you can donate any of these items, we would deeply appreciate it. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Cruz Santos.
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry @ Riverton Park UMC • Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm
Riverton Park UMC is in dire need of:
- Diapers (sizes 3 through 7)
- Diaper wipes
- Kitchen pots and pans
- Paper plates
- Toothpaste
- Long grain rice
- Cooking oil
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Collection items can be dropped off to the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.
View the April 2025 Calendar
