Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 

All are Welcome!

Sermon Questions

  • What kind of soil best describes my heart right now? Is God’s Word taking root and bearing fruit in my life, or are there hard places, distractions, or shallow commitments that need God’s attention? 

  • What is the Holy Spirit calling me to surrender? Romans reminds us to set our minds on the things of the Spirit. What attitudes, habits, worries, or priorities might be keeping me from fully living the new life Christ has given me? 

  • How can I bear fruit this week? What is one practical way I can put God’s Word into action — through an act of love, forgiveness, generosity, service, or sharing my faith with someone else? 

Order of Worship

Prelude 
“Come and Fill Our Hearts” 
TFWS #2157
Leann Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
Land Acknowledgement 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
*Call to Worship  
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Opening Prayer 
Ron Nobuyama
First Scripture Reading 
Romans 8:1-11 (CEB)
Tsutomu Nagoya, Ron Nobuyama 
Special Music  
“Tanabata Sama” 
Leann Onishi 
Gospel Scripture Reading 
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (CEB) 
Tsutomu Nagoya, Ron Nobuyama
Sermon 
“What Kind of Soil Am I?”  
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection 
“Breathe on Me Breath of God” 
UMH #420 
Kathy and Eugene Onishi 
Offertory Music 
“Miss Gordon of Gight” 
Arranged by Brenda Hunter 
Leann Onishi 
Introduction to the Offering 
Ron Nobuyama 
*Doxology 
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow 
UMH #94 
Eugene & Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication 
Ron Nobuyama 
Announcements 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn 
“To Know You More” 
TFWS #2161 
Kathy and Eugene Onishi 
*Benediction 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
Postlude 
“Billy Bob’s Blackberry Blossom Boogie”  
Arranged by Mark Alan Wade, based on a traditional fiddle tune 
Leann Onishi 
Altar Flowers
Sharon Maeda


Daily Lectionary Readings*

*Daily Lectionary Readings are provided by Bible Gateway and Vanderbilt University.

Sunday, July 12, 2026: Proper 10 (15)
Genesis 25:19-34 and Psalm 119:105-112; Isaiah 55:10-13 and Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13
Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Monday, July 13, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 142; Micah 1:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; 
Complementary: Psalm 92; Leviticus 26:3-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8;
Tuesday, July 14, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 142; Jeremiah 49:7-11; Ephesians 4:17-5:2; 
Complementary: Psalm 92; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Ephesians 4:17-5:2;
Wednesday, July 15, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 142; Obadiah 15-21; Matthew 13:10-17; 
Complementary: Psalm 92; Proverbs 11:23-30; Matthew 13:10-17;
Thursday, July 16, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Isaiah 44:1-5; Hebrews 2:1-9; 
Complementary: Psalm 86:11-17; Isaiah 41:21-29; Hebrews 2:1-9;
Friday, July 17, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Ezekiel 39:21-29; Hebrews 6:13-20; 
Complementary: Psalm 86:11-17; Isaiah 44:9-17; Hebrews 6:13-20;
Saturday, July 18, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Exodus 14:9-25; Matthew 7:15-20; 
Complementary: Psalm 86:11-17; Isaiah 44:18-20; Matthew 7:15-20;


Announcements

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 (See announcement, below)
• Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen will return July 8!
July 12 – August 23 (Sundays)
• Vacation Bible School 2026! (View more)
July 24–Aug. 1
• Mission Guatemala (View more)


Sundays from July 12 to Aug. 23 – Join us for Vacation Bible School 2026!

VBS 2026: Discover Your Strength in God!

Church School has wrapped up for the 2025-26 year, and now it’s time for VBS 2026! This year’s theme, Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God!, is based on Psalm 34:14b: “Do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

Children will learn about biblical heroes who used their God-given strengths to serve and glorify God. Join us every Sunday from July 12 through Aug. 23 for a fun-filled, faith-building experience. All children entering kindergarten through sixth grade for the 2026-27 school year are welcome.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity for children and adults alike to grow in faith and fellowship!

Visit and bookmark our VBS page for more updates!


This Wednesday’s Coffee and Prayer will be canceled. Please join us again, July 8 at 9 a.m.

Wednesday Coffee and Prayer

We look forward to gathering again on Wednesday, July 8, at 9 a.m. for a time of fellowship, prayer and encouragement. We hope you’ll join us as we begin the morning together in faith and community. We’ll also begin reading the July/August Upper Room devotional.

Have a safe and blessed holiday week. We look forward to seeing you on July 8!


Please be mindful of your belongings; we are unfortunately experiencing security issues on campus. We care about your safety and security of your property.

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.


Read the latest issue of The Beacon!

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Our monthly collection of ministry stories can be found in the Beacon. 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.


Calendar

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