Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 

All are Welcome!

Sermon Questions

  • How do you hear God’s call? Do you hear it in the voices and cries of God’s people?
  • Does fear, lack of confidence or imposter syndrome prevent you from saying yes? Will you turn to God to help discern what you should do? 
  • When you feel God’s call on your heart, how do you respond? Are you willing to say yes even if you’re not sure where that will lead you? 

Order of Worship

Prelude 
“In the Rain at Woodstock” 
Composer/arranger – Princess Harris 
Leann Onishi 
Welcome of Grace and Greeting 
Eugene Onishi 
Land Acknowledgement 
Eugene Onishi 
*Opening Hymn 
“Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness” 
TFWS #2120 

Leann and Kathy Onishi 
First Scripture Reading 
Exodus 1:8-2:10 (CEB)
Tsutomu Nagoya, David Ige
Ministry Moment: Refresh Chairs in the LAC (Video) 
Dale Kaneko and Carol Okano 
Second Scripture Reading 
Matthew 16:13-20 (CEB)
Tsutomu Nagoya, David Ige 
Sermon 
Whom Shall I Send?    
Eugene Onishi 
Song of Reflection 
Walk With Me 
TFWS #2242 

Kathy Onishi and Leann Onishi 
Introduction to the Offering 
David Ige 
*Doxology 
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” 
UMH #94 

Kathy and Leann Onishi 
*Prayer of Dedication 
David Ige 
Announcements 
Ron Nobuyama
*Closing Hymn 
“As a Fire is Meant for Burning” 
TFWS #2237 

Leann and Kathy Onishi 
*Benediction 
Eugene Onishi 
Postlude 
“What a Mighty God We Serve” 
TFWS #2021
 
Kathy Onishi
Altar Flowers 
Sharon Maeda


Daily Lectionary Readings*

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

Sunday, August 23, 2026: Proper 16 (21)
Exodus 1:8-2:10 and Psalm 124; Isaiah 51:1-6 and Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20
Monday, August 24, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 8; Exodus 1:1-7; Romans 2:1-11; 
Complementary: Psalm 18:1-3, 20-32; 1 Samuel 7:3-13; Romans 2:1-11;
Tuesday, August 25, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 8; Exodus 2:11-15a; Romans 11:33-36; 
Complementary: Psalm 18:1-3, 20-32; Deuteronomy 32:18-20, 28-39; Romans 11:33-36;
Wednesday, August 26, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 8; Exodus 2:15b-22; Matthew 26:6-13; 
Complementary: Psalm 18:1-3, 20-32; Isaiah 28:14-22; Matthew 26:6-13;
Thursday, August 27, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b; Exodus 2:23-24; Ephesians 5:1-6; 
Complementary: Psalm 26:1-8; Jeremiah 14:13-18; Ephesians 5:1-6;
Friday, August 28, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b; Exodus 3:16-22; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12; 
Complementary: Psalm 26:1-8; Jeremiah 15:1-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12;
Saturday, August 29, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b; Exodus 4:1-9; Matthew 8:14-17; 
Complementary: Psalm 26:1-8; Jeremiah 15:10-14; Matthew 8:14-17;


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, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen on Zoom
Sundays (until Aug. 23)
• Vacation Bible School 2026! (View more)
Saturday, Sept. 12
• All-Church Clean-Up


Join us this Wednesday as we catch-up, fellowship, and study scripture together.

Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer

  • August 26, 2026
  • 9 a.m.
  • Zoom

Join Rev. Karen for prayer and fellowship Wednesdays on Zoom. Our time together includes brief check-ins, a devotional and prayer. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee or tea and something light to eat. We hope to see you on Wednesday!

Links are usually sent on Tuesdays. Contact office@blaineonline.org to receive the link to Zoom!


It’s that time: Help us clean-up Blaine! Join us Saturday, Sept. 12 for our bi-annual event to help spruce up our facility!

All-Church Clean-Up on Saturday, Sept. 12

The Board of Trustees invites everyone to our biannual All-Church Clean-Up on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by lunch.

Our campus is used by many groups and hosts numerous events throughout the year, so it needs extra care beyond what our weekly janitorial service provides. There will be a variety of activities to fit all skill levels, energy levels and available time commitments.

Projects will include gardening around the courtyard and steps, along with cleaning the sanctuary, Social Hall and Social Hall kitchen.

The church will provide many supplies, but if you have your own gardening gloves or tools, please bring them along.

We would greatly appreciate everyone’s help and hope you can join us. A sign-up sheet will be available in the Social Hall, or you may contact Ron, Tim Ikegami or Jason Lew so we can prepare enough lunch for everyone.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you!


Join us today 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 now 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!


Help support the stewardship of our Church facilities during this time of transition!

Church Facility Reminder!

As we continue caring for our church home, we kindly ask everyone to be mindful of cleaning up after using the Social Hall, LAC and all other areas of the church. Please take out the garbage promptly after your event or meeting.

We are currently experiencing an ongoing ant problem. Ants become especially active during hot weather and after rainfall. To help reduce the problem, please rinse out cans and bottles containing sugary drinks, soda or other sweet beverages before placing them in recycling or garbage bins.

We know many people use the LAC for basketball, pickleball, volleyball and other sports activities. After your activities, please take a few moments to clean up any food, crumbs, spills or greasy stains from the stage and gym floor.

If you are changing a diaper, please place the soiled diaper in a sealed bag, dispose of it in the garbage and take the trash to the outside garbage bin when your session is complete. Please do not leave dirty diapers in classrooms, on the stage or anywhere else in the building.

Cleaning up after each group’s use of the facility is the responsibility of those using the space. Our onsite staff is here to maintain the building, but caring for our shared church home is a responsibility we all share.

Our church is an older building, and while professional pest control helps, the most effective way to reduce pests is by removing the food and trash that attract them.

Thank you for helping keep our church clean, welcoming and well cared for.


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.


Our Story Continues

The Rev. Karen Yokota Love calls for us to be in prayer as we witness recent events involving gun violence.

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.


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