What has God entrusted to you – your time, relationships, resources, history, or gifts – and how might you use those things to bear kin-dom fruit?
Where might God already be at work beyond our congregation, and how can we practice greater humility, listening, hospitality and solidarity with others?
Order of Worship
Prelude “Taste and See” TFWS #2267 Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Land Acknowledgement Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship Adam Drake
*Opening Song “When We Are Living (Pues Si Vivimos)” – V 1 and 2 in English, then in Spanish UMH #356 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
Join us this Wednesday as we catch-up, fellowship, and study scripture together.
Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer
October 7, 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!
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.
Thank you for helping keep our church community safe and aware.
Our Story Continues
The latest issue of the Beacon newsletter is now available! Click or tap to view!
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.
Join us this Wednesday as we catch-up, fellowship, and study scripture together.
Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer
September 30, 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!
Click or tap on the image to pre-order your favorite entrée like BBQ Salmon, Yakisoba, or BBQ Chicken with sides at this year’s Bazaar! Bazaar 2026 is coming on Saturday, Oct. 3! A portion of the proceeds will support La Resistencia! Also, view the official poster for Bazaar 2026!
Blaine Memorial Benefit Bazaar
Saturday, Oct. 3
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Blaine Benefit Bazaar is just one week away! This year, we’re proud to support La Resistencia, with a portion of the Bazaar proceeds benefiting its important work.
La Resistencia is a grassroots, immigrant-led organization working to end immigrant detention and stop deportations in Washington state. The organization supports people detained at the Northwest Detention Center and advocates for a future where immigrants can remain with their families and communities.
We’re honored to support its mission through this year’s Bazaar!
Pre-order some of your Bazaar food today!
Join us for homemade Japanese food! Available for Pre-Order:
BBQ chicken bento
BBQ salmon bento
Beef curry bento
Vegetarian yakisoba
…and more!
Also available at the event:
Suno dogs
Hot dogs
Italian sodas
Homemade pies
Ohagi
Baked goods
Farmers market
Volunteers
The Bazaar Needs You to Volunteer!
We cannot do this without our trusted volunteers! We need help grilling, cooking, making ohagi, selling baked goods and more. Please sign up in the Social Hall.
Please contact Lesley Okura at okura5@aol.com if you have any questions.
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.
Thank you for helping keep our church community safe and aware.
Our Story Continues
The latest issue of the Beacon newsletter is now available! Click or tap to view!
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.
(Top cover) Rev. Karen welcomes everyone to the Blessing of the Animals Service on Sunday. (Above) The young people of Blaine Memorial UMC attended Asian American Summer Camp, where they had the opportunity to grow in faith and make new friends along the way.
From Summer’s Gifts to Autumn’s Promise
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, additional photos by Hailey Ishita
As I look back on this summer, I’m filled with gratitude for all we have shared as a spiritual community — and for the many ways our ministry has come alive. It has been a full and joyful season at Blaine, with opportunities to worship, serve, laugh, learn and simply spend time together. We’ve supported our youth, reached beyond our walls, welcomed new people and made significant improvements to our church home. As autumn begins, I’m grateful for everyone who has helped make this ministry possible and for the many ways God continues to work through our community. I’m excited for what lies ahead.
Summer Youth Ministry Apprentice Sam Grant served with Blaine Youth this summer. Thank you for being a part of the Blaine Memorial team!
Sam Grant brought joy and wonderful energy to our ministry as our Summer Youth Ministry Apprentice. With creativity and enthusiasm, Sam helped organize several fun experiences, including a Mariners game and a hike to Twin Falls. These moments reminded us that ministry happens not only within our church walls but also at ballparks, on hiking trails and wherever we gather.
Jonah C. says hello during Messy Day at Asian Camp 2026.
We sent 13 youth, accompanied by four adult chaperones, including me, to Asian Camp. Camp provided a meaningful space for our youth to build friendships, deepen their faith and connect with other Asian American youth. It was a joy and blessing to witness them grow closer to God, worship, laugh and form bonds that will continue beyond camp.
Members of our congregation once again traveled to Mission Guatemala, continuing our commitment to serving alongside others, building relationships across cultures and sharing their gifts through dental ministry, Vacation Bible School and construction work.
Blaine Memorial UMC joined Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple and other faith communities for an interfaith service honoring Hiroshima and Nagasaki and renewing a shared hope for peace.
We also gathered at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple for an interfaith service commemorating the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Together, people from diverse faith traditions remembered those who lost their lives and the suffering caused by nuclear weapons while affirming our shared commitment to peace. It was a powerful reminder that, despite our differences, we can find common ground and work together toward a more peaceful world.
Good things are happening! Blaine Memorial UMC will be preparing for an installation of greener structures to support its initiatives for a cleaner, efficient future. Please note: this image is an AI-representation for this announcement.
Caring for Our Church Home
While summer brought many opportunities for fellowship, service and ministry, we have also been busy behind the scenes making significant improvements to our church home. Caring for these spaces is itself part of our ministry — it helps us create welcoming places where people can worship, gather, serve and grow. I am deeply grateful to our trustees and volunteers for the time, energy and expertise they have given to this work, helping us steward what we have while preparing Blaine for the ministry God is calling us to in the future.
This summer, the overgrown nursery area bordering the Social Hall was cleared to prepare for battery storage to support our upcoming solar panel project. New parking lot lights were installed, and our trustees are working toward installing heat pumps. Nearly 300 chairs in the Lee Activity Center were also refurbished, giving them new life and helping us make good use of what we already have.
More recently, our trustees led a church cleanup, trimming hedges, pruning trees, deep-cleaning the sanctuary and kitchens, power-washing the grounds and washing the windows. Our church grounds are sparkling!
We also welcomed a new janitor this summer who has been faithfully caring for our facilities and even tackling those less glamorous jobs — like removing years of stubborn rings from the toilet bowls! We are grateful for everyone who helps care for Blaine and makes it a welcoming place for all.
Rally Sunday celebrated a new season with blessings for backpacks and school supplies and gratitude for Sam’s summer ministry. We also welcomed our new BYG youth director, Adam Drake. Thank you Sam…and welcome to Blaine Memorial UMC, Adam!
Welcoming a New Season
Recently, we gathered for Rally Sunday, celebrating the beginning of our autumn season and the start of a new school year. It was a joyful day filled with blessings, farewells, welcomes and opportunities to reconnect as a church community.
We blessed backpacks, work totes, devices and school supplies as our children and youth began a new school year. We offered a farewell blessing to Sam, giving thanks for his summer ministry among us. We also warmly welcomed our new BYG youth director, Adam Drake.
Adam Drake (right) helps the BYG serve box lunches during Rally Sunday. Welcome Adam!
Adam brings extensive youth ministry experience from El Paso, Texas, along with a background in the Anglican Church. He is currently studying at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. In addition to his passion for youth ministry, Adam is a gifted musician.
Most of all, we are excited for our youth to have the opportunity to get to know Adam and experience the gifts, energy and enthusiasm he brings to our church community. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome!
The Ad Board sponsored a Ministry Fair. Leaders from a variety of Blaine’s ministries gathered to share information, answer questions and invite members to become more involved in the life of our church. It was a wonderful opportunity to discover the many ways we can worship, learn, serve, build community and put our faith into action.
BYG hosted a simple box lunch to help raise funds for Asian Camp 2027. Thank you to everyone who supported this effort and helped make it a success!
Thank you for making this summer such a wonderful season. As we welcome autumn, may we carry with us the joy, connections and blessings of these past months. With grateful hearts and hopeful spirits, we look forward to all that God has in store for us in the season ahead.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as senior pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC in Seattle.
Blaine Memorial UMC Weekly 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
Sunday, Sept. 20 • Safety and Security Meeting, Immediately After Worship • Young Adult Gathering Lunch, 11:45 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. • Bazaar Pie-Making Party
Oct. 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Bazaar 2026 (View updates!)
Click or tap on the image to pre-order your favorite entrée like BBQ Salmon, Yakisoba, or BBW Chicken with sides at this year’s Bazaar! Help us support La Resistencia!Calling all bakers! Support our upcoming Benefit Bazaar through our Pie-Making Party session on 9/26!
Bazaar Pie-Making Party
Saturday, Sept. 26
10 a.m.
Bazaar pie-making will be one week earlier than usual this year! Bring your rolling pins, lace up your comfy shoes and get ready to “roll” on Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 10 a.m. in the LAC kitchen.
Many hands are needed to make our pie-making day a success, especially since our pies are always in high demand!
Sign-up sheets will be available at the Special Ministries Fair on Sunday, Sept. 13.
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
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.
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, Sept. 20 • Safety and Security Meeting, Immediately After Worship • Young Adult Gathering Lunch, 11:45 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. • Bazaar Pie-Making Party
Oct. 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Bazaar 2026 (View updates!)
If you have safety concerns and want to help bring awareness to our church community, then join us for our safety and security meeting on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Safety and Security Meeting
Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
Immediately After Worship
In the Sanctuary
Please join us immediately after worship on Sunday, Sept. 20, for a brief 15- to 20-minute, in-person presentation on safety and security at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church.
This will be the first of several short presentations we will offer over the coming months. Our hope is that by learning together and taking steps to care for one another, you will feel God’s love more deeply as you feel safe, welcomed and valued in our church community.
Thank you for helping us build a caring, safe and welcoming community for everyone. If you have questions or concerns, or if you would like to join us in these efforts, please speak with Arlene Naganawa, Dale Kaneko or Steve Sakahara.
Calling all young adults! Be sure to join us on Sunday, Sept. 20 for our monthly lunch meetings!
Young Adult Gathering Lunch
Sunday, Sept. 20
11:45 a.m.
Rev. Karen would love to kick off our new monthly young adult gatherings with a casual lunch together!
If you’re a young adult — college-age through your 20s and 30s (roughly ages 20–35) — we’d love for you to join us. We’ll gather after worship and head out together around 11:45 a.m. for lunch. We’ll choose the restaurant that day, so come ready for good food, good conversation and a chance to get to know one another!
Whether you’ve been part of Blaine Memorial for years or are newer to our church family, come join us! Let’s build community, share some laughs and see where these monthly gatherings take us.
Questions? See Rev. Karen. We hope to see you there!
Hot Pot is BACK! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to fellowship with other young adults from Blaine Memorial UMC!
Hot Pot Is Back!
Join us Sunday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m. in the Social Hall for an evening of hot pot, games, fellowship and reconnecting with friends and families. We will have ’90s-themed trivia! This is our first Hot Pot gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re excited to get our community gatherings going again!
Since Hot Pot is a communal meal, please bring an ingredient to share — beef, pork, shrimp, shiitake noodles, enoki mushrooms, vegetables, tofu or any of your favorite hot pot ingredients.
Families coming out for basketball will likely join us afterward, too!
Come hungry, bring something to share and bring a friend! We can’t wait to see everyone! Questions? Please contact Marina Kozu.
Join us this Wednesday as we catch-up, fellowship, and study scripture together.
Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer
September 23, 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!
Calling all bakers! Support our upcoming Benefit Bazaar through our Pie-Making Party session on 9/26!
Bazaar Pie-Making Party
Saturday, Sept. 26
10 a.m.
Bazaar pie-making will be one week earlier than usual this year! Bring your rolling pins, lace up your comfy shoes and get ready to “roll” on Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 10 a.m. in the LAC kitchen.
Many hands are needed to make our pie-making day a success, especially since our pies are always in high demand!
Sign-up sheets will be available at the Special Ministries Fair on Sunday, Sept. 13.
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
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.
Joshua Santos, Eugene Onishi, Ron Nobuyama, and Joey Ing work hard to repair and refurbish our chairs in the Lee Activity Center.
LAC Chairs Are ‘Like New’ Now
By Dale Kaneko and Carol Okano
Video:
Over the past 26 years, our community has been blessed by the Lee Activity Center (LAC) and all that it has provided. We have held many significant events there, including Summit Worship Services, sukiyaki dinners, bazaars, memorial service receptions, conferences and reunions. Many of us have sat on those sturdy LAC chairs without realizing they needed some TLC — tender loving care.
Striving to be good stewards of our resources, the church decided to re-cover the seats rather than purchase new chairs, even though the project would require considerable labor.
Over three and a half intensive days in August, 40 generous volunteers vacuumed and deep-cleaned the chairs, wiped down the frames and re-covered nearly 300 seats. Every task — whether simple, requiring plenty of muscle or somewhere in between — was critical to getting the job done. We appreciate everyone who came out to help, as well as those who wanted to participate but were unable to do so.
Our deep gratitude goes to the following volunteers:
AC Arai
John Burnham
Mel Cooley
Susan Dittman
Craig Fujisaki
Kim Furugori
Sam Grant
Wil Hasegawa
Joan Hernandez
Lorraine Hoshibata
Margaret Inouye
Amy Kaminishi
Barbara Kanaya
Dale Kaneko
Janet Kometani
Karen Kozu
Steve Kozu
Elena Mano
Jim Mano
Kristine Martin
Melanie Mitsui
Barbara Nagaoka
Ron Nobuyama
Carol Okano
Lesley Okura
Eugene Onishi
Leann Onishi
Steve Sakahara
Joshua Santos
Donna Sekijima
Sally Sekijima
Stacy Shirouzu
Yuki Sofronas
Mike Takahashi
Lynda Tanagi
Miriam Tong
Sylvia Wong
Cristina Yamamoto
Jay Yamamoto
Keiko Yanagihara
Our “like new” LAC chairs, with their cushy, velvety seats, reflect our church’s commitment to being good stewards of what God has blessed us with. May we all continue to help one another to LOVE boldly, SERVE joyfully and LEAD courageously.
Dale Kaneko and Carol Okano are members of Blaine Memorial UMC, Seattle.
