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Thanksgiving Meals, Giving Tree 2025! Comments Off on Thanksgiving Meals, Giving Tree 2025!

Thanksgiving Meals, Giving Tree 2025!

Posted by on Nov 11, 2025 in Beacon News, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Prayer, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Videos, Weekly Calendar

Kimball Elementary School Thanksgiving Meals and Giving Tree 2025

By Terri Adolfo, photos by Kai Yamamoto, Jesse N. Love, and Kaylee Yokoyama 

We are partnering with Kimball Elementary School this year to provide Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts for their underprivileged students and families. To increase our capacity to serve more families, the Thanksgiving meals will be mostly store-bought. Similar to last year, we will gather to make apple crisps and mashed potatoes.

Eunice Gong, a parent at Blaine Memorial UMC, helps prep mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving Meals.

The work party for the apple crisps was held on Sunday 11/9/2025 in the Lee Activity Center after fellowship. The work party for the mashed potatoes will be on Sunday 11/23/2025 in the Lee Activity Center after fellowship.  Everyone is welcome so please come join us.  We are accepting donations to help pay for the meals and ingredients.

EDIT: The delivery of our Thanksgiving Meals will be on Tuesday, November 25.

Last year, Blaine Memorial collected Giving Tree gifts and transported them to Kimball Elementary — supporting kids and families. This year, think about how you can support this community with your own gifts!

The Giving Tree decorated with gift tags will be in the Social Hall from 11/16/25 – 11/30/25.  Please reach out to the Blaine office to arrange tag pickups during office hours if you are not able to pick up after service.  Gift tags that are not taken by Sunday, 11/30/25, will be collected and distributed to volunteer shoppers.  If you are not able to take tags but would like to participate or help, we are gratefully accepting donations. We have heard from Kimball that they are experiencing greater need from their student community this year.

Donations for the Thanksgiving Service and the Giving Tree can be made through Blaine’s website, text/SMS, cash/check, and Realm. For Thanksgiving meals, please select “BYG” and type in “Thanksgiving” in the memo field. For the Giving Tree, please select “Special Donations/Other” and write “Giving Tree” in the memo field. Please return wrapped gift with tag securely attached no later than Sunday, 12/07/25.  

Contact Terri Adolfo at locket@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Thank you for your ongoing generosity and support to help bless those in need in our community!

Terri Adolfo is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC.

Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer

  • When: 9:00AM
  • Where: Zoom

The hour together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. We will continue reading from The Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide.This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat.

Contact the Church Office for the Zoom Link.

Lee Activity Center 25th Anniversary

When: Sunday, November 16

Where: Blaine Memorial UMC, Lee Activity Center


You’re Invited! Celebrate Blaine Memorial UMC’s 25th anniversary of the Lee Activity Center (LAC) is on Sunday, November 16, 2025. We’ll have a worship service at 10:00AM with a cake reception after service in the LAC. Help us commemorate this milestone with your presence. Hope to see you there. Questions? Please email the Church Office at the church office (office@blaineonline.org) or call at 206-723-1536.

SAVE-THE-DATE! All Church Meeting (Charge Conference)

When: Sunday, December 7, 12pm

Where: Blaine Memorial UMC


This year’s All Church (Charge) Conference is scheduled for Sunday, December 7 at 12:00 PM. This gathering holds great significance for our faith community as we come together to celebrate our ministries in 2025. SeaTac District Superintendent, Rev. Ferdie Llenado, will preside over the meeting. Church Leaders, please turn in your annual reports by December 1, 2025 and please send them to Yuki Sofronas (office@blaineonline.org).

Community Announcements

Blaine Memorial UMC is addressing the food insecurity needs of our community. Please read below to help donate to ACRS and the Rainier Valley Food Bank in November.

Blaine Memorial UMC responds to food insecurity

When: November Sundays, Tuesdays-Fridays 10:00a-4:00pm (Excluding Veterans Day)

Where: Blaine Memorial UMC Office, Social Hall

From Rev. Karen:

During this past Sunday’s (11/2) sermon message, I addressed the need for food at our local food banks. Across our nation, and increasingly within our Seattle-area, families are facing a deepening struggle to meet their most basic needs. Last Saturday, the federal freeze of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits placed millions of households in a dire position, impacting low-income families, working households, and federal employees living paycheck to paycheck. This is the first time in our nation’s history where SNAP benefits have lapsed. In many cases, these individuals and families are now experiencing food shortages and are faced with making impossible choices between food, utilities, and housing.

This growing food insecurity crisis is not confined to one community or state; it is unfolding across the state of Washington, and across the country. Rising costs of living have already stretched budgets to their limit. Local food banks and nonprofit partners are reporting a significant increase in need, and there is an opportunity for us to help our neighbors who are in need. 

Here’s a list of the most needed foods to help keep shelves stocked at Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) and the Rainier Valley Food Bank. 

Please drop off your new, unopened containers/donations in the black trunk in the Narthex: 

  • Seasonings
  • Cooking Oil 
  • Nuts
  • Fish Sauce
  • Soy Sauce 
  • Gluten-free Foods
  • Dried fruit
  • Cold/Hot Cereals
  • Dry Beans & Lentils
  • Grains
  • Instant Grains
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Popcorn
  • Herbs/Spices
  • Infant Formula
  • Dry Goods (Rice & Pasta) 
  • Small Pasta Noodles
  • Infant Formula 
  • Canned Chicken, SPAM & Tuna
  • Instant Mashed Potatoes
  • Canned Fruit
  • Canned Meals (Soups & Chili)
  • Cream of Wheat, Oatmeal & Grits
  • Nutrient Replacement Drinks
  • Stuffing
  • Apple Sauce
  • Nut Butter
  • Dog & Cat Food 
  • Diapers 
  • Toothbrushes & Toothpaste 
  • Shaving Supplies 
  • Feminine Hygiene Products 

If you’d like to give directly to the local organizations, please do so. They have the capacity to purchase food at discounted bulk rates. Please click on ACRS and/or Rainier Valley Food Bank. 

We will take this collection during November. Thank you again for making a difference. Thank you for coming together to create free food opportunities amid delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown. May you continue to be a blessing in the community as we work to provide basic necessities for everyone. 

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Our Story Continues

November 2025

Click image to view the November 2025 Calender.

To view the December calendar, click or tap here.

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BYG Update Comments Off on BYG Update

BYG Update

Posted by on Jun 23, 2025 in Beacon News, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Prayer, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

For two years, Kaylee Yokoyama has served as Associate Director for the Blaine Youth Group. She has faithfully led our youth through various fundraising ventures, as well as, spiritual moments to help grow Blaine Memorial’s future.

BYG Update

To New Beginnings

By Kaylee Yokoyama, photos by Aiden Lew, et. al.

Kaylee Yokoyama, Associate Director of BYG, will conclude her service and enter a new phase. Blessings on your journey, Kaylee!

Dear Blaine Congregation,

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served as Associate Director of the Blaine Youth Group over the past few years. During the month of July, I’ll be stepping away from this role as I prepare to take a gap year before beginning graduate school. It is certainly a bittersweet moment. When I was first asked to consider this role, I felt both honored and uncertain of the responsibilities of such a large and meaningful role. Over the past two years, this position has pushed me to grow through reflection, creativity, and navigating uncertainty, and I’m incredibly thankful for the privilege to have served in
this role.

Joshua Santos, Edwin Santos, Jem Tong, Kaylee Yokoyama, Kai Yamamoto, and the Rev. Karen Yokota Love meet up in the Yoshida Room for fellowship.

Blaine has been home to me since I was three years old. Being part of BYG through college first as a leader and then as an Associate Director has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I’ve loved watching our youth grow, not only in faith, but also in confidence, compassion, and resilience. Whether they were starting middle or high school, applying to college, heading to camp for the first time, or stepping into leadership roles themselves, their courage, passion, and drive has continually inspired me.

Members of the Blaine Youth Group gather for a fun Halloween photo-op, celebrating fellowship and togetherness for God. Kaylee will be moving forward with her career goals and achievements.

As I step out of this position, I’m excited for what lies ahead for BYG. I have full confidence that this community will continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact within our church and beyond.

I especially want to thank those who walked alongside me in this journey:

  • Thank you to the parents who supported our events and encouraged and supported your youth. 
  • To our incredible leaders, thank you for your time, energy, and presence, I couldn’t have done it without you all. 
  • Reverend Karen, thank you for your steady guidance, patience, and unwavering support and care for our youth through times of transition. 
  • Thank you also to Reverend Mia, Lynne Onishi, and Kai Yamamoto for your guidance and commitment to BYG and for consistently supporting me as I grew into this role.
  • I’m deeply grateful to have had such a transformative experience in such an incredible community. As I step into new beginnings, I’ll be cheering on BYG and hopeful for its continued curiosity, connection, and growth.

With gratitude,

Kaylee

Kaylee Yokoyama and the Blaine Youth Group gathered at Camp Indianola for a Confirmation Retreat.

Kaylee Yokoyama serves as the outgoing Associate Director of the Blaine Youth Group.

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Team Blaine prevailed at the 2024 Walk for Rice event!

35th Annual ACRS Walk for Rice @ Seward Park • June 28, 9:00 am

This year ACRS will hold the Walk for Rice at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Seward Park. Team Blaine raised over $11,000 last year (2nd place) and this year’s fundraising goal is $8,000. We’re off to a great start, but still have a way to go to reach our goal.

Help ACRS feed AAPI community members who are experiencing food insecurity by donating to and/or registering to walk with Team Blaine:

Donate Online through Team Blaine:
Team Blaine at ACRS

Mail your donation to the Blaine office:
Checks to “Walk for Rice”, memo: “Team Blaine”

Thanks for your support!
Justine I., Team Captain

Cancelled: Church Retreat, A Message from Harry Tang

We regret to inform you that the upcoming church retreat, scheduled for the weekend of August 22, has been canceled due to low registration. 

We understand this may be disappointing news, and we sincerely appreciate your interest and support. For those who have already registered, we’ll reach out to you directly.

Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to our church community. Stay tuned for future opportunities to gather, reflect, and grow together.

Prayer and Coffee • Wednesdays at 9am 

Join us for prayer and community on Wednesdays at 9:00AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to continue with Lent, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.

Request for Potato Chips and Savory Treats

Thank you, everyone, for bringing in sweet and savory treats for our fellowship time on Sundays. We all enjoy them and are now running low. Please consider bringing in some of your favorite individually wrapped chips to share. Examples are potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos, etc. We appreciate your generosity. 

You may drop the treats off in the social hall kitchen area on Sundays or during church office hours.

We are always in need of more helpers in the kitchen for our fellowship time and it’s a great way to get to know others. Please see Julie Lock at jtlock00@gmail.com if you would like to be added to our rotation list. Thank you!

View the June 2025 Calendar

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