Congregational Care

Pentecost Sunday Comments Off on Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost Sunday

Posted by on Jun 7, 2025 in Ash Wednesday, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Episcopal News, Giving, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

All are Welcome!

Sermon Reflection Questions

  • How can we recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives? 
  • What does the Holy Spirit do for individuals and the church as a whole? 
  • How can we cultivate a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit? 
  • What are some practical ways to manifest the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.)

Order of Worship

Prelude
She Comes Sailing on the Wind
Gordon Light: arr. by Andrew Donaldson

Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Land Acknowledgement
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, October 2024
Neal Komedal
*Opening Hymn
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
TFWS #2120
Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Opening Prayer
Neal Komedal
Scripture Reading
Acts 2:1-21 (CEB)
Masami Blowers, Neal Komedal, Rev. Karen Yokota Love
 
Variety of Voices
• French (Wendy)
• Chinese (Sylvia)
• Spanish (Arlene)
• Pidgin English (Aka)
• Japanese (George)
• Tagalog (Miriam)
• English (Eugene)
• Norwegian (Neal)
• Latin (Barbara Nagaoka)
Children’s Message
Sai Hanaoka
Recognition of BYG Associate Director Kaylee Yokoyama and the BYG Leaders
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Special Music
The Great Commission
Words by Mary Kay Beall, Music by John Carter
Blaine Memorial Choir
Sermon
Pentecost
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection
Loving Spirit
TFWS #2123
Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Introduction to the Offering
Neal Komedal
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
Kathy and Eugene Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Neal Komedal
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn
O Church of God, United
UMH #547
Kathy and Eugene Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
Bless His Holy Name
Andrae Crouch, Kathy Onishi

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday, June 08, 2025: Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Romans 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21
John 14:8-17, (25-27)
Monday, June 09, 2025: 
Psalm 48 
Joel 2:18-29 
1 Corinthians 2:1-11
Tuesday, June 10, 2025: 
Psalm 48 
Ezekiel 11:14-25 
1 Corinthians 2:12-16
Wednesday, June 11, 2025: 
Psalm 48 
Numbers 24:1-14 
Luke 1:26-38
Thursday, June 12, 2025: 
Psalm 8 
Proverbs 3:13-18 
Ephesians 1:17-19
Friday, June 13, 2025: 
Psalm 8 
Proverbs 3:19-26 
Ephesians 4:1-6
Saturday, June 14, 2025: 
Psalm 8 
Proverbs 4:1-9 
Luke 2:41-52

Announcements

In remembrance of the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Archives is requesting the folding of 1000 cranes, due by July 20, 2025.

1,000 Paper Crane Project • Due July 20, 2025

The Archives Committee is asking church members to come together to pray for peace by folding 1000 paper cranes as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the end of World War II, and the closing of the World War II US incarceration camps which imprisoned Japanese Americans.

The folding of 1000 origami cranes has come to symbolize a prayer for peace.

We would like members to fold the origami cranes during social hour after service, in Sunday School, in your small groups, and at your homes and other spaces. We can give you some origami paper or you can use your own origami paper (6-inches by 6-inches).

Please give or send your origami cranes to the church office as soon as you finish or by July 20, 2025.

Sadako Sasaki statue in Peace Park in the University District of Seattle, Washington. Park was built by Floyd Schmoe. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Meet the artist for the Sadako Statue Renewal • June 8, 4:00pm-5:30pm!

Sadako Sasaki was two years old when Nagasaki was bombed. Before she died of leukemia at 12, she folded thousands of Tsuru as a symbol of peace and inspired multitudes of people. A statue of this beloved girl has stood in Peace Park by the University bridge since 1990. On July 12, 2024 the statue was cut off and stolen for an unknown reason. The community immediately held a healing ceremony and started the process for Sadako’s renewal.

Artist Saya Moriyasu will present her art proposal to create a new Sadako statue at Seattle’s Peace Park. Come Learn about the project and how to support the art.

When:
Sunday, June 8, 2025, 4:00pm-5:30pm

Where:
University Friends Meeting, 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle 98105

Celebrate Father’s Day at Blaine Memorial UMC on June 15 during our annual lunch!

Father’s Day Lunch Celebration • June 15 after Worship

Join us as we honor the men and those who identify as men at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, June 15 after worship with a special lunch! During this time, we will honor, remember, and show out love to our fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, uncles, brothers, cousins, husbands, teachers, mentors, and all the men in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today. Our BYG will help serve ice cream for dessert!

Juneteenth Office Closure • June 19


In recognition of the Juneteenth federal holiday, our Church Office will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025. We will be open on Friday, June 20, from 10am-4pm.

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!

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

Summer Church Retreat @ Black Lake Bible Camp • August 22-24, 2025! 

Location:
Black Lake Bible Camp
6521 Fairview Road SW, Olympia, WA 98512
blbcolympia.com

Cost:
Whole weekend, includes 5 meals and 2 night accommodations:

  • $193 per person, ages 9 and up
  • $116 per child, ages 3-8 
  • Free, children 2 and younger
  • Saturday Day Only Trip (meals included, no lodging): Cost TBD

Contact:
Harry Tang @ 808-561-0184
Email: harrybills@gmail.com

Pre-register by June 16, 2025 because we’d like to get a head count of those committed to attend. Visit blaineonline.org for more!

View the June 2025 Calendar

Learn More
Ascension and Graduation Sunday Comments Off on Ascension and Graduation Sunday

Ascension and Graduation Sunday

Posted by on Jun 1, 2025 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

All are Welcome

Sermon Questions

  • Before He ascended, Jesus told His followers that He would leave the Holy Spirit with them. Can you think of several reasons why it’s better to have the Holy Spirit inside you rather than Jesus beside you? How does the Spirit actually help you personally each day?
  • How can we practically apply the truth of the Ascension of Lord in our personal walk with Christ?
  • What advice would you give your younger self, or to future graduates? 

Order of Worship

Prelude
Gather Us In
By Mary Haugen
Kathy Onishi

Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Land Acknowlegement
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
Kaylee Yokoyama
*Opening Hymn
God of Wonders
Worship and Song #3034
Blaine Memorial Praise Band
Opening Prayer
Kaylee Yokoyama
First Scripture Reading
Acts 16:16-34 (CEB)
Marcus Corsilles
Children’s Message
Sai Hanaoka 
Class of 2025 Graduates
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
High School Graduates
Annabelle Akiyama
Joshua Akiyama
Marcus Corsilles
Emma Hearn
Justine Ing
Katelyn Nakase
College Graduates
Malia Yamamoto
Sydney Mochizuki
Joshua Santos
Kobe Yamamoto
Kaylee Yokoyama
Michelle Yokoyama 
Congregational Litany for Our Graduates
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Special Music
A Heritage of Hope and a Legacy of Love
By Sally DeFord

Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading
Luke 24:44-53 (CEB)
Kaylee Yokoyama
Sermon
You are Witnesses
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection
O Blessed Spring
TFWS #2076

Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Holy Communion
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Serving: Rev. Karen, youth 1, youth or young adult 2, youth or young adult 3
Introduction to the Offering
Marcus Corsilles
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
*Prayer of Dedication
Marcus Corsilles
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn
We Are God’s People
TFWS #2220
Kathy and Eugene Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
We Are the Body of Christ
By Scott Wesley Brown and David Hampton; arranged by Tom Fettke
Kathy Onishi
Today’s Flowers
Carol Kastrup

Announcements

Prayer and Coffee • Wednesdays at 9am 

Join Rev. Karen 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.

Church Clean Up Work Party @ Blaine Memorial UMC

Saturday, June 7 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Just a reminder for anyone who is available on Saturday (6/7) morning to help clean up and spruce up Blaine Memorial. Planned events for the Work Party include cleaning all areas outside. We’d like to trim the hedges and remove the ivy on the buildings. People who are interested in working indoors, we’d like to clean the Sanctuary, the church pews, and the Social Hall windows. Please bring your tools to hedge and gloves. Please feel free to contact Ron Nobuyama with any questions or concerns.

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!

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

Summer Church Retreat @ Black Lake Bible Camp • August 22-24, 2025! 

Location:

Black Lake Bible Camp

6521 Fairview Road SW, Olympia, WA 98512

blbcolympia.com

Cost:

Whole weekend, includes 5 meals and 2 night accommodations:

$193 per person, ages 9 and up

$116 per child, ages 3-8 

Free, children 2 and younger

Saturday Day Only Trip (meals included, no lodging): Cost TBD

Contact:

Harry Tang @ 808-561-0184

Email: harrybills@gmail.com

Pre-register by June 16, 2025 because we’d like to get a head count of those committed to attend. Visit blaineonline.org for more!

View the June 2025 Calendar

Learn More
Sixth Sunday of Easter Comments Off on Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Posted by on May 25, 2025 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

All are Welcome!

Sermon Questions

1) Suppose that Jesus asked you the question right now, “Do you want to be healed? Fully healed?” How would you answer?

  • What in you needs healing right now?
  • Why might you not want to be healed right now?
  • What will healing really involve?

2) Suppose you were the paralyzed man. Which would you rather have — physical healing, or spiritual healing?

3) Jesus did not ask the Pharisees if they wanted to be healed. What do you think their response would have been?

Order of Worship

Prelude
Honor and Praise
By Twila Paris
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Land Acknowledgment
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
Ron Nobuyama
*Opening Hymn
Please Enter My Heart, Hosanna
TFWS #2154
Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Opening Prayer
Ron Nobuyama
First Scripture Reading
John 14:23-29 (CEB)
Tsutomu Nagoya, Ron Nobuyama
Children’s Message
Masato “Mike” Takahashi
Special Music
I Believe

By Mark A. Miller, Anonymous Jewish Poem
Blaine Memorial Choir
Reading of Names for Memorial Day
Gail Nomura and Shig Nishida
Second Scripture Reading
John 5:1-9 (CEB)
Tsutomu Nagoya, Ron Nobuyama
Sermon
Divine Healing
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Meditation 
Healer of Our Every Ill 
TFWS #2213
Kathy and Eugene Onishi
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
Kathy Onishi and Eugene Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Ron Nobuyama
Announcements
Rev. Karen and Friends 
*Closing Hymn
For the Healing of the Nations
UMH #428
Kathy and Eugene Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
Zoom Fellowship Breakout Room
Rev. Jeney Park-Hearn, Dale Kaneko
Today’s Flowers
Miriam Tong

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday, May 25, 2025:
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 16:9-15
Psalm 67
Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9
Monday, May 26, 2025: 
Psalm 93
1 Chronicles 12:16-22
Revelation 21:5-14
Tuesday, May 27, 2025: 
Psalm 93
2 Chronicles 15:1-15
Revelation 21:15-22
Wednesday, May 28, 2025: 
Psalm 93
2 Chronicles 34:20-33
Luke 2:25-38
Thursday, May 29, 2025: 
Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47 or Psalm 93
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53
Friday, May 30, 2025: 
Psalm 97
Exodus 33:12-17
Revelation 22:6-9
Saturday, May 31, 2025:
Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Psalm 113
Romans 12:9-16b
Luke 1:39-57
Psalm 97
Exodus 33:18-23
John 1:14-18

Announcements

Two color guards and color bearers of the Japanese-American 442d Combat Team, stand at attention, while their citations are read. They are standing on ground in the Bruyeres area, France, where many of their comrades fell. Courtesy of Wikipedia/US Army Signal Corps.

Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) and NVC Foundation presents: 80th Annual Memorial Day Service @ Lake View CemeteryMonday (5/26), 10:00am – 11:00am

Each year, Blaine Memorial participates in the NVC Memorial Day service. This year, Rev. Karen will provide the Invocation and Bruce Yamamoto will provide the Christian Reflection. This will be the first year where Blaine Memorial UMC will present a wreath and our representatives will be Jerry Ikegami and George Yates.

Final Sunday to pick up lost and found items in the Social Hall! • Today 

Lost something? If you have misplaced any items while at the church, you can check the Lost and Found area. The Lost and Found is currently located on three tables in the Social Hall. Items of high value (such as iPhones, eye glasses, and car keys) are kept safely in the Church Office.

The Lost and Found items will be left out on the tables in the Social Hall until the end of day on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Afterwards, all unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill. 

If you are looking for a specific item or have any questions, please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536.

Thank you for recycling chip bags during Fellowship Time!

For the past three Sundays, we’ve collected chip bags during Fellowship Time. Dale Watanabe and Arlene Naganawa are gracious to offer and use their personal Ridwell subscriptions to responsibly recycle the chip bags from Blaine’s Fellowship Time. 

However, we are unable to collect items from church members’ homes. Since they are using their personal accounts, the collection bags are small. If you would like to subscribe to Ridwell, sign up at ridwell.com. 

Please put your bags that you use during Fellowship Time in the box located in the social hall near the kitchen. Thank you for helping us to be good stewards of our planet!

Prayer and Coffee • Wednesdays at 9am 

Join Rev. Karen 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.

Special Film Screening: “One Fighting Irishman”Thursday (5/29) at 6:00pm

Join Densho and Sharon Yamato for a screening of “One Fighting Irishman” at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church on May 29, 2025 at 6:00PM.

The night will start off with Blaine Memorial UMC church member, Glenn Mitsui’s short film, “Wakasa Spirit Stone”. Stay after for a post-film Q&A with both filmmakers. Don’t miss this powerful evening of film and reflection! Thank you to 4Culture and the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture for supporting this event!

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

View the May 2025 Calendar

View the latest issue of the Beacon newsletter!

Click the image above to view our latest issue or view past issues here.

Our Story Continues

Learn More
Fifth Sunday of Easter Comments Off on Fifth Sunday of Easter

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Posted by on May 17, 2025 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

All are Welcome!

Sermon Questions

  • How important is it for us to love one another? What impression does it give others when they don’t see love among believers?
  • How has the Christian world done, over the years, in loving one another and being recognized as Jesus’ disciples by our love?
  • What can you do to make love for others a bigger part of your life?
  • Where would you like to see more of Jesus’ love in your life?
  • What’s a practical way you can love someone like Jesus this week?

Order of Worship

Prelude
As the Deer
By Martin J. Nystrom
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Land Acknowledgment
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
Donna Sekijima
*Opening Hymn
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
UMH #384
Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Opening Prayer
Donna Sekijima
First Scripture Reading
Revelation 21:1-6 (CEB)
Tsutomu Nagoya, Donna Sekijima
Children’s Message
Sai Hanaoka
Special Music
No Greater Gift
By Ruth Elaine Schram
Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading
John 13:31-35 (CEB)
Tsutomu Nagoya, Donna Sekijima
Sermon
Known By Your Love
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Meditation
The Gift of Love
UMH #408
Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Introduction to the Offering
Donna Sekijima
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Donna Sekijima
Announcements
Rev. Karen and Friends
*Closing Hymn
Let Us Be Bread
TFWS #2260
Kathy and Eugene Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
By Sebastian Temple
Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Fellowship Breakout Room
Rev. Jeney Park-Hearn, Dale Kaneko
Today’s Flowers
Carol Kastrup

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday, May 18, 2025: 
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35
Monday, May 19, 2025: 
Psalm 133; 
1 Samuel 20:1-23, 35-42;
Acts 11:19-26
Tuesday, May 20, 2025: 
Psalm 133; 
2 Samuel 1:4-27;
Acts 11:27-30
Wednesday, May 21, 2025: 
Psalm 133; 
Leviticus 19:9-18;
Luke 10:25-28
Thursday, May 22, 2025: 
Psalm 67; 
Proverbs 2:1-5;
Acts 15:36-41
Friday, May 23, 2025: 
Psalm 67; 
Proverbs 2:6-8;
Acts 16:1-8
Saturday, May 24, 2025: 
Psalm 67;
Proverbs 2:9-15;
Luke 19:1-10

Announcements

Final Sunday to pick up lost and found items in the Social Hall! • Today 

Lost something? If you have misplaced any items while at the church, you can check the Lost and Found area. The Lost and Found is currently located on three tables in the Social Hall. Items of high value (such as iPhones, eye glasses, and car keys) are kept safely in the Church Office.

The Lost and Found items will be left out on the tables in the Social Hall until the end of day on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Afterwards, all unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill. 

If you are looking for a specific item or have any questions, please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536.

Let’s Recycle Potato Chip Bags! 

To continue our church track record of proper recycling and helping the earth one little step at a time, Arlene Naganawa and Dale H. Watanabe have a favor of you. We will begin a trial collecting used chip bags from social hour to recycle with our subscription to Ridwell.

Please put your bags in the box located in the social hall near the kitchen. If you have a subscription too and want to help out, please contact Arlene or Dale – we are looking for at least one more that is on a different pick-up schedule!

Prayer and Coffee • Wednesdays at 9am 

Join Rev. Karen 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.

Two color guards and color bearers of the Japanese-American 442d Combat Team, stand at attention, while their citations are read. They are standing on ground in the Bruyeres area, France, where many of their comrades fell. Courtesy of Wikipedia/US Army Signal Corps.

Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) and NVC Foundation presents: 80th Annual Memorial Day Service @ Lake View CemeteryMonday (5/26), 10:00am – 11:00am

Each year, Blaine Memorial participates in the NVC Memorial Day service. This year, Rev. Karen will provide the Invocation and Bruce Yamamoto will provide the Christian Reflection. This will be the first year where Blaine Memorial UMC will present a wreath and our representatives will be Jerry Ikegami and George Yates.

Location: Lake View Cemetery, 1554 15th Avenue East, Seattle, WA

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

View the May 2025 Calendar

View the latest issue of the Beacon newsletter!

Click the image above to view our latest issue or view past issues here.

Our Story Continues

Learn More
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Mother’s Day Sunday Comments Off on Fourth Sunday of Easter, Mother’s Day Sunday

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Mother’s Day Sunday

Posted by on May 10, 2025 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Miscellaneous, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

All are Welcome

Sermon Questions

  • What aspects of motherhood uniquely reflect God’s love and care for us?
  • How can we practically honor our mothers and the women in our lives who have nurtured us?
  • In what ways can we learn from the wisdom and experiences of mothers, both those we know personally and those we read about in scripture?
  • How does it mean to “follow” Jesus in our daily lives, and how can we discern Christ’s will for us?
  • How does this passage encourage us to trust in God’s love and care, even when we face challenges and uncertainties?

Order of Worship

Prelude
Shepherd Me, O God

Marty Haugen
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Land Acknowledgment
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
Stephen Sumida
*Opening Hymn
Holy Ground

TFWS #2272

Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Opening Prayer
Stephen Sumida
First Scripture Reading
Acts 9:36-43 (CEB)

Tsutomu Nagoya, Stephen Sumida
Children’s Message
Sai Hanaoka
Special Music
These Are The Things

Words by J. Paul Williams, Music by Daved Lantz III

Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading
John 10:22-30 (CEB)

Tsutomu Nagoya, Stephen Sumida
Sermon
The Shepherd’s Compass
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Special Music
Down to the Water to Pray

Arrangement by Pepper Choplin

Blaine Memorial Choir
Introduction to the Offering
Stephen Sumida
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

UMH #94

Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Stephen Sumida
*Closing Hymn
The Summons

TFWS #2130, All verses

Kathy and Eugene Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
Lamb of God

Twila Paris
Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Today’s Flowers
Sharon Maeda

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday, May 11, 2025:
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30
Monday, May 12, 2025: 
Psalm 100
Ezekiel 37:15-28
Revelation 15:1-4
Tuesday, May 13, 2025: 
Psalm 100
Ezekiel 45:1-9
Acts 9:32-35
Wednesday, May 14, 2025: 
Psalm 100
Jeremiah 50:17-20
John 10:31-42
Thursday, May 15, 2025: 
Psalm 148
Ezekiel 2:8-3:11
Revelation 10:1-11
Friday, May 16, 2025: 
Psalm 148
Daniel 7:13-14
Revelation 11:15
Saturday, May 17, 2025: 
Psalm 148
Daniel 7:27
Revelation 11:16-19

Announcements

Mother’s Day Breakfast • Today

Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, May 11 from 8:30am-9:45am and then again, after worship. During this time, we will honor, remember, and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today.

Howard Nakase is looking for help by all men and those who identify as men at Blaine Memorial to prepare the breakfast beginning at 6am. Thank you to Howard Nakase for chairing this year’s Mother’s Day breakfast!

Lost and Found items in the Social Hall

Lost something? If you have misplaced any items while at the church, you can check the Lost and Found area. The Lost and Found is currently located on three tables in the Social Hall. Items of high value (such as iPhones, eye glasses, and car keys) are kept safely in the Church Office.

The Lost and Found items will be left out on the tables in the Social Hall until the end of day on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Afterwards, all unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill.

If you are looking for a specific item or have any questions, please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536.

Let’s Recycle Potato Chip Bags! 

To continue our church track record of proper recycling and helping the earth one little step at a time, Arlene Naganawa and Dale H. Watanabe have a favor of you. We will begin a trial collecting used chip bags from social hour to recycle with our subscription to Ridwell.

Please put your bags in the box located in the social hall near the kitchen. If you have a subscription too and want to help out, please contact Arlene or Dale – we are looking for at least one more that is on a different pick-up schedule!

Prayer and Coffee • Wednesdays at 9am 

Join Rev. Karen 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. We will discuss the significance of Lent. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.

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.

The Ireicho document listing the 125,000+ persons of Japanese ancestry incarcerated by the US Government during World War 2. Image courtesy of Matsujima/Wikipedia.

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.

Sign up now!

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:
https://give.acrs.org/team/657467

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

Thanks for your support!
Justine I., Team Captain

View the May 2025 Calendar

View the latest issue of the Beacon newsletter!

Click the image above to view our latest issue or view past issues here.

Our Story Continues

Learn More
Third Sunday of Easter Comments Off on Third Sunday of Easter

Third Sunday of Easter

Posted by on May 3, 2025 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

All are Welcome

Sermon Questions

  • How does your faith reflect the light of God?
  • What does the story of Star Wars teach us about God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness? 
  • How does the idea of “the Force” help us to understand God’s ability to work in unexpected ways? 
  • How do you, as a congregation, live out your faith in a way that reflects the light of God, just as the Jedi carry the Light within them?

Order of Worship

Prelude
What Does the Lord Require of You
TFWS #2174
Miriam Tong
Welcome of Grace and Greeting  
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Land Acknowledgment 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
Written by Rev. Jeremy Smith
Used with permission
Mel Cooley
*Opening Hymn 
Christ Has Risen
(TFWS #2115), All verses 
Miriam Tong
*Opening Prayer
Mel Cooley
First Scripture Reading
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) (CEB)
Tsutomu Nagoya, Mel Cooley
Children’s Message  
Sai Hanaoka
Second Scripture Reading
John 21:1-19 (CEB)
Tsutomu Nagoya, Mel Cooley
Sermon
Witness
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection
Cry of My Heart
TFWS #2165, All verses
Yuki Sofronas
Holy Communion
Rev. Karen Yokota Love & Mel Cooley
Introduction to the Offering 
Mel Cooley
*Doxology 
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
Yuki Sofronas
*Prayer of Dedication
Mel Cooley
Announcements 
Rev. Karen and Friends
*Closing Hymn
One Bread, One Body
UMH #620, All verses
Yuki Sofronas
*Benediction 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
Star Wars Themed Music
Yuki Sofronas and Anthony S
Passing of the Peace 
Zoom Breakout Room
Dale Kaneko, Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Today’s Flowers
Miriam Tong

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday, May 4, 2025: 
Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)
Psalm 30
Revelation 5:11-14
John 21:1-19
Monday, May 5, 2025: 
Psalm 121; 
Ezekiel 1:1-25; 
Acts 9:19b-31;
Tuesday, May 6, 2025: 
Psalm 121; 
Ezekiel 1:26-2:1; 
Acts 26:1-18;
Wednesday, May 7, 2025: 
Psalm 121; 
Isaiah 6:1-8; 
Luke 5:1-11;
Thursday, May 8, 2025: 
Psalm 23; 
Ezekiel 11:1-25; 
Revelation 5:1-10;
Friday, May 9, 2025: 
Psalm 23; 
Ezekiel 20:39-44; 
Revelation 6:1-7:4;
Saturday, May 10, 2025: 
Psalm 23; 
Ezekiel 28:25-26; 
Luke 12:29-32;

Announcements

Interested in joining Mission Guatemala? Today, the team will meet to talk about planning and logistics.

Mission Guatemala Meeting • Today

We will have a meeting to discuss flight information as well as more of the detailed logistics of the trip. We will more than likely need final decisions from folks about attending by the end of May. We are super excited about the upcoming trip to Guatemala for 2025, Friday 8/8/25 to Saturday 8/16/25. 

For more information, contact Alice Ikeda or Bob & Donna Sekijima.

Let’s Recycle Potato Chip Bags! 

To continue our church track record of proper recycling and helping the earth one little step at a time, Arlene Naganawa and Dale H. Watanabe have a favor of you. We will begin a trial collecting used chip bags from social hour to recycle with our subscription to Ridwell.

Please put your bags in the box located in the social hall near the kitchen. If you have a subscription too and want to help out, please contact Arlene or Dale – we are looking for at least one more that is on a different pick-up schedule!

Prayer and Coffee • Wednesdays at 9am 

Join Rev. Karen 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. We will discuss the significance of Lent. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.

Mother’s Day Breakfast • Sunday, May 11

Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, May 11 from 8:30am-9:45am and then again, after worship. During this time, we will honor, remember, and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today.

Howard Nakase is looking for help by all men and those who identify as men at Blaine Memorial to prepare the breakfast beginning at 6am. Thank you to Howard Nakase for chairing this year’s Mother’s Day breakfast!

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.

The Ireicho document listing the 125,000+ persons of Japanese ancestry incarcerated by the US Government during World War 2. Image courtesy of Matsujima/Wikipedia.

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.

Sign up now!

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!

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:
https://give.acrs.org/team/657467

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

Thanks for your support!
Justine I., Team Captain

View the April 2025 Calendar

View the latest issue of the Beacon newsletter!

Click the image above to view our latest issue or view past issues here.

Our Story Continues

Learn More