Volunteers finish packing baked goods.Volunteers prepare snacks and sweets such as manju and ohagi before the event.Ryan Kozu seasons and stirs the pork broth for the Sukiyaki. The men of Blaine Memorial UMC pan freshly cooked sukiyaki in warming trays.Volunteers, including Rev. Karen Yokota Love, prepare fresh ohagi, a confection made of rice and sweet adzuki bean paste.A few members of the Blaine Youth Group offer up other traditional baked goods.Learn More
Comments Off on Blaine Memorial UMC’s 120th and 121st Anniversary Sunday
Prelude Holy, Holy, Holy By John B. Dykes Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Call to Worship Rev. David Nieda
Opening Hymn You Are the Vine Words and Music by Danny Daniels and Randy Rigbey Blaine Praise Band
Opening Prayer Rev. Shalom Agtarap
Special Music Goodness of God Written by Ed Cash, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson and Jenn Johnson Rev. Dr. Mark C. Hearn, Rev. Dione Corsilles
Sermon Rooted and Grounded…In Love! Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata
Hymn of Reflection What Gift Can We Bring (UMH #87) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Special Music Amazing Grace By John Newton (English and Japanese) Blaine Ukulele Group of Seattle
Video Presentation The Archives Committee
The Great Thanksgiving Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata, Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth, Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos, Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Holy Communion Music At This Table By Idina Menzel Marina Kozu
Introduction to the Offering Rev. Alann Hamada
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Rev. Alann Hamada
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn Forever Words by Chris Tomlin Blaine Praise Band
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude One God and Father of Us All Words and Music by Pete Carlson and Kyle Matthews, Arr. by Jerry Carraway Kathy Onishi
Announcements
Congregational Photo • Immediately after worship in the Sanctuary
Immediately after worship, we’ll gather to take a congregational photo in the Sanctuary. This photo will include all of our dignitaries. Since we will be taking a group photo, we are canceling the Zoom Break Out Room. It will provide the opportunity for our facilitators to participate in the congregational photo. We’ll resume the Zoom Break Out Room on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
Blaine Memorial’s 120th Anniversary Sunday Celebration and Potluck Information
Blaine Memorial UMC will have a 120th anniversary Sunday service with special guests and dignitaries from our past to celebrate and reflect on its 120-year history and look forward to its further growth and development into the next 120 years of service in love. After the service there will be a potluck gathering and program with exhibits, entertainment, reunions with friends and family, and an honoring of church members who are 88+ years old by the end of January. Please join us for the culminating celebration of our 120th anniversary and start of our 121st year! We look forward to celebrating with all our members new and old and our many community friends to remember and renew our connections into the future. Please bring a potluck dish to share. All are welcome.
For the potluck we are asking folks to contribute some dishes to share with others. (If you are single, please feel free to bring just one of the items. If you are 88+ years old, you do not need to bring a dish. This celebration is for you!).
We hope you can join us for this special culmination celebration of our church’s 120th Anniversary.
NJAUMC Book Study During Epiphanytide
There’s a new book study sponsored by the National Japanese American United Methodist Caucus that will begin next Tuesday (1/21). Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC in Arvada, CO) and Rev. John Miyahara (UMC Navy Chaplain in San Diego, CA) will facilitate “Secret Harvests: A Hidden Story of Separation and the Resilience of a Family Farm” by David Mas Masumoto. We will gather virtually on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. (PST). Below is our reading schedule:
Books are on sale in the Church Office for $15.00 or you are free to purchase online at Amazon.com.
At the 2023 Day of Remembrance, a “Never Again is Now” banner adorned by colorful tsuru (origami cranes) reminds event attendees that the history of Executive Order 9066 and Japanese American incarceration still matter today.
Day of Remembrance Film Screening at Blaine Memorial UMC • February 19, 2025
Blaine Memorial UMC is partnering with the Seattle JACL and Puyallup Valley JACL to show the film, Removed by Force: The Eviction of Hawai?i’s Japanese Americans During World II at 6:00PM in the Sanctuary. The film sheds light on the relatively unknown experiences of the 1,500 Americans of Japanese ancestry from 23 geographic areas in Hawai‘i who were evicted, but not interned, during World War II.
Annual Sukiyaki Dinner • March 1, 2025
Blaine Memorial’s Sukiyaki Benefit Fundraiser is for SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025 from 1:00PM-6:00PM! Sukiyaki will be $20.00 each. We will have cooked and uncooked Sukiyaki. We will provide take out and have limited dine in. More information will be announced soon – stay tuned!
Afghanistan and Ukrainian Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC!
Items being collected: At this time, we have an abundance of some items and so we are NOT in need of clothing or children’s toys. Especially needed items include women’s products, toothpaste, personal care items, rice cookers, blenders, mixing bowls, microwave ovens, toasters, mixers, irons, dish sets, towels, and blankets.
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Collection items can be dropped off to the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM. Please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.
South King County Response Center Collection Volunteer Hours: The Donation Center is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00AM-2:00PM, same time as the Tukwila Pantry at 3118 S. 140th St. Seattle. Please text Kim Parks at (206) 683-1707 when you would like to help. Please wear a mask and bring a marking pen and measuring tape if possible. Other Questions? Please contact Donna Sekijima at: donnasek@outlook.com and/or Anne Arakaki-Lock at: salock@comcast.net.
A Season of Stewardship: Blaine Memorial UMC Supports Kimball Elementary (Video)
Beacon newsletter will return in February!
Our bi-monthly newsletter, the Beacon, will return in February! Check out our past issues here.
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Blaine Memorial UMC Land Acknowledgment
Call to Worship Brad Miyake
Opening Hymn Come My Way, My Truth, My Life (UMH #164) Kathy Onishi & Eugene Onishi
Opening Prayer Brad Miyake
Scripture Reading John 2:1-11 (JLB) Yuki Sofronas, Brad Miyake
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
Special Announcement Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Special Music Here I Am, Send Me Blaine Memorial UMC Choir
Sermon Water to Wine Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Song of Reflection Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring (UMH #644) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Introduction to the Offering Brad Miyake
Offertory Music Kathy Onishi
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Brad Miyake
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn Become to Us the Living Bread (UMH #630) Kathy & Eugene Onishi
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude Soon and Very Soon By Andrae Crouch Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Today’s Flowers Miriam Tong
Sermon Questions
How did God speak to you through the scripture/sermon this week?
What details from this story stand out to you? (Where is he, how much wine does he create, what does his mom ask of him, how does the master of the feast respond?)
How does Jesus respond to his mom’s request? What does this show us about his mission?
What are some reasons Jesus begins his ministry with turning water into wine?
How do the seven signs help bolster our understanding of who Jesus is so that we may have eternal life?
Jesus was socially engaged in celebratory events in the lives of others. What does this tell us about how we should engage in the mission of God?
A Celebration of Life Service for Sumi Yoshioka • Today at 1pm
You’re invited to the public Celebration of Life Service for Sumiko “Sumi” Yoshioka for this Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM. There will be a reception to follow in the Lee Activity Center. A lifelong church member, she faithfully served as organist, pianist, choir and handbell choir director. She was known for her kindness, grace, and was an island girl at heart. Sumi’s Celebration of Life service will be live-streamed.
1967 Easter —Congregation
120th/121st Anniversary Sunday Service and Potluck • Sunday, January 26, 2025
On January 26, 2025, Blaine Memorial UMC will have a 120th anniversary Sunday service with special guests from our past to celebrate and reflect on its 120-year history and look forward to its further growth and development into the next 120 years of service in love. After the service there will be a potluck gathering and program with exhibits, entertainment, reunions with friends and family, and an honoring of church members who are 88+ years old by the end of January. Please join us for the culminating celebration of our 120th anniversary and start of our 121st year! We look forward to celebrating with all our members new and old and our many community friends to remember and renew our connections into the future. Please bring a potluck dish to share. All are welcome.
For the potluck we are asking folks to contribute some dishes to share with others. (If you are single, please feel free to bring just one of the items. If you are 88+ years old, you do not need to bring a dish. This celebration is for you!). Potluck assignment recommendations are listed below by last name:
A-H: Main dish/Salad
I-S: Main dish/Rice
T-Z: Main dish/ Dessert
NJAUMC Book Study During Epiphanytide
There’s a new book study sponsored by the National Japanese American United Methodist Caucus that will begin next Tuesday (1/21). Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC in Arvada, CO) and Rev. John Miyahara (UMC Navy Chaplain in San Diego, CA) will facilitate “Secret Harvests: A Hidden Story of Separation and the Resilience of a Family Farm” by David Mas Masumoto. We will gather virtually on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. (PST). Below is our reading schedule:
Books are on sale in the Church Office for $15.00 or you are free to purchase online at Amazon.com.
Volunteers finish packing baked goods.
Blaine’s Benefit Sukiyaki Nominations • Due Weds. Jan. 22, 2025
Blaine Memorial UMC’s Annual Sukiyaki will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Currently, the Sukiyaki Committee is seeking nominations for a beneficiary for the upcoming Sukiyaki event. Please submit a brief description of your recommended beneficiary recipient to the Church Office by Wednesday, January 22, 2025 (for review and approval by Ad Board). Beneficiary Nominations Forms are available in the Church Office.
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesday (1/22/25) at 9:00AM on Zoom. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
Video: “A Season of Stewardship: Blaine Memorial UMC Supports Kimball Elementary”
With challenges such as food insecurity, a harsh economy, and homelessness, Blaine Memorial UMC has teamed with Kimball Elementary School to provide dinners through Thanksgiving Meals and presents through the Giving Tree.
Several members of the Blaine Memorial UMC Community, including its Blaine Youth Group (BYG), share what makes this lay-led ministry vital to the families in the neighborhood.
Last year, the Blaine Youth Group got together for a quick photo at Asian Camp at Camp Gilmore in California. Support our youth by purchasing a delicious Curry Bento today!
BYG Curry Bento Fundraiser for Asian Camp • Today after Worship
Immediately after worship, our BYG will serve Curry Bento Boxes as a fundraiser for Asian Camp Youth Camp. Each Bento comes with chicken curry, sesame ginger salad and an oatmeal raisin cookie for $15.00 each. There is also an option to purchase the chicken curry and sesame ginger salad for $13.00. Each summer many of our youth attend Asian Camp. Throughout the year, our youth have fundraisers, and each fundraiser helps offset the cost of air transportation, van transportation, lodging and meals before and after Asian Camp. This year, Asian Camp will be in Southern California.
Volunteers finish packing baked goods.
Blaine’s Benefit Sukiyaki Nominations • Due Weds. Jan. 22, 2025
Blaine Memorial UMC’s Annual Sukiyaki will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Currently, the Sukiyaki Committee is seeking nominations for a beneficiary for the upcoming Sukiyaki event. Please submit a brief description of your recommended beneficiary recipient to the Church Office by Wednesday, January 22, 2025 (for review and approval by Ad Board). Beneficiary Nominations Forms are available in the Church Office.
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesday (1/15/25) at 9:00AM on Zoom. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
120th/121st Anniversary Sunday Service and Potluck • Sunday, January 26, 2025
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, Blaine Memorial UMC will have a 120th Anniversary Sunday service with special guests to celebrate and reflect on its 120-year history and look forward to its further growth and development into the next 120 years of service in love.
We’ll honor our church members and friends who have or will have reached by the end of January, the glorious age of 88 and older by reading their names aloud during worship. In addition, we will remember our saints who have passed away in the last year who were 88 and older by the reading of their names.
1967 Easter —Congregation
There will be a potluck gathering and program following the service. There will also be ministry table exhibits of past and present ministries of the church such as music ministry, Sunday School ministry, Youth ministry, mission ministry, sports ministry, etc.
Please join us for the culminating celebration of our 120th anniversary and start of our 121styear! We look forward to celebrating with all our members new and old and our many community friends. All are welcome. We will also have a lunch celebration honoring our 88+ and our 120 years! Stay tuned for more information to come.
Video: “A Season of Stewardship: Blaine Memorial UMC Supports Kimball Elementary”
With challenges such as food insecurity, a harsh economy, and homelessness, Blaine Memorial UMC has teamed with Kimball Elementary School to provide dinners through Thanksgiving Meals and presents through the Giving Tree.
Several members of the Blaine Memorial UMC Community, including its Blaine Youth Group (BYG), share what makes this lay-led ministry vital to the families in the neighborhood.
Prelude Selective Christmas Music Arranged by Leann Onishi Leann Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Ron Nobuyama
Call to Worship Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock From Discipleship Ministries Used with permission Ron Nobuyama
Opening Prayer David Yorozu
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
Scripture Reading Matthew 2:1-12 (JLB, CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, David Yorozu
Reflection Questions Discussion with Neighbor Ron Nobuyama
Prayers of the People Holden Evening Prayer Service God of Mercy, Hold Us in Love Leann Onishi Mako Willett
Holy Communion Rev. Dr. Jeney Park Hearn
Holy Communion Music Traditional Okinawan Music Mako Willett
Introduction to the Offering David Yorozu
Offertory Music Amazing Grace (v 1,2,4,6) Leann Onishi and Mako Willett
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94 Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication David Yorozu
Announcements Rev. Karen and Friends
*Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Postlude Go Now in Peace Leann Onishi and Mako Willett
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Today’s Flowers Carol Kastrup
Sermon Questions
Reflect on an experience from your past when faith in God was hard for you, one where you were able to overcome and push through.
What are the barriers to faith and following Jesus that you must contend with in your life right now? (doubt, negative church experiences, etc.) What are some the current faith struggles that you are dealing with?
How is the Christian life exemplified in the magi? (Seeking Jesus, worshiping Jesus, offering our gifts to Jesus.)
How might you better live as a Christian this coming year? How can this group help?
Ozoni mochi soup will be celebrated and served after church worship. The Blaine Memorial Choir will host us in the customary making and serving of the New Year’s rice-cake ozoni. The Choir is happy to serve you best wishes for the new year of 2025 in every bowl of ozoni!
Prayer and Coffee Canceled • Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Wednesday Coffee and Prayer will be canceled (1/8/25) but will resume Wednesday (1/15/25). See you next week. Blessings on your evening!
120th/121st Anniversary Sunday Service and Potluck • Sunday, January 26, 2025
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, Blaine Memorial UMC will have a 120th Anniversary Sunday service with special guests to celebrate and reflect on its 120-year history and look forward to its further growth and development into the next 120 years of service in love.
We’ll honor our church members and friends who have or will have reached by the end of January, the glorious age of 88 and older by reading their names aloud during worship. In addition, we will remember our saints who have passed away in the last year who were 88 and older by the reading of their names.
There will be a potluck gathering and program following the service. There will also be ministry table exhibits of past and present ministries of the church such as music ministry, Sunday School ministry, Youth ministry, mission ministry, sports ministry, etc.
Please join us for the culminating celebration of our 120th anniversary and start of our 121styear! We look forward to celebrating with all our members new and old and our many community friends. All are welcome. We will also have a lunch celebration honoring our 88+ and our 120 years! Stay tuned for more information to come.
Video: “A Season of Stewardship: Blaine Memorial UMC Supports Kimball Elementary”
With challenges such as food insecurity, a harsh economy, and homelessness, Blaine Memorial UMC has teamed with Kimball Elementary School to provide dinners through Thanksgiving Meals and presents through the Giving Tree.
Several members of the Blaine Memorial UMC Community, including its Blaine Youth Group (BYG), share what makes this lay-led ministry vital to the families in the neighborhood.
Words of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship Ron Nobuyama
*Opening Hymn What Child is This? (UMH #219) Miriam Tong, Michelle Vaughan
Opening Prayer Ron Nobuyama
Scripture Reading Luke 2:41-52 (NRSVUE) Tsutomu Nagoya, Ron Nobuyama
Sermon Surprise! Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Song of Reflection Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! All Verses (UMH #240) Miriam Tong and Michelle Vaughan
Special Video A Season of Stewardship: Blaine Memorial UMC Supports Kimball Elementary School
Offertory Invitation Ron Nobuyama
Offertory Music Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Arr. by Edith Reed Miriam Tong
Doxology Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Miriam Tong
Prayer of Dedication Ron Nobuyama
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn Joy to the World (UMH #246) Miriam Tong and Michelle Vaughan
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude He is Born Anonymous Miriam Tong
*Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Today’s Flowers Miriam Tong
Sermon Questions
When Joseph and Mary discover Jesus is not with their group, they rush back to Jerusalem to find Him in the Temple talking with teachers. His response in verse 49 is Jesus’ first words in the Gospel. What do we learn about Jesus from these words?
Jesus’ growth physically is mirrored by His growth relationally and spiritually. What might we learn about our own development as disciples from Jesus’ life?
What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.
Daily Lectionary Readings
Sunday, December 29, 2024 – First Sunday after Christmas Day: • 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 • Psalm 148 • Colossians 3:12-17 • Luke 2:41-52
Monday, December 30, 2024: • Psalm 147:12-20 • 2 Chronicles 1:7-13 • Mark 13:32-37
Tuesday, December 31, 2024: • Psalm 147:12-20 • 1 Kings 3:5-14 • John 8:12-19
Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Holy Name of Jesus: • Numbers 6:22-27 • Psalm 8 • Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11 • Luke 2:15-21
New Year’s Day • Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 • Psalm 8 • Revelation 21:1-6a • Matthew 25:31-46
Thursday, January 2, 2025: • Psalm 147:12-20 • Proverbs 1:1-7 • James 3:13-18
Friday, January 3, 2025: • Psalm 72 • Job 42:10-17 • Luke 8:16-21
Holiday Office and Campus Closure • Now to January 3, 2025
The Blaine Memorial UMC Church Office and the entire campus is CLOSED until Thursday, January 2, 2025. The Church Office and Campus will open on Friday, January 3, 2025. Happy New Year!
Video: “A Season of Stewardship: Blaine Memorial UMC Supports Kimball Elementary”
With challenges such as food insecurity, a harsh economy, and homelessness, Blaine Memorial UMC has teamed with Kimball Elementary School to provide dinners through Thanksgiving Meals and presents through the Giving Tree.
Several members of the Blaine Memorial UMC Community, including its Blaine Youth Group (BYG), share what makes this lay-led ministry vital to the families in the neighborhood.
In the Japanese tradition to celebrate the start of the new year, we will have a mochi testing event! Mark your calendar: Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 9:30am in the Social Hall. Come and taste freshly made mochi with kinako, shoyu, and other delicious flavors. Experience the best mochi in the Northwest!
New Year’s Ozoni Soup Meal • Sunday, January 5, 2025, after Worship
Ozoni mochi soup will be celebrated and served after church worship on January 5. The Blaine Memorial Choir will host us in the customary making and serving of the New Year’s rice-cake ozoni. The Choir is happy to serve you best wishes for the new year of 2025 in every bowl of ozoni!
Prayer and Coffee Resumes • Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and community on Wednesday (1/8/25) at 9:00AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. 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. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
120th/121st Anniversary Sunday Service and Potluck • Sunday, January 26, 2025
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, Blaine Memorial UMC will have a 120th Anniversary Sunday service with special guests to celebrate and reflect on its 120-year history and look forward to its further growth and development into the next 120 years of service in love.
We’ll honor our church members and friends who have or will have reached by the end of January, the glorious age of 88 and older by reading their names aloud during worship. In addition, we will remember our saints who have passed away in the last year who were 88 and older by the reading of their names.
There will be a potluck gathering and program following the service. There will also be ministry table exhibits of past and present ministries of the church such as music ministry, Sunday School ministry, Youth ministry, mission ministry, sports ministry, etc.
Please join us for the culminating celebration of our 120th anniversary and start of our 121styear! We look forward to celebrating with all our members new and old and our many community friends. All are welcome. We will also have a lunch celebration honoring our 88+ and our 120 years! Stay tuned for more information to come.
