Prayers for those affected by the recent Bite of Seattle shooting
By Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Our region was heartbroken by the horrific shooting at the Bite of Seattle last Sunday, July 26, 2026. For so many in our community, the Bite has long been a cherished summer tradition — a place where families, neighbors, and friends gather to celebrate the richness and diversity of our city. It has been a favorite tradition of mine as well. I always looked forward to sampling the incredible variety of foods, enjoying the different bands and live music throughout the festival, and simply spending time people-watching amid the vibrant energy of the crowd. It was a place where Seattle’s diversity and community spirit were on full display.
On Sunday, July 26, 2026, suspected shooters opened fire into a crowd attending the annual Bite of Seattle food festival. Several people were injured, including three who died. Please keep the victims, law enforcement officers and all those affected in your prayers. Please note: images featured here are AI-generated representations for this prayer response.
The violence that unfolded there has left many grieving and searching for hope. We pray for those who lost loved ones, for those who were injured, for the first responders and healthcare workers who cared for them, and for all whose lives have been forever changed.
How can we as a community be there for each other during these recent tragedies involving gun violence? What are the ways we can dialogue and work with each other for peace?
We also pray for our City: that God’s peace will overcome fear, that justice will prevail, and that we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, will faithfully bear witness to God’s reconciling love in a world so deeply in need of healing.
If you are affected by recent events, contact Rev. Karen, rev.karen@blaineonline.org.
(Cover) Yuko Iyori, Consul General Makoto Iyori, Steve Sumida holding commendation certificate and his wife, Gail M. Nomura holding the flowers that were presented to Steve.
Special Report
Sumida receives Commendation from Min. for Foreign Affairs
By Gail M. Nomura, photos courtesy of the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, Emi Suzuki
University of Washington Professor of American Ethnic Studies Emeritus Stephen H. Sumida received the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Commendation at a ceremony hosted by Makoto Iyori, Consul-General of Japan in Seattle on October 2, 2025. Foreign Minister of Japan Takeshi Iwaya awarded this commendation to Sumida in recognition for his distinguished achievements in promoting academic exchange between Japan and the United States of America and thus contributing to the strengthening of friendly relations between Japan and foreign countries. The commendation particularly highlighted Sumida’s work as chair of the American Studies Association’s ASA-JAAS Project Coordinating Committee which secured grants and funding for and coordinated an exchange of scholars from the American Studies Association (ASA) and the Japanese Association for American Studies (JAAS).
(First slide) Kathy Onishi, Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Yuko Iyori, Eugene Onishi, Gail Nomura, Ron Nobuyama, Steve Sumida, Yuko Iyori, Consul General Makoto Iyori, and Yuki Sofronas celebrate together. (Second slide) Yuko Iyori, son-in-law Kyle Suzuki, granddaughter Clare Suzuki, Steve Sumida, wife Gail Nomura, daughter Emi Suzuki, granddaughter Alice Suzuki, and Consul General Makoto Iyor.
Sumida has a long record of promoting intellectual exchange between the United States and Japan starting with his serving as an Amherst Fellow teaching at Doshisha University in Kyoto after his graduation from Amherst College in 1968. Later in his career he was a Fulbright Fellow and taught in Japan at Tsuda University and Tokyo Institute of Technology. At the University of Washington, Sumida has hosted and mentored visiting scholars from Japan and other countries.
As president of the Association for Asian American Studies and the first Asian American to serve as president of the American Studies Association he has actively promoted academic exchange between US scholars and Japanese scholars through meetings, conferences, and personal interaction.
In his acceptance speech Sumida spoke of his own personal growth in knowledge of Japan from his living and teaching in Japan, from his first teaching at Doshisha University as a recent college graduate to his teaching as a UW professor in Japan. He also spoke of the deeper understanding of Japan he got from his acting in an ACT series of readings of the American English adaptation of Heike Monogatari, scripted by Philip Kan Gotanda and Yusuf El Guindi, and directed by Kurt Beattie. This was a full circle moment as at his first teaching experience in Japan at Doshisha he had been asked by the famous Japanese scholar and translator Kitagawa Hiroshi to review and critique his 800-page typescript translation into English of The Tale of the Heike. But now through his work on “The Tale of the Heike” English adaptation play he could experience and understand the theme of the Heike Monogatari which he said was “that all phenomena are vanity and evanescence, all prideful striving and ambitions are dreams on a spring night, whirls of dust in the wind…All things must pass. And this I know is a comfort. Peace be with us all.”
Additional speakers at the ceremony were Harvard University Takashima Professor of Japanese Humanities Emeritus Jay Rubin and Sumida’s daughter, Emi Suzuki, president of Sumida Farm. The Hon. Steve Hobbs, Secretary of State of Washington, gave the toast. Many Blaine Memorial UMC members attended this ceremony and enjoyed the generous hospitality of Consul General Iyori.
Gail M. Nomura is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC in Seattle.
BMUMC Announcements
Click or tap to view the latest issue of the Beacon newsletter!
Members of Blaine Memorial UMC continue to support Kimball Elementary through Thanksgiving Meals and Giving Tree projects. These gifts will go to the children in our community. Thank you all for your support!
GIVING TREE GIFTS: DELIVERED!
Blaine Memorial UMC and Kimball Elementary together are bringing hope and joy this season to the children of our community.
Through the leadership of Terri Adolfo, the support of Mr. Abdi Husein, and the generosity of Blaine Memorial UMC, the gifts you see in the photo are all going to children in need. Through the simple gesture of giving: sharing happiness, inclusion, and the feeling of being provided for…together as a spirit-filled community, we can help others in big ways!
Be sure to check out blaineonline.org for updates, including a video report, on these two projects!
Job Opening: Part-Time Youth Director
The Youth Director at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church is a dedicated individual with a heart for youth ministry, committed to guiding and mentoring young individuals in their faith journey. This position involves direct engagement with 6th to 12th graders, creating a supportive and encouraging environment for their spiritual growth.
Blaine Memorial UMC has a new P.O. Box address!
New P.O. Box Addresss for Blaine Memorial UMC Mail
We have a new mailing address! Blaine Memorial UMC would like to direct all new mail to the following address:
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church P.O. Box 24065 Seattle, WA 98124
Blaine Memorial’s mailing address has changed to a P.O. Box for improved security. Please save this address! Please send your mail and future giving to this address. All new mail that you receive will have the P.O. Box as Blaine Memorial UMC’s new return address.
Save the dates for our upcoming Advent and Christmas Worship Services!
December Worship Dates to Remember
Sunday, December 14 • Christmas Play with children and youth in the LAC, 10am
Sunday, December 21 • Christmas Music Sunday in the Sanctuary, 10am • Blue Christmas Service in the Sanctuary, 1pm
Wednesday, December 24 • Christmas Eve Family Worship Service, 4pm • Christmas Eve Candlelight Lesson and Carols Service, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 28 • First Sunday of Christmas Worship, 10am
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.
It’s that time: dust off your favorite ugly holiday sweater from your closet and enter into the Battle Royale!
Ugly Sweater Battle Royale Holiday Contest
Attention, Fashion Disasters! Do you own a holiday sweater so hideous it frightens small children? One that jangles, sparkles, or possibly hums? Good — because we WANT IT. Wear it proudly to our Ugly Sweater Battle Royale on Sunday (12/14) after the Christmas Children’s Play. Strut your stuff for a chance to win glory, fame, and a questionable prize.
Bring your brightest colors, wildest patterns, and most ridiculous designs for a chance to win:
Most Creative Sweater
Ugliest Sweater
Best Holiday Theme
Join us in celebrating the season with some light-hearted fun!
Elaine Chin serves up hot and fresh sukiyaki beef.
Sukiyaki Benefit Nominations Needed!
It’s hard to believe that Blaine Memorial’s Sukiyaki Benefit Dinner is around the corner! We’d like to open up nominations for a worthy organization to receive a portion of the proceeds from our annual March event.
Last Day to Sign Up for Poinsettias on the Altar: December 14
Advent season is almost here, and it’s time to sign up for poinsettias for the altar. You may dedicate a poinsettia in celebration of a person or an event, in memory of a loved one, or to honor God’s glory. Poinsettias may be taken home after our Christmas Eve services. Each plant is $12.00. The deadline for Poinsettia Orders is Sunday, December 14, 2025. Forms are available online on our website, in the Narthex, and in the Office.
Prayers of peace and comfort for the Grace Mandac Adriano Family
Grace Mandac Adriano, 51, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Grace is survived by her husband, Joseph Adriano and sons Caleb and Ethan. She had a love for cooking, gardening, and she loved being in the outdoors with God’s creation. Grace loved her family and friends with all her heart. She embodied a deep love for the intersection of justice and mercy. Grace’s whole professional career was about getting people housed.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Caleb and Ethan’s College Fund through Blaine Memorial UMC.
A viewing will be held at Bonney Watson Funeral Home at 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188 on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 12:00PM-8:00PM. There will be a public Celebration of Life service on Saturday, December 20 at 10:00AM at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church. Following the Celebration of Life service, guests are invited to her burial service and a reception at Bonney Watson Funeral Home at 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188.
May Grace rest in peace and let God’s perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Community Announcements
Thank you Blaine Memorial community for supplying food for those in need in November!
Blaine Memorial UMC thanks you for donating during November.
Together, Blaine Memorial UMC collected so many items to help support families in need after SNAP benefits were on hold. Although some SNAP benefits have been restored, some are facing delays.
We are still organizing and sorting what has been collected. Please stay tuned for more info on how much was received. You are a blessing to the community!
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.
Dale H. Watanabe (center) with students from Seattle University volunteer their time at last year’s Benefit Bazaar.
Seeking Benefit Bazaar Beneficiary Nominees!
Due date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 11:59 PM!
Save the Date: Blaine Memorial UMC’s Annual Bazaar will be on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Currently, the Bazaar Committee is seeking nominations for a beneficiary for the upcoming autumn bazaar! Please submit a brief description of your recommended beneficiary recipient to the Church Office by Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 11:59 PM! (for review and approval by Ad Board).
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.
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.
Request for Potato Chipsand 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 if you would like to be added to our rotation list. Thank you!
Your generous donations make a huge impact on our neighbors!
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC!
When: Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM
Where: Church Office
Riverton Park UMC needs:
Diapers (sizes 3 through 7)
Diaper wipes
Kitchen pots and pans
Paper plates
Toothpaste
Long grain rice
Cooking Oil
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.
What does Paul’s prayer of thanksgiving celebrate about the fruit of hope in the lives of the “saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae?’
What is the connection between these petitions and the hope the Colossians heard?
Order of Worship
Prelude Holy, Holy Jimmy Owens Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Pastor Job Pangilinan
Land Acknowledgement Pastor Job Pangilinan
*Call to Worship Pastor Job Pangilinan
*Opening Hymn For the Healing of the Nations UMH #428 Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Rev. Job Pangilinan and Rev. Karen Yokota Love at the Commissioning and Ordination Worship Service at Annual Conference. Join us for a BBQ Celebration on July 20!
A BBQ Celebration as Blaine Memorial Welcomes Pastor Job Pangilinan and the Reappointment of Pastor Karen Yokota Love!
When: July 20, 2025, after worship
Where: Lee Activity Center (LAC)
Please join us on Sunday, June 20, after worship for a BBQ to celebrate Rev. Karen’s reappointment and Rev. Job’s new appointment to Blaine! We are asking people to contribute picnic-type side dishes for this festive occasion.
Suggestions by last name:
A-H – Green or fruit salad or your favorite
I-S – Potato salad or pasta salad or your favorite
T-Z – Dessert
SPRC will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and cake (but additional desserts are always appreciated)! Questions? Contact Arlene Naganawa (arlene_naganawa@msn.com).
A 1,000 paper cranes symbolizes longevity, happiness and good fortune.
Thousand Paper Crane Project
Due: July 20, 2025
Where: Church Office
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.
Wednesday Prayer and Coffee
When: 9:00AM
Where: Zoom
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.
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.
Request for Potato Chipsand 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 if you would like to be added to our rotation list. Thank you!
Your generous donations make a huge impact on our neighbors!
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC!
When: Tuesday-Friday between 10:00AM-4:00PM
Where: Church Office
Riverton Park UMC needs:
Diapers (sizes 3 through 7)
Diaper wipes
Kitchen pots and pans
Paper plates
Toothpaste
Long grain rice
Cooking Oil
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.
Click the image above to view our latest issue or view past issues here.
The Revs. Paul Ortiz and Karen Yokota Love prepare for Closing Worship at The Pacific Northwest Annual Conference 2025.Ron Nobuyama and George Yates serve as Delegates representing Blaine Memorial UMC.Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth welcomes everyone to The Pacific Northwest Annual Conference Sessions 2025.Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth, Bishop of The Greater Northwest Area of The United Methodist Church has cast a vision: the M.I.L.E. How can we live into this vision for Blaine Memorial UMC?The Blaine Ukulele Group of Seattle performed two songs during Opening Worship!Pastor Job Pangilinan prepares for robing before Closing Worship.
We are Blessed and Broken: Returning from #pnwac25
Dear Blaine – Your delegates, fellow church members, and Senior Pastor AND our new Associate Pastor have returned from this year’s Pacific Northwest Annual Conference Sessions in Bothell, Washington. This event was from June 26-28 at Bothell UMC.
We discussed issues pertaining to the church regarding regionalization, climate, and administrative matters. We also had a great time with a Ministry Fair, singing performances, and reconnecting with friends from the past and making new friends as well.
If you would like to learn more, visit pnwumc.org. Or, check out their FB page. A richer report from Blaine Memorial’s team will be provided soon – check out our website soon!
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.
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.
Request for Potato Chipsand 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 if you would like to be added to our rotation list. Thank you!
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Please join us for upcoming events at Blaine Memorial UMC!
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Summer Music Ministry Sunday
On Sunday, June 22, we will celebrate Music Ministry Sunday as we kick off the season of Summer! We’ll hear tunes from the Blaine Memorial Choir, the Blaine Praise Band, the Blaine Ukulele Group of Seattle (B.U.G.S.), and music from different church members! We will also recognize the hard work of our Church School Superintendent Sai Hanaoka and our Church School Teachers during worship. In addition, we will commission our Asian Camp campers, adult chaperones, and counselor who will depart for Asian Camp at the end of the week.
Pastor Job to be Commissioned at PNW Annual Conference
Blaine Memorial’s incoming associate pastor, Job Pangilinan will be commissioned as a provisional candidate for ministry on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Bothell United Methodist Church at 10:30AM. The service will be livestreamed, and I will send out a link closer to the date. If you’d like to join in the festivities, you are more than welcome to come to witness this in person!
Celebration of the Re-appointment of Pastor Karen, Welcome Pastor Job!
On Sunday, July 20, SPRC will host a Summer BBQ to celebrate the beginning of the new appointment year for Rev. Karen and for our incoming associate pastor, Pastor Job Pangilinan!
Scholarship Sunday
On August 3, 2025, we’ll celebrate, honor, and learn more about this year’s Blaine Memorial UMC scholarship recipients. Some of our recipients will participate in worship. Scholarship Committee Chair Michelle Vaughan will present our recipients to the congregation.
Announcements
Click the image above to view our latest issue or view past issues here.
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.
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:
