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
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.
Children and Youth Christmas Play Today, Dec. 15, at 10am. All are invited to come to the Lee Activity Center to witness our children and youth perform in a special Christmas Play.
Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 7pm. Our Blue Christmas Service provides space for prayer, reflection, and remembrance for those grieving during this holiday season (Livestreamed)
Christmas Music Sunday Sunday, Dec. 22, at 10:00am. Christmas Music Sunday will feature jams from our Blaine Memorial Choir, B.U.G.S., young adults, and more.
Christmas Eve Service Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 4pm. We will have one Traditional Christmas Eve Lesson and Carols Candlelight Service.
2024 Congregation Photograph
Today, we will be taking a 120th anniversary commemorative photo of our whole congregation in the Lee Activity Center after the children’s Christmas program. Please stay for this photograph which will be a snapshot of our present 2024 congregation in our 120th year as a church family. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this Blaine Memorial UMC 120th Anniversary photo!
Final Day to Order: Poinsettias on the Altar
It’s time to sign up for poinsettias for the altar. Each plant is $12.00. The deadline for Poinsettia Orders is today.
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.
Pick up a form at the Church Office or download an order form. Please share! You can also find a copy of the poinsettia order form in the November/December Beacon newsletter. The order form should be filled out and mailed to Blaine Memorial UMC, Attn: Poinsettias, 3001 24th Ave S., Seattle, WA 98144.
NJAUMC Caucus Advent Study Group • 12/17 at 6:30pm-8:00pm
Members of the NJAUMC Caucus have put together an Advent study based on The Christmas Letters. All NJAUMC churches are invited to attend the study. The facilitators are US Navy Chaplain Rev. John M. Miyahara and Pastor Brian Lee from Simpson UMC in Denver, Colorado, Rev. Ki Choi from Centenary UMC and Rev. Karen Yokota Love from Blaine Memorial UMC. You don’t need to read the book to join the group.
Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am
Join the Rev. Karen Yokota Love for prayer and community on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM 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.
From these cotton rice bags, Blaine’s special 120th Anniversary Aprons are created.
Anniversary Aprons…Now Available!
Blaine Memorial UMC 120th Anniversary Aprons will be available for sale after worship on December 8. They are made from cotton rice bags from long ago. They make unique Christmas gifts, too. They are $40.00 each. Please contact Dale Kaneko at dkaneko@windermere.com with questions.
120th Anniversary Sunday Service and Potluck• 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. 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, missions ministry, sports ministry, etc. 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. All are welcome.
Prelude Emmanuel, Emmanuel By Bob McGee Kathy Onishi
Words of Grace and Greeting Rev. Cathlynn Law
Call to Worship Inspired by Isaiah 43:1-4and Luke 1:26-29 Rev. Cathlynn Law
Opening Prayer Rev. Cathlynn Law
Opening Hymn Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (UMH #196) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Lighting the Advent Candle Harry, Dawn, Evan, Adam and Wyatt Sakaguchi-Tang
Special Music In Silence We Wait By: John Parker, arr. by Lloyd Larson Blaine Memorial Choir
First Scripture Reading Luke 1:26-38 (NRSVUE) Tsutomu Nagoya, Leann Onishi
Second Scripture Reading Isaiah 43:1-3 (NRSVUE) Tsutomu Nagoya, Leann Onishi
Sermon Be Not Afraid, I Have Called You By Name Rev. Cathlynn Law
Music of Reflection I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (UMH #206) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Holy Communion Rev. Cathlynn Law and Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Offertory Invitation Leann Onishi
Doxology “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (UMH #94)
Prayer of Dedication Leann Onishi
Announcements Leann Onishi and Friends
Closing Hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UMH #211) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Benediction Rev. Cathlynn Law
Postlude Like A Child Daniel Charles Damon; arr. by David Cherwien Kathy Onishi
Lectionary Questions
Can you remember a time when you were afraid? What things bring up the feeling of fear? What helps calm your fear and anxiety to bring comfort and courage?
What would it look like for us – individually and as a congregation – to acknowledge the fearful spaces that reside within us and still persist with embodied peace and grace?
What spiritual practices help you move closer to accepting the steadfast and unconditional love of God? What helps you to perceive yourself — and others — as a blessing?
Daily Lectionary Readings
Sunday, December 1, 2024: First Sunday of Advent Jeremiah 33:14-16 • Psalm 25:1-10 • 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 • Luke 21:25-36
Monday, December 2, 2024: Psalm 90 • Numbers 17:1-11 • 2 Peter 3:1-18
Tuesday, December 3, 2024: Psalm 90 • 2 Samuel 7:18-29 • Revelation 22:12-16
Wednesday, December 4, 2024: Psalm 90 • Isaiah 1:24-31 • Luke 11:29-32
Thursday, December 5, 2024: Luke 1:68-79 • Malachi 3:5-12 • Philippians 1:12-18a
Friday, December 6, 2024: Luke 1:68-79 • Malachi 3:13-18 • Philippians 1:18b-26
Saturday, December 7, 2024: Luke 1:68-79 • Malachi 4:1-6 • Luke 9:1-6
Announcements
Smoked Salmon on Sale for $20!
Immediately after worship on December 1, we’ll have smoked salmon on sale for $20 per pound. There are two varieties available. Lesley Okura will share a limited amount of samples after worship. The proceeds is a part of our Bazaar sales which will help benefit Mission Guatemala! Limited quantities are available.
Holiday Card Signing in the Social Hall until Sunday 12/8!
You’re invited to sign Christmas cards for our church members who are sick, recovering from being ill, grieving a loss of a loved one, or in a skilled facility home. The cards are in the Social Hall until Sunday (12/8). The Social Hall will be open during Church Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm). Please contact the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 if you’d like to sign the cards during the week. Let’s fill up each of the cards with Blaine love and hope for our loved ones!
Terri Adolfo hangs Giving Tree gift tags for the Blaine Memorial community.
Giving Tree 2024!
Giving Tree Sunday, November 17- Sunday, December 1, 2024
Giving Tree, Wrapped Gifts Due Sunday, December 8, 2024
NJAUMC Caucus Advent Study Group • Tuesdays, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 at 6:30pm-8:00pm
Members of the NJAUMC Caucus have put together an Advent study based on The Christmas Letters. All NJAUMC churches are invited to attend the study. The facilitators are US Navy Chaplain Rev. John M. Miyahara and Pastor Brian Lee from Simpson UMC in Denver, Colorado, Rev. Ki Choi from Centenary UMC and Rev. Karen Yokota Love from Blaine Memorial UMC. The meeting dates are Tuesdays 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 from 6:30pm-8:00pm on Zoom. You don’t need to read the book to join the group.
Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am
Join the Rev. Karen Yokota Love for prayer and community on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM 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.
From these cotton rice bags, Blaine’s special 120th Anniversary Aprons are created.
Anniversary Aprons…Now Available!
Our special 120th Anniversary Aprons are now ready to purchase, $40, starting this Sunday right after worship service. These aprons were made from no longer available cotton rice bags. Many of them reflect stains and blemishes from hard-working ancestors, a reminder of their spirit and perseverance.
We are grateful for the generosity of the friends and families that gifted Blaine Memorial with their rice bags and the many hands that created these sturdy aprons.
Help celebrate Blaine Memorial’s 120 years of our faith journey. This fundraiser helps Blaine Memorial to continue to grow in faith, hope and love. Thanks be to God!
Advent & Christmas Announcements
Children and Youth Christmas Play Sunday, Dec. 15, at 10am. All are invited to come to the Lee Activity Center to witness our children and youth perform in a special Christmas Play.
Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 7pm. Our Blue Christmas Service provides space for prayer, reflection, and remembrance for those grieving during this holiday season (Livestreamed)
Christmas Music Sunday Sunday, Dec. 22, at 10:00am. Christmas Music Sunday will feature jams from our Blaine Memorial Choir, B.U.G.S., young adults, and more.
Christmas Eve Service Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 4pm. We will have one Traditional Christmas Eve Lesson and Carols Candlelight Service.
2024 Congregation Photograph
On December 15, 2024, we will be taking a 120th anniversary commemorative photo of our whole congregation in the Lee Activity Center after the children’s Christmas program. Please stay for this photograph which will be a snapshot of our present 2024 congregation in our 120th year as a church family. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this Blaine Memorial UMC 120th Anniversary photo!
120th Anniversary Sunday Service and Potluck
On 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. 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, missions ministry, sports ministry, etc. 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. All are welcome.
The young people of Blaine Memorial UMC help prepare Thanksgiving meals for Kimball Elementary. Want to help? Contact Terry Adolfo or our Church Office for information!
Sign-Up Now: Thanksgiving Meals and Giving Tree 2024!
Mashed Potatoes Work Party Today after fellowship, Lee Activity Center
Kimball Elementary Food Delivery Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 10:00AM
Giving Tree Sunday, November 17- Sunday, December 1, 2024
Giving Tree, Wrapped Gifts Due Sunday, December 8, 2024
Read more:
Terri Adolfo hangs Giving Tree gift tags for the Blaine Memorial community.
NJAUMC Caucus Advent Study Group • Tuesdays, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 at 6:30pm-8:00pm
Members of the NJAUMC Caucus have put together an Advent study based on The Christmas Letters. All NJAUMC churches are invited to attend the study. The facilitators are US Navy Chaplain Rev. John M. Miyahara and Pastor Brian Lee from Simpson UMC in Denver, Colorado, Rev. Ki Choi from Centenary UMC and Rev. Karen Yokota Love from Blaine Memorial UMC. The meeting dates are Tuesdays 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 from 6:30pm-8:00pm on Zoom. You don’t need to read the book to join the group.
Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am
Join the Rev. Karen Yokota Love for prayer and community on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM 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.
From these cotton rice bags, Blaine’s special 120th Anniversary Aprons are created.
More Aprons on the Way!
Recently, Blaine Memorial received three unexpected gifts of many rice bags. This means that our sewers are fortunate to have more apron kits that need to be sewn together! Unique Anniversary Aprons will become available in December, just in time for your holiday shopping. Stay tuned!
The Greening of Blaine • Saturday, November 30, 9am
The Greening of Blaine is one of the biggest half-day (with lunch provided) annual work parties of Blaine Memorial UMC. Join the Worship Committee in making wreaths, swags, and garlands for decorating the church’s campus through Advent and Christmas. Come learn how to craft the greenery and to grace the Sanctuary. Bring clippers or scissors to trim cedar fronds and ribbons.
We will also have a large paper art project where we will hang in the Sanctuary, calling for the shared work of many hands. Welcome, All! Let the Holidays begin!
Advent & Christmas Announcements
Children and Youth Christmas Play Sunday, Dec. 15, at 10am. All are invited to come to the Lee Activity Center to witness our children and youth perform in a special Christmas Play.
Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 7pm. Our Blue Christmas Service provides space for prayer, reflection, and remembrance for those grieving during this holiday season (Livestreamed)
Christmas Music Sunday Sunday, Dec. 22, at 10:00am. Christmas Music Sunday will feature jams from our Blaine Memorial Choir, B.U.G.S., young adults, and more.
Christmas Eve Service Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 4pm. We will have one Traditional Christmas Eve Lesson and Carols Candlelight Service.
2024 Congregation Photograph
On December 15, 2024, we will be taking a 120th anniversary commemorative photo of our whole congregation in the Lee Activity Center after the children’s Christmas program. Please stay for this photograph which will be a snapshot of our present 2024 congregation in our 120th year as a church family. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this Blaine Memorial UMC 120th Anniversary photo!
120th Anniversary Sunday Service and Potluck
On 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. 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, missions ministry, sports ministry, etc. 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. All are welcome.
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Our Story Continues
Senior Pastor Reflection: A Future with Hope (Coming Soon!)
