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:
Congratulations, Class of 2025! (L-R, top row): Justine Ing, Joshua Akiyama, Emma Hearn, Joshua Santos, Kobe Yamamoto (L-R, bottom row): Michelle Yokoyama, Sydney Mochizuki, Katelyn Nakase, Kaylee Yokoyama, Marcus Corsilles, and Malia Yamamoto.
Senior Pastor Reflection:
Embracing Summer Celebrations!
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Students are out of school, graduation commencement ceremonies are transpiring, and summer break is just about in full swing. This month, we’re celebrating the end of many different chapters in our lives with slide shows, cakes, balloons, celebrations, all while making great memories.
Earlier this month, we celebrated the joy of 12 of our own youth and young adult graduates from high school and college! I’m elated that we have 12 hard working, amazing young people to celebrate.
Congratulations to Blaine’s high school graduates: Annabelle Akiyama, Joshua Akiyama, Marcus Corsilles, Emma Hearn, Justine Ing, and Katelyn Nakase.
Congratulations to our 2025 university graduates: Kobe Yamamoto, Kaylee Yokoyama, Michelle Yokoyama, Malia Yamamoto, Sydney Mochizuki, and Joshua Santos.
As the daughter of parents who were both teachers, I remember this being a time of cheer for the family – the excitement and enthusiasm I felt for summertime as a child is only surpassed by the excitement and enthusiasm, I saw in my parents longing for a well-deserved respite. The change of routine, the chance to read and reflect, time to tackle outdoor projects, and the occasional afternoon nap sound like a small taste of retirement.
Outgoing Blaine Youth Group Associate Director Kaylee Yokoyama will move forward to new adventures and growth beginning in July.
As we prepare for the summer, there will be many positive transitions on the horizon. First, I want to thank BYG Associate Director Kaylee Yokoyama for her leadership and guidance and the ways in which she nurtured our youth during the school year. Everyone appreciates Kaylee’s hard work and dedication. Kaylee’s positive attitude and support has made a real difference on the entire team. Kaylee recently graduated from the University of Washington and is moving onward towards the next chapter of her life. I am grateful that she served in this capacity for two years. Thank you so much, Kaylee.
On July 1, Pastor Job Pangilinan, our new Associate Pastor, will start his first day at Blaine. Pastor Job will be commissioned as a provisional member of the Pacific Northwest Conference in June at Annual Conference. He is an active member and a candidate for ministry at Fairwood Community United Methodist Church in Renton, WA. Pastor Job will oversee our Children’s, Youth and Family Ministries. With extensive work and life experience in corporate, education and legal fields and professions, he brings to the church strong gifts in administration, systems analysis and implementation, and efficiency evaluation. My hope is that together we will create a dynamic, fluid and creative team where we can continue to grow our existing ministries and breathe new life into other areas of the church!
In May, we announced that Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church are the proud recipients of a Washington State Commerce Clean Energy grant for more than $1.1 million for solar plus battery storage for our Beacon Hill community resilience hub. Our goal is to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and help support the planning and implementation of clean-energy technologies. During the summer, we will begin working on the physical installation process. This work will take a couple of years to implement. There will be a series of changes that occur on our church campus, so I’m asking in advance for grace and understanding as we transform areas of our campus to become a beacon of hope and resilience on Beacon Hill. A ginormous thank you to Steve Sakahara who has spearheaded and took the initiative to apply to multiple grants. Thank you for your ministry, Steve!
Finally, I just want to give a shout out to everyone who showed up to the Nisei Veterans Committee’s 80th Annual Memorial Day Service at the Nisei War Memorial Monument in Lake View Cemetery on Monday, May 26, 2025. The service honored the loyalty, bravery, and valor of fallen Nisei soldiers who gave their lives during World War II. Nearly 150 people attended the event to solemnly reflect on and honor the those who gave their lives for our country — the fallen soldiers from our community. This special day brought together dignitaries and representatives from Japan, U.S. Government, branches of the U.S. military, numerous community organizations, business leaders, faith leaders (including Blaine Memorial), and local Capitol Hill neighbors taking the opportunity to respectfully participate in one of the longest running memorial services in the country. Colonel Kay Wakatake, was this year’s keynote speaker. Blaine Memorial UMC Church Member and Veteran Bruce Yamamoto provided a moving Christian Reflection and said the names of the Blaine Memorial church members who died while fighting in World War II. I provided this year’s Invocation and George Yates presented a colorful wreath from Blaine Memorial UMC. As the community wreaths from many organizations were carried to the Nisei War Memorial Monument, one could solemnly associate the petals of flowers as symbols of the many individuals, families, and organizations who lost loved ones during war or conflict and their ardent beauty as elements depicting honor, reverence, and remembrance. The playing of Taps and the retiring of the colors concluded the formalities of the 80th Annual NVC and NVC Foundation Memorial Day Service.
Enjoy your summer!
How will you renew yourself this summer? Are there season specific activities that bring you joy and feed your spirit? Or is summer one part of an ongoing flow of actions that sustain you year-round? Whatever the date may be, I believe we all benefit from being intentional to nurture our spirits in the ways that are meaningful to us. In the same way the farmers pay close attention to the inputs of water, sun, and nutrients to the plants they grow all summer, so too we can actively seek to cultivate our own spiritual well-being. May taking a long loving look at the summer days ahead yield you many meaningful insights that carry you through all the seasons, that strengthen the work of your hearts and hands, and that ultimately bring benefit and blessing to all.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC
Announcements
Click the image above to view our latest issue or view past issues here.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
Blaine Memorial UMC held a special Day of Remembrance worship service 83 years after Executive Order 9066 was signed. (L-R): Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Nina Chinn, Cho Shimizu, Shigeru Nishida, Rae Nishida, and Gail Nomura. Back row (L-R): Tsutomu Nagoya, Yoshi Takeno, and Dale Kaneko. Each of these people led service through their own testimonials, or shared liturgy, with Gail Nomura leading us through this service.
Find Joy…In EVERYTHING! (What brings you joy?)
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love
We are just a hop, step and a jump away from Easter Sunday or, as some call it, Resurrection Sunday. Whatever you call it, the outcome is the same.
Easter is always the transition point of spring; flowers start popping out of the ground, the trees have buds, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the University of Washington Quad, and sometimes (but rarely), a hail storm transpires. We put it all in God’s hands. Whatever the temperature may be that day; the church will always be ready for another Easter celebration! What have you learned during this season of Lent? Did you find what you were searching for?
(L-R): Chris Paul, Paul Chan, Jerry Okubo and Rev. Karen are filled with joy as they prepare to jam at ukulele practice with B.U.G.S.!
Over the past couple of years, I have asked myself that question over and over. During this Lenten season, I’ve been working on a new spiritual discipline: to find joy in everything that I do. That’s got to be one of the most difficult spiritual disciplines I’ve yet to try. Finding joy in an unexpected flat tire on the way to an important meeting. Finding joy during a tumultuous political climate. Finding joy in learning to play the ukulele with the Blaine Ukulele Group of Seattle (B.U.G.S.). Finding joy in family and friends. Or, how about this: finding joy in being a follower of Christ.
The Blaine Ukulele Group of Seattle (B.U.G.S) brought joy during Lent by playing at a memory care home in Redmond, WA.
I know that on the first Easter morning when the women went to the tomb to take care of Jesus’ body, there had to be a lack of joy. The stone was rolled away, and when they went in, there was no body to be found. There was great concern. But all of a sudden, from behind them, a question was asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He isn’t here but has been raised.”
Those are the joyous words, “He isn’t here, but He has been raised.”
Friends, this Easter that is where the joy can be found, in knowing that Jesus has been raised. And this is something that Christ did for each one of us. Christ died to take away the sins of the world. Christ died because Jesus loved us so much. Who else would do that? This is why I find Easter so joyous!
During the Lenten season, I found great joy in an announcement that was made after worship on Sunday, March 23, 2025. It was announced that PNW Resident Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth will appoint Job Pangilinan to be the Associate Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC, effective July 1, 2025. Job will be commissioned as a provisional member of the Pacific Northwest Conference in June at Annual Conference. He is an active member and a candidate for ministry at Fairwood Community United Methodist Church in Renton, WA. Job will oversee our Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministries. With extensive work and life experience in corporate, education and legal fields and professions, Job brings to the church strong gifts in administration, systems analysis and implementation, and efficiency evaluation. My hope is that together we will create a dynamic, fluid and creative team where we can continue to grow our existing ministries and breathe new life into other areas of the church!
Members of Blaine Memorial UMC visited Kimball Elementary to view the opening of the Cloud Pavilion!
It was a joyous celebration when Blaine Memorial UMC was invited by Kimball Elementary School Principal Angela Sheffey-Bogan to witness community artist and friend to Blaine, Erin Shigaki, as she unveiled The Cloud Pavilion (kumo no akusha) mural in the library (see front cover). Blaine Memorial UMC brought more than 30 people to the unveiling of the mural. The Cloud Pavilion conveys the histories, hopes, and relationships of both Kimball Elementary students and Beacon Hill residents.
Seattle CM (Position 8) Alexis Mercedes Rinck and Seattle CM (Position 2) Mark Solomon lead a Town Hall Meeting with neighbors in the LAC.
Blaine Memorial UMC welcomed Seattle Councilmember (Position #8) Alexis Mercedes Rinck and Seattle Councilmember Mark Solomon (Position #2) to a Town Hall Meeting. We welcomed more than 55 people that evening, with 90% of the people from the neighborhood! Both CM Rinck and CM Solomon talked about funding shortfalls and other negative impacts of the Trump administration, public safety in the Chinatown International District, affordable housing, and protections for Seattle renters.
It is time for us to remember once again, my friends, and proclaim the good news: Christ is risen! And we, too, shall rise with joy. May we all be blessed and find new meaning as we celebrate together the story of Christ, love, and resurrection! Happy Easter!
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Read the latest issue of the Beacon!
Click the image above to view the latest issue. Or, view past issues here.
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.
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 Ireich? 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.
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!
Urgent Help Needed for Asylum Seekers at Fairwood UMC/El Dios Viviente UMC
As the needs of our refugee siblings continue to grow, Fairwood UMC and El Dios Viviente UMC remain committed to providing essential services and shelter for refugee families at Fairwood UMC in Renton.
Right now, there are urgent needs for the asylum seeker program shelter, and we are reaching out for your support. The following items are needed:
Queen-size air mattresses (24-inch)
Blankets (any size)
Gift cards
Toilet paper
White rice (grain)
Cooking oil (Crisco or Mazola)
Trash bags (55-60 gallon)
Laundry detergent
Black totes (45-gallon)
If you can donate any of these items, we would deeply appreciate it. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Cruz Santos.
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry @ Riverton Park UMC • Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm
Riverton Park UMC is in dire need of:
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.
(Cover) Lynne Onishi, the Rev. Dr. Jeney Park Hearn, Kaylee Yokoyama, Kai Yamamoto, Ron Nobuyama, Santa Claus, the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Jesse Love, Sai Hanaoka, and Yuki Sofronas serve as staff for Blaine Memorial UMC.
(Below) Greater Northwest Area Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth, the Rev. Edwin Cruz Santos, Retired Bishop Robert Hoshibata, the Revs. Karen Yokota Love, Dr. Mark Hearn, Dione Corsilles, Alann Hamada, David Nieda, and Shalom Agtarap gather before Anniversary Sunday at Blaine Memorial UMC.
Keep Walking On: Blaine Memorial as a Beloved Community
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, photos by Kai Yamamoto
In times of great change, both in our local community and the world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. News of division, injustice, and uncertainty can weigh heavily on our hearts. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to see these moments not as insurmountable challenges but as opportunities to embody hope, healing, and justice – to be the Body of Christ.
The changes we face – be they social, political, or personal – are reminders that the world is constantly in motion. As Christians, we are uniquely positioned to embrace motion as part of God’s unfolding work in the world.
Isaiah reminds us, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19) God’s promise is not that the path will be easy, but that new life will emerge.
Despite all of the dreariness of the world, Blaine Memorial has been finding joy in doing good for the world – we have been busy while working for justice! We had a delightful Christmas season packed with many events including the Children’s Play, Christmas Music Sunday, Christmas Eve service and our first mochi making session to celebrate 2025! January went by quickly as we joyfully prepared our hearts and minds for our big 120th Anniversary Sunday celebration.
Washington State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, and Seattle City Councilwoman Alexis Mercedes Rinck share a moment during Anniversary Sunday at Blaine Memorial UMC.
120th Anniversary Sunday
On January 26, 2025, we celebrated the many changes and the resilience of Blaine Memorial UMC at the culmination of our 120th Anniversary and the beginning of our 121st Anniversary. Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata and his wife, Greta, blessed us with their presence. Bishop Bob gave a compelling sermon about being rooted and grounded in love. If you missed it, please take a look at our Blaine Memorial UMC YouTube Page. Also, if you’d like to take a look at a photo spread, please take a look at our celebration on page 4. We had many formers pastors visit with us including Revs. Ken Miyake, Dave Nieda, Alann Hamada, Shalom Agtarap, and Dione Corsilles. Greater Northwest Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth presided over Holy Communion and blessed us with his presence. Dignitaries included Representative for the 37th Legislative District Sharon Tomiko Santos and Seattle Council Position Eight Alexis Mercedes Rinck attended our celebration and provided us with a Resolution from the State of Washington and a Proclamation from the City of Seattle. After the worship service, we celebrated with an abundant “Blaine-Way” potluck and program with exhibits, entertainment, reunions with friends and family. We also had a special moment where we honored the of church members who turned 88+ years old from February 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025.
While reminiscing on the past 120 years with photos and stories, we also look forward to being here for the next 120 years. What does it look like for Blaine Memorial UMC to be a Christian community that cares for the vulnerable and works for justice? How can we dream together to create a “beloved community” – a term that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned.
Dreaming of Affordable Housing
As a part of our dreaming and visioning for the future, Blaine Memorial UMC recently announced that we will begin researching the greenbelt area on our property to complete a possible affordable housing/mixed housing development project.
As affordable housing is less available in all neighborhoods of Seattle, it’s a part of God’s kin-dom to provide for all people. Today’s church vision and dream of having affordable housing reflects our shared commitment to building a more equitable city and faith community.
Blaine Memorial UMC looks forward to working together with our community partners which will serve for generations to come. I’m excited about this vision and opportunity to be an integral part of the Beacon Hill community as we dream together and seek the unended possibilities for the future.
Sukiyaki Beneficiary: Altadena UMC
Our Sukiyaki Benefit Fundraiser is right around the corner! It’ll take place at Blaine Memorial UMC on Saturday, March 1 from 1pm-6pm. This year’s benefit recipient will be the Altadena UMC in Altadena, CA. Altadena United Methodist Church (AUMC) and its families need your support.
On January 8, flames engulfed Altadena United Methodist Church, north of Pasadena, in Southern California, fueled by dry conditions and fanned by ferocious Santa Ana winds. The Eaton Fire in Southern California destroyed the church building and many of the church members’ homes burned to ashes. The consequences of the destructive Eaton Canyon fires are immeasurable.
The church was chartered in 1806 by the German Evangelical United Brethren denomination. After 1974 and the formation of the UMC, and later in 1980s Altadena UMC church merged with Lincoln Park United Methodist Church; a predominantly Black congregation that was located in Pasadena. AUMC became a diverse community in every way, very similar to Blaine Memorial UMC’s rich history. Come and support our Sukiyaki Benefit Fundraiser for an important cause this year! Pre-order your meals today by visiting blaineonline.org.
Lent Theme: Bread of Life
This year’s Lent theme is Bread of Life: Gather. Savor. Share. Nourish your soul with Bread of Life. When the world feels heavy — divided and uncertain — hearts ache, minds seek peace, and souls hunger for hope. In these moments, while many search for a way forward, the Bread of Life reminds us of abundance. There is enough love, grace, and hope for all.
Bread of Life highlights how Jesus fed people — not just their bodies but their souls —with good news, redemption, and stories of God’s kin(g)dom. From wedding feasts to eating with tax collectors to feeding thousands, people left Jesus’ presence with full hearts and bellies. As we journey through Lent, from the wilderness to the shorelines of Galilee, we will find the sacred in the ordinary — like bread, simple yet essential. This Lent, let’s gather together to do what we love to do – eat, break bread, savor in the divine generosity of God, and rise to share with the world out of the abundance we have received from the Bread of Life! Lent devotionals will be available for you to pick up for free in the Narthex! Join us on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 7:00PM as we kick of the Lent Season.
Be the hope for this season and throughout Lent.
Peace,
Rev. Karen
Announcements
Click the poster above to visit our Sukiyaki 2025 page for updates on this year’s event!
Pre-Order, Now! Annual Sukiyaki Dinner @ Blaine Memorial UMC • March 1, 2025
Blaine Memorial’s Sukiyaki Benefit Fundraiser is on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 1:00pm-6:00pm! Sukiyaki will be $20.00 per serving. We will have cooked and uncooked Sukiyaki. We will provide take out and have limited dine-in. Visit the Sukiyaki 2025 page for event details!
Blaine Girl Scout Troop #43880 Cookie Booth
March 1, 2025 during Sukiyaki (LAC)
March 16, 2025 after Sunday service (Social Hall)
Please come out to get your favorite cookies and support our Girl Scout Troop this year as they raise money for their annual camping trip! Thank you for your support!
Learn more about our next Guatemala Mission Trip during our Info Meeting in March.
Guatemala Mission Trip Informational Meeting • March 16, 2025
Are you interested in going on a mission trip this coming August 8 to August 16? Do you have a desire to serve others in an underdeveloped country? Are you not sure about going, but want to learn more? Blaine will again partner with Mission Guatemala and send a mission team to San Andrés Semetebaj, Guatemala. Please join us for a short informational meeting Sunday, March 16, in the Webb Room at 12:00. If you have any questions, please contact Bob or Donna Sekijima at or Alice Ikeda.
Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry @ Riverton Park UMC • Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm
Riverton Park UMC is in need of: diapers (sizes 3 – 7), diaper wipes, kitchen pots and pans, paper plates, toothpaste, long grain rice, and cooking oil. Collection items can be dropped off at the Social Hall. Call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to drop-off.
The Beacon Newsletter is Now Available!
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Saturday, October 26, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 34:1-8 • Job 42:7-9 • Mark 8:22-26; Complementary: Psalm 126 • Jeremiah 29:24-32 • Mark 8:22-26
Announcements
Pastor Appreciation Lunch • Today after Worship
Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month? Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is hosting a Pastor Appreciation Lunch next Sunday, October 20, immediately after worship in the Social Hall. Join us for a delicious meal and celebrate Revs. Karen, Jeney, Mark, and Cruz!
This celebration was established in 1992 with a mission of uplifting and encouraging pastors, missionaries and religious workers. Let’s celebrate our pastors and lift them up for their hard work, ministry, and dedication to Blaine Memorial UMC.
Reflections on 120 Years of Grace Discussion: “Into the Future” • Today, 11:45a-12:45p
The Archives Committee concludes the discussion series on the 120-year history and future of Blaine Memorial UMC, titled “Reflections on 120 Years of Grace.” The discussion sessions will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. after Sunday service in the Social Hall on October 13 and 20, 2024. Light refreshments will be served.
Today’s final session, titled “Into the Future,” will reflect on what we have learned and discuss our visions for the future development of the church. Materials will be presented from the archives as well as church members knowledgeable about each period will speak of their experiences.
There will be ample time for participants to ask questions and share their own thoughts. Please join us in learning more about our church’s history and begin discussions on our visions for the next 120 years.
Creative Competition • Submissions due October 27
In conjunction with this discussion series, the Archives Committee is organizing another “competition” organized by Shig Nishida. We are asking members to submit their reflections on the history and future of Blaine Memorial UMC. This can take the form of submitting a few sentences, a paragraph, a short essay, short graphic novel/cartoon/anime, short play, a prayer, poems, music/song (new composition or lyrics sung to the tune of a known song), artwork, video, dance, etc. Let us read/hear/see/feel your thoughts on the 120 years of Grace and the next 120 years of Grace for Blaine Memorial UMC. Submit your entries to the Blaine Memorial UMC office by October 27, 2024 (sooner than later is preferred).
The Archives Committee continually seeks relevant church documents, photographs, and other materials and memorabilia to add to our archival records and illuminate previously unknown parts of our church’s history. Please let the committee know if you have any materials to donate or materials for the committee to scan and add to the archives. Monetary donations in support of the work of the archives are also appreciated.
“Context: Putting Scripture in Its Place” Fall Book Study Continues • October 22
You’re invited to join Rev. Dr. John Miyahara (UMC Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC in Arvada, CO), and congregation members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus in a 6-week book study. We will be reading Context: Putting Scripture in its Place. Please note that reading the book isn’t required!
Books are available in the Church Office for $17.00. The study continues on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 6:30-8:00 PM. The Zoom link will be sent out closer to the beginning of the book study date. Please contact Rev. Karen will any questions.
Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am
Join us 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.
Trunk or Treat! • Sunday, October 27 after Worship Service
Trunk-or-Treat is a wonderful opportunity for our church to provide a safe trick-or-treat experience for families.
Costumes are encouraged! We love to see everyone dressed up, even the adults!
Once again, please be sensitive in regards to costumes that are too scary or gory. We also ask that your costume not have a mask that covers your entire face of that your face is painted in a way that makes you unrecognizable. For safety reasons, all adults should be able to recognize the faces of the other adults.
Would you like to participate and/or decorate your trunk? Please contact Jennifer Lew.
Afghanistan and Ukrainian Refugee Donation Ministry
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 at the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday-Friday between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 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 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 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 or Anne Arakaki-Lock.
