All are Welcome!
- Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
- August 16, 2026
- 10:00 a.m.
- View the livestream
Sermon Questions
- When the “fire” comes into your life, where do you instinctively turn for help? What does the Canaanite woman teach us about bringing our struggles honestly to Jesus?
- Jesus teaches that what comes out of us reveals what is in our hearts. What is your life currently revealing about your faith, character, priorities, and relationship with God?
- The Canaanite woman continued coming to Jesus even when He seemed silent. Have you ever experienced a season when God seems silent? What helped you continue trusting Him?
- The woman prayed simply, “Lord, help me.” What situation, concern, relationship, or decision in your life do you need to bring to Jesus with that same prayer today?
- “Keep coming to Jesus” is the central encouragement of the sermon. What would it look like for you to keep coming to Jesus — in prayer, worship, Scripture, and community — even when circumstances do not change as quickly as you hope?
Order of Worship
| Prelude “We Will Glorify the King of Kings” TFWS #2087 Kathy Onishi |
| Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Land Acknowledgement Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| *Call to Worship Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, May 2026 Marcus Corsilles |
| *Opening Hymn “This Is the Day” UMH #657 Kathy and Eugene Onishi |
| Opening Prayer Marcus Corsilles |
| Special Music “Simplicity” Words and Music by Rend Collective Blaine Praise Band |
| Presentation of the 2026 Scholarship Recipients (See Poster) Michelle Vaughan |
| Prayer of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| First Scripture Reading Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Marcus Corsilles |
| Sermon “When the Fire Comes: A Faith That Will Not Let Go“ Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Song of Reflection “Take My Life and Let It Be” UMH #399 Kathy and Eugene Onishi |
| Introduction to the Offering Marcus Corsilles |
| *Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94 Kathy and Eugene Onishi |
| *Prayer of Dedication Marcus Corsilles |
| Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| *Closing Hymn “Give Thanks” TFWS #2036 Kathy and Eugene Onishi |
| *Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Postlude “I Sing Praises to Your Name” TFWS #2037 Kathy Onishi |
| Altar Flowers Miriam Tong |
Daily Lectionary Readings*
*Daily Lectionary Readings are provided by Bible Gateway and Vanderbilt University.
Announcements
Dates to Remember
| Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC | |||
| Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. • Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen on Zoom | |||
| Sundays (until Aug. 23) • Vacation Bible School 2026! (View more) | |||
| Wednesday, Aug. 19: Noon-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Lee Activity Center Chair Refresh Parties | |||
| Saturday, Sept. 12 • All-Church Clean-Up |
Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer
- August 19, 2026
- 9 a.m.
- Zoom
Join Rev. Karen for prayer and fellowship Wednesdays on Zoom. Our time together includes brief check-ins, a devotional and prayer. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee or tea and something light to eat. We hope to see you on Wednesday!
Links are usually sent on Tuesdays. Contact office@blaineonline.org to receive the link to Zoom!
Lee Activity Center Chair Refresh Parties Continue!
Free Lunch if You Clean Chairs!
Our wonderful volunteers cleaned all 270 chairs in the Lee Activity Center this past Wednesday! On Thursday, we replaced 180 seat covers, but there is still more work to do.
We need your help to finish re-covering the seats and repairing damaged chairs. People of all physical abilities are needed and welcome. Here’s a way for everyone to help:
| Wednesday, Aug. 19, Noon-4 p.m. |
| Thursday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. |
A light lunch will be provided each day. If you have a battery-operated screwdriver or drill with a Phillips-head screwdriver bit, please bring it.
Please let us know which day you plan to attend so we can prepare enough lunch for everyone. Sign up in the Social Hall, use the QR code, contact the church office, or speak with Carol Okano, Steve Sakahara or Dale Kaneko.
Thank you for your help and support!
Photos by Yuki!
All-Church Clean-Up on Saturday, Sept. 12
The Board of Trustees invites everyone to our biannual All-Church Clean-Up on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by lunch.
Our campus is used by many groups and hosts numerous events throughout the year, so it needs extra care beyond what our weekly janitorial service provides. There will be a variety of activities to fit all skill levels, energy levels and available time commitments.
Projects will include gardening around the courtyard and steps, along with cleaning the sanctuary, Social Hall and Social Hall kitchen.
The church will provide many supplies, but if you have your own gardening gloves or tools, please bring them along.
We would greatly appreciate everyone’s help and hope you can join us. A sign-up sheet will be available in the Social Hall, or you may contact Ron, Tim Ikegami or Jason Lew so we can prepare enough lunch for everyone.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you!
VBS 2026: Discover Your Strength in God!
Church School has wrapped up for the 2025-26 year, and now it’s time for VBS 2026! This year’s theme, Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God!, is based on Psalm 34:14b: “Do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Children will learn about biblical heroes who used their God-given strengths to serve and glorify God. Join us every Sunday from now through Aug. 23 for a fun-filled, faith-building experience. All children entering kindergarten through sixth grade for the 2026-27 school year are welcome.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity for children and adults alike to grow in faith and fellowship!
Visit and bookmark our VBS page for more updates!
Church Facility Reminder!
As we continue caring for our church home, we kindly ask everyone to be mindful of cleaning up after using the Social Hall, LAC and all other areas of the church. Please take out the garbage promptly after your event or meeting.
We are currently experiencing an ongoing ant problem. Ants become especially active during hot weather and after rainfall. To help reduce the problem, please rinse out cans and bottles containing sugary drinks, soda or other sweet beverages before placing them in recycling or garbage bins.
We know many people use the LAC for basketball, pickleball, volleyball and other sports activities. After your activities, please take a few moments to clean up any food, crumbs, spills or greasy stains from the stage and gym floor.
If you are changing a diaper, please place the soiled diaper in a sealed bag, dispose of it in the garbage and take the trash to the outside garbage bin when your session is complete. Please do not leave dirty diapers in classrooms, on the stage or anywhere else in the building.
Cleaning up after each group’s use of the facility is the responsibility of those using the space. Our onsite staff is here to maintain the building, but caring for our shared church home is a responsibility we all share.
Our church is an older building, and while professional pest control helps, the most effective way to reduce pests is by removing the food and trash that attract them.
Thank you for helping keep our church clean, welcoming and well cared for.
Important Safety Reminder
When coming to church, please do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle. Make sure all items are hidden from sight, and if you have anything of value — especially electronics — please bring it into the church with you rather than leaving it in your car.
There have been multiple vehicle break-ins and thefts recently during the day, after church services and throughout the week. Taking a few extra precautions can help protect your belongings.
Thank you for helping keep our church community safe and aware.
Our Story Continues
Our monthly collection of ministry stories can be found in the Beacon newsletter. Happenings, Faith & Ministries, Visions, and Connections can be enjoyed through our PDF versions of the newsletter. If you would like to subscribe to a printed version, contact the Church Office for more information.
