Senior Pastor Reflection

Insisting on Hope: Entering Advent with Courage and Joy

By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, additional photos by Arlene Mitsui

Last Saturday, we ushered in Advent by greening the church. Royal blue cloth and Advent candles sit near the altar, the Christmas tree is decorated with chrismons, and the smell of evergreen wreaths, swag and garland covers the Blaine campus. Thank you to those who volunteered their time and creativity as they decorated and transformed the campus! Thank you to the many elves who worked on this year’s paper cutout craft of an angel whispering, “Do not fear!” It was a joy to begin the season with new and familiar faces as we prepared for the Advent and Christmas season.

Luke’s Gospel begins the story of Jesus with this opening line: “In the time of Herod…” This detail may seem minor to modern readers, however, it reveals layers of information about the fearful world Jesus entered – one filled with rampant oppression, economic disparity, uncertainty and instability. It’s a world not so unlike our own. Yet throughout the stories of Christ’s birth, we hear the whispers of angels delivering a surprising message: “Do not fear.” When Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the magi are called into God’s redemptive story, they do not deny their fears – they move through them. They ask questions, hold fast to courage, trust in good news and say, “Here I am, Lord.” When we find ourselves in fearful times, can we acknowledge our fears while also insisting on hope?

This Advent series takes seriously the angels’ message and trusts that Christ’s birth truly is “good news of great joy for all people.” The resources look closely at the fear and terror looming in the background during the time of King Herod and invite us to consider the fears we hold now. Fear can divide and paralyze us and can even be used as a tool for oppression. But what if we formed a different relationship with fear? Can we acknowledge fear without letting it rule us? Might we channel our fears into love and action? What if naming our fears helps us see more clearly how God is breaking in and where God is at work?

As we journey through this season together, may your hope become gritty and resilient. This year’s small group Advent book study will use a free devotional from A Sanctified Art, “What Do You Fear?” Free copies are available in the Narthex and in the Church Office. May you remember: hope that trembles is still hope. This season, let us insist on hope and trust that good news is greater than fear. I look forward to discovering great hope with you during this Advent season.

The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.

BMUMC Announcements

The Beacon is now available!

• Blaine Memorial UMC feeds 128 Individuals through Thanksgiving Meals
• Special Report: Sumida receives Commendation from Min. for Foreign Affairs
• A Special Message from Bishop Bob: The Lee Activity Center Dream
• Blaine Memorial UMC Bazaar 2025: Thank You for Your Support!
• Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection: Thirty Seconds…A Thanksgiving and Advent Reflection
• Spiritual Formation Center: Born of God when the Holy Spirit lives in us
  

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.

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. 

December Worship Dates to Remember

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.

Contact the Church Office for the Zoom Link.

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!

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.

Download the form:

View the Sukiyaki 2026 Updates page!

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

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. 

December 2025

To view the January calendar, click or tap here.

How can we as a church answer the needs of our food-insecure families? Blaine Memorial UMC’s faithful volunteers and donors are brought food to Kimball Elementary School through Thanksgiving meals!

Blaine Memorial UMC feeds 128 Individuals through Thanksgiving Meals

By Terry Adolfo with Jesse N. Love, additional photos by Arlene Mitsui

As the Thanksgiving and Christmas season continues, so does the need among families in our neighborhood. Although SNAP benefits were restored after this year’s government shutdown, delays remain. As of this publication, many food-insecure families of students who attend Kimball Elementary School (just up the street from our church) are still in need.

Blaine Memorial UMC’s tradition of serving the community continues to inspire our congregation to take action – and this year is no different. Through our Thanksgiving Meals program, we served 128 individuals with 38 sets of store-bought chicken and hand-crafted sides. Each bag included rotisserie chicken, salad, dinner rolls, apple crisp, mashed potatoes and gravy, and fresh fruit. The meals offered not only nourishment for small families, but also a heartfelt opportunity for those struggling to gather around the dinner table.

The Blaine Youth Group (BYG) provided much of the support to craft apple crisps and mashed potatoes with the support of parents and friends.

Meals were delivered to Kimball Elementary on Tuesday, Nov. 25, ahead of Thanksgiving. Families picked up their free meals at the school or receive them through their designated support worker if transportation wasn’t available.

This effort would not have been possible without the support of our Blaine Memorial UMC congregation and friends. The Blaine Youth Group (BYG) raised funds throughout the year – including through a recent bake sale – to help cover costs. We also received a generous donation of Costco rotisserie chickens from our friend Jerry Lee. Parents, friends and young people peeled apples for dessert and prepared mashed potatoes for the event. It was a Spirit-filled expression of how Blaine Memorial UMC cares for the community.

From our mission:

“We value service as a response to and reflection of God’s nature and character. As followers of Jesus Christ, we seek to give our best efforts through an interdependent expression of the spiritual gifts and passions that God has given to every person.”

Scripture instructs us to care for and love our neighbors, particularly those in need:

“Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” -1 Corinthians 15:58

We work to develop a servant’s heart year-round. Putting Christ’s teachings into action – serving and laboring together – sets an example for future service and continues our Blaine tradition.

Our mission continues as we prepare Giving Tree gifts for this community. Follow updates at blaineonline.org and on facebook.com/blainememorialchurch.

Terry Adolfo, Jesse N. Love, and Arlene Mitsui are members of Blaine Memorial UMC in Seattle.

BMUMC Announcements

The Beacon is now available!

• Senior Pastor Reflection Insisting on Hope: Entering Advent with Courage and Joy
• Special Report: Sumida receives Commendation from Min. for Foreign Affairs
• A Special Message from Bishop Bob: The Lee Activity Center Dream
• Blaine Memorial UMC Bazaar 2025: Thank You for Your Support!
• Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection: Thirty Seconds…A Thanksgiving and Advent Reflection
• Spiritual Formation Center: Born of God when the Holy Spirit lives in us
  

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.

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. 

December Worship Dates to Remember

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.

Contact the Church Office for the Zoom Link.

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!

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.

Download the form:

View the Sukiyaki 2026 Updates page!

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

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. 

December 2025

To view the January calendar, click or tap here.