Spiritual Formation

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost Comments Off on Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by on Oct 11, 2024 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Giving, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

All are Welcome!

  • Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
  • October 13, 2024, 10:00am
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Today’s altar flowers are provided by Miriam Tong
  • View the PDF 

Order of Worship

Prelude
Gather Us In
(TFWS #2236)
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
*Call to Worship
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
*Opening Song
When the Poor Ones (Cuando El Pobre)
Michelle Vaughan and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
First Scripture Reading
Mark 10:17-31 (JLB, CEB)
Tsutomu Nagoya, Ron Nobuyama
Children’s Message
Stephen Sumida 
Second Scripture Reading
Acts 2:37-47 (JLB, CEB)
Tsutomu Nagoya, Ron Nobuyama
Sermon
New Paradigm
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
Hymn of Reflection
Walk With Me
(TFWS #2242)
Michelle Vaughan and Kathy Onishi 
Invitation to the Offering
Ron Nobuyama
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Michelle Vaughan and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Ron Nobuyama
Announcements
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
*Benediction
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
Postlude
Make Me a Servant
(TFWS #2176)
Kathy Onishi
Zoom Breakout Room
Dale Kaneko 

Sermon Questions

  • How do we respond to the complicated moral, ethical, social, political, and economic issues that we face in our modern and post-modern society? 
  • How do we live as a community of Jesus the Christ in a meaningful way – revealing that Jesus offers the way to enter into abundant life now and for eternity? How can we enter into a life with God?
  • Describe what it is like to “live in-between”? 

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday, October 13, 2024 
Job 23:1-9, 16-17 and Psalm 22:1-15 • Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 and Psalm 90:12-17 • Hebrews 4:12-16 • Mark 10:17-31
Monday, October 14, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 39 • Job 26:1-14 • Revelation 7:9-17
Complementary: Psalm 26 • Obadiah 1:1-9 • Revelation 7:9-17
Tuesday, October 15, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 39 • Job 28:12-29:10 • Revelation 8:1-5;
Complementary: Psalm 26 • Obadiah 1:10-16 • Revelation 8:1-5
Wednesday, October 16, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 39 • Job 32:1-22 • Luke 16:19-31
Complementary: Psalm 26 • Obadiah 1:17-21 • Luke 16:19-31
Thursday, October 17, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35b • Job 36:1-16 • Romans 15:7-13. Complementary: Psalm 91:9-16 • Genesis 14:17-24 • Romans 15:7-13
Friday, October 18, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35b • Job 37:1-24 • Revelation 17:1-18. Complementary: Psalm 91:9-16 • Isaiah 47:1-9 • Revelation 17:1-18
Saturday, October 19, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35b • Job 39:1-30 • Luke 22:24-30. Complementary: Psalm 91:9-16 • Isaiah 47:10-15 • Luke 22:24-30

Announcements

Reflections on 120 Years of Grace Discussion Sessions • October 13 & 20

The Archives Committee continues 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 session, titled “Serve in Love,” will center on the years 1965 to 2024 and the fourth, 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 15

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 Anne Arakaki-Lock 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.

Pastor Appreciation LunchNext Sunday, October 20 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.

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.

View the October 2024 Calendar

Read the latest issue of the Beacon!

Learn More
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost & World Communion Sunday Comments Off on Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost & World Communion Sunday

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost & World Communion Sunday

Posted by on Oct 6, 2024 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

All are Welcome!

  • Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
  • World Communion Sunday
  • October 6, 2024 • 10:00am
  • Hybrid Worship
  • View the PDF

Order of Worship

Prelude
How Majestic is Your Name
(TFWS #2023)
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship 
Based on Psalm 26
*Opening Song
Time Now to Gather
(TFWS #2265) 
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer
Stephen Sumida
First Scripture Reading
Mark 10:13-16
Tsutomu Nagoya, Stephen Sumida
Children’s Message
Sai Hanaoka
Special Music
Christ Came to Live Here
Among Us
By Hal H. Hopson
Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading
Acts 18:22-28
Tsutomu Nagoya, Stephen Sumida
Sermon
Teamwork
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Meditation
Lord, We Come to Ask Your Blessing
(TFWS #2230) 
Eugene Onishi and Kathy Onishi
Holy Communion
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
Invitation to the Offering
Stephen Sumida
*Doxology 
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Stephen Sumida
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn
Let Us Be Bread
(TFWS #2260)
Eugene Onishi and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
May You Run And Not Be Weary
(TFWS #2281)
Kathy Onishi

Sermon Questions

  • Why do you think teamwork is valuable?
  • How can working in a team help you achieve your goals?
  • What are some challenges you might face when working in a team, and how can you overcome them?
  • What does it mean to receive the kingdom like a child?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday, October 06, 2024:
Job 1:1, 2:1-10 and Psalm 26 • Genesis 2:18-24 and Psalm 8 • Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 • Mark 10:2-16
Monday, October 07, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 55:1-15 • Job 8:1-22 • 1 Corinthians 7:1-9;
Complementary: Psalm 112 • Deuteronomy 22:13-30 • 1 Corinthians 7:1-9
Tuesday, October 08, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 55:1-15 • Job 11:1-20 • 1 Corinthians 7:10-16;
Complementary: Psalm 112 • Deuteronomy 24:1-5 • 1 Corinthians 7:10-16
Wednesday, October 09, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 55:1-15 • Job 15:1-35 • Matthew 5:27-36
Complementary: Psalm 112 • Jeremiah 3:6-14 • Matthew 5:27-36
Thursday, October 10, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 22:1-15 • Job 17:1-16 • Hebrews 3:7-19;
Complementary: Psalm 90:12-17 • Deuteronomy 5:1-21 • Hebrews 3:7-19
Friday, October 11, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 22:1-15 • Job 18:1-21 • Hebrews 4:1-11;
Complementary: Psalm 90:12-17 • Deuteronomy 5:22-33 • Hebrews 4:1-11
Saturday, October 12, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 22:1-15 • Job 20:1-29 • Matthew 15:1-9;
Complementary: Psalm 90:12-17 • Amos 3:13-4:5 • Matthew 15:1-9

Announcements

Bazaar Lunch with Love Offering for Mission Guatemala

After worship, we will have our fellowship time in the LAC with Bazaar foods! Please bring extra cash, since there will be a love offering and it will benefit Mission Guatemala. 

We’ll also sell leftover food, plants, desserts, or anything that we didn’t sell at the Bazaar! 

“Context: Putting Scripture in Its Place” Fall Book Study Continues

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 8, 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 Rev. Karen 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.

Church Office Closed

The Church Office will be closed on Friday, October 11 in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day.

The Rev. Karen Yokota Love speaks during a QA session with clergy during Asian Camp 2024.

Asian Camp 50th Anniversary Event (Southern California) • October 12

Calling all Asian Camp campers, counselors, directors, past and present! RSVP for this years AC 50th anniversary event on October 12! RSVPs & ticket purchasing is due by August 20th, 2024.

  • Visit withjoy.com/asiancamp
  • Ticket purchasing will be done through PayPal found at njaumccamps.org/50th OR checks made out to NJAUMC Camping Ministries, sent to our Camping Board Finance Chair Carol Tondo at 2313 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

In addition, the Sunday following (10/13), we will be having a joint gathering/service at Centenary UMC at 2PM. Join us in continuing to fellowship together as we celebrate 50 years of camp! Please contact Rev. Karen if you have any questions.

Trunk or Treat!Sunday, October 27th 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.

View the October 2024 Calendar

Read the latest issue of the Beacon!

Learn More
Spiritual Formation Center Comments Off on Spiritual Formation Center

Spiritual Formation Center

Posted by on Oct 1, 2024 in Church News & Events, Giving, Prayer, Spiritual Formation, Weekly Calendar

Can our Blaine Memorial members give 10% to build a new kin-dom here on earth? If not our time, what talents can we give during this stewardship season?

Stewardship: 90 is Greater than 100

By Anne Arakaki-Lock

I just read an article about 90 being more than 100. Go figure. 

Some of you may know where I may be going with this as it is Stewardship season and each of us will decide what to give this coming year. The idea is that if you tithe 10% of what you make, you get way more back than what you had before giving.

In Malachi’s day, God required people to tithe. Even in the New Testament, Luke 6:38 said, “Give and it will be given to you.” I might add, since everything we have belongs to God, should we really keep 100% of what He gives us or can we “spare” at least 10% to help build his kingdom “on earth, as it is in heaven?” Just wondering. 

“Bring the tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” -Malachi 3 NIV.

Tithing means trusting that God will provide. We’re essentially acknowledging that everything belongs to God — 100%. So, when we “sow our seeds” in faith and return some resources for His work, we’re obeying and showing our dependence on Him. We are also waiting for God to pour out His blessings on us in a big way. We’ll have so much given to us that we won’t even have room to store all of it. Tithing is a chance for us to be in sync with God’s purpose to provide for His people and sow love. It’s a privilege to be God’s partner. So, we give with a cheerful heart.

I pray, Lord, that as your children of Blaine Memorial, we each take time to search deep in our hearts this giving season, trust You to continue to sow tons of blessings on us, and show our faithfulness by being generous to others. Amen. 

Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC.

Also read: “Pray, Pray, Pray*”

Read more Spiritual Formation content from Anne Arakaki-Lock

Announcements

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is coffee.png

Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am

Join Rev. Karen 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.

Read about Mission Guatemala in the latest Beacon!


Bazaar 2024 is coming! Mark your calendars for this awesome event! Pre-order your favorite foods by clicking on the image above!

Blaine Memorial Bazaar and Mission Guatemala

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mission Guatemala. Mission Guatemala helps meet the basic needs and improve the quality of life of underserved Guatemalan people through health, education, and nutrition initiatives and meaningful missionary service. Together, we can make a difference!

Bazaar: Volunteers Needed!

We cannot do this without our trusted volunteers to help out at Bazaar! We need help grilling, cooking, making ohagi, selling baked goods, etc. Please sign up in the Social Hall. 

Please contact Lesley Okura (okura5@aol.com) if you have any questions.

Volunteer Pie-Makers Needed!

We are in GREAT need for many volunteers, at least 30 people for Pie Making, on October 3 at 10:00AM! We will be working in the LAC to make and bake pies for the Bazaar! 

Baked Goods Also Needed!

Do you love to bake? We need baked goods donations for our Bake Goods booth at the Bazaar! We’re seeking donations of baked mochi, manju, brownies and cookies. Please bring them in on Saturday, October 5 before 10:00AM!

Blaine’s special 120th Anniversary Aprons are created from cotton rice bags

Purchase Anniversary Aprons, October 5!

Wow, we are so grateful and excited to see the many rice bags that were generously donated to us recently by Jean Okazaki! Jean’s daughter, Kathleen, read of Blaine’s need for more rice bags and responded! Now our capable and hard working sewers are busy making more of our special 120th Anniversary Aprons.

They will be available for sale at our upcoming Bazaar on October 5th or through the church office. They are $40 and we are happy to accept more; the additional dollars would be considered a donation.

Fall Book Study: “Context: Putting Scripture in Its Place”

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 will begin on Tuesday, October 1, 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.

The Rev. Karen Yokota Love speaks during a QA session with clergy during Asian Camp 2024.

Asian Camp 50th Anniversary Event (Southern California) • October 12

Calling all Asian Camp campers, counselors, directors, past and present! RSVP for this years AC 50th anniversary event on October 12! RSVPs & ticket purchasing is due by August 20th, 2024.

  • Visit withjoy.com/asiancamp
  • Ticket purchasing will be done through PayPal found at njaumccamps.org/50th OR checks made out to NJAUMC Camping Ministries, sent to our Camping Board Finance Chair Carol Tondo at 2313 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

In addition, the Sunday following (10/13), we will be having a joint gathering/service at Centenary UMC at 2PM. Join us in continuing to fellowship together as we celebrate 50 years of camp! Please contact Rev. Karen if you have any questions.

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.

View the October 2024 Calendar

Learn More
Mission Guatemala 2024! Comments Off on Mission Guatemala 2024!

Mission Guatemala 2024!

Posted by on Oct 1, 2024 in Church News & Events, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Weekly Calendar

Along with kitchen construction and dental care, the Mission Guatemala team held Vacation Bible School for about 30 children in the local Mayan community.

Mission Guatemala brings health, hope, and faith to impoverished community

By Donna Sekijima

From August 16 through August 24, our Blaine mission team (19 from Blaine Memorial and 3 from Mt. Vernon First UMC) traveled to Panajachel, Guatemala in Central America, working with a UMC related organization, Mission Guatemala. They are a faith-based non-profit organization that serves the indigenous Mayan people and currently provides a medical clinic, pharmacy, and on-site lab in the San Andres Semetebaj area. 

Through Mission Guatemala, we learned about Guatemala’s history, the Mayan culture and some of the difficulties Guatemala still face. More than 50% of rural Guatemalan children suffer from chronic malnutrition, which ranks 6th in the world in child malnutrition. The Guatemalan government only provides education up to 6th grade, and the costs of and access to middle school (average $25/month) and high school (average $50/month) are out of reach for most rural indigenous families. Mission Guatemala is trying to combat this by running a scholarship program for middle and high school students, a nutritional support program for chronically malnourished children, and other community health and vocational training programs.

Volunteers from Blaine Memorial UMC help local Guatemalans with rebar.

Our construction project was to help build a second floor kitchen at a middle school in Godinez so they can prepare and serve nutritious snacks and meals to the students. Since we were just the second team working on this project, it was more of a deconstruction! Some of our team jack hammered and pickaxed a layer of defective cement from the rooftop (which will be the kitchen floor), some collected the concrete debris into buckets and sifted sand from it (to be used later), and some created holes in the outside walls and inserted steel floor support beams (to be re-cemented in later). Other team members wire tied rebar together, creating rectangular columns for supporting the walls. Although construction was physically hard work (with lots of water breaks), at the end it was very rewarding to see the progress we made in four working days. 

How did Blaine Memorial’s mission team help Guatemalans? Read more about how Blaine Memorial worked on construction, dental care, and spiritual formation.

Our team dentists worked at the Mission Guatemala medical clinic on the scholarship students who needed dental care. Some of our team helped with instrument sterilization, assisting the dentists, administering fluoride treatments, interpreting in Spanish and giving patients oral hygiene instructions.

The majority of our construction team took two afternoons off to conduct a Vacation Bible School in Chuisajcap. Around 30 children sang, listened to Bible stories, colored pictures, took photos, folded origami, blew bubbles, played Frisbee, played soccer and ran around outside on the sport court that our 2019 Guatemala mission team helped build. Most of all, there were smiles, laughter and fun!

How can we do all the good we can? Donna Sekijima provides a comprehensive report of Blaine Memorial UMC’s contribution to the local Mayan community through Mission Guatemala!

Many of us on our Blaine mission team didn’t know each other well before the trip, but everyone worked together, supported each other, laughed, ate and sweated together and became more than just teammates – we became a family. We had a wonderful experience, knowing in our own small way, that we are loving our neighbor as Jesus taught us, and trying to “do all the good you can.”

We are so thankful for Mission Guatemala’s great care of our team with amazing staff, comfortable and beautifully landscaped accommodations and deliciously prepared meals and coffee!

Thank you, Blaine community, for all your prayers and support! 

Team Members: Anne Arakaki-Lock, Joshua Akiyama, Milo Choe, Nina Choe, Judy Kuo, Laura Gilbert, Kenji Guess, Alice Ikeda, Howard Nakase, Jill Nishi, Katelyn Nakase, Zachary Nakase, Janet Sekijima, Margaret Sekijima, Bob Sekijima, Donna Sekijima, Lourdes Tifre, Pastor Zulma Tifre, Stacy Lopez, Martin Yagi, Teresa Yagi, Pearl Yamamoto

Announcements

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is coffee.png

Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am

Join Rev. Karen 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.

Read about Mission Guatemala in the latest Beacon!


Bazaar 2024 is coming! Mark your calendars for this awesome event! Pre-order your favorite foods by clicking on the image above!

Blaine Memorial Bazaar and Mission Guatemala

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mission Guatemala. Mission Guatemala helps meet the basic needs and improve the quality of life of underserved Guatemalan people through health, education, and nutrition initiatives and meaningful missionary service. Together, we can make a difference!

Bazaar: Volunteers Needed!

We cannot do this without our trusted volunteers to help out at Bazaar! We need help grilling, cooking, making ohagi, selling baked goods, etc. Please sign up in the Social Hall. 

Please contact Lesley Okura (okura5@aol.com) if you have any questions.

Volunteer Pie-Makers Needed!

We are in GREAT need for many volunteers, at least 30 people for Pie Making, on October 3 at 10:00AM! We will be working in the LAC to make and bake pies for the Bazaar! 

Baked Goods Also Needed!

Do you love to bake? We need baked goods donations for our Bake Goods booth at the Bazaar! We’re seeking donations of baked mochi, manju, brownies and cookies. Please bring them in on Saturday, October 5 before 10:00AM!

Blaine’s special 120th Anniversary Aprons are created from cotton rice bags

Purchase Anniversary Aprons, October 5!

Wow, we are so grateful and excited to see the many rice bags that were generously donated to us recently by Jean Okazaki! Jean’s daughter, Kathleen, read of Blaine’s need for more rice bags and responded! Now our capable and hard working sewers are busy making more of our special 120th Anniversary Aprons.

They will be available for sale at our upcoming Bazaar on October 5th or through the church office. They are $40 and we are happy to accept more; the additional dollars would be considered a donation.

Fall Book Study: “Context: Putting Scripture in Its Place”

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 will begin on Tuesday, October 1, 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.

The Rev. Karen Yokota Love speaks during a QA session with clergy during Asian Camp 2024.

Asian Camp 50th Anniversary Event (Southern California) • October 12

Calling all Asian Camp campers, counselors, directors, past and present! RSVP for this years AC 50th anniversary event on October 12! RSVPs & ticket purchasing is due by August 20th, 2024.

  • Visit withjoy.com/asiancamp
  • Ticket purchasing will be done through PayPal found at njaumccamps.org/50th OR checks made out to NJAUMC Camping Ministries, sent to our Camping Board Finance Chair Carol Tondo at 2313 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

In addition, the Sunday following (10/13), we will be having a joint gathering/service at Centenary UMC at 2PM. Join us in continuing to fellowship together as we celebrate 50 years of camp! Please contact Rev. Karen if you have any questions.

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.

View the October 2024 Calendar

Learn More
Senior Pastor Reflection Comments Off on Senior Pastor Reflection

Senior Pastor Reflection

Posted by on Oct 1, 2024 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation

Blaine Memorial UMC church members attend Opening Day at the WA State Fair to view the Remembrance Gallery.


The Rev. Karen Yokota Love speaks during the Liberation Obon at the Northwest ICE Processing Center.

Remembrance ushers in Autumn events, ministerial opportunities

By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Although I love all four seasons, I have a special fondness for autumn. Autumn ushers in cooler temperatures, shorter days, and brilliant colors. You can’t miss fall or ignore it. I love walking around the neighborhood and admiring the variations of color in the leaves, the plants, and the cold crisp air. 

Autumn without a doubt signals one event that comes to mind: BAZAAR (order now!)! As I write this, the church is hustling and bustling as we prepare for our annual Benefit Bazaar on Saturday, October 5 from 11:00AM-6:00PM. This year’s beneficiary is Mission Guatemala.

Autumn also signals great celebrations. Please mark these important dates on your calendar:

  • World Communion Sunday is on October 6. We’ll remember our diversity and heritage in the church. We’ll celebrate our similarities and differences, and we’ll see that there’s more that unites us than divides us. 
  • A Trunk-or-Treat will be on Sunday, October 27 after worship. 
  • Stewardship Sunday begins in worship on November 3.
  • All Saints Sunday is on November 3. This year’s worship service is designed to show honor and reverence to our saints in the Blaine Memorial UMC community who passed away in the last year from November 1, 2023-October 23, 2024. We will give thanks to each of them. Each of the departed names will be read aloud and a bell will be rung.

In August, the Puyallup Valley JACL unveiled the Puyallup Assembly Center Remembrance Gallery at the Washington State Fairgrounds. The gallery tells the story of our very own Blaine Memorial church members and Nikkei in Washington State who were removed or otherwise affected by Executive Order 9066 during WWII. 

Sharon Sobie-Seymour sports her Remembrance Gallery happi coat during the Liberation Obon at the Northwest Detention Center.

Blaine Memorial UMC brought two different groups to multiple days of special unveilings of this exhibit. Our first adventure was on Survivors Day, where the official ribbon cutting happened. Blaine had 15 people in attendance. People who survived the Puyallup Fairgrounds assembly center and anyone who was incarcerated at any of the camps were invited. I was privileged to provide the Opening Prayer and blessing of the space.

The Liberation Obon brought together many within the community to bring attention to those detained in the Northwest Detention Center.

The second event we attended was on opening day of the Fair where we brought 30 church members to see the gallery. For the first time, many saw their names on the Remembrance Gallery wall, some spoke with news crews and others told stories to their grandchildren. Some experienced the sights, sounds, and smells of a replica 1942 horse stall living quarters to better understand those living conditions. Afterwards, we all explored the Fair together. 

The Gallery is a unique combination of a memorial and historical experience. Over 7,600 names of Japanese and Japanese Americans who were all wrongfully incarcerated on the Puyallup Fairgrounds will permanently be displayed.  

On September 1, after worship, Blaine members caravaned to the Northwest ICE Processing Center (formerly known as the Northwest Detention Center), where Japanese American anti-detention activists hosted a colorful and lively first-ever “Liberation Obon.” The Obon served as an opportunity to bring the community directly to the site of Processing Center where they witnessed firsthand the barbed wire fences, armed guards and ever-present threat of violence – the same conditions Japanese Americans faced in camp. With taiko drums and music, it also let people inside know that they are not alone or forgotten. Japanese Americans have a moral obligation to advocate in solidarity with those who are detained today.

Let this special time of autumn and change transform and enlighten you. Be courageous, be kind, and be the hope for the future! 

Puyallup Assembly Center and Incarceration Camp survivors attended Survivors Day at the soft opening of the Puyallup Remembrance Gallery at the Washington State Fairgrounds on August 15, 2024.

Announcements

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is coffee.png

Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am

Join Rev. Karen 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.

Read about Mission Guatemala in the latest Beacon!


Bazaar 2024 is coming! Mark your calendars for this awesome event! Pre-order your favorite foods by clicking on the image above!

Blaine Memorial Bazaar and Mission Guatemala

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mission Guatemala. Mission Guatemala helps meet the basic needs and improve the quality of life of underserved Guatemalan people through health, education, and nutrition initiatives and meaningful missionary service. Together, we can make a difference!

Bazaar: Volunteers Needed!

We cannot do this without our trusted volunteers to help out at Bazaar! We need help grilling, cooking, making ohagi, selling baked goods, etc. Please sign up in the Social Hall. 

Please contact Lesley Okura (okura5@aol.com) if you have any questions.

Volunteer Pie-Makers Needed!

We are in GREAT need for many volunteers, at least 30 people for Pie Making, on October 3 at 10:00AM! We will be working in the LAC to make and bake pies for the Bazaar! 

Baked Goods Also Needed!

Do you love to bake? We need baked goods donations for our Bake Goods booth at the Bazaar! We’re seeking donations of baked mochi, manju, brownies and cookies. Please bring them in on Saturday, October 5 before 10:00AM!

Blaine’s special 120th Anniversary Aprons are created from cotton rice bags

Purchase Anniversary Aprons, October 5!

Wow, we are so grateful and excited to see the many rice bags that were generously donated to us recently by Jean Okazaki! Jean’s daughter, Kathleen, read of Blaine’s need for more rice bags and responded! Now our capable and hard working sewers are busy making more of our special 120th Anniversary Aprons.

They will be available for sale at our upcoming Bazaar on October 5th or through the church office. They are $40 and we are happy to accept more; the additional dollars would be considered a donation.

Fall Book Study: “Context: Putting Scripture in Its Place”

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 will begin on Tuesday, October 1, 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.

The Rev. Karen Yokota Love speaks during a QA session with clergy during Asian Camp 2024.

Asian Camp 50th Anniversary Event (Southern California) • October 12

Calling all Asian Camp campers, counselors, directors, past and present! RSVP for this years AC 50th anniversary event on October 12! RSVPs & ticket purchasing is due by August 20th, 2024.

  • Visit withjoy.com/asiancamp
  • Ticket purchasing will be done through PayPal found at njaumccamps.org/50th OR checks made out to NJAUMC Camping Ministries, sent to our Camping Board Finance Chair Carol Tondo at 2313 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

In addition, the Sunday following (10/13), we will be having a joint gathering/service at Centenary UMC at 2PM. Join us in continuing to fellowship together as we celebrate 50 years of camp! Please contact Rev. Karen if you have any questions.

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.

View the October 2024 Calendar

Learn More
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost  & Mission Guatemala Sunday Comments Off on Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost & Mission Guatemala Sunday

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost & Mission Guatemala Sunday

Posted by on Sep 29, 2024 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

All are Welcome!

  • Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
  • Mission Guatemala Sunday
  • September 29, 2024, 10:00am
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Continue scrolling or view the PDF

Order of Worship

Prelude
The Family Prayer Song
Morris Chapman                         
Kathy Onishi 
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
Jill Nishi
*Opening Song      
Spirit Song
UMH #347 
Eugene and Kathy Onishi 
Opening Prayer                
Josh Akiyama
Celebrating the Reappointments of Our Clergy   
Arlene Naganawa
First Scripture Reading  
James 5:13-20   
Tsutomu Nagoya, Anne Arakaki-Lock
Children’s Message
Sai Hanaoka
Anthem
Go Ye, Go Ye Into the World
Natalie Sleeth
Blaine Memorial Choir
Mission Guatemala Testimonials
Katelyn Nakase, Kenji Guess
Mission Guatemala Video
Alice Ikeda
Second Scripture Reading
Philippians 2:1-4  
Tsutomu Nagoya, Howard Nakase
Third Scripture Reading
Hebrews 13:16 
Tsutomu Nagoya, Howard Nakase
Mission Guatemala Testimonials
Alice Ikeda, Bob Sekijima
Song of Reflection    
Change My Heart, O God 
TFWS #2152 
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering
Margaret Sekijima
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All 
Blessings Flow
(UMH #94)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Donna Sekijima
*Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Song
Together We Serve
TFWS #2175
*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
One God and Father of Us All
P. Carlson, K. Matthews, J. Carraway
Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Break Out Room 
Dale Kaneko

Sermon Questions

  • Who do you think your neighbor is?
  • Why does the Blaine Memorial community support local, national and international missions/outreach? 

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday, September 29, 2024: 
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10 • 9:20-22 and Psalm 124 • Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 and Psalm 19:7-14 • 
James 5:13-20 • Mark 9:38-50
Monday, September 30, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 140 • Esther 4:1-17 • 1 Peter 1:3-9. Complementary: Psalm 5 • Zechariah 6:9-15 • 1 Peter 1:3-9
Tuesday, October 01, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 140 • Esther 5:1-14 • 1 John 2:18-25. Complementary: Psalm 5 • Zechariah 8:18-23 • 1 John 2:18-25
Wednesday, October 02, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 140 • Esther 8:1-17 • Matthew 18:6-9. Complementary: Psalm 5 • Zechariah 10:1-12 • Matthew 18:6-9
Thursday, October 03, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 26 • Job 2:11-3:26 • Galatians 3:23-29. Complementary: Psalm 8 • 
Genesis 20:1-18 • Galatians 3:23-29
Friday, October 04, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 26 • Job 4:1-21 • Romans 8:1-11. Complementary: Psalm 8 • Genesis 21:22-34 • Romans 8:1-11
Saturday, October 05, 2024:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 26 • Job 7:1-21 • Luke 16:14-18. Complementary: Psalm 8 • Genesis 23:1-20 • Luke 16:14-18

Announcements

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is coffee.png

Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am

Join Rev. Karen 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.

Read about Mission Guatemala in the latest Beacon!

A beautiful landscape view of green plants on hills and Volcan de Fuego mountains on the horizon in Antigua, Guatemala

Mission Guatemala Sunday • Today

Twenty-two church members/missionaries who ventured off to Panajachel, Guatemala during the month of August will share their faith testimonies from their week-long trip. Congregation members will learn more about how we can help and support Mission Guatemala and the people in Panajachel and why they are the beneficiary at this year’s Bazaar.


Bazaar 2024 is coming! Mark your calendars for this awesome event! Pre-order your favorite foods by clicking on the image above!

Blaine Memorial Bazaar and Mission Guatemala

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mission Guatemala. Mission Guatemala helps meet the basic needs and improve the quality of life of underserved Guatemalan people through health, education, and nutrition initiatives and meaningful missionary service. Together, we can make a difference!

Bazaar: Volunteers Needed!

We cannot do this without our trusted volunteers to help out at Bazaar! We need help grilling, cooking, making ohagi, selling baked goods, etc. Please sign up in the Social Hall. 

Please contact Lesley Okura (okura5@aol.com) if you have any questions.

Volunteer Pie-Makers Needed!

We are in GREAT need for many volunteers, at least 30 people for Pie Making, on October 3 at 10:00AM! We will be working in the LAC to make and bake pies for the Bazaar! 

Baked Goods Also Needed!

Do you love to bake? We need baked goods donations for our Bake Goods booth at the Bazaar! We’re seeking donations of baked mochi, manju, brownies and cookies. Please bring them in on Saturday, October 5 before 10:00AM!

Blaine’s special 120th Anniversary Aprons are created from cotton rice bags

Purchase Anniversary Aprons, October 5!

Wow, we are so grateful and excited to see the many rice bags that were generously donated to us recently by Jean Okazaki! Jean’s daughter, Kathleen, read of Blaine’s need for more rice bags and responded! Now our capable and hard working sewers are busy making more of our special 120th Anniversary Aprons.

They will be available for sale at our upcoming Bazaar on October 5th or through the church office. They are $40 and we are happy to accept more; the additional dollars would be considered a donation.

Fall Book Study: “Context: Putting Scripture in Its Place”

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 will begin on Tuesday, October 1, 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.

The Rev. Karen Yokota Love speaks during a QA session with clergy during Asian Camp 2024.

Asian Camp 50th Anniversary Event (Southern California) • October 12

Calling all Asian Camp campers, counselors, directors, past and present! RSVP for this years AC 50th anniversary event on October 12! RSVPs & ticket purchasing is due by August 20th, 2024.

  • Visit withjoy.com/asiancamp
  • Ticket purchasing will be done through PayPal found at njaumccamps.org/50th OR checks made out to NJAUMC Camping Ministries, sent to our Camping Board Finance Chair Carol Tondo at 2313 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

In addition, the Sunday following (10/13), we will be having a joint gathering/service at Centenary UMC at 2PM. Join us in continuing to fellowship together as we celebrate 50 years of camp! Please contact Rev. Karen if you have any questions.

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.

View the Calendars

Learn More