All are Welcome!

• Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
• June 28, 2026
• 10:00 a.m.
• View the livestream

Sermon Questions

• We receive Gods messengers during different times in life. How have you received these messengers? What rewards did you share in?
• Have you been a messenger for God? Were you welcomed? What rewards have you been blessed with?
• Small acts of reaching out, being generous and hospitable, can have spiritual rewards. How can we extend our welcome for others to feel God’s graces through us? How can such an act reflect the person’s, the messenger’s, relationship with God?

Order of Worship

Prelude “Change My Heart, O God” TFWS #2152 Kathy Onishi

Welcome of Grace and Greeting Yuki Sofronas

Land Acknowledgement Yuki Sofronas

*Call to Worship  Yuki Sofronas

*Opening Hymn “Welcome” W&S #3152 Kathy and Eugene Onishi

Opening Prayer Yuki Sofronas

First Scripture Reading Luke 17:11-19 (CEB) Yuki Sofronas

Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka

Second Scripture Reading Matthew 10:40-42 (CEB) Yuki Sofronas

Sermon “Welcoming the Message and the Messenger” Michelle Vaughan

Hymn of Reflection “The Compassion Hymn”  By Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend Kathy and Eugene Onishi

Introduction to the Offering Yuki Sofronas

*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94 Eugene & Kathy Onishi

*Prayer of Dedication Yuki Sofronas

Announcements Ron Nobuyama

*Closing Hymn “Sent Out in Jesus’ Name” TFWS #2184 Kathy and Eugene Onishi

*Benediction Michelle Vaughan

Postlude “We Are the Body of Christ”  TFWS #2227 Kathy Onishi

Altar Flowers Carol Kastrup

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Daily Lectionary Readings*

*Daily Lectionary Readings are provided by Bible Gateway and Vanderbilt University.

Sunday, June 28, 2026: Proper 8 (13) Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42

Monday, June 29, 2026: Semi-continuous: Psalm 47; Genesis 22:15-18; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12; Complementary: Psalm 119:161-168; 1 Kings 21:1-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12;

Tuesday, June 30, 2026: Semi-continuous: Psalm 47; 1 Kings 18:36-39; 1 John 4:1-6; Complementary: Psalm 119:161-168; 1 Kings 21:17-29; 1 John 4:1-6;

Thursday, July 02, 2026: Semi-continuous: Psalm 45:10-17; Genesis 25:19-27; Romans 7:1-6; Complementary: Psalm 145:8-14; Zechariah 1:1-6; Romans 7:1-6;

Friday, July 03, 2026: Semi-continuous: Psalm 45:10-17; Genesis 27:1-17; Romans 7:7-20; Complementary: Psalm 145:8-14; Zechariah 2:6-13; Romans 7:7-20;

Saturday, July 04, 2026: Semi-continuous: Psalm 45:10-17; Genesis 27:18-29; Luke 10:21-24; Complementary: Psalm 145:8-14; Zechariah 4:1-7; Luke 10:21-24;

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Announcements

Dates to Remember

Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC
Wednesdays (See announcement, below) • Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen will return July 8!
June 28–July 3 • NJAUMC Asian American Summer Camp Gathering (View more)
July 3 • Church office and campus is closed for Independence Day weekend!
July 12 – August 23 (Sundays) • Vacation Bible School 2026! (View more)
July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala (View more)

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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 July 12 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!

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Wednesday Coffee and Prayer Canceled

Please note that our Wednesday Coffee & Prayer gathering on Wednesday, July 1, at 9 a.m. has been canceled.

We look forward to gathering again on Wednesday, July 8, at 9 a.m. for a time of fellowship, prayer and encouragement. We hope you’ll join us as we begin the morning together in faith and community. We’ll also begin reading the July/August Upper Room devotional.

Have a safe and blessed holiday week. We look forward to seeing you on July 8!

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Church Office and Campus Closed Friday, July 3, 2026

Please note that the Blaine Memorial church office and campus will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The office will reopen Tuesday, July 7, at 10 a.m.

We pray that you and your loved ones have a safe and joyful holiday weekend as we give thanks for the blessings of freedom, community and God’s abiding presence.

Happy Independence Day!

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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.

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Sunday, June 28: Last Day for Thien Phat Restaurant

This Sunday, June 28, we hold the family at Thien Phat Vietnamese Restaurant in Seattle’s Rainier Valley — just down the hill from our church — in our hearts as they close their doors.

For many years, Thien Phat has been more than a restaurant. It has been a steady and welcoming presence in our community. This family-owned business has served neighbors with care and hospitality since around 2010, offering familiar and comforting Vietnamese dishes that have nourished both body and spirit.

Many among us have shared meals there over the years — warming up with a bowl of pho after worship, picking up banh mi sandwiches before heading out to support immigrant communities at the detention center or grabbing food for our faithful newsletter-folding volunteers. Some of us have also found ourselves there during long days at the church, especially during the busy Christmas season, grateful for a simple, nourishing meal close to home.

In recent years, the family has faced significant financial strain because of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising costs and ongoing rent challenges. Community reporting and the family’s own updates indicate they have worked hard to remain open with the support of their neighbors.

If you are able, we invite you to stop by Thien Phat this weekend to share a meal, express your gratitude and offer encouragement to the family. Your presence can be a meaningful way to honor their years of service to the Rainier Valley and Beacon Hill communities.

Thien Phat Vietnamese Restaurant
3330 Rainier Ave. S
Seattle, WA 98144

Let us continue to hold them, and all small local businesses carrying heavy burdens during this time, in our prayers and our care.

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Read the latest issue of The Beacon!

Our monthly collection of ministry stories can be found in the Beacon. 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.

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Calendar

June 2026 | July 2026

Learn More

All are Welcome!

• Third Sunday after Pentecost
• June 14, 2026
• 10:00 a.m.
• View the livestream

Video

Sermon Questions

• In what areas of your life do you most identify with Sarah’s laughter — those places where hope feels delayed, fragile, or even unrealistic — and how honest are you willing to be with God about that waiting?
• How do you hear God’s question, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” in your current circumstances: as pressure to believe harder, or as an invitation to widen your sense of what is still possible?
• What might it look like for your own “waiting season” to be transformed the way Sarah’s was — moving from the laughter of disbelief into the laughter of joy and testimony?

Order of Worship

Prelude “The Summons” TFWS #2130 Kathy Onishi

Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Land Acknowledgement Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Call to Worship  Pam Yorozu

*Opening Hymn “Gather Us In” TFWS #2236 Kathy and Eugene Onishi

Opening Prayer Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, December 2025  Pam Yorozu

First Scripture Reading Luke 10:25-37 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Pam Yorozu

Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka

Celebrating Our Church School Teachers and BYG Leaders Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Special Music “By Faith” By Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend Blaine Praise Band

Second Scripture Reading Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Pam Yorozu

Sermon “When Laughter Meets the Promise” Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Hymn of Reflection “Who Is My Mother, Who Is My Brother?” TFWS #2225 Kathy and Eugene Onishi

Introduction to the Offering Pam Yorozu

*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94 Eugene & Kathy Onishi

*Prayer of Dedication Pam Yorozu

Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Closing Hymn “Make Me a Servant” TFWS #2176 Kathy and Eugene Onishi

*Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Postlude “May You Run and Not Be Weary” TFWS #2281 Kathy Onishi

Altar Flowers Miriam Tong

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Daily Lectionary Readings*

*Daily Lectionary Readings are provided by Bible Gateway and Vanderbilt University.

Sunday, June 14, 2026: Proper 6 (11) Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) and Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Exodus 19:2-8a and Psalm 100; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23)

Monday, June 15, 2026: Semi-continuous: Psalm 126; Genesis 23:1-19; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5; Complementary: Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Joshua 1:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5;

Tuesday, June 16, 2026: Semi-continuous: Psalm 126; Genesis 25:7-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5; Complementary: Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; 1 Samuel 3:1-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5;

Wednesday, June 17, 2026: Semi-continuous: Psalm 126; Nehemiah 9:1-8; Luke 6:12-19; Complementary: Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Proverbs 4:10-27; Luke 6:12-19;

Thursday, June 18, 2026: Semi-continuous: Psalm 86:1-10; Exodus 12:43-49; Hebrews 2:5-9;  Complementary: Psalm 69:7-10, 16-18; Jeremiah 18:12-17; Hebrews 2:5-9;

Friday, June 19, 2026: Semi-continuous: Psalm 86:1-10; Genesis 35:1-4; Acts 5:17-26;  Complementary: Psalm 69:7-10, 16-18; Jeremiah 18:18-23; Acts 5:17-26;

Saturday, June 20, 2026: Semi-continuous: Psalm 86:1-10; Ezekiel 29:3-7; Luke 11:53-12:3;  Complementary: Psalm 69:7-10, 16-18; Jeremiah 20:1-6; Luke 11:53-12:3;

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Announcements

Dates to Remember

Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC
Wednesdays • Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen
Sunday, June 14 • Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers • Last Day of BYG (End-of-Year Party)
Friday, June 19 • Church Office and Campus Closure for Juneteenth
Sunday, June 21 • Father’s Day and Music Sunday Worship Service
June 28–July 3 • NJAUMC Asian American Summer Camp Gathering
July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala

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Celebrating the 2025-26 School Year:

Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers

• Sunday, June 14
• Blaine Memorial UMC Sanctuary
• 10 a.m.

Sunday, June 14, will mark the close of the school year for the BYG Youth Group and Church School. During worship, we will offer a blessing for our youth, leaders and teachers. Following the service, we will gather in the Social Hall for a celebration honoring the commitment, dedication and service they have shown throughout the year.

We look forward to coming together in gratitude and celebration as we conclude another meaningful year.

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Wednesday Coffee and Prayer

• Wednesdays
• 9 a.m.
• Zoom

Join Rev. Karen for a time of connection, a short devotional and prayer. Bring a cup of coffee or tea and begin your day centered in Christ.

The Zoom link will be sent Tuesday.

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Church Office and Campus Closure for Juneteenth — June 19, 2026

Please note that the church office and campus will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and offers an opportunity to reflect on freedom, justice and unity.

Regular office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Campus activities and office operations will resume on Tuesday, June 23.

Thank you for your understanding. We pray you have a meaningful and blessed Juneteenth observance.

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Special Father’s Day and Music Sunday Worship Service

• Sunday, June 21
• Blaine Memorial UMC, Sanctuary and Social Hall

Join us for a special Father’s Day and Music Sunday worship service on Sunday, June 21. This year, Father’s Day coincides with our annual Music Sunday, featuring a wonderful variety of music from the Blaine Memorial Choir, Blaine Memorial Praise Band, B.U.G.S. and several talented soloists.

It’s a joyful way to celebrate the close of another ministry year and kick off the summer season together.

Our worship service will also include the celebration of our fathers and father figures, two baptisms, the commissioning of our Asian Camp campers and chaperones as they prepare to depart the following Saturday, and recognition of our graduates. It promises to be a meaningful, joy-filled and celebratory morning for our entire church family.

Following worship, everyone is invited to a special Father’s Day lunch in the Social Hall as we honor our dads and father figures—and enjoy fellowship together.

We hope you’ll join us for this festive Sunday of worship and celebration.

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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.

---

Read the latest issue of The Beacon!

Our monthly collection of ministry stories can be found in the Beacon. 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.

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Calendar

June 2026 | July 2026

Learn More

Gail Nomura (center) invites University of Washington exchange students to help at Sukiyaki, and Rev. Karen is delighted.

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Annual Sukiyaki raises $30k supporting PNW disaster fund

By Lesley Okura and the Sukiyaki Committee 2026, photos by the Rev. Karen Yokota Love

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

These words above from the Bible reflect our message to you all. On March 7, 2026 we celebrated the coming of spring with our Annual Sukiyaki Dinner. We challenged the congregation to help meet our ambitious goal of raising $30,000 to benefit the Pacific Northwest Conference Disaster Fund. A portion of the proceeds is earmarked to provide assistance and relief to evacuees and survivors of the winter 2025 flooding in Washington state. The challenge was met, and our gross total reached slightly more than $30,000. What a joyous occasion!

As a congregation, we know this important event cannot be done alone. We are a community. Each year, we are supported by many volunteers who assist with chopping, cooking, packaging and preparing delicious food. Our volunteer count reaches into the hundreds, with many individuals serving on multiple committees. We were also grateful for volunteer support from outside our church community, including students from the University of Washington from Japan and taiko members from Seattle University. It is meaningful to connect with young adults beyond our church walls.

This year, we reached out to members residing in assisted living and delivered more than 30 meals to those unable to join us in person. We are proud and grateful for our members who invite friends and family to contribute their time and talents for the betterment of our community and church family, while also enjoying our famous sukiyaki. This is service in action —“The Blaine Way.”

A special thank-you to SK Produce for providing generous savings on our produce order, and to Uwajimaya for its continued support of our events.

Learn about our beneficiary: PNW Conference Disaster Fund

More Photos

Lesley Okura is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC.

Also read:

United Methodists surpass $1 Million in disaster recovery support in the Pacific Northwest

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Announcements

Dates to Remember

Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC
Wednesdays • Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen
Saturday, June 6, 1-3 p.m. • Author Conversation With Tamiko Nimura
Sunday, June 7, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. • “I Am American” Film Presentation by Kelsi Umeko • BYG Udon Pop-Up Lunch Fundraiser
Sunday, June 14 • Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers • Last Day of BYG (End-of-Year Party)
June 28–July 3 • NJAUMC Asian American Summer Camp Gathering
July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala

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Wednesday Coffee and Prayer

• Wednesdays
• 9 a.m.
• Zoom

Join Rev. Karen for a time of connection, a short devotional and prayer. Bring a cup of coffee or tea and begin your day centered in Christ.

The Zoom link will be sent Tuesday.

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“I Am American” Film Presentation by Kelsi Umeko

• Sunday, June 7, 2026
• 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Blaine Memorial UMC
• Social Hall

On Sunday, June 7, we are pleased to welcome a special presentation about a new film currently in pre-production, “I Am American,” by filmmaker Kelsi Umeko.

This powerful story follows a Japanese picture bride who immigrates from Japan to America in 1915 to meet her husband. Together, they build a thriving business, raise Japanese American children and become part of their local community. Their lives are profoundly changed following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

At its heart, “I Am American” is the story of an immigrant family’s journey in pursuit of the American dream. This deeply personal narrative is inspired by the filmmaker’s grandparents and reflects the experiences of more than 120,000 Nikkei families. The story is being shared in hopes of preserving this history for future generations.

The film is being shot in the greater Seattle area and will recreate historical moments from this important period. During the presentation, we will hear more about the story, the vision behind the film, filming locations and the production team. A pitch deck also will be shared.

Kelsi will offer a short presentation during social hour following worship, and a light lunch will be provided, including Spam musubi, sandwich rolls, fruit and vegetables.

To learn more, visit www.CKfilmspro.com.

Kelsi’s previous feature film, “Second Chance” — a faith-based romantic drama that she wrote, directed and starred in alongside her husband — is also available on the website.

We hope you will join us in supporting this meaningful project and helping share this important story with the wider community.

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Free Treasures in the Social Hall

Many people have been hard at work cleaning and organizing areas of our church as part of our spring-cleaning efforts. As a result, there is a wonderful assortment of free items available on tables in the Social Hall.

Please stop by and take a look — you may find something interesting or useful to take home. We have all sorts of goodies, including CD cases, CDs, flower vases, punch bowls, cups, paper goods, binders, office supplies, name-tag holders and many other treasures.

If you feel so moved, we invite you to make a donation to the church. Your generosity will help support our ministries and the ongoing work of our congregation.

Thank you, and happy treasure hunting! This Sunday will be the final opportunity to browse the tables. Afterward, all remaining items will be donated to Goodwill.

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Author Conversation With Tamiko Nimura

• Saturday, June 6, 2026
• 1-3 p.m.
• Blaine Memorial UMC Social Hall

Join local writer Tamiko Nimura for a special conversation about her new memoir, “A Place for What We Lose: A Daughter’s Return to Tule Lake” (UW Press), moderated by UW Professor of American Ethnic Studies Vince Schleitwiler.

In this moving discussion, Nimura will reflect on themes of family history, memory, identity and her return to Tule Lake, one of the incarceration camps where Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II.

This event is co-sponsored by Seattle Tsuru for Solidarity.

Following the conversation:

• Books available for purchase from Madison Books
• Author book signing
• Light refreshments provided

We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful community gathering.

• Eventbrite registration
• Read Vince Schleitwiler’s review in the International Examiner

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Celebrating the 2025-26 School Year: Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers

Sunday, June 14, will mark the close of the school year for the BYG Youth Group and Church School. During worship, we will offer a blessing for our youth, leaders and teachers. Following the service, we will gather in the Social Hall for a celebration honoring the commitment, dedication and service they have shown throughout the year.

We look forward to coming together in gratitude and celebration as we conclude another meaningful year.

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Read the latest issue of The Beacon!

Our monthly collection of ministry stories can be found in the Beacon. 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.

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Calendar

July 2026

Learn More