All are Welcome!

• Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost 
• Blessing of the Animals
• 10:00 a.m.
• View the livestream

Sermon Questions

• What can the animals in our lives teach us about God’s love and the gift of creation?
• How might our understanding of “God saw that it was good” change the way we see and treat the creatures around us?
• Where do we see God’s presence and goodness in creatiaon … in ways we notice and in ways we often overlook?
• What is one way we can respond to God’s gift of creation by becoming more compassionate and faithful stewards of all living things?

Order of Worship

Daily Lectionary Readings*

Announcements

Dates to Remember

Blessing of the Animals Worship Service

• Sunday, Aug. 30
• 10 a.m.
• Church Courtyard

Join us for our Blessing of the Animals worship service! We’ll gather outside in the courtyard for a special time of worship as we celebrate and give thanks for the animals who bring so much joy, companionship and love into our lives.

Bring your beloved pets to receive a special blessing. If your pet isn’t able to join us in person, you’re welcome to bring a photo instead. We’ll also have a small altar where you can place a photo of your animal as part of our worship.

We’ll have special pet treats for our canine and feline friends. If you’re bringing another kind of animal who would enjoy a treat, please contact the church office ahead of time so we can make sure we have something appropriate for them, too!

Come and celebrate God’s wonderful creation with us. All our furry, feathered, finned and scaly friends are welcome! We look forward to seeing you — and your beloved companions — for this joyful celebration!

Wednesday Morning Coffee and Prayer

• September 2, 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!

Church office closure for Labor Day holiday on Tuesday (9/8)

As we observe Labor Day, we take a moment to give thanks for the dignity and value of work and to recognize the many contributions of workers who help strengthen our families, communities and nation. It is also a meaningful opportunity to pause, rest and be grateful for God’s provision.

Please note that the church office will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 8, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Since the office and campus are normally closed on Mondays, we will observe Tuesday as our holiday closure day.

The church office will reopen for regular hours Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We pray that you and your loved ones have a safe, restful and refreshing holiday. May you find time to slow down, give thanks and enjoy the blessings God has provided.

All-Church Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Board of Trustees invites everyone to our biannual All-Church Cleanup 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, and it needs some extra care beyond what our weekly janitorial service provides. A variety of activities will be available to accommodate different skill levels, energy levels and time commitments.

Some areas we will focus on include gardening and cleanup around the courtyard and steps, as well as cleaning the sanctuary, social hall and social hall kitchen. The church will provide some supplies, but if you have gardening gloves or tools, please bring them.

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 can contact Ron, Tim Ikegami or Jason Lew so we can get an approximate headcount for lunch.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing everyone there!

Rally Sunday (9/13) — A new school year begins!

Rally Sunday is coming Sunday, Sept. 13! Join us as we kick off a new school year and celebrate all that the year ahead has in store for our church family.

As part of our celebration, we’ll have a special Blessing of the Backpacks. Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks, devices, hip bags and school supplies forward as we pray for a safe, meaningful and successful school year. Everyone who participates will receive a special backpack tag as a reminder of God’s love and our church family throughout the year.

We’ll also take time to bless and celebrate Sam Grant as he comes to the end of his official service as our Summer Ministry Youth Apprentice. We are grateful for the energy, leadership and joy Sam has shared with us this summer. As he heads back to work and begins his next chapter, we’ll send him off with our prayers, gratitude and many thanks!

Come celebrate, reconnect and help us rally together for a wonderful new year!

Special Ministries Fair on Sunday (9/13) after worship!

This past February, the Ad Board created an action plan to explore ways to strengthen our focus on “Belonging” within our church family and community. Our first opportunity to increase awareness will be a Special Ministries Fair on Sunday, Sept. 13, after worship.

Many groups within our church community will be represented, showcasing their ministries and committees, sharing information about their goals and missions, and answering questions.

The youth will offer a box lunch, and we hope to have many groups represented. We’ll gather in the LAC and be among the first to use our newly spruced-up chairs!

We hope to see you there! Please contact Lesley Okura or Arlene Naganawa with questions.

Bazaar Pie-Making Party on Saturday (9/26) at 10 a.m.!

Bazaar pie-making will be one week earlier than usual this year! Bring your rolling pins, lace up your comfy shoes and get ready to “roll” on Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 10 a.m. in the LAC kitchen.

Many hands are needed to make our pie-making day a success, especially since our pies are always in high demand!

Sign-up sheets will be available at the Special Ministries Fair on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Thank you for helping make our Bazaar a success!

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

• Blaine Memorial UMC: LAC’s ‘Like-New’ Chairs!
• Seattle Shooting: Rev. Karen asks for prayers

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.

Calendar

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?

Video

Order of Worship

Daily Lectionary Readings*

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

Announcements

Dates to Remember

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:

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

• Seattle Shooting: Rev. Karen asks for prayers

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.

Calendar