Fourth Sunday of Advent

Welcome

Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, 10pm
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Hybrid Worship
Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin.
Thank you to Sharon Maeda for providing today’s flowers!

Order of Worship

Prelude
Carol of the Epiphany
By John Bell
Kathy Onishi

Words of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Call to Worship
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Opening Hymn
Angels We Have Heard on High
UMH #238
Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Opening Prayer
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Lighting the Advent Candle
The Sofronas Family

First Scripture Reading
Luke 1:26-38 (NIV, JLB)
Arlene Naganawa and Tsutomu Nagoya

Message for the Children
Sai Hanaoka

Special Music
I Shall Know Him When He Comes
Blaine Memorial Choir

Second Scripture Reading
Luke 1:46-55 (NIV, JLB)
Arlene Naganawa and Tsutomu Nagoya

Sermon
Love that Transforms Us
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Music of Reflection
Advent Song
by Paul Zach
Blaine Worship Band

Offertory Invitation
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Doxology
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Closing Hymn
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
UMH #240
Eugene and Kathy Onishi

*Benediction
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Postlude
One Holy Night in Bethlehem
By John D. Horman
Kathy Onishi

*Passing of the Peace
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Zoom Breakout Room
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn

Sermon Questions

1. In what ways can you relate to Mary’s willingness to accept God’s plan, even when it seemed unexpected or challenging?

2. Reflect on Mary’s response, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (vs. 38) How does her attitude inspire your own faith and obedience in challenging circumstances? Are there instances in your life where you have struggled to obey God’s plan, and what lessons can you draw from Mary’s example?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sun. Dec. 24, 2023: Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

Sun. Dec. 24 & 25, 2023: Nativity of the Lord – Proper I
Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)

Sun. Dec. 24 & 25, 2023: Nativity of the Lord – Proper II
Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20

Sun. Dec. 24 & 25, 2023: Nativity of the Lord – Proper III
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12); John 1:1-14

Tues. Dec. 26, 2023:
Luke 1:46b-55; 1 Samuel 1:19-28; Hebrews 8:1-13

Weds. December 27, 2023:
Luke 1:46b-55; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Mark 11:1-11

Thurs. Dec. 28, 2023:
Psalm 148; Jeremiah 31:15-17; Matthew 2:13-18

Fri. Dec. 29, 2023:
Psalm 148; Isaiah 49:5-15; Matthew 12:46-50

Sat. Dec. 30, 2023:
Psalm 148; Proverbs 9:1-12; 2 Peter 3:8-13

Announcements

Holiday Office and Campus Closure

The Blaine Memorial UMC Church Office and the ENTIRE CAMPUS will be CLOSED from December 25-30, 2023 and January 1-2, 2024.

We will have worship on December 31, 2023. The Church Office and Campus will open on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. All groups may resume activities on Wednesday, January 3. This time away gives our pastoral and church staff the opportunity to spend Christmas and the New Year with their families. Thank you for your understanding and we wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Wednesday Prayer and Coffee • Canceled, Dec. 27, 2023

We will resume the Wednesday Prayer and Coffee Hour on Wednesday, January 3, 2024! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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

Guatemala Mission Trip Info Meeting • January 21, 2024

Are you interested in going on a mission trip this coming August? Do you have a desire to serve others in an underdeveloped country? Are you not sure about going, but want to learn more?

Blaine will again partner with Mission Guatemala and send a mission team to San Andrés Semetebaj, Guatemala. Please join us for a short informational meeting Sunday, January 21 in the Webb Room at 12:00. If you have any questions, please contact Bob or Donna Sekijima.