All are Welcome
- Easter Sunday
- March 31, 2024, 10:00am
- Hybrid Worship
- Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin
Order of Worship
| Prelude Lift High the Cross By Sydney Hugo Nicholson Kathy Onishi |
| Carrying the Flowered Cross Howard Nakase and Jason Lew |
| Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Dr. Mark C. Hearn |
| *Call to Worship By Mindi Rev. Dr. Mark C. Hearn |
| *Opening Hymn Christ the Lord Is Risen Today UMH #302 (Verses 1,2,4,6) Eugene & Kathy Onishi |
| Opening Prayer Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn |
| First Scripture Reading John 20:1-18 (JLB, NRSVUE) Tsutomu Nagoya, Dale Watanabe, Revs. Mark, Jeney, and Karen |
| Children’s Message Rev. Mia MiKyung Park |
| Prayers of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Easter Anthem Mary at the Tomb By B. Ellingboe Blaine Memorial Choir |
| Message Encountering the Living Christ Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Congregational Hymn In the Garden (I Come to the Garden Alone) UMH #314 Eugene & Kathy Onishi |
| Introduction to the Offering Rev. Mia MiKyung Park |
| Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94 Eugene & Kathy Onishi |
| Prayer of Dedication Rev. Mia MiKyung Park |
| Announcements Rev. Karen and Friends |
| Closing Hymn Every Praise Blaine Praise Band |
| Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Postlude Every Praise Blaine Praise Band |
| Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love |
| Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn |
Sermon Questions
- Our themes this morning come from Jesus’ questions to Mary, and to us, when he asks, “Why are you crying?” and “Who are you looking for?” These become important questions for us as we contemplate our search for life in places other than the resurrected Jesus Christ. What things do we as humans search for that lead us to a place of emptiness and longing? What things do we search to give us life that only Jesus can give?
- How have you seen God at work in your life this week?
- What pain have you experienced by searching after things that lead to death?
- What must Mary have felt when she heard Jesus call out her name? Can you recall a time when you feel Jesus has sought you out?
- In what ways does resurrection give you hope and change the way you live?
Daily Lectionary Readings
| Sunday, March 31, 2024: Easter Vigil Old Testament Readings and Psalms Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26 Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13 and Psalm 46 Genesis 22:1-18 and Psalm 16 Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 and Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18 Isaiah 55:1-11 and Isaiah 12:2-6 Baruch 3:9-15, 3:32-4:4 or Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6 and Psalm 19 Ezekiel 36:24-28 and Psalm 42, 43 Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Psalm 143 Zephaniah 3:14-20 and Psalm 98 New Testament Reading and Psalm Romans 6:3-11 and Psalm 114 Gospel Mark 16:1-8 |
| Sunday, March 31, 2024: Resurrection of the Lord Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or Acts 10:34-43 John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8 |
| Sunday, March 31, 2024: Easter Evening Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 114 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 Luke 24:13-49 |
| Monday, April 1, 2024: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Genesis 1:1-19 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 |
| Tuesday, April 2, 2024: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Genesis 1:20-2:4a 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 |
| Wednesday, April 3, 2024: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Song of Solomon 3:1-11 Mark 16:1-8 |
| Thursday, April 4, 2024: Psalm 133 Daniel 1:1-21 Acts 2:42-47 |
| Friday, April 5, 2024: Psalm 133 Daniel 2:1-23 Acts 4:23-31 |
| Saturday, April 6, 2024: Psalm 133 Daniel 2:24-49 John 12:44-50 |
Announcements
Sunday, March 31: Easter Sunday Schedule
Celebrate the Risen Christ!
Easter Breakfast: Join us for Easter Breakfast in the LAC at 8:30AM as the Blaine Youth Group (BYG) will prepare, cook, and serve the breakfast. There will be two opportunities to eat: 8:30AM and after worship!
Flowering of the Cross: One of the most meaningful traditions that we celebrate on Easter Sunday is the Flowering of the Cross. It symbolizes new life in Christ. We invite all who are attending Easter Sunday worship (in person) to bring flowers from your garden (trimmed to a short stem). These flowers will be placed on the cross as you enter the Sanctuary for Easter worship.
Easter Egg Hunt: The Church School invites children to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt in the Courtyard (weather permitting). Please remind children to bring their own baskets, and feel free to invite your grandchildren, friends, and neighbors to join us for the hunt!
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Every Wednesday
The Wednesday Prayer group continues to meet each week. Our time together consists of a check-in question centering around United Methodist Founder John Wesley’s famous question, “How is it with your soul?” Our time together continues with a few readings from The Upper Room Magazine. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
NEW! Special Charge Conference for Yoshi Kuramoto • Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 7pm
A Special Charge Conference Meeting with Ad Board and SPRC will be on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 7:00pm on Zoom. The agenda and purpose of this Special Charge Conference is to vote on the candidacy for ordained ministry of Yoshiya Joshua Kuramoto. The Zoom link will be emailed directly to Ad Board and SPRC members.
NEW! Baptism Class in the Webb Room • Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 11:45am
Join us for a Baptism Class on Sunday (4/14) at 11:45AM in the Webb Room. Rev. Karen and Rev. Mia will facilitate this session, aimed at those interested in understanding the significance of baptism and exploring membership at Blaine Memorial UMC. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of baptism and its role in our faith community. Please contact Rev. Karen (rev.karenyokotalove@gmail.com) or Rev. Mia (miablaine2020@gmail.com) for more information.
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
The Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Educational Scholarships are designed to support the mission of the church through supporting a multitude of educational opportunities. We are proud to have helped students in their pursuit of continuing education since 1968. We encourage all applicants; from those just entering their next phase of education to those returning to complete or pursue continued education.
We are blessed to offer the following scholarships:
- Vera Ing Scholarship
- Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
- Yasuda Scholarship
- William S. Yorozu Scholarship
- Robert S. Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships or through the church office. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay, church participation and finances. Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 15, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
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