Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 

All are Welcome!

Sermon Questions

  • What does this passage teach us about God’s heart toward weary people? 
  • How is our culture producing exhaustion and spiritual weariness? 
  • Why is humility essential for receiving God’s grace? 
  • What does genuine rest in Christ look like beyond simply taking time off? 
  • How can the church become a place where weary people experience the rest Jesus offers? 
  • What “yokes” are you wearing that Christ never asked you to carry? 

Order of Worship

Prelude 
“O Lord, Your Tenderness” 
TFWS #2143 

Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Land Acknowledgement 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
*Call to Worship 
Howard Nakase
*Opening Hymn 
“Lord of the Dance” 
UMH #261 
Kathy and Eugene Onishi 
Opening Prayer 
Howard Nakase 
First Scripture Reading 
Matthew 13:31-32 (CEB) 
Howard Nakase, Tsutomu Nagoya 
Children’s Message 
Sai Hanaoka 
Prayer for the 250th Anniversary of America 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
Second Scripture Reading 
Matthew 11:25-30 (NIV) 
Howard Nakase, Tsutomu Nagoya
Sermon 
My Burden is Light 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
Hymn of Reflection 
Matthew 11 
By Wes Terasaki 
Kathy and Eugene Onishi 
Holy Communion 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love & Howard Nakase
Introduction to the Offering 
Howard Nakase 
*Doxology 
“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” 
UMH #94 
Eugene & Kathy Onishi 
*Prayer of Dedication 
Howard Nakase
Announcements 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
*Closing Hymn 
“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” 
TFWS #2158 
Kathy and Eugene Onishi 
*Benediction 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
Postlude 
“One God and Father of Us All” 
TFWS #2240 
Kathy Onishi 
Altar Flowers
Miriam Tong


Daily Lectionary Readings*

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

Sunday, July 05, 2026: Proper 9 (14)
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 and Psalm 45:10-17 or Song of Solomon 2:8-13;
Zechariah 9:9-12 and Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Monday, July 06, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Genesis 27:30-46; Romans 1:18-25;
Complementary: Psalm 131; Jeremiah 27:1-11, 16-22; Romans 1:18-25;
Tuesday, July 07, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Genesis 29:1-14; Romans 3:1-8;
Complementary: Psalm 131; Jeremiah 28:10-17; Romans 3:1-8;
Wednesday, July 08, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Genesis 29:31-35; John 13:1-17;
Complementary: Psalm 131; Jeremiah 13:1-11; John 13:1-17;
Thursday, July 09, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:105-112; Exodus 3:1-6; Romans 2:12-16;
Complementary: Psalm 65:9-13; Isaiah 48:1-5; Romans 2:12-16;
Friday, July 10, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:105-112; Deuteronomy 32:1-10; Romans 15:14-21;
Complementary: Psalm 65:9-13; Isaiah 48:6-11; Romans 15:14-21;
Saturday, July 11, 2026:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:105-112; Isaiah 2:1-4; John 12:44-50;
Complementary: Psalm 65:9-13; Isaiah 52:1-6; John 12:44-50;


Announcements

Check out what’s happening at Blaine Memorial UMC!

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!
July 12 – August 23 (Sundays)
• Vacation Bible School 2026! (View more)
July 24–Aug. 1
• Mission Guatemala (View more)


Sundays from July 12 to Aug. 23 – Join us for Vacation Bible School 2026!

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!


This Wednesday’s Coffee and Prayer will be canceled. Please join us again, July 8 at 9 a.m.

Wednesday Coffee and Prayer

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!


Please be mindful of your belongings; we are unfortunately experiencing security issues on campus. We care about your safety and security of your property.

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!

Click or tap to view the latest issue of The Beacon newsletter!

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.


Calendar

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