Welcome
- December 31, 2023, 10:00am
- Hybrid Worship
- Thank you to Miriam Tong for providing today’s altar flowers!
- Continue Scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin.
Order of Worship
| Prelude Sing We Now of Christmas By Martin Shaw Kathy Onishi |
| Words of Grace and Greeting Rev. Mia MiKyung Park |
| *Call to Worship David Yorozu |
| *Opening Hymn Angels from the Realms of Glory UMH #220 Eugene and Kathy Onishi |
| Opening Prayer David Yorozu |
| Scripture Reading Luke 2:22-40 (NRSVUE, JLB) Michelle Yokoyama and Tsutomu Nagoya |
| Message for the Children Sai Hanaoka |
| Special Music Carols Around (And a Round) By Carl J. Nygard, Jr. Blaine Memorial Choir |
| Sermon God’s Timing Rev. Mia MiKyung Park |
| Music of Reflection Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy) By Watts, Handel, Tomlin, Cash, and Gilder Blaine Memorial Worship Band |
| Offertory Invitation David Yorozu |
| Doxology Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94 Eugene and Kathy Onishi |
| Prayer of Dedication David Yorozu |
| Prayer of Dedication David Yorozu |
| Announcements Rev. Mia MiKyung Park |
| Closing Hymn There is Song in the Air UMH #249 Eugene and Kathy Onishi |
| Benediction Rev. Mia MiKyung Park |
| Postlude Once in Royal David’s City By Gauntlett Angels We Have Heard on High By Barnes, Lovelace Kathy Onishi |
| *Passing of the Peace Rev. Mia MiKyung Park |
| Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn |
Sermon Questions
1. Simeon and Anna spent much of their lives in anticipation of the Messiah. How can we cultivate patience and trust in God’s timing in our own lives? What lessons can we draw from their waiting period?
2. In verses 25-32, the Holy Spirit played a crucial role in Simeon’s life. How can we be more attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives?
Daily Lectionary Readings
| Sunday, December 31, 2023: First Sunday after Christmas Day Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 14, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 |
| Monday, January 1, 2024: Holy Name of Jesus Numbers 6:22-27, Psalm 8, Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 2:15-21 Monday, January 1, 2024: New Year’s Day Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Psalm 8, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 |
| Tuesday, January 2, 2024: Psalm 148; Proverbs 1:1-7; James 3:13-18 |
| Wednesday, January 3, 2024: Psalm 110; Proverbs 1:20-33; James 4:1-10 |
| Thursday, January 4, 2024: Psalm 110; Proverbs 3:1-12; James 4:11-17 |
| Friday, January 5, 2024: Psalm 110; Proverbs 22:1-9; Luke 6:27-31 |
| Saturday, January 6, 2024: Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 |
Announcements
Holiday Office and Campus Closure
The Blaine Memorial UMC Church Office and the ENTIRE CAMPUS will be CLOSED from January 1-2, 2024.
The Church Office and Campus will open on Wednesday, January 3, 2024; all groups may resume activities at this time. We wish you a very Happy New Year!
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • January 3 at 9am
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!
Ozoni • January 7, after service
Ozoni is returning to Blaine! Welcome back to eating ozoni mochi soup after the church worship service on January 7.
The Blaine Memorial Choir is resuming the customary making and serving of the New Year’s rice-cake ozoni, after three years of missing this celebration because of the pandemic. The Choir is happy to serve you best wishes for the new year of 2024 in every bowl of ozoni!
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 at b_d_sekijima@comcast.net.
Blaine Memorial UMC’s 120th Anniversary • Sunday, January 28, 2024
Be there…and bring your family and friends! More details to come!
Special thanks to Glenn Mitsui for this year’s spectacular design!
Sukiyaki Dinner Returns!
Saturday, March 2, 2024 • Blaine Memorial UMC
More information to come!
Read our latest Beacon!
December 2023 – January 2024 Calendar
