Spiritual Formation Center
In Thanksgiving, We Celebrate
By Anne Arakaki-Lock
I was struck by his lesson from Josh Scott’s “Context: Putting Scripture in Its Place”. Scott reminds me that God wasn’t necessarily talking to me individually about an already-prescribed plan, but he was talking about the collective plan and dream he has for everyone. God wants us to partner with Him in love so we all end up flourishing and that there will be justice and hope for all people “on earth as it is in Heaven.” This is God’s dream.
As I reflect on the past, I have been given a directive to generously share what I personally have and to boldly step out and serve:
- He wants me to help carry out the plan that He has for his world.
- God wants the Blaine Memorial community, transformed by love, to use his resources that we have been stewarding throughout the years, such as our property, our finances, our people talent to work with him to serve “our neighbors “ in order for them to flourish as well.
- “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” -1 Peter 4:10
As the Archives Committee has been helping us to remember our rich history and 120 years of blessings, we are thankful for God’s faithfulness and we renew our commitment to partner with him to serve our neighbors down the street as well as abroad. We reflect on ways to continue to use our resources, knowledge and experiences to build God’s Kingdom as we worship and give Him all the glory as we celebrate our anniversary.
Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC
Lectionary Readings
| All Saints Day November 1, 2024 (Sometimes observed on first Sunday in November) Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 • Psalm 24 or Isaiah 25:6-9 • Revelation 21:1-6a • John 11:32-44 |
| Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost November 3, 2024 (If All Saints not observed on this day) Ruth 1:1-18 • Psalm 146 • Deuteronomy 6:1-9 • Psalm 119:1-8 • Hebrews 9:11-14 • Mark 12:28-34 |
| Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost November 10, 2024 Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 • Psalm 1271 • Kings 17:8-16 • Psalm 146 • Hebrews 9:24-28 • Mark 12:38-44 |
| Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost November 17, 2024 1 Samuel 1:4-20 • 1 Samuel 2:1-10 • Daniel 12:1-3 • Psalm 16 • Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25 • Mark 13:1-8 |
| Reign of Christ Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost November 24, 2024 2 Samuel 23:1-7 • Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18) • Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 • Psalm 93 • Revelation 1:4b-8 • John 18:33-37A |
| Thanksgiving Day November 28, 2024 Joel 2:21-27 • Psalm 1261 • Timothy 2:1-7 • Matthew 6:25-33 |
| First Sunday of Advent December 1, 2024 Jeremiah 33:14-16 • Psalm 25:1-10 • 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 • Luke 21:25-36 |
| Second Sunday of Advent December 8, 2024 Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4 • Luke 1:68-79 • Philippians 1:3-11 • Luke 3:1-6 |
| Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2024 Zephaniah 3:14-20 • Isaiah 12:2-6 • Philippians 4:4-7 • Luke 3:7-18 |
| Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22, 2024 Micah 5:2-5a • Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 80:1-7 • Hebrews 10:5-10 • Luke 1:39-45, (46-55) |
Announcements
Sign-Up Now: Thanksgiving Meals and Giving Tree 2024!
| Kimball Elementary Food Delivery Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 10:00AM |
| Giving Tree Sunday, November 17- Sunday, December 1, 2024 |
| Giving Tree, Wrapped Gifts Due Sunday, December 8, 2024 |
Read more:
Sign-Up Now: Thanksgiving Meals and Giving Tree 2024!
By Terry Adolfo
BYG Update: Help us develop leaders this Thanksgiving!
By Kaylee Yokoyama
NJAUMC Caucus Advent Study Group • Tuesdays, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 at 6:30pm-8:00pm
Members of the NJAUMC Caucus have put together an Advent study based on The Christmas Letters. All NJAUMC churches are invited to attend the study. The facilitators are US Navy Chaplain Rev. John M. Miyahara and Pastor Brian Lee from Simpson UMC in Denver, Colorado, Rev. Ki Choi from Centenary UMC and Rev. Karen Yokota Love from Blaine Memorial UMC. The meeting dates are Tuesdays 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 from 6:30pm-8:00pm on Zoom. You don’t need to read the book to join the group.
Prayers and Coffee on Zoom • Wednesdays at 9am
Join the Rev. Karen Yokota Love for prayer and community on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM on Zoom. Our time together consists of brief check-ins, devotionals, and prayers. This is a great way to start your morning, clear and center your mind, all while connecting with God and your prayer community. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee, tea, and a bite to eat. Hope to see you on Wednesday.
More Aprons on the Way!
Recently, Blaine Memorial received three unexpected gifts of many rice bags. This means that our sewers are fortunate to have more apron kits that need to be sewn together! Unique Anniversary Aprons will become available in December, just in time for your holiday shopping. Stay tuned!
The Greening of Blaine • Saturday, November 30, 9am
The Greening of Blaine is one of the biggest half-day (with lunch provided) annual work parties of Blaine Memorial UMC. Join the Worship Committee in making wreaths, swags, and garlands for decorating the church’s campus through Advent and Christmas. Come learn how to craft the greenery and to grace the Sanctuary. Bring clippers or scissors to trim cedar fronds and ribbons.
We will also have a large paper art project where we will hang in the Sanctuary, calling for the shared work of many hands. Welcome, All! Let the Holidays begin!
Advent & Christmas Announcements
| Children and Youth Christmas Play Sunday, Dec. 15, at 10am. All are invited to come to the Lee Activity Center to witness our children and youth perform in a special Christmas Play. |
| Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 7pm. Our Blue Christmas Service provides space for prayer, reflection, and remembrance for those grieving during this holiday season (Livestreamed) |
| Christmas Music Sunday Sunday, Dec. 22, at 10:00am. Christmas Music Sunday will feature jams from our Blaine Memorial Choir, B.U.G.S., young adults, and more. |
| Christmas Eve Service Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 4pm. We will have one Traditional Christmas Eve Lesson and Carols Candlelight Service. |
2024 Congregation Photograph
On December 15, 2024, we will be taking a 120th anniversary commemorative photo of our whole congregation in the Lee Activity Center after the children’s Christmas program. Please stay for this photograph which will be a snapshot of our present 2024 congregation in our 120th year as a church family. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this Blaine Memorial UMC 120th Anniversary photo!
120th Anniversary Sunday Service and Potluck
On January 26, 2025, Blaine Memorial UMC will have a 120th anniversary Sunday service with special guests to celebrate and reflect on its 120-year history and look forward to its further growth and development into the next 120 years of service in love. There will be a potluck gathering and program following the service. There will also be ministry table exhibits of past and present ministries of the church such as music ministry, Sunday School ministry, Youth ministry, missions ministry, sports ministry, etc. Please join us for the culminating celebration of our 120th anniversary and start of our 121st year! We look forward to celebrating with all our members new and old and our many community friends. All are welcome.
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Our Story Continues
View the November and December 2024 Calendars
