All are Welcome!

• Fourth Sunday of Easter
• April 21, 2024, 10:00am
• Hybrid Worship
• Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin

Order of Worship

Prelude Lord, I Lift Your Name on High By Rick Founds Miriam Tong

Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Call to Worship Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Opening Hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness UMH #140 Miriam Tong & Eugene Onishi

Opening Prayer Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Scripture Reading John 10:11-18 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Stephen Sumida

Children’s Message Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Candidates for Baptism • Kim Akimoto • Masami Blowers • Hazel Brown • Anita Kuriowa • Lynda Tanagi Rev. Mia MiKyung Park Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Special Music Down to the Water to Pray Blaine Memorial Choir

Prayers of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Second Scripture Reading Psalm 23 Tsutomu Nagoya, Stephen Sumida

Sermon The Good Shepherd Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Hymn of Reflection They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love (We Are One in the Spirit) TFWS #2223 Miriam Tong & Eugene Onishi

Introduction to the Offering Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Offertory Music Baptized in Water By M. Saward, C.R. Young Miriam Tong

Prayer of Dedication Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Announcements Rev. Karen and Friends

*Closing Hymn God Be with You till We Meet Again (God Be With You) UMH #672 Miriam Tong & Eugene Onishi

*Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Postlude My Life Is in You, Lord Words and Music by Daniel Gardner Miriam Tong

Zoom Breakout Room Dale Kaneko

Sermon Reflection Questions

• How was Jesus’ mission similar to the work of a first-century shepherd?
• How does Jesus’ divine identity inform his role as the Good Shepherd?
• How might the United Methodist Church continue the mission of the Good Shepherd? (a) How might Blaine Memorial UMC continue that mission? (b)
• How might each of us, as individuals, continue that mission? Who will you pray for this week?

Daily Lectionary

SUN April 21, 2024: Fourth Sunday of Easter

MON April 22, 2024: Psalm 95; 1 Samuel 16:1-13; 1 Peter 5:1-5

TUES April 23, 2024: Psalm 95; 1 Chronicles 11:1-9; Revelation 7:13-17

WEDS April 24, 2024: Psalm 95; Micah 7:8-20; Mark 14:26-31

THURS April 25, 2024: Psalm 22:25-31; Amos 8:1-7; Acts 8:1b-8

FRI April 26, 2024: Psalm 22:25-31; Amos 8:11-13; Acts 8:9-25

SAT April 27, 2024: Psalm 22:25-31; Amos 9:7-15; Mark 4:30-32

Announcements

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!

Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar • May 9, 2024

Join us for a special Zoom Christian Parenting Webinar on Thursday, May 9 at 7 pm. Our guest speaker is Rev. Dr. KilJae Park from the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. Contact Rev. Mia for more details.

Mother’s Day Brunch • May 12, 2024

Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, May 12 from 8:30am-10am and then again, after worship. During this time, we will honor, remember, and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today. We need your help all men and those who identify as men at Blaine Memorial to prepare the breakfast beginning at 6am. Thank you to Howard Nakase for chairing this year’s Mother’s Day breakfast!

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 and Lucy 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.

Celebration Farewell Potluck for the Rev. Mia • June 9, 2024

It is such a great joy to celebrate and send off our Associate Pastor, Rev. Mia MiKyung Park as she receives a new call and embarks onward to her new appointment at Redeemer Kingston on July 1, 2024! We’ll honor Rev. Mia’s ministry by sending her off well. In addition, we will also celebrate our graduates and confirmands on June 9. What’s a better way than to show our appreciation and love to Rev. Mia, our graduates and our confirmands than having a ’Blaine’ potluck? We are asking folks to contribute! (If you are single, just bring one item.) A-H: Main Dish/Dessert I-S: Main Dish/Salad T-Z: Main Dish/Rice We hope that you can join us on Sunday, June 9 to joyfully celebrate Rev. Mia’s ministry, our graduates, and our confirmands!

Summer Youth Camps Schedule • See Dates

Jr. High Camp • June 23-28, 2024

Incoming 6th-9th grade

Camp Lodestar

6135 Blue Mountain Rd.

Wilseyville, CA 95257

Asian Camp • July 14-19, 2024

Incoming 10th- 2nd year college

Camp Gilmore

26801 Dorothy Drive

Calabasas, CA 91302

Vacation Bible School 2024 • Four Sundays Save these Sunday dates for VBS!

• July 28
• August 4
• August 11
• August 18

Theme: Operation Restoration – Mending God’s World Time: 10 am to 12 pm, including lunch.

Registration: $20 per Sunday per child. Location: Blaine Memorial Church School Classroom.

Email: blainevbs@gmail.com to enroll now!

“Letters of Suresh” with Dr. Stephen Sumida!

Dr. Stephen Sumida will be performing in what may be his last center-stage role! In “Letters of Suresh”, Sumida will play Father Hashimoto mentoring the main character through life and spiritual matters. Contact Dr. Sumida for more info!

View the March-April 2024 Calendar

Coming soon: The latest issue of the Beacon!

The April-May issue of the Beacon newsletter will be available soon!

You can access past issues in our archive.

Stay connected with Blaine Memorial on Facebook!

Learn More

All are Welcome!

• Second Sunday of Easter
• April 7, 2024, 10:00am
• Hybrid Worship
• Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin

Order of Worship

Prelude Gather Us In Marty Haugen Kathy Onishi

Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Call to Worship Written by P. Mitchell, Discipleship Ministries Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Opening Hymn Blest Be the Tie That Binds UMH #557 (Verses 1,3-4) Kathy & Eugene Onishi

Opening Prayer Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Scripture Reading Acts 4:32-35 (JLB, CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya Michelle Vaughan

Children’s Message Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Prayers of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Scripture Reading John 20:19-31 (JLB, CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya Michelle Vaughan

Sermon Without a Doubt Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Hymn of Reflection Grace Alone (TFWS #2162) Kathy Onishi

Holy Communion Rev. Karen Yokota Love Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Introduction to the Offering Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Kathy Onishi

Prayer of Dedication Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Friends

*Closing Hymn Easter People, Raise Your Voices (UMH #304) Kathy Onishi

*Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Postlude In Christ Alone By Keith Getty and Stuart Townend Kathy Onishi

Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn

Lectionary Questions

• Do you find it hard to believe certain things without seeing proof or evidence? Share some examples of this from your life.
• Read John 20:24-29. How would you describe Thomas’ attitude, both before and after Jesus appeared to him?
• What can we learn from Jesus’ encounter with Thomas that can help us respond to people who have doubts?
• Read John 20:29-31. How can someone who has not seen the evidence that Thomas and the other disciples saw come to faith in Jesus as the risen Lord and Savior?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday, April 7, 2024: Second Sunday of Easter Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31

Monday, April 8, 2024: Psalm 135; Daniel 3:1-30; 1 John 2:3-11

Tuesday, April 9, 2024: Psalm 135; Daniel 6:1-28; 1 John 2:12-17

Wednesday, April 10, 2024: Psalm 135; Isaiah 26:1-15; Mark 12:18-27

Thursday, April 11, 2024: Psalm 4; Daniel 9:1-19; 1 John 2:18-25

Friday, April 12, 2024: Psalm 4; Daniel 10:2-19; 1 John 2:26-28

Saturday, April 13, 2024: Psalm 4; Acts 3:1-10; Luke 22:24-30

Announcements

Special Charge Conference for Yoshi Kuramoto • Tonight 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. 

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!

Senninbari Sewing • April 14 after Service

Thank you to the Blaine members who volunteered at the Northwest Detention Center during the recent Tsuru for Solidarity encampment.

Tsuru for Solidarity is a non-violent, direct action project of Japanese American social justice advocates working to end detention sites (locally, NWDC in Tacoma). We stand on the moral authority of Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II to say, “Stop Repeating History.”

In preparation for the next direct action to close NWDC, members of Tsuru will be making senninbari, or 1000 stitch sashes, for Tsuru members and others to wear. Senninbari were traditionally sewn by Japanese women for soldiers going off to war to watch over and protect them. During World War II, Issei mothers sewed senninbari for their Nisei sons who volunteered or were drafted into the military. We hope that the senninbari that we sew will also offer protection and support for those engaging in Tsuru’s direct actions.

We will start sewing our senninbari in the Blaine social hall after church on Sunday, April 14th. We invite members of the Blaine congregation to join us. All materials and hands-on instruction will be provided. We plan to sew for a couple of hours, so that everyone can get a start on their sashes. Then people will be able to take home their kits and work on them on their own.

If you have questions or are interested in participating but not able to come on the 14th, please contact Barbara Yasui.

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 or Rev. Mia for more information.

Bob Ross Night • April 20, 7pm

Join the Blaine Memorial UMC Innovation Hub for an evening of fellowship, painting, and relaxing while we watch Bob Ross on Saturday, April 20 from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Social Hall! We will provide some light snacks and beverages as well as painting supplies and materials! Please make sure to note any allergies or dietary restrictions on this form. All are welcome. Please email Lynne Onishi at lynneonishi@gmail.com with any questions. We can’t wait to see you there!

Sign up, here.

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.

View the March-April 2024 Calendar

Read the latest issue of the Beacon!

Our March-April issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view – with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!

You can access past issues in our archive.

Stay connected with Blaine Memorial on Facebook!

Learn More