Posts by blaineoffice

Innovation Hub Update Comments Off on Innovation Hub Update

Innovation Hub Update

Posted by on Sep 26, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Innovation Hub, Prayer, Spiritual Formation

Blaine congregation members visit Kubota Gardens in a contemplative silent walk to mindfully reflect on the symbolic significance of the beautiful Japanese garden before them.

Kubota garden walk & RM drop-in usher fall season of innovation!

By Lynne Onishi

As the summer winds down and we get ready for fall, the Innovation Hub continues (in true innovative fashion) to create spaces for new expressions of ministry. We hope you enjoy some of these photos from our most recent events and the things we’re trying!

Kubota Garden Walk

On August 12, a group of congregation members carpooled to Kubota Garden and enjoyed a peaceful morning walk through the park. We talked about the spiritual significance and symbolism in a Japanese garden and then set out for a time of silent reflection. When we came back together as a group, it was interesting to hear what stood out to folks most. We each experienced the silent reflection time in different ways!

Some mentioned seeing wildlife like turtles and blue jays, while others reflected on the peace that accompanied a few minutes of slowing down. I took notice of the flowers blooming around the garden and the way some of them were growing in unexpected directions. I think we all gained something meaningful from setting aside that intentional time for silence and reflection. It made me wonder about how I might find ways to have a snippet of this kind of silence in my everyday life.

Reconciling Ministries drop-in Q&A session.

Reconciling Ministries Fellowship Hour Drop-In

The Reconciling Ministries team hosted a drop-in activity and Q&A session during social hour on July 30. The team offered resources, delicious (and beautiful) treats, and space to discuss questions about the reconciling ministry journey. We also asked folks to contribute their hopes for an inclusive future at our church and created a colorful poster with all their responses. We encourage you to check out this poster next time you’re in the Social Hall and read about all our hopes and dreams for Blaine Memorial!

The IH team and RM Task Force are always looking for new folks to join us. Please contact Lynne or any of the other team members for more information.

Contact Lynne Onishi with questions about the Innovation Hub team or Reconciling Ministries lynneonishi@gmail.com

Pre-Order and Save the Date: Bazaar 2023!

Click poster to view Bazaar 2023 Updates!

Save the date: Harvest Festival 2023!

Read the latest issue of the Beacon!

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Senior Pastor News Comments Off on Senior Pastor News

Senior Pastor News

Posted by on Sep 25, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Spiritual Formation


Celebrating the reappointments of our pastors for the 2023-2024 year. From (L-R): Deacon Rev. Dr. Mark C. Hearn, Associate Pastor Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Senior Pastor Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Deacon Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn.

New beginnings

By Rev. Karen Yokota Love, additional photos by Marina Furuta, et. al.

One of the fun things about this time of year is seeing the “first day of school pictures” that are being taken in my neighborhood as I walk for my daily exercise. The children are gathered on the front step or in the driveway of the home, sometimes with the family dog, and mom or dad has the cell phone in hand capturing a few pictures of the “first day” that will likely end up on Facebook or Instagram.

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Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Comments Off on Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by on Sep 23, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

  • September 24, 2023
  • 10am
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Continue scrolling or view the print version of today’s bulletin.
  • Special thanks to Terri Pittman for providing today’s flower arrangement.

Order of Worship

Prelude
What Does the Lord Require of You
(Jim Strathdee)
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Call to Worship
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Opening Song
Morning Has Broken
(UMH #145)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer
Ron Nobuyama
First Scripture Reading
Matthew 20:1-16 (CEB, JLB)
Ron Nobuyama, Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music
Be Thou My Vision
Arr. by Alice Parker
Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading
Luke 10:25-37 (CEB, JLB)
Ron Nobuyama, Tsutomu Nagoya
Message
Introduction to the M.I.L.E.
Ministry that Matters
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection
Pues Si Vivimos (UMH #356)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn
Christ Be Before Me
(Please read lyrics on screen)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude
Wounded World that Cries for Healing
(S. Erena Murray, H. Hopson)
Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace

Sermon Reflection Questions

  • Jesus tells us to reach beyond ourselves, to reach beyond our comfort zones, and to love the others in our society. How are you loving the others?
  • How can we all express more compassion and care for one another?
  • What expressions of neighboring have appeared in your community these past few years?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, September 25, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:97-104; Exodus 16:31-35; Romans 16:1-16
Complementary: Psalm 106:1-12; Genesis 27:1-29; Romans 16:1-16
Tuesday, September 26, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:97-104; Numbers 11:1-9; Romans 16:17-20
Complementary: Psalm 106:1-12; Genesis 28:10-17; Romans 16:17-20
Wednesday, September 27, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:97-104; Numbers 11:18-23, 31-32; Matthew 18:1-5
Complementary: Psalm 106:1-12; Isaiah 41:1-13; Matthew 18:1-5
Thursday, September 28, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Isaiah 48:17-21; James 4:11-16
Complementary: Psalm 25:1-9; Ezekiel 12:17-28; James 4:11-16
Friday, September 29, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Numbers 20:1-13; Acts 13:32-41
Complementary: Psalm 25:1-9; Ezekiel 18:5-18; Acts 13:32-41
Saturday, September 30, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Numbers 27:12-14; Mark 11:27-33
Complementary: Psalm 25:1-9; Ezekiel 18:19-24; Mark 11:27-33

Announcements

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Sept. 27 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 September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us! 

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Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost  Comments Off on Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost 

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost 

Posted by on Sep 17, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Lenten Season, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

Order of Worship

Prelude 
Change My Heart, O God 
(Eddie Espinosa)
Kathy Onishi 
Welcome of Grace and Greeting 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Call to Worship 
Arlene Naganawa
Opening Song 
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness 
(TFWS #2272)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi 
Opening Prayer 
Arlene Naganawa
First Scripture 
Reading Matthew 18:21-35 (CEB) 
Arlene Naganawa
Children’s Message 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music 
Amen, So Be It  Natalie Sleeth
Blaine Memorial Choir
Celebrating the Reappointment of Our Pastors 
Arlene Naganawa
Second Scripture 
Reading Romans 14:1-12 (CEB) 
Arlene Naganawa
Message 
Not 7, but 77 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection 
Grace Alone 
(TFWS #2162)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Doxology 
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
Closing Hymn 
Help Us Accept Each Other 
(UMH #520)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi 
Benediction 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude 
May You Run and Not Be Weary 
(Paul Murakami and Handt Hanson)
Kathy Onishi 

Sermon Reflection Questions

  1. Does forgiveness require certain conditions for it to be fulfilled? Forgiveness has two sides: the person needing forgiveness and the person offering forgiveness. Can we really forgive another unless the other person repents of the action and regrets the act sufficiently not to want to do it again?
  2. Is there someone in your life who you have been unable to forgive?
  3. Are you able to offer that person forgiveness?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, September 18, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 77; Joshua 3:1-17; Hebrews 11:23-29
Complementary: Psalm 133; Genesis 48:8-22; Hebrews 11:23-29
Tuesday, September 19, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 77; Nehemiah 9:9-15; Romans 14:13-15:2
Complementary: Psalm 133; Genesis 49:29-50:14; Romans 14:13-15:2
Wednesday, September 20, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 77; 2 Kings 2:1-18; Mark 11:20-25
Complementary: Psalm 133; Genesis 50:22-26; Mark 11:20-25
Thursday, September 21, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Exodus 15:22-27; 2 Corinthians 13:1-4
Complementary: Psalm 145:1-8; Nahum 1:1, 14-2:2; 2 Corinthians 13:1-4
Friday, September 22, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Exodus 16:1-21; 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Complementary: Psalm 145:1-8; Nahum 2:3-13; 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Saturday, September 23, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Exodus 16:22-30; Matthew 19:23-30
Complementary: Psalm 145:1-8; Zephaniah 2:13-15; Matthew 19:23-30

Announcements

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • September 20 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 September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us!

Celebrating the Re-Appointment of our Pastors with a Blaine Potluck! Today at 11:30am

Please join us today at 11:30am in the Lee Activity Center as we gather to celebrate the reappointments of our beloved pastors, Rev. Karen, Rev. Mia, Rev. Jeney and Rev. Mark, for their outstanding pastoral leadership at our church! What’s a better way than to show our appreciation than by having a ‘Blaine’ potluck? This will be the first potluck that we’re having since the start of the pandemic! Blaine potlucks have always been synonymous with special occasions and celebrating our pastors is definitely a special occasion. Joyfully celebrate!

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Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost Comments Off on Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Posted by on Sep 9, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

Order of Worship

Prelude
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
(Based on Psalm 149)
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn
Jesus Loves Me
(UMH #191)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading
Psalms 148 (NRSVUE, Japanese Living Bible)
Sai Hanaoka, Tsutomu Nagoya
Special Music
Every Move I Make
Church School and BYG
Rally Sunday Celebrations!
• Presentation of our Church School Teachers, BYG Directors and Leaders
• Blessing of the Backpacks, Devices and School Supplies
Revs. Karen and Mia
Special Music
10,000 Reasons
Praise Team
Second Scripture Reading
Romans 13:8-14 (NRSVUE, JLB)
Lynne Onishi, Tsutomu Nagoya
Sermon
Putting on the Lord Jesus
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Praise Team
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
(UMH #94)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing
Hymn Shine, Jesus, Shine
(TFWS #2173)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude
Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Sermon Reflection Questions

  1. Reflect on what it means to owe nothing to anyone except to love (vs. 8). How does this change your perspective on your daily choices, actions, alignment with the exhortation in the verse, and relationships with others?
  2. In verse 11, Paul urges us to wake up from our slumber. What areas of your life might need awakening or renewal in your walk with Christ?
  3. Paul mentions “putting on the Lord Jesus Christ” in verse 14. What practical steps can you take to clothe yourself daily in Christ’s attributes and virtues?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, September 11, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 121; Exodus 12:14-28; 1 Peter 2:11-17
Complementary: Psalm 119:65-72; Leviticus 4:27-31; 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:11-17
Tuesday, September 12, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 121; Exodus 12:29-42; Romans 13:1-7
Complementary: Psalm 119:65-72; Deuteronomy 17:2-13; Romans 13:1-7
Wednesday, September 13, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 121; Exodus 13:1-10; Matthew 21:18-22
Complementary: Psalm 119:65-72; Leviticus 16:1-5, 20-28; Matthew 21:18-22
Thursday, September 14, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 114; Exodus 13:17-22; 1 John 3:11-16
Complementary: Psalm 103:8-13; Genesis 37:12-36; 1 John 3:11-16
Friday, September 15, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 114; Exodus 14:1-18; Acts 7:9-16
Complementary: Psalm 103:8-13; Genesis 41:53-42:17; Acts 7:9-16
Saturday, September 16, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 114; Exodus 15:19-21; Matthew 6:7-15
Complementary: Psalm 103:8-13; Genesis 45:1-20; Matthew 6:7-15

Announcements

Rally Sunday! • Today

We will introduce our Church School teachers and talented BYG leaders for the 2023-2024 church school year! After our worship and fellowship, we invite all parents to gather in the Nishida Room for a Parents’ Meeting. (Children and youth will go to the Gym.)

Celebrating the Re-Appointment of our Pastors with a Blaine Potluck! • Next Sunday, September 17 at 11:30am

Please join us on Sunday, September 17 at 11:30am in the Lee Activity Center as we gather to celebrate the reappointments of our beloved pastors for their outstanding pastoral leadership at our church! What’s a better way than to show our appreciation than by having a ‘Blaine’ potluck? This will be the first potluck that we’re having since the start of the pandemic! Blaine potlucks have always been synonymous with special occasions and celebrating our pastors is definitely a special occasion.

We are asking folks to contribute. (If you are single, please feel free to bring just one of the items):

A – H: main dish/salad

I – S: main dish/rice

T – Z: main dish/dessert

We hope that you can join us next Sunday, September 17 to joyfully celebrate Rev. Karen, Rev. Mia, Rev. Jeney and Rev. Mark!

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • September 13 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 September/October edition. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We hope you can join us!

Learn More