Youth, young adults, and parents supported Kimball Elementary School through it’s Thanksgiving Meals project!
BYG successfully feeds local neighborhood
By Kai Yamamoto
As we are wrapping up Stewardship month and entering Advent, the Blaine Youth Group has been working on serving those in need this holiday season. In November, BYG made 41 delicious apple crisps and 70 pounds of mashed potatoes as part of our annual Thanksgiving project. We delivered these handmade dishes alongside 41 roasted chickens, 40 bags of salad, 30 bags of oranges, and 40 bags of dinner rolls. These meals went to local families who attend Kimball Elementary School, across the street from Blaine Memorial UMC and Concord International Elementary school in the South Park neighborhood. This year, we were able to serve 30 families! Thank you to all who donated to our Thanksgiving project, and a big thank you to the families and those who were involved in making these delicious dishes!
In December, we are also planning on serving Tent City 3. During our upcoming Christmas overnighter we plan on making sandwiches for the residents to enjoy. We will serve a hot meal all 70 residents in TC3. Thank you to all our Youth and Leaders who helped to make sandwiches!
Parents and young people gathered on Zoom to discuss college planning.
Also in November, we held a panel for parents and a panel for youth to talk about college planning. Our amazing BYG leadership team and BYG parents answered questions from fellow parents and Youth about the “college experience,” both from a parent and student perspective. It was amazing to see the Youth and parents begin to think about college and hear from our past and present college students and parents. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for our youth!
BYG meets on Sundays at 10:00 AM. We will gather in the sanctuary for the beginning of worship service before transitioning over to the Nishida Room for BYG time after the children’s message.
Blaine Youth Group (BYG) is a place where youth (6th-12th grade) are invited into a loving community and celebrated as they are. BYG provides a safe environment for youth to build lasting friendships, grow spiritually, learn acceptance of self and others, express compassion for the world, and develop a love for God and neighbor. BYG has a space for any person who is interested.
Director of Youth Ministry: Lynne Onishi, lynneonishi@gmail.com
Associate Directors of Youth Ministry: Kai Yamamoto, kai.yamamo@gmail.com and Kaylee Yokoyama, kaylee.yokoyama1@gmail.com
Lynne Onishi, Arlene Naganawa, Dale Watanabe, and the Rev. Karen Yokota Love celebrate Blaine Memorial’s entrance into the Reconciling Ministries Network.
A time of waiting, expecting, hoping
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love
I grew up and lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 30 years of my life. If you’ve ever visited San Francisco, you’ve probably looked across the Bay and have spotted that famous prison, Alcatraz, sitting on a big rock in the middle of the water.
As a San Francisco Bay Area native, I would never visit Alcatraz on my own. It was one of those places that you’d visit if you had a guest visiting from out of town. One night, we decided to venture out on the “Alcatraz Night Tour.” That night, I remember the guide talking and naming a liturgy of facts as tourists past barred windows, and slowly walked down a concrete hallway to a cell used for solitary confinement. After our group entered the cell, we stood shoulder to shoulder. The guide closed the door to the cell and suddenly, POOF … all the light vanished. It was pitch black.
What seemed like minutes in the dark was just a few seconds. Everyone waited expectantly, quietly, and was surprised by the absence of light.
When the door finally opened, the light poured in, and people smiled. For the first time on the tour, people looked at each other. Nervous laughter masked the relief to be back in the light. It’s amazing how solitary that confinement can be, even with other people standing right next to you. The light makes all the difference in the world.
The Rev. Karen welcomes attendees to Blaine Memorial UMC.
Advent is here, and we begin the Christian year anew with a season of waiting. As the days grow darker, we draw closer to the arrival of the Light that turns the world upside down—or right-side up! The journey toward and beyond the manger is one of reversing expectations, encountering what we thought we already knew in brand new ways, and receiving good news in unexpected places. So, with one foot in the prophets and another in the Gospels, we journey together as our spirit waits to welcome the Christ child and carry hope, peace, joy and love as we live as disciples who anticipate the now-and-not-yet kin-dom of God.
Candles on the second Sunday of Advent.
If you want to see what Jesus means in your life, just imagine a time without him. Have you ever had that time in your life? A time before Jesus existed for you? A time before you knew about the light of the world? Was it as dark as an Alcatraz-style of solitary confinement, even though there were other people around?
Imagine a time before Jesus was born. Where was the hope for the world? Where was the joy? Where was the focus on love and forgiveness? There really was a time before Jesus, a time when the world was waiting, expecting, and hoping.
I’ll tell you something special. During this Advent season, while I continue to watch and wait for Jesus’s love, I am continuing to celebrate the recent unanimous vote that Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church took early in November to proclaim that we are now a Reconciling Ministries church. I’m so thrilled about this proclamation, that it brings great hope for me (see page 8).
I also saw great light this past weekend when we participated in the Greening the Church for Advent. With the beautiful wreaths and swag around the campus, the sparkly snowflakes in our sanctuary windows and the blue tulle hanging in our sanctuary, I’m feeling more prepared for Advent.
During this season of Advent, we wait and expect and hope for the coming of Jesus, while much of the world around us remains in the dark. Let’s walk in that darkness together. Let’s discover a new beginning and a new relationship with the Divine as we prepare for Jesus’s birth. Here are ways in which you can spend your Advent with us at Blaine Memorial UMC. You are invited to join us in any and in all these spaces:
Our children performed during their annual Christmas play on December 10.
On Sunday, December 10, at 10am, we celebrated Jesus’ birth as we witnessed our children and youth perform in a special Christmas Play. This video is available at blaineonline.org!
On Sunday, December 17, at 10am, we’ll jam to festive Christmas music both with Christmas hymns and secular music on Christmas Music Sunday featuring our talented Blaine Memorial Choir, B.U.G.S., soloists, and special music from our young adults.
On Wednesday, December 20, at 7pm, we will have our Blue Christmas/Longest Night Service that is designed to provide space for prayer, reflection, and remembrance for those who are grieving during this holiday season.
On Sunday, December 24, we will have one worship service at 10am, where we are celebrating the Fourth Sunday of Advent with Christmas music and a 5pm Christmas Eve Lesson and Carols Candlelight Service.
As Christians, the center of our holiday season is the light of the world, an infant named Jesus, bringing peace. Take a moment and consider: What are the ways you will choose to focus on Jesus this season? How will you grow in your knowledge of him? How will you show those around you the difference he has made to you and to the world? Why not invite others to be part of your Christmas and help them grow as well. May the peace of God and the joy of the season illumine your heart and lead you to the heart of God, who has chosen to become one of us as Emmanuel — God with us. God wants to know our sorrows and brokenness. Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!
As we wait, we prepare and stay vigilant, continue to be the hope and love in the world! Seek the light in those dark places.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Blaine Memorial UMC to join Reconciling Ministries Network!
By The Reconciling Ministries Team, photo by Jesse N. Love
Hello there! Greetings! It is with great news that after a long period of prayer, study, and thoughtful dialogue and discernment, we took our Reconciling Ministries vote on Sunday, November 5, 2023. During this time, 124 church members and active participants of Blaine Memorial UMC voted. The vote passed unanimously. Congratulations on voting on a welcome statement that affirms LGBTQIA+ people and to commemorate the Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church’s joining in the Reconciling Ministries Network.
Blaine Memorial UMC celebrates God’s gift of diversity and values the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.
We want to personally thank the Rev. Jeremy Smith from First United Methodist Church of Seattle who came to Blaine Memorial UMC to open the envelopes and to count the ballots. The ballot process was handled confidentially and in high regard. The Blaine Memorial UMC Reconciling Ministries Team was notified of the results on November 5, 2023, at 3:30PM.
Conversations and discussions about becoming an inclusive church community began more than 17 years ago. These conversations and dialogue were intermittent throughout the years. Intentional discussions on the exploration of what it would look like to become a Reconciling Ministries congregation began over a year and a half ago as one of the outcomes from the Innovation Hub Committee. The Innovation Hub was a research and design project geared to engage young adults and young people in the church led by the leadership of Lynne Onishi and Yoshi Kuramoto. This core group of young adults and youth recruited many members from the church community to host Bible Studies, small groups, and spaces where the church community could engage in dialogue and thoughtful discernment. Although this would not change the polity of the UMC at this time, it would announce that this congregation is in support of full inclusion for people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and gender expressions.
Now that we are a Reconciling congregation, our work is just beginning. Our goal is to continue our pursuit to live more fully into our status. We have vowed to engage ourselves in educational opportunities to help us understand more clearly the various aspects of full inclusion, such as (but not limited to): (a) physical barriers that exclude, (b) subtle and unintentional but exclusionary language we use, (c) what the diverse “LGBTQIA+” identity labels mean to those who use them and live them each day, (d) why people share personal pronouns and how to include this practice in our context, (e) and other ethical “etiquettes” necessary to providing a safe and brave space. The list goes on. In our practice, we are ready to learn from and listen to voices on the margins.
Congratulations, Blaine Memorial UMC! Thank you for being a part of this journey as we continue to explore and learn together.
Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin
Order of Worship
Prelude Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Graceand Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 100 By Bruce Prewer Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn Gather Us In TFWS #2236 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading Matthew 25:31-46 CEB, JLB S. Sumida, Y. Sofronas
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
StewardshipCampaign 2024 Sharon Maeda
Second Scripture Reading Ephesians 1:15-23 CEB, JLB S. Sumida and Y. Sofronas
Sermon Anchored in Christ Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection Christ is Made the Sure Foundation UMH #559 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction tothe Offering Stephen Sumida
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication, Pledge Card Consecration Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn Lord of the Dance UMH #261 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Sermon Questions
1. The Apostle Paul emphasizes Christ as the head of the church. How does this impact your understanding of the role of Christ? How can it guide your interactions within the Christian community? What is your perspective on the role of the church in the world?
2. Reflect on the reign of Christ in verses 20-23. What does this signify about Christ’s authority and in what areas of your life do you readily recognize and submit to His authority?
3. How does the unchanging nature of Christ’s reign influence your trust and confidence in Him, particularly during uncertain times?
This year, Christmas Eve is on Sunday (12/24). Therefore, Blaine Memorial UMC will host our regular 10:00AM Sunday Worship service celebrating the Fourth Sunday in Advent and one Christmas Eve Service at 5:00PM. The 5:00PM Christmas Eve Service will be our much-anticipated Christmas Eve Lesson and Carols with Candlelight Service. We hope you can join us!
Free hearing tests in the Library • Today
Do you have trouble understanding conversation in noisy places? Do you ask people to repeat themselves? Have people told you to get your hearing checked? If you are experiencing any of these concerns, there will be an opportunity immediately after worship to have your hearing checked. Offerings include a free screening of your hearing, and a free cleaning of your ears. If you use hearing aids, you can have those checked, as well. Please go to the Blaine Library to have your hearing checked!
Terri Adolfo hangs Giving Tree gift tags for the Blaine Memorial community.
Thanksgiving and Giving Tree Ministries 2023
Terri Adolfo and the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park have some important info regarding service opportunities that support Kimball Elementary. If you’re interested in helping with prep for Apple Crisp and the Giving Tree, read more.
Greening of Blaine 2023
All are welcome to participate in the Greening of Blaine 2023. There will be two work parties, this year:
Tuesday, Nov. 28 (10a-12p) – Worship Committee & Pam Ikegami will focus on the Sanctuary.
Saturday, Dec. 2 (9a-12p) – Volunteers will mount the wreaths, garlands, and swags to decorate the outside of the church and to install the year’s Christmas tree. Lunch will be provided.
Please come take part! No prior experience necessary. Bring a tool to trim greenery for the wreaths! Welcome!
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • November 29 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!
Gender and Faith Workshop • November 29 at 7pm
Join the Reconciling Ministries Task Force Team for a Gender and Faith Workshop, Wednesday November 29 at 7:00 PM on Zoom. We’ll build upon our learning from last session as we explore gender expression, pronouns, and gender expansiveness in the Bible. We’ll continue to follow the video and discussion-based curriculum called Theology, Identity, and Me. Join us by contacting the church office for Zoom info.
Paper Roll Collection
Do you have extra toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls? If so, the Worship Committee is collecting them for an art project to decorate the sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas season. Please drop off your extra toilet paper rolls and/or paper towel rolls in the black treasure chest in the Narthex. Thank you!
Holiday Card Signing • Now to December 3
You’re invited to sign Christmas cards for our church members who are sick or in a skilled facility home. The cards are on multiple tables in the Social Hall waiting for your signature until Sunday (12/3). The Social Hall will be open during Church Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm). Please contact the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 if you’d like to sign the cards during the week.
Poinsettias on the Altar • Order now through December 17, 2023
Advent season is here and it is time to sign up for poinsettias for the altar. You may dedicate a poinsettia in celebration of a person or an event, in memory of a loved one or to honor God’s glory. Poinsettias may be taken home after our Christmas Eve services. Each plant is $12.00. The deadline for Poinsettia Orders will be Sunday, December 17, 2023.
This year’s All-Church Conference took place on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm. This gathering held great significance for our faith community as we come together to celebrate our ministries in 2023. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Derek Nakano will presided over the meeting. View the video.
Video: BYG Suno Dogs Support Maui Relief!
Associate Director of the Blaine Youth Group, Kaylee Yokoyama, presents the team’s efforts to support Maui through it’s contributions of Suno Dog sales at this year’s Bazaar. Learn how the youth worked together to prep delicious Suno Dogs, as well as train youth in managing their booth.
Special thanks to Revs. Mia and Karen as well as our photographers and videographers, Kai Yamamoto, Kobe Yamamoto, and Joshua Santos.
Poinsettias on the Altar • Order now through December 17, 2023
Advent season is here and it is time to sign up for poinsettias for the altar. You may dedicate a poinsettia in celebration of a person or an event, in memory of a loved one or to honor God’s glory. Poinsettias may be taken home after our Christmas Eve services. Each plant is $12.00. The deadline for Poinsettia Orders will be Sunday, December 17, 2023.
Choir openings are available! Contact Eugene Onishi for more info!
Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7pm, Sun. at 9am, 11:45am
Join us as we bring musical messages to the Blaine family each week. If you sing, or if you would like to learn to sing, please come join! Whether you sing in public or just in the shower or are available “full-time” or “part-time,” all are welcome! Contact Eugene Onishi.
Thanksgiving Meal Work Party • Sunday, Nov. 19 & Monday, Nov. 20
BYG is once again partnering with Kimball Elementary School to provide Thanksgiving meals for food-insecure families. We’ll gather on Sunday, November 19, after worship to prepare apple crisps together in the LAC kitchen. Additionally, on Monday evening at 6pm in the LAC kitchen, we’ll make mashed potatoes and bake apple crisps (a light dinner will be provided). We plan to deliver the meals to Kimball Elementary School on Tuesday, the 21st, in the morning. Please contact BYG Directors or Terri Adolfo for more details.
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Nov. 22 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!
For more information, contact the church office for details!
Greening of Blaine 2023
All are welcome to participate in the Greening of Blaine 2023. There will be two work parties, this year:
Tuesday, Nov. 28 (10a-12p) – Worship Committee & Pam Ikegami will focus on the Sanctuary.
Saturday, Dec. 2 (9a-12p) – Volunteers will mount the wreaths, garlands, and swags to decorate the outside of the church and to install the year’s Christmas tree. Lunch will be provided.
Please come take part! No prior experience necessary. Bring a tool to trim greenery for the wreaths! Welcome!
Gender and Faith Workshop • Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7pm
Join the Reconciling Ministries Task Force Team for a Gender and Faith Workshop, Wednesday November 29 at 7:00 PM on Zoom. We’ll build upon our learning from last session as we explore gender expression, pronouns, and gender expansiveness in the Bible. We’ll continue to follow the video and discussion-based curriculum called Theology, Identity, and Me. We hope you’ll join us!
