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Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Comments Off on Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by on Nov 11, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Giving, Innovation Hub, Sermons, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome

  • Sunday Nov. 12, 2023, 10am
  • Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Continue to scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin

Order of Worship

Prelude 
“Would I Have Answered When You Called”
Ralph Williams 
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Reconciling Ministries Announcement 
The Reconciling Ministries Team
*Call to Worship 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn 
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
(UMH #133) 
Eugene and Kathy Onishi 
Opening Prayer 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Honoring Our Veterans 
Tom Kometani
First Scripture Reading
Matthew 25:1-13 (CEB, JLB) 
Ron Nobuyama and Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message 
Sai Hanaoka
The Baptism of Janet Kometani 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, and Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Special Music 
“Now We Thank You, Lord” by J.P. Williams, D. Nolan 
Blaine Memorial Choir
Stewardship Campaign 2024 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Second Scripture 
Reading Psalm 98: 1-3 (CEB, JLB) 
Ron Nobuyama and Tsutomu Nagoya
Sermon 
Together for Joy: New Song 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection
They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love
(TFWS #2223)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Offering 
Ron Nobuyama
*Doxology 
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
(UMH #94)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication 
Ron Nobuyama 
Announcements 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn 
Together We Serve
(TFWS #2175)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi 
*Benediction 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude 
“May You Run and Not Be Weary“
by P. Murakami, H. Hanson
Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Breakout Room 
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn

Sermon Questions

1. What does Psalm 98:1-3 teach us about the joy and praise that should be associated with stewardship? 

2. How can we interpret the “new song” mentioned in the passage in the context of stewardship?

3. How does joyful stewardship differ from mere duty or obligation?

4. How can this passage inspire us to be more mindful and intentional stewards of the gifts and resources that God has entrusted to us?*

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, November 13, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78; Joshua 24:25-33;  1 Corinthians 14:20-25
Complementary: Psalm 63; Amos 8:7-14;  1 Corinthians 14:20-25
Tuesday, November 14, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78; Nehemiah 8:1-12;  1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Complementary: Psalm 63; Joel 1:1-14;  1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Wednesday, November 15, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78; Jeremiah 31:31-34;  Matthew 24:29-35
Complementary: Psalm 63; Joel 3:9-21; Matthew 24:29-35
Thursday, November 16, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 123; Judges 2:6-15; Revelation 16:1-7
Complementary: Psalm 90:1-8, 12; Ezekiel 6:1-14; Revelation 16:1-7
Friday, November 17, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 123; Judges 2:16-23;  Revelation 16:8-21
Complementary: Psalm 90:1-8, 12; Ezekiel 7:1-9; Revelation 16:8-21
Saturday, November 18, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 123; Judges 5:1-12;  Matthew 12:43-45
Complementary: Psalm 90:1-8, 12; Ezekiel 7:10-27; Matthew 12:43-45

Announcements

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.

Download the order form here.

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.

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Nov. 15 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!

All-Church Conference Meeting • Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7pm

This year’s All-Church Conference will be on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm. This gathering holds great significance for our faith community as we come together to celebrate our ministries in 2023. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Derek Nakano will preside over the meeting. All are invited to hear about the state of our church and other important updates. More details to come!

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.

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!

Visit the Poinsettia page!

Orders are now open for Poinsettias on the Altar. Read more.

The Beacon is Now Available!

Read the latest issue of The Beacon newsletter, here!

November 2023 Calendar

Click on calendar to view the PDF.

Learn More
Spiritual Formation Center Comments Off on Spiritual Formation Center

Spiritual Formation Center

Posted by on Nov 7, 2023 in Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Prayer, Spiritual Formation, Weekly Calendar

Steve Sofronas prepares charcoal in preparation for grilling.

The hands and feet of Blaine

By Anne Arakaki-Lock

Whether it’s rinsing out the coffee pot after Social Hour, folding newsletters for mail out, boiling noodles for Bazaar, trimming the overgrown trees in the parking area, working on the soundboard at worship, ushering, or counting the offering, God really likes it when we do things for Him and celebrate our blessings at the same time. Contrarily, the Spirit grieves when we complain and do things begrudgingly, reluctantly, critically. Even we enjoy it when someone does something for us with a happy attitude. 

Volunteers shred chicken for udon.

Most recently, we all worked together on the Bazaar to help our Maui family. We did it willingly and had fun serving together. Sure, it was strenuous at times, and we learned what we want to do next year, but we kept our eye on the ball. Most importantly we knew our mission — that God needed us to be his “hands and feet” to sincerely greet and serve the community from which the pandemic had kept us apart for several years. God wanted us to acknowledge the person working on our sides. In fact, many people just came and said, “We are so glad Bazaar is back.” Then there were folks who said, “Here I am. I’d like to volunteer.” I have no doubt God was pleased. 

Volunteers grill delicious chicken teriyaki during Bazaar.

So now I say, let’s carry this wonderful giving spirit into our Stewardship Campaign, Together for Joy. After all, not only are time and abilities gifts from God, but everything we have is really from Him — the cookies and blueberry pies, the plants, the air we breathe, our homes, the church, our jobs. Yep, even “our” money is really God’s. You may want to pause for a moment and quietly pray about this means. When you hear His voice and think about all that God has asked you to steward on this earth, you will know what you should give back to Him as a follower of Christ to help build His Kingdom. My prayer for you is that you return much of what you have with a cheerful heart. Amen?

 “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Blaine UMC’s Congregational Care Ministries team.

Visit the Poinsettia page!

Orders are now open for Poinsettias on the Altar. Read more.

The Beacon is Now Available!

Read the latest issue of The Beacon newsletter, here!

November 2023 Calendar

Click on calendar to view the PDF.

Learn More
Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection Comments Off on Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection

Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection

Posted by on Nov 7, 2023 in Congregational Care, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Spiritual Formation

The Revs. John Go and Mia MiKyung Park and Nooni enjoy a day at Kubota Garden.

Gratitude is an Attitude

By Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

November ushers in a season of richness and abundance that naturally generates gratitude. Before I wrote my November newsletter article, I decided to scan through all the Beacon newsletters of 2023. As I flipped through the pages, I was reminded of the many wonderful ministries that unfolded over this year. Thank you all for your heartfelt ministries! On a personal note, it has been an eventful and meaningful year as well. My heart rejoices at the visits of my in-laws and my family. It seems that I still smile when I wake up from a sweet dream. My Ordination Service in 2023 was a highlight, marking a new beginning that fills my heart with gratitude.

Gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s an attitude that can transform our lives and our community. Gratitude is a confession that God’s grace reaches out without any limitations. It is a belief in God’s sovereignty and an acknowledgment that even when things don’t go as we desire, God is with us and carries us through. It’s a contagious force that revives our souls.

As we gear up for a month of Stewardship, I reflect on a conversation I had with a good friend who is a Christian and raised four wonderful children who are now grown. My friend is also a retired teacher, making it easy for me to discuss family matters with her. During our conversation, I expressed my concerns for my daughters, and she responded, “Mia, your children are not just your children; they are God’s children entrusted to you and John. God loves them more than you do, and God knows them better than you do. Trust God to lead their lives and believe in your daughters; they will grow up to become great adults.” This was an epiphanic moment for me, realizing that I am not only a steward of my time, treasure and talents but also a steward of all the relationships and responsibilities I have with people.

As I reflect on my Christian life as a steward, I pray and hope to encourage not only adults but also our youth and children to become more faithful stewards. I have come up with two thoughts on this. First, acknowledging the resource. When we understand that something is not truly ours, our attitude changes. We sing, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow … Praise God, the source of all our gifts” every Sunday. Singing the doxology is a humbling reminder that we are entrusted with an abundance of blessings that we can’t even count. Second, it’s better to practice the life of a steward from a young age. As a grown-up, it’s challenging to instill one practice as a habit, and we need to teach children and youth the value of being stewards from a young age. We are stewards of all our blessings, including our responsibilities.

Our Church School’s memorization verse for November is from the Apostle Paul: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder that gratitude is not limited to times of abundance and joy; we are encouraged to give thanks in all circumstances.

As we step into November, let us carry this attitude of gratitude with us every day. Let us remember to rejoice always and to give thanks, not just when things are going well, but in all circumstances. It is in cultivating this spirit of gratitude that we come to understand the richness of our lives and the boundless blessings that surround us. Let us continue to build a community of faith, hope, and love where gratitude overflows in each of our hearts. May your November be blessed and abundant, filled with moments that inspire thankfulness and joy.

The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park serves as the Associate Pastor of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church.

Lectionary: Season After Pentecost

November 1, 2023
All Saints Day (Sometimes on the first Sunday in November)
Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 1 John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12
November 5, 2023
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
Joshua 3:7-17 Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 Micah 3:5-12 Psalm 43 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:1-12
November 12, 2023 
Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (If All Saints not observed on this day)
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Psalm 78:1-7 Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16 or Amos 5:18-24 Wisdom of Solomon 6:17-20 or Psalm 70 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13
November 19, 2023
Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Judges 4:1-7 Psalm 123 Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Matthew 25:14-30
November 23, 2023
Thanksgiving Day
Deuteronomy 8:7-18 Psalm 65 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Luke 17:11-19
November 26, 2023
Reign of Christ Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm 100 Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm 95:1-7a Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:31-46

Visit the Poinsettia page!

Orders are now open for Poinsettias on the Altar. Read more.

The Beacon is Now Available!

Read the latest issue of The Beacon newsletter, here!

November 2023 Calendar

Click on calendar to view the PDF.


Learn More
BYG Update Comments Off on BYG Update

BYG Update

Posted by on Nov 7, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Weekly Calendar

Blaine Memorial Youth peel and chop apples to make apple crisps. Their work will help support families at Kimball Elementary School.

BYG focuses on gratitude and service

By Kaylee Yokoyama, photos by Kai Yamamoto

Upcoming Events

Thanksgiving Meal
• Nov. 19
Apple Crisp Making
• Nov. 19
Mashed Potato Making
• Nov. 20
Kimball Delivery
• Nov. 21

As autumn leaves are falling down, we are putting the pieces into place and focusing towards acts of service. As the Blaine Youth Group has been known to do in the past, we’ve begun honoring Thanksgiving as a time of gratitude and service. During mid-November, BYG will prepare and serve Thanksgiving meals for families at Kimball Elementary. We encourage the youth to extend grace to our community through acts of service.

This time of the year is a busy time for lots of families. As we approach the season of giving, Thanksgiving is a time for our youth to remember what they are most thankful for and how they can use their gifts to serve others. 

With our youth balancing school and extracurriculars, it can be difficult to manage our priorities and maintain our faith. BYG intends to continually remind the youth to give grace to others, whether at church, school, or home. We should always give thanks. BYG wants to emphasize the fact that stewardship should not only be highlighted in our faith during the month of November, but year round. We plan to continually remind and offer opportunities to be stewards through various projects throughout the year. 

Thank you Blaine congregation for continuing to support youth throughout various Blaine events! Please make sure to keep a look out for upcoming BYG events, news, and announcements. 

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. BYG has a space for any person who is interested and all are welcome.

Contact Information:

Director of Youth Ministry: Lynne Onishi

Associate Directors of Youth Ministry: Kai Yamamoto and Kaylee Yokoyama

Visit the Poinsettia page!

Orders are now open for Poinsettias on the Altar. Read more.

The Beacon is Now Available!

Read the latest issue of The Beacon newsletter, here!

November 2023 Calendar

Click on calendar to view the PDF.


Learn More
Gratitude for our Blaine’s Benefit Bazaar! Comments Off on Gratitude for our Blaine’s Benefit Bazaar!

Gratitude for our Blaine’s Benefit Bazaar!

Posted by on Nov 6, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Prayer, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Weekly Calendar

Pam Ikegami and Donna Sekijima learn how to make manju.

Gratitude for our Blaine’s Benefit Bazaar!

By Lesley Okura, photos by Kai Yamamoto, et. al.

On October 7, 2023 Blaine Memorial UMC resurrected the Benefit Bazaar after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic! This year’s beneficiary was Maui Recovery and Relief through United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

With the help of those who donated time, talent, and hard-work, we were able to receive donations of plants, get good deals on meat and chicken for curry (as well as rice). Also, because of our volunteers, delicious menu items such as udon, ohagi and other delights were available. It’s these wonderful volunteers who really made this year’s Bazaar a success I hoped it would be.

Rev. Karen Yokota Love catches up with Judy and Bruce Yasutake and Wendall Watanabe.

Thank you, Rev. Karen, for making your first Blaine apple and blueberry pies, and for bringing your pastoral leadership and wisdom to us. Thank you, Rev. Mia, for shepherding our young people (which was kind of like wrangling kittens). Thank you, Yuki Sofronas, for taking care of the many inquiries, the posters, and for facility support. 

Stephanie Nishida, Roberta Yoshioka and Julie Shioshita make pie dough.

Last but not least, I would like to give a big “Thank You” to our Blaine Family, specifically to our the list of volunteers. Listing all of our helpers would take six pages, so I will feature our “headliners” here and when possible, throw out hugs and pats on the backs for jobs well done in every committee. Your time and dedication are always welcome. You are absolutely necessary for success and your hard work is a heartfelt gesture toward UMCOR’s Maui Relief effort.

Leslie Okura and the gang prepare berries for pie-making!

God answered my prayers. Thank you all for a wonderful community-based event that we have welcomed back at Blaine Memorial UMC!

Lesley Okura and Ron Nobuyama served as Co-Chairs for this year’s Benefit Bazaar at Blaine Memorial UMC.

Bazaar 2023 Supporters

Tsukemono 

  • Jim Okura
  • Dave Hayasaka

Grill Pit Masters

  • Joe Adolfo
  • Jason Lew
  • Tim Ikegami
  • Howard Nakase
  • Steve Sofronas 

BBQ Marinade

  • Steve Sakahara 

Rice

  • John Hodge

Poster Design Team

  • Allyson and Steve

Farmers Market

  • Wendy Yates 

Produce Donation Support

  • SK Produce 

Plant Donations

  • Dave Yorozu, T. Yorozu Gardening

Curry Meat & Chicken

  • Red Apple Market

Curry Prep

  • Tina Fujii

Rice & Food Storage

  • Uwajimaya 

Bakery Sales

  • Julie Lock 

Pie and Ohagi Sales

  • Terri Adolfo

Ohagi Makers

  • Donna Sekijima and friends

Pie Masters

  • Ruth Watanabe
  • Tom and Roberta Yoshioka

Set-Up

  • Lynne Onishi and the youth leaders and helpers

Signage

  • Kim Furugori

IT Support

  • Susan Lee

Paper Goods Shoppers

  • Ron Nobuyama
  • Barbara Nagaoka

Cashiering

  • Barbara Nagaoka 
  • George Yates

Take-Out Support

  • Dale Watanabe
  • Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Udon Bowl Support

  • Lisa Mar 

Bazaar Committee

  • Lesley Okura
  • Ron Nobuyama
  • Barbara Nagaoka
  • Sally Sekijima
  • Anne Arakaki-Lock

Procurement, Etc.

  • Brian Okura

Dishwashing

  • Joel Ing and his dishwashing crew

Pastoral & Staff Support

  • Rev. Karen Yokota Love
  • Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
  • Yuki Sofronas

Visit the Poinsettia page!

Orders are now open for Poinsettias on the Altar. Read more.

The Beacon is Now Available!

Read the latest issue of The Beacon newsletter, here!

November 2023 Calendar

Click on calendar to view the PDF.


Learn More