Blaine Youth Group

All are Welcome!

• Second Sunday of Advent
• December 8, 2024, 10:00am
• Hybrid Worship
• View the PDF

Order of Worship

Prelude  I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light  By Kathleen Thomerson Kathy Onishi

Words of Grace and Greeting  Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Call to Worship  Ron Nobuyama

Opening Hymn  People Look East (UMH #202)  Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Opening Prayer  Ron Nobuyama

Lighting the Advent Candle  Howard, Jill, Katelyn and Zach Nakase

Special Music  O Come, O Come, Emmanuel  Setting by Don Gillespie Blaine Memorial Choir

First Scripture Reading Ruth 1 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Ron Nobuyama

Second Scripture Reading Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 (JLB, CEB)  Tsutomu Nagoya, Ron Nobuyama

Sermon We Can’t Go Alone Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Music of Reflection Toda la Tierra (All Earth is Waiting) (UMH #210) Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Offertory Invitation Ron Nobuyama

Doxology Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94

Prayer of Dedication Ron Nobuyama

Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Closing Hymn Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (UMH #216) Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Postlude Some Children See Him (By Alfred Burt) Kathy Onishi

Today’s Flowers Carol Kastrup

Sermon Questions

• Ruth “should” go home to her family of origin. Why do you think she commits herself to Naomi? What risks does she take? What does she give up or gain?
• Ruth and Naomi travel together to Bethlehem paralleling Mary and Joseph’s journey. When has companionship helped you weather a difficult journey?
• What would it look like to foster deep connections in this Advent season – by sharing your messy, holy, complicated life? What might this look like for you and for the people at Blaine Memorial UMC? 
• Bonding occurs between people who are alike. When have you experienced bridging? What would it look like for Blaine Memorial UMC to be a bridge-builder?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday, December 08, 2024 Second Sunday of Advent Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4 • Luke 1:68-79 • Philippians 1:3-11 • Luke 3:1-6

Monday, December 9, 2024 Psalm 126 • Isaiah 40:1-11 • Romans 8:22-25

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 Psalm 126 • Isaiah 19:18-25 • 2 Peter 1:2-15

Wednesday, December 11, 2024:  Psalm 126 • Isaiah 35:3-7 • Luke 7:18-30

Thursday, December 12, 2024 Isaiah 12:2-6 • Amos 6:1-8 • 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Friday, December 13, 2024 Isaiah 12:2-6 • Amos 8:4-12 • 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Saturday, December 14, 2024 Isaiah 12:2-6 • Amos 9:8-15 • Luke 1:57-66

Announcements

Special Talk with Bethlehem Native, Adam Manasra

Adam Manasra, guest speaker, is visiting us on Sunday (12/8) and will give a presentation in the Webb Room after worship. Adam is a Palestinian who lived his whole life in a village near Bethlehem in the West Bank, Palestine. He will provide reflections and life experiences with updates about the reality of life in the West Bank.

Holiday Card Signing in the Social Hall. Today!

You’re invited to sign Christmas cards for our church members who are sick, recovering from being ill, grieving a loss of a loved one, or in a skilled facility home. The cards are in the Social Hall, today.

Giving Tree 2024!

Giving Tree, Wrapped Gifts Due
Sunday, December 8, 2024

NJAUMC Caucus Advent Study Group • Tuesdays, 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 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.

Anniversary Aprons…Now Available!

Blaine Memorial UMC 120th Anniversary Aprons will be available for sale after worship on December 8. They are made from cotton rice bags from long ago. They make unique Christmas gifts, too. They are $40.00 each. Please contact Dale Kaneko at dkaneko@windermere.com with questions.

Order Now: Poinsettias on the Altar

It’s 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 is next Sunday (12/15). 

Pick up a form at the Church Office or download an order form. Please share! You can also find a copy of the poinsettia order form in the November/December Beacon newsletter. The order form should be filled out and mailed to Blaine Memorial UMC, Attn: Poinsettias, 3001 24th Ave S., Seattle, WA 98144.

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.

Read the latest issue of the Beacon, now!

Our Story Continues

• Senior Pastor Reflection: A Future with Hope
• Blaine Memorial UMC Benefit Bazaar Thank-Yous!
• Sign-Up Now: Thanksgiving Meals and Giving Tree 2024!
• BYG Update: Help us develop leaders this Thanksgiving!
• Spiritual Formation Center: In Thanksgiving, We Celebrate

---

View the December 2024 Calendar

Learn More

All are Welcome

• November 10, 2024, 10:00am
• Hybrid Worship
• Veterans Day
• Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
• View the PDF
• Sunday’s Altar Flowers are provided by Sharon Maeda.

Order of Worship

Prelude All I Need Is You Kathy Onishi  (Dan Adler)

Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Honoring Our Veterans Jerry Ikegami

*Call to Worship Bruce Yamamoto

*Opening Hymn Lord, We Come to Ask Your Blessing (TFWS #2230) Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Opening Prayer Bruce Yamamoto

First Scripture Reading Mark 12:38-44 (CEB) Tsutomu Nagoya, Bruce Yamamoto

First Scripture Reading Mark 12:38-44 (CEB) Bruce Yamamoto

Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka

Prayers of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Stewardship Moment Bruce Yamamoto

Special Music What Does the Lord Require of You Blaine Memorial Choir

Sermon The Widow’s Might Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Hymn of Response O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee (UMH #430) Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Introduction to the Offering Bruce Yamamoto

Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Prayer of Dedication Bruce Yamamoto

Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Closing Song Take My Life, and Let It Be (UMH #399) Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Postlude We Are the Body of Christ By Brown/Hampton/Fettke (TFWS #2227) Kathy Onishi

Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn & Dale Kaneko

Sermon Questions

• Who would you say gave the most: rich men giving bags of money, or a poor widow giving just two tiny coins called “mites” that aren’t even worth a penny? What did Jesus say?
• Can we live in faith despite poverty, corruption, or victimization? 
• How can we be generous with our small gifts, talents, and acts of service?
• What does it mean for the church and for followers of Christ today? How can I apply this in my own life this very day?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday, November 10, 2024: Proper 27 (32) Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 and Psalm 127 • 1 Kings 17:8-16 and Psalm 146 • Hebrews 9:24-28 • Mark 12:38-44

Monday, November 11, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 113 • Genesis 24:1-10 • 1 Timothy 5:1-8; Complementary: Psalm 94 • Ruth 1:1-22 • 1 Timothy 5:1-8

Tuesday, November 12, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 113 • Genesis 24:11-27 • 1 Timothy 5:9-16; Complementary: Psalm 94 • Ruth 3:14-4:6 • 1 Timothy 5:9-16

Wednesday, November 13, 2024: Semi-continuous: Psalm 113 • Genesis 24:28-42 • Luke 4:16-30 Complementary: Psalm 94 • Ruth 4:7-22 • Luke 4:16-30

Thursday, November 14, 2024: Semi-continuous: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 • 1 Samuel 1:21-28 • 1 Timothy 6:11-21; Complementary: Psalm 16 • Daniel 4:4-18 • 1 Timothy 6:11-21

Friday, November 15, 2024: Semi-continuous: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 • 1 Samuel 2:18-21 • Colossians 2:6-15; Complementary: Psalm 16 • Daniel 4:19-27 • Colossians 2:6-15

Saturday, November 16, 2024: Semi-continuous: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 • 1 Samuel 3:1-18; Mark 12:1-12 Complementary: Psalm 16 • Daniel 4:28-37 • Mark 12:1-12

Announcements

Sign-Up Now: Thanksgiving Meals and Giving Tree 2024!

Apple Crisp Work Party Today after fellowship, Lee Activity Center

Mashed Potatoes Work Party Sunday, November 24, 2024, after fellowship, Lee Activity Center

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

Apple, Blueberry Pies for Sale: Today after Worship

Just in time for Thanksgiving! Blaine’s apple and blueberry pies are for sale after worship service tomorrow, Sunday (11/10)! Pies are $15.00 each. Impress your family with a pie that you baked yourself!

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!

Charge Conference Meeting • November 14 at 6:30p for SPRC, 7:00p for leadership

This year’s Charge Conference will be on Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 PM for leadership only (SPRC, Ad Board, Trustees, Finance Teams). SPRC will meet with DS Rev. Derek at 6:30 PM. This leadership gathering holds significance for our faith community as we come together to celebrate our ministries in 2024 and cast our vision for 2025. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Derek Nakano will preside over the meeting. Please submit your area and ministry reports by Friday, November 1, 2024. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Karen.

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!

Afghanistan and Ukrainian Refugee Donation Ministry

Items being collected: At this time, we have an abundance of some items and so we are NOT in need of clothing or children’s toys. Especially needed items include women’s products, toothpaste, personal care items, rice cookers, blenders, mixing bowls, microwave ovens, toasters, mixers, irons, dish sets, towels, and blankets.

Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Collection items can be dropped off at the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday-Friday between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.

South King County Response Center Collection Volunteer Hours: The Donation Center is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, same time as the Tukwila Pantry at 3118 S. 140th St. Seattle. Please text Kim Parks at (206) 683-1707 when you would like to help. Please wear a mask and bring a marking pen and measuring tape if possible. Other Questions? Please contact Donna Sekijima or Anne Arakaki-Lock.

View the November 2024 Calendar

Learn More