Congregational Care – Page 20 – Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church

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Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by Web Team on Nov 19, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Episcopal News, Giving, Innovation Hub, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Videos, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

Sunday Nov. 19, 2023
Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Hybrid Worship
Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin

Order of Worship

Prelude • We Are Called
Miriam Tong

Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

*Call to Worship
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

*Opening Hymn • How Great Thou Art (UMH #77)
Miriam Tong, Michelle Vaughan, and Neal Komedal

Opening Prayer
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

First Scripture Reading • Matthew 25:14-30 (CEB, JLB)
Jamie Yates and Tsutomu Nagoya

Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Second Scripture Reading • Psalm 98 (NRSVUE, JLB)
Shig Nishida and Tsutomu Nagoya

Sermon • Gratitude of Joy
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Hymn of Reflection • What Gift Can We Bring (UMH #87)
Miriam Tong, Michelle Vaughan, and Neal Komedal

Introduction to the Offering
Shig Nishida

Offertory Music • “Seek Ye First” by Karen Lafferty
Miriam Tong

*Doxology • Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94)
Miriam Tong, Michelle Vaughan, and Neal Komedal

*Prayer of Dedication and Consecration of Pledge Cards
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Closing Hymn • I Come with Joy (UMH #617)
Miriam Tong, Michelle Vaughan, and Neal Komedal

*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Postlude “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” by Rick Founds
Miriam Tong

Passing of the Peace
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Zoom Breakout Room
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn

Sermon Questions

1. Do you ever find it difficult to joyfully praise God?

2. Is it difficult to trust that God will bring forth justice?

3. What are a few of the simple (or small) things in life you have been grateful for this week?

4. How have you seen God at work this week?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, November 20, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 83:1-4, 9-10, 17-18; Judges 4:8-24; Romans 2:1-11
Complementary: Psalm 9:1-14; Zechariah 1:7-17; Romans 2:1-11

Tuesday, November 21, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 83:1-4, 9-10, 17-18; Exodus 2:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
Complementary: Psalm 9:1-14; Zechariah 2:1-5; 5:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Wednesday, November 22, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 83:1-4, 9-10, 17-18; Esther 7:1-10; Matthew 24:45-51
Complementary: Psalm 9:1-14; Job 16:1-21; Matthew 24:45-51

Thursday, November 23, 2023: Thanksgiving Day, USA
Semi-continuous: Psalm 100; Genesis 48:15-22; Revelation 14:1-11
Complementary: Psalm 95:1-7a; 1 Kings 22:13-23; Revelation 14:1-11

Friday, November 24, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 100; Isaiah 40:1-11; Revelation 22:1-9
Complementary: Psalm 95:1-7a; 1 Chronicles 17:1-15; Revelation 22:1-9

Saturday, November 25, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 100; Ezekiel 34:25-31; Matthew 12:46-50
Complementary: Psalm 95:1-7a; Isaiah 44:21-28; Matthew 12:46-50

Announcements

https://www.youtube.com/live/iFe_vyAriXY?si=0Gq8u7YbfftEW7p8

Video: All-Church Conference Meeting

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.

View the Original Video page for more!

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.

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!

View the Beacon News Page!

Read the latest issue of The Beacon newsletter, here or check out past issues.

November 2023 Calendar

Click on calendar to view the PDF.

Learn More

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Spiritual Formation Center

Posted by Web Team 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

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Associate Pastor’s Spiritual Reflection

Posted by Web Team 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

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Gratitude for our Blaine’s Benefit Bazaar!

Posted by Web Team 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

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Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by Web Team on Nov 5, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Miscellaneous, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

All Saints Sunday
November 5, 2023,
10am • Hybrid Worship
Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin

Order of Worship

Prelude
Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether
(Music: Harold Friedell, Words: Percy Dearmer)
Kathy Onishi

Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

*Opening Hymn
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
(UMH #110, verses 1,2)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi

*Call to Worship
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Hymn
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
(UMH #110, v.3-4)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi

First Scripture Reading
Matthew 23:1-12 (CEB, JLB)
Kaylee Yokoyama and Tsutomu Nagoya

Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
The children are dismissed to the Ed. Wing.

Special Music
They Shall Soar Like Eagles
Words and Music by Laura Manzo
Eugene and Kathy Onishi, Leann Onishi, Lisa Hirayama, and Miriam Tong

Prayers of the People
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Second Scripture Reading
Matthew 6:20-31 (CEB, JLB)
Kaylee Yokoyama and Tsutomu Nagoya

Third Scripture Reading
Hebrews 11:1-2 (NRSVUE)
Kaylee Yokoyama and Tsutomu Nagoya

Sermon
Gratitude for Our Saints
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Sermon
Gratitude for Our Saints
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Hymn of Response
For All the Saints
(UMH #711, verses 1, 2, 4, 6)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Holy Communion with The Reading of Our Saints
Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Shig Nishida and Gail Nomura

Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow Kathy Onishi

Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Closing Song
Hymn of Promise (UMH #707)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi

Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Postlude
One God and Father of Us All
By P. Carlson, K. Matthews, J. Carraway
Kathy Onishi

Zoom Breakout Room
Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn

Reading of Our Saints on All Saints Day

From November 1, 2022 – October 31, 2023

Arthur Yorozu, September 26, 2022

Minoru Uchimura, October 19, 2022

Atsu Sato, November 7, 2022

Tak Chikamura, November 17, 2022

Kiyo Toda, November 26, 2022

Kevin Graham, February 10, 2023

George Kaminishi, February 14, 2023

Masa Hirano, February 25, 2023

Christine Yada, March 10, 2023

Bob Watanabe, March 14, 2023

Mary Maniwa, April 2023

Miyeko Mochizuki, April 9, 2023

June Sato, June 15, 2023

Connie Kobata, July 11, 2023

Shizue Watanabe, July 13, 2023

Tami Mitsui, July 13, 2023

Satoshi Yamamoto, July 17, 2023

Akemi Sanaye Kurushima, August 1, 2023

Sermon Questions

1. What saint in your life has had the greatest influence on your faith?

2. It is common to think about “saints” as holier-than-thou and as the rare few. By virtue of our baptism, we are all called toward being saints. Do you think of yourself as called to be a saint? Why or why not? What difference would it make if you thought of yourself as a saint?

3. What does it mean to be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, November 6, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 128; Joshua 4:1-24; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
Complementary: Psalm 5; Jeremiah 5:18-31; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Tuesday, November 7, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 128; Joshua 6:1-16, 20; Acts 13:1-12
Complementary: Psalm 5; Lamentations 2:13-17; Acts 13:1-12

Wednesday, November 8, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 128; Joshua 10:12-14; Matthew 15:1-9
Complementary: Psalm 5; Proverbs 16:21-33; Matthew 15:1-9

Thursday, November 9, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78:1-7; Joshua 5:10-12; Revelation 8:6-9:12
Complementary: Psalm 70; Amos 1:1-2:5; Revelation 8:6-9:12

Friday, November 10, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78:1-7; Joshua 8:30-35; Revelation 9:13-21
Complementary: Psalm 70; Amos 3:1-12; Revelation 9:13-21

Saturday, November 11, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 78:1-7; Joshua 20:1-9; Matthew 24:1-14
Complementary: Psalm 70; Amos 4:6-13; Matthew 24:1-14

Announcements

All Saints Sunday • Today

On All Saints Day, United Methodists publicly remember and honor our loved ones who have passed away. We will say the names of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church members who passed away from November 1, 2022 – October 31, 2023 and a bell will be rung to remember them.

Please bring pictures of your loved ones (relatives, friends, animal companions) to honor and celebrate their memory and your time with them. You are welcome to bring photos, artwork, trinkets, tokens, prose, and poetry to place on the altar in remembrance of your dearly departed. Please bring items that you feel comfortable leaving on the altar as we will remember our departed ones at our All Saints Worship Service.

Poinsettias on the Altar • Order now through December 17, 2023

Download the order form here.

College Application Zoom Meeting • Saturday, Nov. 11, 7pm

College application season is upon us so if you are a parent of a current college applicant, a parent of a prospective applicant or someone with questions about the process, please join us for a panel discussion! All are welcome to join our Zoom meeting on Saturday, November 11th at 7pm PST.

Our panel of parents and college students will be available to answer all your questions. We will begin with a brief presentation on a few key topics and then open the floor to questions. There are no trivial concerns so please bring all your questions, big or small.

If you plan on attending the event or just want to send in a question, scan the QR code and fill out the form! E-mail any concerns about the event itself, here. Absolutely everyone is welcome so if you know anyone who would benefit from this discussion, feel free to invite them to our event. We hope to see you all there!

Check out the RSVP and Question Submission

Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7pm, Sun. at 9am, 11:45am

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Nov. 8 at 9am

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

Read the latest issue of the Beacon!

View the November Calendar

Learn More

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Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by Web Team on Oct 29, 2023 in Archives, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
October 29, 2023, 10:00am
Hybrid Worship
Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin
Thank you to Miriam Tong for today’s beautiful flower arrangement!

Order of Worship

Prelude
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
Kathy Onishi

Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Call to Worship
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

*Opening Song
Open the Eyes of My Heart
(Paul Baloche)
Blaine Memorial Praise Band

Opening Prayer
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

First Scripture Reading
Matthew 22:34-46 (NRSVUE, JLB)
Kai Yamamoto and Tsutomu Nagoya

Children’s Message
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Special Music
One Song
(By Pepper Choplin)
Blaine Memorial Choir

Prayers of the People
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Second Scripture Reading
Luke 10:25-37 (CEB, JLB)
Donna Sekijima and Tsutomu Nagoya

Message
This is Me
M.I.L.E – E: Elimination of Racism
Dale Watanabe

Hymn of Reflection
We Are Called (TFWS #2172)
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
You Are Holy
(By Marc Imboden and Tammi Rhoton)
Blaine Memorial Praise Band

*Benediction
Rev. Karen Yokota Love

Postlude
We Are Called
(By David Haas)
Kathy Onishi

Sermon Questions

1. How have you supported someone in your family or community that was on the margins?

2. How many different identities do you hold?

3. What more can our church do to support those at the margins?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, October 30, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48; Numbers 33:38-39; James 2:8-13
Complementary: Psalm 119:41-48; Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 20-25; James 2:8-13

Tuesday, October 31, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:41-48; Exodus 34:29-35; James 2:14-26
Complementary: Psalm 119:41-48; Deuteronomy 10:10-22; James 2:14-26

Wednesday, November 1, 2023: All Saints Day

Thursday, November 2, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 1:1-11; Romans 2:17-29
Complementary: Psalm 43; 1 Samuel 2:27-36; Romans 2:17-29

Friday, November 3, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:1-14; 2 Peter 2:1-3
Complementary: Psalm 43; Ezekiel 13:1-16; 2 Peter 2:1-3

Saturday, November 4, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:15-24; Matthew 23:13-28
Complementary: Psalm 43; Malachi 1:6-2:9; Matthew 23:13-28

Announcements

Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7pm, Sun. at 9am, 11:45am

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Nov. 1 at 9am

For more information, contact the church office for details!

All Saints Sunday • Sunday, Nov. 5

Reconciling Ministries Vote

Important Dates

Oct. 29-Nov. 4
• Return Mail-In Ballots

Nov. 5
• In-Person Voting

“We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value 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.”

Register and vote in person at church, Nov. 5.

Mail ballots to the church office or return them in-person between Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 (mail needs to be received by Nov. 4). Ballots will be counted after worship on Sunday, Nov. 5.

Scan the QR code for the online registration form or sign up in-person on Sundays. Find our form in the office or social hall!