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!
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!
Our young folks and parents prepare peeled apples to make apple crisp as part of a hearty Thanksgiving meal for Kimball Elementary School families.
Thanksgivingand Giving Tree Ministries 2023
By Terri Adolfo with Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
We are partnering with Kimball Elementary School this year to provide Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts for underprivileged students and families. Kimball is anticipating a greater need from their student community this year due to the increased number of students experiencing homelessness. These students in need are part of the McKinney-Vento program (a national homeless assistance program for students and youth).
Thanksgiving Meal
Thanksgiving meals will mostly be store-bought, and we will gather to make apple crisps and mashed potatoes. Everyone is welcome, so please come join us to prepare food.
Apple Crisps & Mashed Potatoes
On Sunday (11/19) after Fellowship Hour, we will prepare apple crisps in the LAC Kitchen. On Monday (11/20) at 6:00PM, we will begin our evening together with a light dinner in the Social Hall. Afterwards, we will make mashed potatoes and bake apple crisps in the LAC Kitchen.
Terri Adolfo hangs Giving Tree gift tags for the Blaine Memorial community.
Giving Tree
The Giving Tree (Christmas Tree) will be in the Social Hall from November 12-26, dressed with gift tags. Please reach out to the Blaine Office to arrange tag pickups during Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday from 10:00AM-4:00PM) if you are not able to pick up after worship. Gift tags that are not taken by Sunday (11/26), will be collected and distributed to volunteer shoppers. If you are not able to take tags but would like to participate or help, we gratefully accept donations. Please return wrapped gifts with tags securely attached no later than Sunday (12/3).
Donations for the Thanksgiving Meal and the Giving Tree can be made through Blaine’s website, text/SMS, cash/check, and Realm. Please indicate your offering as “Special Donations/Other” and memo it as “Thanksgiving Meal” or “Giving Tree.”
Thank you for your ongoing generosity and support to help bless those in need in our community!
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 Communionwith 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?
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
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.
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!
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. 8 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!
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.
Download and print this form, then send your order to the Church Office!
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 Sunday (12/15).
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.
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 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. 1 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 Saints Sunday • Sunday, Nov. 5
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.
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!
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.
The Beacon is Now Available!
Read the latest issue of The Beacon newsletter, here!
