Lenten Season

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Comments Off on Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Posted by on Dec 24, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Lenten Season, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

  • Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, 10pm
  • Fourth Sunday of Advent
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin
  • Thank you to Sharon Maeda for providing today’s flowers! 

Order of Worship

Prelude
In Silence We Wait 
By John Parker, Lloyd Larson
Kathy Onishi 
Words of Grace and Greeting 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Congregational Hymn 
O Come, All Ye Faithful  UMH #234, verses 1-5
Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Lighting of the Christ Candle 
The Rev. Cruz Santos Family
Special Music 
What Shall I Give Him 
By Gustav Holst, Howard Helvey
Blaine Memorial Choir
Introduction to Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Lesson
Genesis 22:15-18 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
First Carol 
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
UMH #218, all verses 
Yuki Sofronas
Second Lesson 
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 
Dale Watanabe
Second Carol 
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 
UMH #211 Verses 1-3, 6-7
Yuki Sofronas 
Third Lesson 
Isaiah 11: 1-3a; 4a; 6-9 
Michelle Vaughan
Third Carol 
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming 
UMH #216, all verses
Kathy Onishi
Fourth Lesson 
Luke 1: 26-35; 38 
Shig Nishida
Fourth Carol 
The First Noel 
UMH 245, verses 1-2, 4-5
Yuki Sofronas
Fifth Lesson 
Luke 2:1-7 
Mariko Ronan
Fifth Carol 
Away in the Manger 
UMH #217, all Verses
Kathy Onishi 
Sixth Lesson 
Luke 2: 8-12 
Edwin Santos
Sixth Carol 
Hark the Herald Angels Sing 
UMH #240, all verses
Yuki Sofronas
Seventh Lesson 
Luke 2:15-20 
Sharon Maeda
Seventh Carol 
O Little Town of Bethlehem
UMH #230, all verses 
Yuki Sofronas
Offertory Invitation 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Offertory Music 
Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Eighth Lesson 
Matthew 2:1-12 
Joshua Santos
Eighth Carol 
We Three Kings 
UMH #254, all verses
Kathy Onishi
Ninth Lesson 
John 1:1-14 
Barbara Nagaoka
Christmas Eve Meditation 
The Light Within Us 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Ninth Carol 
Silent Night, Holy Night 
UMH #239, all verses
Kathy Onishi
Benediction 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude 
Joy to the World
UMH #246, all verses 
Kathy Onishi
All Bible scriptures are from the NRSV interpretation

Sermon Questions

1. What is your Christmas story?

2. What does the manger of your life hold?

3. Who might be sitting there in darkness? Are there those who are facing Christmas for the first time since losing their beloved spouse, or partner, or parent, or child? Are there those who are separated from their families because of divorce, or deployment, or illness, or unresolved conflict?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Sun. Dec. 24, 2023: Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38
Sun. Dec. 24 & 25, 2023: Nativity of the Lord – Proper I
Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14;  Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)

Sun. Dec. 24 & 25, 2023: Nativity of the Lord – Proper II
Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7;  Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20

Sun. Dec. 24 & 25, 2023: Nativity of the Lord – Proper III
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12);  John 1:1-14
Tues. Dec. 26, 2023: 
Luke 1:46b-55; 1 Samuel 1:19-28; Hebrews 8:1-13
Weds. December 27, 2023: 
Luke 1:46b-55; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Mark 11:1-11
Thurs. Dec. 28, 2023:
Psalm 148; Jeremiah 31:15-17; Matthew 2:13-18
Fri. Dec. 29, 2023: 
Psalm 148; Isaiah 49:5-15; Matthew 12:46-50
Sat. Dec. 30, 2023: 
Psalm 148; Proverbs 9:1-12; 2 Peter 3:8-13

Announcements

Holiday Office and Campus Closure

The Blaine Memorial UMC Church Office and the ENTIRE CAMPUS will be CLOSED from December 25-30, 2023 and January 1-2, 2024.

We will have worship on December 31, 2023. The Church Office and Campus will open on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. All groups may resume activities on Wednesday, January 3. This time away gives our pastoral and church staff the opportunity to spend Christmas and the New Year with their families. Thank you for your understanding and we wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Wednesday Prayer and Coffee • Canceled, Dec. 27, 2023

We will resume the Wednesday Prayer and Coffee Hour on Wednesday, January 3, 2024! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A beautiful landscape view of green plants on hills and Volcan de Fuego mountains on the horizon in Antigua, Guatemala

Guatemala Mission Trip Info Meeting • January 21, 2024

Are you interested in going on a mission trip this coming August? Do you have a desire to serve others in an underdeveloped country? Are you not sure about going, but want to learn more? 

Blaine will again partner with Mission Guatemala and send a mission team to San Andrés Semetebaj, Guatemala. Please join us for a short informational meeting Sunday, January 21 in the Webb Room at 12:00. If you have any questions, please contact Bob or Donna Sekijima.

Sukiyaki Dinner Returns!

Saturday, March 2, 2024 • Blaine Memorial UMC

More information to come!

Read our latest Beacon!

December 2023 – January 2024 Calendar

Learn More
Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost Comments Off on Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Posted by on Oct 8, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Lenten Season, Miscellaneous, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome

  • Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost
  • October 8, 2023, 10am
  • Hybrid Worship
  • Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin

Order of Worship

Prelude
We Will Glorify the King of Kings
By Twila Paris
Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship
(Based on Psalm 19)
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn
How Great Thou Art (UMH #77)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading
Matthew 21:33-46 (CEB, JLB)
Eunice Gong, Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message
Sai Hanaoka
Special Music
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Blaine Memorial Choir
Second Scripture Reading
Luke 10:25-37 (CEB, JLB)
Eunice Gong, Tsutomu Nagoya
Sermon
M. I. L. E.: Itineration and Location
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection
Seek Ye First
(UMH#405)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
(UMH #94)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Announcements
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn
Living for Jesus
(TFWS #2149)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude
He Is Exalted
By Twila Paris
Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park

Sermon Reflection Questions

  • Consider the question that the expert in the law asked Jesus: “Who is my neighbor?”
  • How does this parable redefine the concept of a neighbor?
  • Who in your life might be considered an unexpected neighbor, and how can you extend love, compassion, and care to them?
  • Reflect on a time when you received help or kindness from an unexpected source. How did it affect your perspective on compassion and generosity?
  • In what ways can you practically apply the lessons from the Good Samaritan parable in your communities, workplaces, and families to create a positive impact that we could help our neighbors to be a better location of their well-being?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, October 9, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; 1 Peter 2:4-10
Complementary: Psalm 144; Ezekiel 19:10-14; 1 Peter 2:4-10
Tuesday, October 10, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 5:22-6:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Complementary: Psalm 144; Isaiah 27:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Wednesday, October 11, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 119:49-56; Deuteronomy 6:10-25; John 11:45-57
Complementary: Psalm 144; Song of Solomon 8:5-14; John 11:45-57
Thursday, October 12, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Exodus 24:1-8; 1 Peter 5:1-5, 12-14
Complementary: Psalm 23; Isaiah 22:1-8a; 1 Peter 5:1-5, 12-14
Friday, October 13, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Exodus 24:9-11; James 4:4-10
Complementary: Psalm 23; Isaiah 22:8b-14; James 4:4-10
Saturday, October 14, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Exodus 24:12-18; Mark 2:18-22
Complementary: Psalm 23; Isaiah 24:17-23; Mark 2:18-22

Announcements

Choir members needed! • Tues. at 7p, Sun at 9a and 11:45a

The Blaine Choir love to sing to God. Rehearsals are Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings, and provide music for Blaine’s Sunday morning services. Our goal is to develop spiritually and musically through fellowship, singing and through scripture. 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 (eaonishi@hotmail.com).

Girl Scouts Meeting • Today at 11:30a

We will be restarting our Blaine Girl Scouts troop this month. We meet every second Sunday of the month from October to June so our first meeting will be next Sunday, Oct 8th from 11:30-2:30pm in the Education Wing. We start with a light lunch and then will begin our meeting at noon.

Our troop includes Brownie Girls starting in the 2nd grade and goes up to the Senior level which is 12th grade. For any girls who are interested in joining, you and your parents can come and learn about us for the first meeting. There is no commitment to attend the first meeting. There will also be a parents meeting at 1pm where all details and applications will be passed out.

We hope to have some new girls join us this year. We have a lot of fun activities like rock climbing, roller skating, ice skating, archery, selling cookies and more. If you have any questions, please come up to talk to Eunice Gong during social time or email Eunice G.

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Oct. 11 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! 

Bazaar in Photos!

Friends prepare Tsukemono, or salt-pickled cabbage.

The Blaine Youth Group practices making Suno Dogs.

Ohagi, or sweet rice balls, are made by our volunteers.

Lesley leads us with pie-making.

Our team helped marinate bbq chicken for the grill!

Save the date: Harvest Festival 2023!

October Calendar

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Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost  Comments Off on Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost 

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost 

Posted by on Sep 17, 2023 in Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Giving, Innovation Hub, Lenten Season, Pastors' Columns, Prayer, Sermons, Service Opportunities, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Welcome!

Order of Worship

Prelude 
Change My Heart, O God 
(Eddie Espinosa)
Kathy Onishi 
Welcome of Grace and Greeting 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Call to Worship 
Arlene Naganawa
Opening Song 
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness 
(TFWS #2272)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi 
Opening Prayer 
Arlene Naganawa
First Scripture 
Reading Matthew 18:21-35 (CEB) 
Arlene Naganawa
Children’s Message 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music 
Amen, So Be It  Natalie Sleeth
Blaine Memorial Choir
Celebrating the Reappointment of Our Pastors 
Arlene Naganawa
Second Scripture 
Reading Romans 14:1-12 (CEB) 
Arlene Naganawa
Message 
Not 7, but 77 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Reflection 
Grace Alone 
(TFWS #2162)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction to the Offering 
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Doxology 
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings
Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love 
Closing Hymn 
Help Us Accept Each Other 
(UMH #520)
Eugene and Kathy Onishi 
Benediction 
Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude 
May You Run and Not Be Weary 
(Paul Murakami and Handt Hanson)
Kathy Onishi 

Sermon Reflection Questions

  1. Does forgiveness require certain conditions for it to be fulfilled? Forgiveness has two sides: the person needing forgiveness and the person offering forgiveness. Can we really forgive another unless the other person repents of the action and regrets the act sufficiently not to want to do it again?
  2. Is there someone in your life who you have been unable to forgive?
  3. Are you able to offer that person forgiveness?

Daily Lectionary Readings

Monday, September 18, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 77; Joshua 3:1-17; Hebrews 11:23-29
Complementary: Psalm 133; Genesis 48:8-22; Hebrews 11:23-29
Tuesday, September 19, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 77; Nehemiah 9:9-15; Romans 14:13-15:2
Complementary: Psalm 133; Genesis 49:29-50:14; Romans 14:13-15:2
Wednesday, September 20, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 77; 2 Kings 2:1-18; Mark 11:20-25
Complementary: Psalm 133; Genesis 50:22-26; Mark 11:20-25
Thursday, September 21, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Exodus 15:22-27; 2 Corinthians 13:1-4
Complementary: Psalm 145:1-8; Nahum 1:1, 14-2:2; 2 Corinthians 13:1-4
Friday, September 22, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Exodus 16:1-21; 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Complementary: Psalm 145:1-8; Nahum 2:3-13; 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Saturday, September 23, 2023:
Semi-continuous: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Exodus 16:22-30; Matthew 19:23-30
Complementary: Psalm 145:1-8; Zephaniah 2:13-15; Matthew 19:23-30

Announcements

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • September 20 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!

Celebrating the Re-Appointment of our Pastors with a Blaine Potluck! Today at 11:30am

Please join us today at 11:30am in the Lee Activity Center as we gather to celebrate the reappointments of our beloved pastors, Rev. Karen, Rev. Mia, Rev. Jeney and Rev. Mark, for their outstanding pastoral leadership at our church! What’s a better way than to show our appreciation than by having a ‘Blaine’ potluck? This will be the first potluck that we’re having since the start of the pandemic! Blaine potlucks have always been synonymous with special occasions and celebrating our pastors is definitely a special occasion. Joyfully celebrate!

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Good Friday Comments Off on Good Friday

Good Friday

Posted by on Apr 7, 2023 in Lenten Season

Welcome

Order of Worship

Prelude
What Wondrous Love Is This
Music: USA Folk Hymn
Kathy Onishi
Welcome with Meditation
Pastor Mia MiKyung Park
Opening Hymn
O Mighty Cross
Music: David Baroni and John Chisum
Arranged by: Tom Fettke
Japanese Baptist Choir
Blaine Memorial Choir
Scripture Reading
John 18:1-19:42 (CEB)
John Stice, JBC
Ellie Santos, JBC
Congregational Hymn
Jesus, Remember Me
(UMH #488)
Eugene & Kathy Onishi, Unison
Sermon
Beloved
Pastor Karen Yokota Love
Congregational Hymn
The Old Rugged Cross (UMH #504)
Eugene & Kathy Onishi, Unison
Closing Prayer
Pastor Angeline Lau, JBC
Benediction
Pastor Karen Yokota Love

After Pastor Karen provides the Benediction, members of the Blaine Memorial Worship Team will carefully and lovingly remove the candles, rocks, and paraments from the altar. We will sit in the dark while we meditate on Christ’s love for us. The pastors will quietly walk out of the Sanctuary. You may follow when you are ready. You are welcome to sit and pray after the service is finished.

If you’d like to stay for a bit, the Social Hall will be open for conversation.

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The Three Marys Comments Off on The Three Marys

The Three Marys

Posted by on Mar 30, 2023 in Church News & Events, Congregational Care, Lenten Season, Spiritual Formation

Icon of the Three Marys in the Nea Moni Monastery of Chios (1100 AD)

Spiritual Formation Center

Can’t keep it to yourself

By Anne Arakaki-Lock, photo courtesy of Wikipedia

It’s Easter, Resurrection morning. I think about the Marys and how they are the first to check on Jesus in the tomb, Mary Magdalene, in particular. I resonate with this woman who was so initially sad, as she had just witnessed the crucifixion three days before at the Cross. At first, she couldn’t comprehend this unimaginable event of her Lord, her Savior, coming back to life! But then she does wipe off her tears, and in her excitement runs to tell others. So may I just say: I think it’s cool that a woman was chosen to be first to see, then tell others that Jesus was alive again?

The main point: she was excited and hurried to tell people. In fact, over and over, Scriptures remind us of the need to spread the Word and get others to know Jesus is alive.

I think about all the ways Blaine Memorial UMC lets the community know that Jesus is alive – in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. We have a vibrant worship service, in-person AND online, every Sunday. We have pastors that show up at events like the Day of Remembrance. Our Blaine Youth Group are hands and feet for Christ’s love at places like Kimball Elementary and the Tent Cities. Blaine’s newsletter circulation is over 600 subscribers strong and reaches beyond Seattle.

Then I also think of the not-so-obvious ways we let others know that Jesus is alive. We play basketball with non-Blaine folks. We buy altar flowers from folks who get to know us over the years. We tell our friends about the upcoming Sukiyaki Dinner who then come to know about the Rainier Valley Food Bank – which will receive some of the proceeds. We sit at Terry’s Kitchen and folks know we are Blaine people.

I guess we all have a little Mary Magdalene in us.  

Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Congregational Care Ministries of Blaine Memorial UMC.

Coming Soon!

Contact the Blaine Office or Rev. Karen if you would like a printed copy of the newsletter. Or, visit Blaine Memorial UMC and pick up a copy near the Sanctuary, Narthex, or Office.

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Senior Pastor News Comments Off on Senior Pastor News

Senior Pastor News

Posted by on Mar 28, 2023 in Church News & Events, Lenten Season, Pastors' Columns, Photos, Sunday Worship, Weekly Calendar

Easter Egg Hunt | Last year’s Easter Egg Hunt was welcomed with excitement after two years of not having an egg hunt due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We look forward to your participation at this year’s Egg Hunt in the Courtyard!

New life is all around us!

By Rev. Karen Yokota Love, additional photos courtesy of Wikipedia

The season of Lent is coming to an end; the days are getting longer, the sun is shining more, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and signs of new life are starting to appear all around us. For Christians, the season of Lent prepares us to receive new life, in particular, one that we experience in the resurrection of Jesus celebrated on Easter Day. New life is all around us as Blaine Memorial UMC reignites activity through our many ministries! The campus is full of activity as gather together as a faith community while outside groups are utilizing our campus. The vibrancy at Blaine is energizing. Sukiyaki Dinner preparations are underway and we are thrilled to announce joyfully that we will host a Sukiyaki Take-Out Event on Saturday, April 29 from 2pm-6pm!

As we close-in to the end of this 40-day Lenten journey, the walk of Holy Week draws us deeper into the story of God’s profound love for the world. We will journey through the events of Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday when our emotions will range from gleeful joy to humble wonder to dark sadness. Good Friday will bring us to the broken, pain-filled sorrow of death.

On Easter Day, the resurrection of Jesus Christ reveals God’s gift to us in the truth of the new life of Jesus: the truth that God is a God of love who walks with us and brings us to a place of wholeness, a place of possibility, a place of new life. New life that is grounded in hope and compassion. New life that is deeply connected to God’s love and passionate about sharing that love with the world. New life that reveals God’s justice in ways that transform not only our lives, but the whole world.

I invite you to join us in the rituals of Holy Week!

Palm Sunday

April 2, 2023 at 10am

Celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with palm fronds!

Good Friday

April 7, 2023 at 7pm

Will will remember Jesus’ sacrifices and unwavering love for us. It will be wonderful to worship, collaborate, and reunite with our friends from Japanese Baptist Church. Join us at 6pm for a simple soup supper meal.

Easter Sunday

April 9, 2023 at 10am

Celebrate the resurrected Christ with song and word! Bring flowers for the flowering of the Cross before worship. Children and youth are invited to an Easter Egg Hunt in the Social Hall.

Peace to you during this Lenten and Easter season. My prayer: may your life be transformed by the new life of Jesus, by God’s justice, by God’s love and passion, and by this truth: Alleluia, Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

More news from our Senior Pastor

For the first time in a long time, the New Federation of Asian American United Methodist Caucus (NFAAUM) met on March 2, 2023 for a NFAAUM General Assembly Meeting in Nashville, Tenn. at the GCFA Denman Building. This was the first time the group met in person in more than seven years. We discussed a new name change, financial matters an implications and the future of a vibrant church. NFAAUM is one of the five officially recognized racial ethnic caucuses of The United Methodist Church and seeks to empower and advocate on behalf of Asian American United Methodist laity, clergy, local congregations, and ministries at all levels of The United Methodist Church. Rev. Karen is the chair of the National Japanese American United Methodist Caucus.

Coming Soon!

This story can be found in our April edition of the Beacon!

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