Opening Hymn Emmanuel, Emmanuel(x 2) • UMH #204 Congregational Singing Kathy and Eugene Onishi Hand Chime Ringers
Scripture Reading Mark 1:1-8 (CEB, JLB) Sylvia Wong, Yuki Sofronas
Prayers of the People Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Church School Play Intro Superintendent Sai Hanaoka
Christmas Play BREAKING NEWS! The Savior is Born! Church School and BYG
Response Hymn There is Song in the Air Church School and BYG Kathy Onishi
Offering Introduction Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Offering Music Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Hand Chime Ringers
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow • UMH #94 Kathy and Eugene Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn Go Tell It on the Mountain Church School and BYG Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude Go Tell It on the Mountain • UMH #251 Kathy Onishi
Zoom Break Out Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Announcements
December Worship Dates
Sunday, December 17, 10:00AM • Christmas Music Sunday in the Sanctuary
Wednesday, December 20, 7:00PM • Blue Christmas Service in Kono Chapel
Sunday, December 24, 10:00AM • Fourth Sunday of Advent Worship Service
Sunday, December 24, 5:00PM • Christmas Eve Candlelight Lesson and Carols Service
Free hearing tests in the Library • Today
Do you have trouble understanding conversation in noisy places? Do you ask people to repeat themselves? Have people told you to get your hearing checked? If you are experiencing any of these concerns, there will be an opportunity immediately after worship to have your hearing checked. Offerings include a free screening of your hearing, and a free cleaning of your ears. If you use hearing aids, you can have those checked, as well. Please go to the Blaine Library to have your hearing checked!
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • December 13 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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
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.
Saturday, December 9, 2023: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; Ezekiel 36:24-28; Mark 11:27-33
Announcements
December Worship Dates
Sunday, December 3, 10:00AM First Sunday of Advent and Holy Communion Sunday
Sunday, December 10, 10:00AM Christmas Play with children and youth in the LAC
Sunday, December 17, 10:00AM Christmas Music Sunday in the Sanctuary
Wednesday, December 20, 7:00PM Blue Christmas Service in Kono Chapel
Sunday, December 24, 10:00AM Fourth Sunday of Advent Worship Service
Sunday, December 24, 5:00PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Lesson and Carols Service
Reconciling Ministries Curry Lunch! • Today!
Join us on Sunday (12/3) immediately after worship in the Social Hall when we will celebrate with joy that we are a Reconciling Ministries congregation! The Reconciling Ministries Team is hosting a chicken curry lunch with an ube cake (with a macapuno filling) celebration! ALL are welcome!
Terri Adolfo hangs Giving Tree gift tags for the Blaine Memorial community.
The Giving Tree Gift Return Deadline • Today
Please return wrapped gifts with securely attached tags by today, Sunday (12/3) in the Social Hall. If you missed the chance to participate or contribute to the Giving Tree this year, we warmly welcome donations. For any inquiries, please contact Terri Adolfo at locket@gmail.com.
Holiday Card Signing • Today
You’re invited to sign Christmas cards for our church members who are sick or in a skilled facility home. The cards are on multiple tables in the Social Hall waiting for your signature until Sunday (12/3). The Social Hall will be open during Church Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm). Please contact the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 if you’d like to sign the cards during the week.
Free hearing tests in the Library • Today
Do you have trouble understanding conversation in noisy places? Do you ask people to repeat themselves? Have people told you to get your hearing checked? If you are experiencing any of these concerns, there will be an opportunity immediately after worship to have your hearing checked. Offerings include a free screening of your hearing, and a free cleaning of your ears. If you use hearing aids, you can have those checked, as well. Please go to the Blaine Library to have your hearing checked!
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • December 6 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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
contacting the church office for Zoom info.
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.
‘Tis the Season and the Place: Calling for Haiku and Senryu • Deadline: December 22
This year the special Advent and Christmas “ornament” for Blaine MUMC is a haiku contest dreamed up by Shig Nishida. Not just haiku, but also senryu.
Haiku is a 17-syllable poem, conventional in Japanese, in three lines of 5-7-5 syllables. Senryu, like Haiku, are 17-syllable poems about insights into society, people, rather than about perceptions of nature. Senryu are social commentary or criticism, or personal self-reflections. The poem should imply or suggest the season it occurs in, should be focused on the immediate setting or place where the poem occurs, and should try to show a spontaneous insight.
Submit your entry on a 5×7 index card (available in the entrance of the Sanctuary and in the church office) with bold and large font or handwriting in drop boxes or the office by the deadline of December 22. A panel of judges will select poems in each category submitted in Advent and the poets and their poems will be announced in church. This contest is open to members of all ages, and you may submit multiple entries with prizes awarded to winners.
Blaine Memorial UMC to join Reconciling Ministries Network!
By The Reconciling Ministries Team, photo by Jesse N. Love
Hello there! Greetings! It is with great news that after a long period of prayer, study, and thoughtful dialogue and discernment, we took our Reconciling Ministries vote on Sunday, November 5, 2023. During this time, 124 church members and active participants of Blaine Memorial UMC voted. The vote passed unanimously. Congratulations on voting on a welcome statement that affirms LGBTQIA+ people and to commemorate the Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church’s joining in the Reconciling Ministries Network.
Blaine Memorial UMC celebrates God’s gift of diversity and values 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.
We want to personally thank the Rev. Jeremy Smith from First United Methodist Church of Seattle who came to Blaine Memorial UMC to open the envelopes and to count the ballots. The ballot process was handled confidentially and in high regard. The Blaine Memorial UMC Reconciling Ministries Team was notified of the results on November 5, 2023, at 3:30PM.
Conversations and discussions about becoming an inclusive church community began more than 17 years ago. These conversations and dialogue were intermittent throughout the years. Intentional discussions on the exploration of what it would look like to become a Reconciling Ministries congregation began over a year and a half ago as one of the outcomes from the Innovation Hub Committee. The Innovation Hub was a research and design project geared to engage young adults and young people in the church led by the leadership of Lynne Onishi and Yoshi Kuramoto. This core group of young adults and youth recruited many members from the church community to host Bible Studies, small groups, and spaces where the church community could engage in dialogue and thoughtful discernment. Although this would not change the polity of the UMC at this time, it would announce that this congregation is in support of full inclusion for people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and gender expressions.
Now that we are a Reconciling congregation, our work is just beginning. Our goal is to continue our pursuit to live more fully into our status. We have vowed to engage ourselves in educational opportunities to help us understand more clearly the various aspects of full inclusion, such as (but not limited to): (a) physical barriers that exclude, (b) subtle and unintentional but exclusionary language we use, (c) what the diverse “LGBTQIA+” identity labels mean to those who use them and live them each day, (d) why people share personal pronouns and how to include this practice in our context, (e) and other ethical “etiquettes” necessary to providing a safe and brave space. The list goes on. In our practice, we are ready to learn from and listen to voices on the margins.
Congratulations, Blaine Memorial UMC! Thank you for being a part of this journey as we continue to explore and learn together.
Continue scrolling or view the print version of the bulletin
Order of Worship
Prelude Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Graceand Greeting Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 100 By Bruce Prewer Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Opening Hymn Gather Us In TFWS #2236 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Opening Prayer Rev. Karen Yokota Love
First Scripture Reading Matthew 25:31-46 CEB, JLB S. Sumida, Y. Sofronas
Children’s Message Sai Hanaoka
StewardshipCampaign 2024 Sharon Maeda
Second Scripture Reading Ephesians 1:15-23 CEB, JLB S. Sumida and Y. Sofronas
Sermon Anchored in Christ Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Hymn of Reflection Christ is Made the Sure Foundation UMH #559 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Introduction tothe Offering Stephen Sumida
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH #94 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Prayer of Dedication, Pledge Card Consecration Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
*Closing Hymn Lord of the Dance UMH #261 Eugene and Kathy Onishi
*Benediction Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Postlude Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Sermon Questions
1. The Apostle Paul emphasizes Christ as the head of the church. How does this impact your understanding of the role of Christ? How can it guide your interactions within the Christian community? What is your perspective on the role of the church in the world?
2. Reflect on the reign of Christ in verses 20-23. What does this signify about Christ’s authority and in what areas of your life do you readily recognize and submit to His authority?
3. How does the unchanging nature of Christ’s reign influence your trust and confidence in Him, particularly during uncertain times?
This year, Christmas Eve is on Sunday (12/24). Therefore, Blaine Memorial UMC will host our regular 10:00AM Sunday Worship service celebrating the Fourth Sunday in Advent and one Christmas Eve Service at 5:00PM. The 5:00PM Christmas Eve Service will be our much-anticipated Christmas Eve Lesson and Carols with Candlelight Service. We hope you can join us!
Free hearing tests in the Library • Today
Do you have trouble understanding conversation in noisy places? Do you ask people to repeat themselves? Have people told you to get your hearing checked? If you are experiencing any of these concerns, there will be an opportunity immediately after worship to have your hearing checked. Offerings include a free screening of your hearing, and a free cleaning of your ears. If you use hearing aids, you can have those checked, as well. Please go to the Blaine Library to have your hearing checked!
Terri Adolfo hangs Giving Tree gift tags for the Blaine Memorial community.
Thanksgiving and Giving Tree Ministries 2023
Terri Adolfo and the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park have some important info regarding service opportunities that support Kimball Elementary. If you’re interested in helping with prep for Apple Crisp and the Giving Tree, read more.
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!
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • November 29 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. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Gender and Faith Workshop • November 29 at 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. Join us by contacting the church office for Zoom info.
Paper Roll Collection
Do you have extra toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls? If so, the Worship Committee is collecting them for an art project to decorate the sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas season. Please drop off your extra toilet paper rolls and/or paper towel rolls in the black treasure chest in the Narthex. Thank you!
Holiday Card Signing • Now to December 3
You’re invited to sign Christmas cards for our church members who are sick or in a skilled facility home. The cards are on multiple tables in the Social Hall waiting for your signature until Sunday (12/3). The Social Hall will be open during Church Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm). Please contact the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 if you’d like to sign the cards during the week.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
