Listening and Hearing; Nudges and Action

By Anne Arakaki-Lock

We were well into the new year, and I had just talked to God about this year’s resolutions the night before Rev. Karen preached her sermon on Human Relations Sunday. She noted that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement began with prayer. Dr. King had heard God’s still voice, and he responded.

I had prayed about my 2024 resolutions and decided that this year I would aim to stay focused and have honest conversations with God and hear Him. I wanted to trust and feel His presence more. I knew that I had to intentionally pause and be still, to take a deep breath and settle my heart to feel His presence when I prayed, when I wanted to have conversation. You can imagine how affirming it was that Reverend Karen’s sermon addressed the resolution I had just made the night before. I was in sync with the Holy Spirit!

Reverend Karen noted, “God speaks to us all the time, but are we listening?” I honestly don’t always, but this time I know that my 2024 resolution had come from God. I also know, that life isn’t just about listening, it’s about hearing the calls to action, too. So the other half of the equation is equally as important as listening itself — that is, “responding to God’s voice?” What about “following with action?”

Immediately after the service, God had me in conversation with Gail Nomura, Archives Chair. In my heart, I had been carrying the weight of knowing I needed to do more for our 120th Anniversary… So do you think it was just a “coincidence” that it was Gail talking to me? I would say instead that it was the nudge.

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” Psalm 73:23 NIV

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

Announcements

Order Easter Lillies Today!

Download the PDF form and print at home. Forms are needed by Sunday, March 24.

Read the latest issue of the Beacon!

Our February-March issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view. The March 2024 issue will be available very soon with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!

You can access past issues in our archive.

Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Every Wednesday

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!

Lent Book Studies

The Third Day: Living the Resurrection Lenten Book Study

This year’s All Church Lenten study is The Third Day: Living the Resurrection by Tom Berlin and Mark A. Miller. Just us in this Zoom study on Tuesdays at 7:00PM, which is being facilitated by Rev. Mia MiKyung Park and Rev. Karen Yokota Love. The link will be emailed prior to the meeting date. We will also meet on the remainig Tuesdays: 3/12, and 3/19 to discuss each chapter. 

The Office is selling The Third Day: Living the Resurrection books for $14.00 and the Leader Guide is $12.00. You are welcome to buy the book in the Office and read with your small groups. 

In The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, Tom Berlin uses his storytelling gifts and scriptural understanding to connect readers to the experiences of individuals around Jesus in his final days. The focus is on new life and redemption rather than loss.

Come and journey with characters like Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they experience the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study will explore events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives.

NJAUMC Lenten Book Study continues until March 25!

Join Rev. John Miyahara (UMC/US Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC), and members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus congregations in a 6-week Lenten book study. We are reading Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross by Magrey DeVega. Books are $17.00 in the Church Office. Please note that reading the book isn’t required! Join us tomorrow, Monday, March 11 from 4:30-6:00 PM (Hawaii), 6:30-8:00 PM (Pacific) and 7:30-9:00 PM (Mountain). The study will conclude on Mon., March 25.

Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024

The Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Educational Scholarships are designed to support the mission of the church through supporting a multitude of educational opportunities. We are proud to have helped students in their pursuit of continuing education since 1968. We encourage all applicants; from those just entering their next phase of education to those returning to complete or pursue continued education.

We are blessed to offer the following scholarships:

• Vera Ing Scholarship
• Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
• Yasuda Scholarship
• William S. Yorozu Scholarship
• Robert S. Sato Scholarship

Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships or through the church office. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay, church participation and finances. Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 15, 2024 for consideration.

We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.

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February-March 2024 Calendar