COVID-19 UPDATE – DECEMBER 2021
We’ve reopened our sanctuary doors just in time for the Advent/Christmas season and we are more than excited about this! We are now offering in-person Sunday worship at 10am while live streaming our service! It’s a huge victory to achieve this point to tackle the vision of a hybrid ministry. Thank you to all of you who’ve helped to make this happen.
Our priority is to continue to do no harm by keeping everyone both connected and safe. Following Resident Bishop Elaine J.W. Stanovsky and the King County rules, we are asking that all congregants be fully vaccinated. We are asking congregation members to show their vaccination cards (either a paper copy or a photo of your card). If you have not been fully vaccinated, please plan to bring proof of your negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the worship service.
We are committed to our biblical mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves and our Wesleyan call to do no harm. Through this process, trust God’s faithfulness and goodness while also being realistic about possible risks and challenges from COVID-19.
The Center for Disease Control recently strengthened their recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older. Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are six months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or two months after their initial J&J vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for the 5 to 11 years-old
age group.
The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19.
The Church Office continues to be open by appointment only from Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm. The Office is closed from 12pm-1pm for the lunch hour. Anyone who is planning to pick up or drop off any items must arrange an appointment time with the Office.
Masks are required when indoors and outside. No food should be brought indoors. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Please make sure that you are on Blaine Memorial’s email list as the most up-to-date information will be announced through email. If you’re not receiving emails from Blaine, please contact The Office at blaineoffice@yahoo.com and our Office Manager will get you on our mailing list. Blaine Memorial continues to be a beacon of love and hope during this next phase of life and for years to come.
COVID-19 UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2021
During the pandemic, our priority is keeping everyone both connected and safe. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is urging Americans who are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 to get their shots ahead of this year’s holiday season, and those who are eligible to get a COVID-19 booster should do so.
• To continue protection from COVID-19 infection, a booster vaccine is recommended if you were fully vaccinated 6 months or more ago. Currently eligible are those 65 years and older, have underlying health issues or are front-line workers with exposure to the general public.
• COVID-19 vaccines should also be available very soon for the 5 to 11 year-old age group.
Since many generations of loved ones tend to gather to celebrate holidays, we encourage those eligible to update their vaccination status for COVID-19 and also to be vaccinated against the flu.
To protect all our members, we want to continue to be proactive in instituting preventative measures. We will continue to suspend in-person worship during the month of November with the hope and preparation that we can meet in-person in December. In preparation of future gatherings, please get your COVID-19 booster shot (if eligible)! In lieu of in-person worship, we continue to offer our 11am Online Zoom worship service.
The Church Office continues to be open by appointment only from Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm. The Office is closed from 12pm-1pm for the lunch hour. Our essential workers include the Office, Pastoral and Financial Staff. Anyone who is planning to pick up or drop off any items must arrange an appointment time with the Office.
Masks are required when indoors and outside. No food should be brought indoors. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
We are committed to our biblical mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves and our Wesleyan call to do no harm. Through this process, trust God’s faithfulness and goodness while also being realistic about possible risks and challenges from COVID-19. Please make sure that you are on Blaine Memorial’s email list as the most up-to-date information will be announced through email. In you’re not receiving emails from Blaine, please contact The office at blaineoffice@yahoo.com and our Office Manager will get you on our mailing list. Blaine Memorial continues to be a beacon of love and hope during this next phase of life and for years to come.
COVID-19 UPDATE – OCTOBER 2021
During the pandemic, our priority is keeping everyone both connected and safe.The highly infectious Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 continues to be the predominant source of COVID-19 illness in our nation today. It is driving the surge in cases and stressing our local health care system. Over the last week, Seattle metro area has averaged 1,206 new confirmed cases per day (30.3 for every 100,000 residents). While the number of COVID cases remains high, we will continue to suspend in-person services.
Despite this protection provided by vaccination, any of our Blaine Memorial church members with immuno-compromising conditions may have suboptimal responses to the COVID-19 vaccination.
To protect all our members, we want to continue to be proactive in instituting preventative measures. Therefore, while COVID infection rates are high and hospital bed availability is diminishing, we will suspend in-person worship during the month of October. We continue to offer our 11am Online Zoom worship service. Resuming activities will be based on COVID illness statistics and recommendations by our local government. In last month’s newsletter, we announced that the Sukiyaki Dinner Leadership Team and the Pastoral Staff will NOT HOLD this year’s Sukiyaki event.
The Church Office continues to be open by appointment only from Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm. The Office is closed from 12pm-1pm for the lunch hour. Our essential workers include the Office, Pastoral and Financial Staff. Anyone who is planning to pick up or drop off any items must arrange an appointment time with our Office Manager, Sarah. This process is necessary if you come to church campus during non-office hours (e.g., Trustees, Financial Counters).
Masks are required when indoors and outside. In August, Governor Jay Inslee announced a new mandate that masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. No food should be brought indoors. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
We are committed to our biblical mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves and our Wesleyan call to do no harm. Through this process, trust God’s faithfulness and goodness while also being realistic about possible risks and challenges from COVID-19. Please make sure that you are on Blaine Memorial’s email list as the most up-to-date information will be announced through email. If you’re not receiving emails from Blaine, please contact the office at blaineoffice@yahoo.com and Sarah will get you on our mailing list.
Blaine Memorial continues to be
a beacon of love and hope during this next phase of life and for years
to come.
COVID-19 UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2021
During the pandemic, our priority is keeping everyone both connected and safe.The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is the predominant source of the COVID-19 illness in our nation today. It has increased transmissibility compared to earlier variants and has the potential for increased severity. It also has modest reduction in vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19, allowing breakthrough infections. The vaccine is however, is very effective against developing severe disease.
Despite this protection provided by vaccination, any of our Blaine church members with immuno-compromising conditions may have suboptimal responses to COVID-19 vaccination.
To protect all our members, we want to be proactive in instituting preventative measures. Therefore, while COVID-19 infection rates are high and hospital bed availability is diminishing, we will suspend in-person service on a week-by-week basis. We continue to offer our 11am Online Zoom worship service. Resuming activities will be based on COVID-19 illness statistics and recommendations by our local government. In addition, the Sukiyaki Dinner Leadership Team and the Pastoral Staff has decided to NOT HOLD this year’s Sukiyaki event scheduled for October 2, 2021. (Please see the article below).
The Church Office continues to be open by appointment only from Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm. The Office is closed from 12pm-1pm for the lunch hour. Anyone who is planning to pick up or drop off any items must arrange an appointment time with our Office Manager, Sarah. This process is necessary if you come to church campus during non-office hours (e.g., Trustees, Financial Counters).
Masks are required when indoors and outside. On August 20, 2021, Governor Inslee announced the new mandate that masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, who are in indoor public settings and for everyone in crowded outdoor settings. No food should be brought indoors. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
We are committed to our biblical mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves and our Wesleyan call to
do no harm. We trust God’s faithfulness and goodness while being realistic about possible risks and challenges from COVID-19. We appreciate your flexibility, understanding and grace! Blaine Memorial continues to be a beacon of love and hope during this next phase of life and for years to come.
COVID-19 UPDATE – AUGUST 2021
August 17, 2021
Hello Blaine Memorial Friends,
On Sunday, August 15, 2021, I announced that our 9:30am in-person worship service will be suspended on Sunday, August 22, 2021. We will continue to provide Online Worship at 11am each Sunday. During both worship services, I announced that we will continue to monitor local health regulations and will examine whether we will resume in-person worship service on a week-to-week basis based on the COVID-19 numbers and breakthrough cases. Each Wednesday, we will send out a weekly email communication regarding our in-person worship status.
The virus causing the COVID-19 illness continues to evolve and form new variants that are more resistant to current vaccines. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are accelerating in King County, demonstrating the Delta variant’s potential to unravel our hard-fought progress toward recovery. The prevalent Delta variant is highly contagious and recent studies have shown our vaccines are less effective in preventing symptomatic illness. Consequently, we need to protect the vulnerable populations and are subject to severe illness due to underlying health issues and weakened immune systems. Unvaccinated people are being hit hardest, and public health officials continue to urge everyone who has not gotten fully vaccinated to do so immediately.
If you qualify, we encourage everyone to get vaccinated. You are protecting not only yourself, but also our precious Blaine family. Every day, more of us across Washington are getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Our priority is to continue to keep everyone safe.We continue to be committed to our biblical mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves and our Wesleyan call to do no harm. Through this process, trust God’s faithfulness and goodness while also being realistic about possible risks, threats, challenges and complications from COVID-19.
We hope to see you at our online 11am service on Sunday as we will be celebrating out Blaine Memorial Scholarship recipients! Church School will also meet virtually through Zoom on Sunday at 10am.
We trust that God is doing a new thing and that if we are paying attention to the Spirit and following where the Spirit leads, we will be the beacon of love, hope and grace that God has called us to be during this next phase of life and for years to come.
Peace to you,
Rev. Karen Yokota Love and the COVID-19 Advisory Committee
COVID-19 UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2021
As we turn our attention to the month of February, I want to take the time to update you on our status about meeting in-person. Blaine Memorial Church’s campus will continue to be closed in February. Furthermore, we will not gather for in-person worship services, but we will continue to worship together live virtually on Sundays via Zoom.
The good news is that the vaccine is in Washington. Washington state
is currently in Phase 1B Tier 1 of vaccine distribution. The COVID-19 vaccine is available to those aged 65 and older, and all people 50 and older who also live in a multigenerational household. Appointments for vaccination can be scheduled through the WA state DOH website: https://form.findyourphasewa.org/210118771253954.
However, with the COVID-19 infection rate at its highest as well as recently surpassing the 421,000-death count in the US, we must continue to remain vigilant and do our part to love our neighbor and stay safe. We continue to observe the restrictions that Governor Jay Inslee issued on November 16. We will continue to observe the following rules on our church campus: (1) We can meet with five people or less in one space. In Blaine language, five people or less is in a larger space such as the Social Hall. (2) One person can be in the Church Office. (3) Our Church Office will remain closed to the public. (4) Folks who can be at Blaine are essential workers which includes Rev. Karen, Rev. Mia and Sarah Rankin. (5) Anyone who is planning to pick-up or drop off any items must call the Church Office prior to their arrival and arrange an appropriate time with Sarah. (6) Pick-ups and drop-offs will take place outside of the church building. (7) Anyone who is coming on to campus at any time must be cleared with Sarah and must be by appointment only. This process is also necessary if you come to the church campus during non-office hours (e.g., Trustees to work on church grounds or our financial counters). Sarah, our Office Manager, will continue to respond to email, phone calls, manage the Office, and retrieve the mail. Anyone needing to come to Blaine must schedule a time by calling or emailing the Office: blaineoffice@yahoo.com or 206-723-1536.
Thank you for continuing to be faithful stewards and believers of Blaine Memorial UMC.
COVID-19 UPDATE – JANUARY 2021
As we turn our attention to the New Year, I want to take the time to update you on our status about meeting in-person. Blaine Memorial Church’s campus will continue to be closed in January. Furthermore, we will not gather for in-person worship services in January, but we will continue to worship together live virtually on Sundays through Zoom.
With the COVID-19 infection rate at its highest as well as recently surpassing the 230,000-death count in the US, we must continue to remain vigilant and do our part to love our neighbor and stay safe. According to Washington State Governor Jay Inslee says, “Continued vigilance, including limiting trips outside the home, social distancing, regular hand washing and wearing face coverings in public is crucial to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and allow us to resume normal economic activity.â€
We continue to observe the restrictions that Governor Jay Inslee issued on November 16, we will continue to observe the following rules on our church campus:
(1) We can meet with five people or less in one space. In Blaine language, five people or less is in a larger space such as the Social Hall.
(2) One person can be in the Office.
(3) Our Church Office will remain closed to the public.
(4) Folks who can be at Blaine are essential workers which includes Rev. Karen, Rev. Mia and Sarah Rankin.
(5) Anyone who is planning to pick-up or drop off any items must call the Church Office prior to their arrival and arrange an appropriate time with Sarah.
(6) Pick-ups and drop-offs will take place outside of the church building.
(7) Anyone who is coming on to campus at any time must be cleared with Sarah and must be by appointment only.
This process is also necessary if you come to the church campus during non-office hours (e.g., Trustees to work on church grounds or our financial counters).
When people come to the Church Office after making an appointment with Sarah, temperature checks will be taken. People will need to sign-in by providing their contact information. People will need to wash their hands upon arrival. Please observe a 6-foot distance at all times while working. Masks are required at all times.
Sarah, our Office Manager, will continue to respond to email, phone calls, manage the Office, and retrieve the mail. Anyone who is planning to drop off any items must call the Church Office prior to their arrival and arrange an appropriate time with Sarah.
If you’ve missed any of our 11am Sunday worship services, we invite you to view our worship services at blaineonline.org. Please join us live on January 31, 2021 for our special Anniversary Sunday service where we will honor and celebrate our 88+ year-old church members.
We encourage you to participate and meet with your small group, call each other, pray for each other, and know for the love of God, that this time will pass. Recently, there’s much to celebrate as we read and hear the good news about our essentials workers and elders beginning to receive the first rounds of the new COVID-19 vaccine! This is good news! However, during this time, we must stay vigilant and do our part to not overwhelm the hospitals and to prevent the virus from spreading further. Our first and foremost priority continues to be for your health and safety, and the safety of those most vulnerable amongst us. We continue to be full of great joy and gratitude during this time of the pandemic! Thank you for continuing to be faithful stewards and believers of Blaine Memorial UMC.
COVID-19 UPDATE – DECEMBER 2020
As we turn our attention to the season of Advent and Christmas, I want to take the time to update you on our status about meeting in-person. Blaine Memorial Church’s campus will continue to be closed
in December.
With the COVID-19 infection rate at its highest, as well as recently surpassing the 250,000-death count in the US, we must continue to remain vigilant and do our part to love our neighbor and stay safe. With the recent announcement from Governor Jay Inslee which was issued on November 16, we’ve made revisions to the current rules at Blaine.
We’ve also moved back to Phase 1 in King County of a Four Phase Process. Phase 1 means that we can meet with five people or less in one space. In Blaine language, five people or less is in a larger space such as the Social Hall. One person can be in the Office. Our Church Office will remain closed to the public. Folks who can be at Blaine are essential workers which includes Rev. Karen, Rev. Mia and Sarah Rankin, our Office Manager. Sarah will continue to respond to email, phone calls, manage the Office, and retrieve the mail. Anyone who is planning to pick-up or drop off any items must call the Church Office prior to their arrival and arrange an appropriate time with Sarah. Pick-ups and drop-offs will take place outside of the church building. Anyone who is coming on to campus at any time must be cleared with Sarah and must be by appointment only. This process is also necessary if you come to the church campus during non-office hours (e.g. Trustees to work on church grounds or our financial counters).
When people come to the Church Office after making an appointment with Sarah, temperature checks will be taken. People will need to sign-in by providing their contact information. People will need to wash their hands upon arrival. Please observe a 6-foot distance at all times while working. Masks are required at all times.
On December 5, the BYG will host a Drive-Thru food collection event.All participants must stay in their vehicles. Please do not get out of your car to congregate with one another or have an informal gathering in the parking lot. We are currently allowed only five persons outside
and that number is reserved for our BYG volunteers.
Greater Northwest Resident
Bishop Elaine J.W. Stanovsky advises all of her churches under her watch
to continue to not worship in-person.
She encourages us, however, to continue to do the work that Jesus calls us to do — to love our neighbor as ourselves — and by doing that,
we wear our masks to protect
our neighbors.
We will not gather for in-person worship services in December, but we will continue to worship together live virtually on Sundays through Zoom. If you’ve missed our 11am Sunday worship service, please continue to view our worship services at blaineonline.org. Please join us during the month of December for some special worship services including Blue Christmas and our Christmas Eve services.
The Pastoral Staff continues to work closely with Eugene Onishi, Jesse Love, our musical talent, and the Worship Committee to plan our Advent and Christmas Eve services with great love, intention and to provide the Christmas spirit in your homes this year.
I encourage you to participate and meet with your small group, participate in the all-church Advent study, Incarnation. Continue to call each other, pray for each other, and know for the love of God, that this time will pass. We just had a sign of hope a few days ago with news that there is a vaccine that is on the verge of being FDA-approved! This is great news! We must stay vigilant and do our part to not overwhelm the hospitals and to prevent the virus from spreading further. Our first and foremost priority continues to be for your health and safety, and the safety of those most vulnerable amongst us.
We continue to be full of great joy and gratitude during this time in the darkness. Thank you for continuing to be faithful stewards and believers of Blaine Memorial UMC.
COVID-19 UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2020
As we turn our attention to an upcoming presidential election, stewardship month and Thanksgiving, I want to take the time to update you on our status about meeting in-person.Blaine Memorial Church’s campus will continue to be closed in November. We continue to be in Phase 2 in King County of a 4-Phase Process. Phase 2 means that we can meet with 10 people or less in one space. Our Church Office will remain closed to the public. Folks who can be at Blaine are essential workers which includes clergy, worship participants, Board of Trustees (to fix areas on church grounds), and our financial counters. Sarah, our Office Manager, will continue to respond to email, phone calls, manage the Office, and retrieve the mail. Anyone who is planning to drop off any items must call the Church Office prior to their arrival and arrange an appropriate time with Sarah. Greater Northwest Resident Bishop Elaine J.W. Stanovsky advises all of her churches under her watch to continue to not worship in-person. She encourages us, however, to continue to do the work that Jesus calls us to do — to love our neighbor as ourselves — and by doing that, we wear our masks to protect our neighbors.
We will not gather for in-person worship services in November, but we will continue to worship together live virtually on Sundays through Zoom. If you’ve missed our 11am Sunday worship service, please continue to view our worship services at blaineonline.org. Please join us during the month of November for some special worship services including All Saints Sunday where we will remember those who have passed in the last year, personalized testimonials from church members, and a special gratitude Sunday service as we honor God through acts of stewardship.
The Pastoral Staff and Leadership continues to design plans for the possibilities of future gatherings in-person, while simultaneously planning ministry events and continue to worship and do ministry virtually. We’ll assess at the end of November whether or not we will gather in-person in December. Our first and foremost priority continues to be for your health and safety, and the safety of those most vulnerable amongst us.
The Pastoral Staff continues to work closely with Eugene Onishi, Jesse Love, our musical talent and the Worship Committee to plan our stewardship/giving worship and sermon series online. We are also envisioning how Advent and Christmas Eve services will embody a virtual format. We continue to strive to create meaningful worship services in new and creative ways that translate well to an online framework. This is not an easy task, so I continue to ask for your grace and patience during this transitional time.
Our Leadership continues to prepare plans for modified ways of being together when we can finally meet in-person again. We also continue to find creative ways to be in the same space physically, such as through our Drive-Thru events. I encourage you to participate in any of our workshops that are being offered, to meet with your small groups, to call each other, pray for each other, and know for the love of God, that this time will pass. If you are interested in joining a small group, please let either Rev. Karen, Rev. Mia, and/or Rev. Jeney know, as we can connect you. We continue to be full of great joy and gratitude during this time in the great wilderness because we have the privilege of serve you. Thank you for continuing to be faithful stewards and believers of Blaine Memorial UMC. Thanks a million! We love you!
COVID-19 UPDATE – OCTOBER 2020
As the Autumn leaves change color and the season gets colder, I want to take the time to update you on our status about meeting in-person. Blaine Memorial Church will continue to be closed in October. We continue to be in Phase 2 in King County of a 4-Phase Process. Phase 2 means that we can meet with 10 people or less in one space. Our Church Office will remain closed to the public. Folks who can be at Blaine are essential workers which includes clergy, worship participants, Board of Trustees (to fix areas on church grounds) and our financial counters. Sarah, our Office Manager, will continue to respond to email, phone calls, manage the Office, and retrieve the mail. Anyone who is planning to drop off any items must call the Church Office prior to their arrival and arrange an appropriate time with Sarah. Greater Northwest Resident Bishop Elaine J.W. Stanovsky advises all of her churches under her watch to continue to not worship in-person. She encourages us, however, to continue to do the work that Jesus calls us to do — to love our neighbor as ourselves — and by doing that, we wear our masks to protect our neighbors. Recently, at our Pacific Northwest Annual Conference, Bishop Elaine J. W. Stanovsky reminded us to “continue to be creative in our current restrictions and not to wait for it to lighten up. It’s not yet getting better in our country as well as other countries.†She also said,
“Do not hunker down spiritually! I call on all United Methodists to return to the deep well of God’s love and grace revealed in Jesus Christ as we remember, refresh and reclaim the spiritual strength and courage of our faith.â€
Therefore, we will not gather for in-person worship services in October, but we will continue to worship together virtually on Sundays. We’ll assess at the end of October to determine if we are able to gather for in-person worship in November. Our first and foremost priority continues to be for your health and safety, and the safety of those most vulnerable amongst us.
The Pastoral Staff continues to work with Eugene Onishi, Jesse Love, our musical talent and the Worship Committee to plan for more virtual, creative and engaging ways where we are able to interact with one another. We will continue to worship together through Zoom in October. If you’ve missed our 11am Sunday worship service, please continue to view our worship services at blaineonline.org. Please join us during the month of October for some special worship services including World Communion Sunday, Blessing of the Animals, and Youth Sunday with the BYG!
I realize how difficult it is to not be in the same space physically. I miss all of you so much. Our Leadership continues to prepare plans for modified ways of being together when we can finally meet in-person again. We also continue to find creative ways to be in the same space physically, such as through our Drive-Thru events. I encourage you to participate in any of our workshops that are being offered, to meet with your small groups, to call each other, pray for each other, and know for the love of God, that this time will pass. If you are interested in joining a small group, please let either Rev. Karen, Rev. Mia, and/or Rev. Jeney know, as we can connect you.
Thank you for all that you do, for your spirit and flexibility during this unprecedented time. Thank you for your deep heart and your commitment and loyalty to Blaine Memorial UMC!
COVID-19 UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2020
As our kids gear up to go Back-to-School virtually and we move into the Autumn season, I want to take the time to update you on our status about meeting in-person. Blaine Memorial Church will continue to be closed in September. We continue to be in Phase 2 of a Four Phase Process. Phase 2 means that we can meet with 10 people or less in one space. Our Church Office will remain closed. Folks who can be at Blaine are essential workers which includes clergy, worship participants, Board of Trustees (to fix areas on church grounds), and our financial counters. Sarah, our Office Manager, will continue to respond to email, phone calls, manage the Office, and retrieve the mail. Anyone who is planning to drop off any items must call the Church Office prior to their arrival and arrange an appropriate time
with Sarah.
We will not gather for in-person worship services in September, but we will continue to worship together virtually on Sundays. We’ll assess at the end of September to determine if we are able to gather for in-person worship in October. Our first and foremost priority continues to be for your health and safety, and the safety of those most vulnerable amongst us.
The Pastoral Staff continues to work with Eugene Onishi, Jesse Love, our musical talent, and the Worship Committee to plan for more virtual, creative and engaging ways where we are able to interact with one another. We will continue to worship together through Zoom during the Fall. People like to “see each other†in “real time.†Worshiping together live is holy and sacred space where we come together. If you’ve missed our 11am Sunday worship service, please continue to view our worship services at blaineonline.org.
As the prophet Isaiah reminds us:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.â€
(Isaiah 41:10)
God continues to call us and invite us into a relationship. God promises to take care of us. Our hope in Christ means that we can be assured of the promises of God. Since we are called, we have nothing to fear!
During these times of uncertainty, it’s important that we remember this and that we continue to hear God’s word, pray, and gather together (virtually) in Christian community. Know that Rev. Karen, Rev. Mia, and Rev. Jeney are praying for each of you. Please feel free to contact us if you have particular pastoral needs or need a listening ear at (206) 723-1536.
The amount of community and love that Blaine has for each other is amazing! We invite you to continue to pray for one another and to check-in on each other through your preferred lines of communication.
God continues to walk with us, gives us resilience and strength, and holds us steady. Stay healthy and be well.
COVID-19 UPDATE – AUGUST 2020
Grace and peace to you during this summertime! I pray that you enjoyed the Fourth of July weekend, while sheltering in place. I want to take the time to update you on our status about meeting in-person. We are currently in Phase Two of a Four-Phase Process. Phase Two means that we can meet with five people or less in one space. This doesn’t alter our rules much from Phase One. The only people that are allowed at Blaine are essential workers which includes clergy, office manager, worship participants, Board of Trustees (to fix areas on church grounds), and our financial counters. We’ve made the decision that the Blaine Memorial Church Office will continue to be closed in August. Sarah, our Office Manager, will continue to respond to email and will retrieve the mail. Anyone who is planning to drop off any items must call the Church Office prior to their arrival and arrange an appropriate time with Sarah. Please see our new office protocol below.
As much as we would love to see each other, your safety comes first so we will continue to worship online for August. We will assess at the end of August to determine if we are able to gather for in-person worship in September. Our first and foremost priority continues to be for your health and safety, and the safety of those most vulnerable amongst us.
The Pastoral Staff continues to work with Eugene Onishi, Jesse Love, our musical talent and the Worship Committee to come up with some creative and engaging ways to interact with one another. We’ve experimented with pre-recording worship and with worshiping in real-time through Zoom on Sundays. We will continue to worship together through Zoom for the rest of the summer and also reassess if that is the best working solution for all of us. As each day is presented to us, we continue to dream up new and innovative ways in which we can embody God’s presence and bring the message to you. Please continue to view our worship services at blaineonline.org.
The amount of community and love that Blaine has for each another is amazing! We invite you to continue to pray for one another and to check-in on each other through your preferred lines of communication.
Thank you for being community together, for your flexibility, compassion and understanding during this unprecedented time. We’re all in this together and we can do this together! Stay safe and
be well.
June 23, Email Scams “Phishing”
June 5, 2020 Black Lives Matter Letter
May 24, 2020
March 24, 2020
Greetings Blaine Community,
Grace and peace to you during this Lenten time – a time of definite uncertainty as we continue to wander in the wildness together. The amount of community and love that Blaine has for each another is amazing! We invite you to continue to pray for one another and to check-in on each other through your preferred lines of communication. Our Congregational Care Ministers (CCM) continue to do a fantastic job checking in on our most vulnerable. We encourage you to look for the silver lining during this time at home whether it’s through baking, writing a hand-written letter, building a shed outside, or cleaning out that closet … know that this time at home is also sacred, and this too, shall pass.
Last night, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee issued a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy†order. With that in mind, here are a few directives that we’d like to communicate to you at this time:
(1) As stated in Sunday’s online worship, the Blaine Memorial Church Office will be closed for an indefinite amount time. Sarah, our Office Manager, will continue to respond to email and will retrieve the mail. Please do not come to the church building including the Lee Activity Center, even if you may be experiencing “cabin fever†at home or feel that it is a safe place to come because the church building is large. Please do not use the gym (even if you are alone) or use the kitchen to do any baking and cooking. This is the time to listen to the directives from Governor Inslee to stay at home, as it will save lives. Together, we help flatten the curve of the spread of COVID-19.
(2) We will not be meeting for in-person worship services for the month of April 2020. This decision was carefully thought-out and is following the direction of our Washington State school systems which have refrained from meeting until April 24, 2020. We will assess at the end of April to determine if we are able to gather for in-person worship in May. Our first and foremost priority continues to be for your health and safety, and the safety of those most vulnerable amongst us.
(3) What does this mean for
Holy Week and for Easter worship services?
We will worship together online. The Pastoral Staff continues to work
with Eugene Onishi, Jesse Love, and the Worship Committee to come up with some
creative and engaging ways where we are able to interact with one another. As
each day is presented to us, we continue to dream up new and innovative ways in
which we can embody God’s presence and bring the message to you. Please
continue to view our worship services at blaineonline.org.
Thank you for being community together, for your flexibility, compassion and understanding during this unprecedented time. We’re all in this together and we can do this together!
Peace to you,
Rev. Karen Yokota Love and the
Pastoral Team
The Blaine Memorial Leadership Team
______________________________________________________________________________
March 12, 2020
Coronavirus Update: Blaine Memorial Church Closure
Dear Beloved Community,
The Blaine Memorial UMC Leadership continues to follow closely the recommendations and expertise from public officials in King County and from Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, regarding COVID-19, the illness caused by a new coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. Yesterday marked a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County and throughout our country.
An additional update from Governor Jay Inslee’s Proclamation prohibits large gatherings of more than 250 people. This is in addition to King County public health recommendations of canceling gatherings of 50 or more people. We are blessed to be a vibrant multigenerational church with many groups that come and go. We have a great concern for congregants and members of the community who are at risk (ages 60+, those with underlying conditions, pregnant, or weakened immune systems). Our primary goal continues to be to slow the spread of the virus in our community and, importantly, to reduce the number of potential deaths caused by COVID-19.
With this concern and caution for public health, all in-person worship services for the remainder of March – March 15, 22, 29 will be canceled.Just like this past Sunday, we will continue to provide an online service option. Please check back on our website at blaineoline.org where you can access the services.
All outside group activities including community groups, ukulele groups, yoga, basketball groups, large events, etc. are canceled until the end of March.
All Blaine-related small groups, ministry teams or other meetings from Blaine UMC (including governing boards such as SPRC and Ad Board; Sunday School; young adult, youth, and children’s events; Boy and Girl Scouts, choir practices, etc.) that gather at the church will be canceled. Gatherings that take place off-site should be done with caution and at your discretion.
For calendar questions and concerns, please email Sarah Rankin (blaineoffice@yahoo.com).
At this time, these practices are effective immediately until March 31. We will keep you up-to-date as information changes and with any decisions regarding church activities. Please continue to check our website and Realm for receive up-to-date information.
Please refer to theKing County health department page for updates and questions about the virus and what to do if you feel ill.
Please keep our community, our health officials, healthcare providers, leaders, government officials, and those who are vulnerable, in your prayers and know that you and your family continue to be in ours.
In Christ,
Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Lead Pastor and the Pastoral Staff
Blaine Memorial Leadership Team
______________________________________________________________________________
March 6, 2020
Dear Beloved Blaine Community,
Greetings in the name of the Spirit. By now, my hope is that you have received a message either through Realm, Facebook, or by phone about:
- Blaine’s Sukiyaki fundraiser (originally scheduled for tomorrow, March 7, 2020) is POSTPONED.
- We’re also CANCELING ALL our worship services on Sunday, March 8, 2020.
Your health, the health of Blaine’s church family, friends, neighbors and greater community is our first priority as we watch over one another in love. We continue to respond with faith to prevent the spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.
Bishop Elaine J.W. Stanovsky strongly recommended that we follow the King County Public Health recommendations to cancel large events (50 people or more), including worship, community events, and shared meals.
The primary goal is to slow down the spread of COVID-19, and in order to do that, we need to be mindful and not create opportunities for exposure and for the spread of the virus. We do this by limiting our contact with people in large groups and ultimately, this is a way to care for our community, neighborhood and the world.
SUKIYAKI DINNER TICKETS
Many of you have received Sukiyaki Dinner tickets and have already paid. Our hope is to reschedule our popular event in the near future, so we encourage you to hold onto your tickets. If you prefer a refund, please contact the Blaine Office at (206) 723-1536 or blaineoffice@yahoo.com.
MARCH 8, 2020 SUNDAY WORSHIP IS CANCELLED
We are working to provide an online message. Please check Realm, FB, and the Blaine Memorial Website on how to receive instructions on where to access the worship service. Printed copies of the sermon manuscript will be available in our church office and on our website. We will be evaluating future in-person worship services on a weekly basis, going forward.
Thank you in advance for your flexibility and understanding and for
caring for our church community. Please continue to check our communication
vehicles for
real-time updates.
Be the hope,
Rev. Karen Yokota Love, the Pastoral Team, and the Blaine Leadership Team