Blaine Church members meet-and-greet with Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth. From (L-R): Sharon Maeda, Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth, Ron Nobuyama and Rev. Karen Yokota Love
We are resurrection people!
By Rev. Karen Yokota Love, additional photos by Lawrence Paltep and Jesse N. Love
Hallelujah! Christ is risen. Hallelujah! Christ is risen, indeed! I greet you with the miracle of Easter during this Eastertide season.
Members and friends of Blaine wrap the rice balls with anko. The rice balls were prepared the night before. Anko is a sweet red bean paste made from adzuki beans and sugar.
I’m thrilled because Blaine Memorial’s Sukiyaki Take Out benefit ministry event was an absolute success. After three years of being suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a great team of leadership resurrected Sukiyaki this year. Thank you for your generous support. This event can only be successful when folks like yourselves are willing to give your time, energy and commitment. Take a look at “Sukiyaki Photos 2023” to see all of the fun.
The Blaine Youth Group prepared a delicious breakfast for Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023.
To top that off, Easter Sunday at Blaine Memorial was magical this year. Our Blaine Youth Group (BYG) resurrected the Easter Breakfast! The BYG prepared and cooked a delicious Easter breakfast with all the fixings – scrambled eggs, mini sausages, fruit, cinnamon rolls, haupia, and so much more!
Steve Sofronas and Joseph Adriano set the flowered cross in the sanctuary.
The Worship Committee decorated the sanctuary on Holy Saturday. The altar was covered in lilies with white and gold touches. Joe Adriano, Steve Sofronas and Michael Corsilles carried in the flowered cross during the processional which magnified the sanctuary. Our Church School Teachers and BYG filled and hid 300 Easter Eggs in the Social Hall and Kono Chapel for our children. Even though it rained all morning, Easter was still special with Christ’s love surrounding us with breakfast, the flowering of the cross, a dynamic worship service and an Egg Hunt. Thank you for a special Easter, Blaine Memorial. Christ Is Risen, Indeed!
George Yates and Shig Nishida serve breakfast on Mother’s Day as Rev. Karen Yokota Love partakes in a hearty meal.
Speaking of eggs, our Mother’s Day Breakfast made a comeback! We honored the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC on Sunday, May 14. We showed love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today. The men of Blaine Memorial prepared breakfast early at 6am. Thank you to Howard Nakase for chairing this year’s Mother’s Day breakfast!
Team Blaine represents at the ACRS Walk for Rice!
May signals the importance of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. On Sunday, May 21, we will celebrate our long-standing relationship with Asian Counseling and Referral Services. Executive Director Michael Byun will join us in our worship service and share stories with us about ACRS’s long history with Blaine Memorial. ACRS promotes social justice and the well-being and empowerment of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities – including immigrants, refugees, and American-born – by developing, providing, and advocating for innovative, effective, and efficient community-based multilingual and multicultural services. We’ll also hear from Audrey Hwang and Justine about the upcoming Walk for Rice event in June. Visit “Walk for Rice 2023” for more info.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love presents a Reconciling Ministries Moment during Sunday Worship on May 7, 2023.
Also on Sunday, May 21, we will take a straw poll after worship. This poll is to identify if we can become a reconciling congregation. It will also give us an opportunity to measure our progress and to discuss further scripture texts, intentionally facilitate dialogue, and answer any questions that one might have to become a reconciling congregation. Please look at “God’s Radical Love: Diversity”, where Lynne Onishi discusses the process more in depth.
Earlier last month, I had the honor of meeting our new Greater Northwest Resident Area Bishop, Cedrick D. Bridgeforth at a Meet-and-Greet with the SeaTac District. We also had the chance to meet his spouse, Christopher. Bishop Cedrick expressed his great passion with a wide range of social justice issues, including restorative justice, homelessness, and hunger. He articulated in his sermon that one of his goals while he serves the Greater Northwest Area is to eradicate racism and discrimination of all kinds. I look forward to Bishop Cedrick’s leadership and where he will take this conference with his vision and innovative ideas.
As we move towards Pentecost, which signifies the birthday of the church, may you feel and know the power of the Holy Spirit this season. May you celebrate and be renewed with God’s Spirit. May you use this time of deep reflection and a renewal of faith. May God be with you. Blessings to you during this season!
Read the Beacon!
The latest issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for viewing! Printed versions are available in the office, sanctuary, and social hall!
Happy Spring from the Innovation Hub team! We’ve had an exciting month of ministry together. The young adults recently engaged in some friendly competition while playing a lively game of whirlyball (see photo). This young adult activity group is hoping to venture back outdoors for some beautiful Spring and Summer hikes. Please stay tuned for updates!
We also recently wrapped up a short Bible Study series that helped us to examine what it means to be faithful to scripture and inclusive of all people. We discussed different modes of Biblical interpretation and then looked at texts that have been used as weapons against LGBTQIA+ folks. It was quite an intellectual, spiritual, and emotional journey as we learned about cultural and historical contexts, church tradition, the difficulties around translation of Biblical texts, and our own unique relationships to the Bible.
Reconciling Ministries Q and A:
We are bringing back our Reconciling Ministries Q and A series this month! In previous newsletter articles, we explained what the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is, and we shared updates about our reconciling process at Blaine Memorial thus far.
Q: What are we voting on? What is the Reconciling Statement?
A: Churches join the RMN by voting to adopt a reconciling statement, which must receive support from 75% of the congregation.
This statement is a declaration to both one another and the public that our congregation is committed to inclusivity and justice. Before we take a final vote, we will take a closer look at the Reconciling Statement:
We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.
As you read this statement, what questions or reflections are you having? What makes sense to you? What seems confusing? How might Blaine Memorial commit to this vision of a radically inclusive and diverse faith community? We hope that you take the time to engage in conversation with one another and discuss how this reconciling statement fits with our mission and ministries at Blaine Memorial UMC.
By voting to adopt this statement, we are pledging to live out a life of faith that aligns with Jesus’s radical love for the world. We are excited to be going on this journey as a community! The IH team and RM Task Force are always looking for new folks to join us. If you feel called to lend your voice to these important ministries, we invite you to join us at our next team zoom meeting. Please contact Lynne or any of the other team members for more information.
Contact Lynne Onishi with questions about the Innovation Hub team or Reconciling Ministries, lynneonishi@gmail.com.
Prelude Time Now to Gather By M.N. Keithahn and J. D. Hormon Kathy Onishi
Welcome of Grace and Greeting Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
*Opening Hymn For the Beauty of the Earth (UMH #92) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Mother’s Day Liturgy Lynne Onishi
First Scripture Reading John 14:15-21 (CEB, JLB) Lynne Onishi & Tsutomu Nagoya
Children’s Message Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Special Music Love Comes From God Blaine Memorial Choir
Sermon The Great Comforter Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Hymn of Response Spirit of the Living God, Fall Afresh on Me (UMH #393) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Reconciling Ministries Moment #2 Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Introduction to the Offering Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #94) Kathy Onishi
Prayer of Dedication Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
Announcements Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Closing Hymn Gift of Love (UMH #408) Eugene and Kathy Onishi
Benediction Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Postlude He is Exalted By Twila Paris Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Breakout Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Announcements
Today! Blaine Memorial’s Mother’s Day Breakfast is back!
After worship!
Come join us as we give thanks to our mothers and mother-like figures in our lives! Join us as we honor the women and those who identify as women at Blaine Memorial UMC. Our Mother’s Day Breakfast is back! During this time, we will honor, remember and show our love to our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, wives, teachers, mentors, and all of the women in our lives that have influenced and shaped us into the people who we are today.
Wednesday Coffee & Prayer
May 17 • 9am on Zoom
Please join Rev. Karen for a time of meditation and prayer on Wednesday, May 10 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?” We continue our time together with a few readings out of The Upper Room Magazine May/June edition.
Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. We pray for anyone who would like to be prayed for. Please join us! Brew a fresh cup of coffee or steep some tea. This is a great opportunity to pause in the middle of the week to check in with others. The Zoom link will be sent out prior to gathering on Tuesday.
Reconciling Ministries Team
Celebrating God’s Gift: Diversity
By Lynne Onishi
Greetings from the Reconciling Ministries (RM) team at Blaine! The RM team is a lay-led group of congregation members who are passionate about LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the church. We are here to help guide this church through a process of discernment as we consider affiliating with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN).
To affiliate with RMN, our church must vote to adopt a Reconciling Statement. We want to hear what you think about this statement before we take a final vote, so we are conducting a straw poll on May 21. As we prepare to take a straw poll, we invite you to look at the Reconciling Statement below:
“We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.”
Why are you a part of the team?
I am a member of the Reconciling Ministry Team because I know a family whose son is non-binary. I have seen their fear when prejudice and hate were directed toward their child. And I have seen their reaction to be one of honesty, courage, and love. I believe the church can come alongside families like this to provide support and community.
Terri Pittman
I am part of the Reconciling Ministries Team because I grew up in this church and have always felt included, yet also off to the side, and want to see a place that is welcoming and affirming to all.
Dale H. Watanabe
I am a member of the Reconciling Ministries Team because we, as a church, love God and God’s people. We can show our love by openly expressing welcome to our friends who are often marginalized and hurt, even though that may not be our intention. As a teacher, I worked with many youth who suffered pain and rejection because of their sexual identities. Sometimes, the pain was too much to bear. Offering an accepting (Christian?) community can metaphorically and literally save lives.
Arlene Naganawa
Reconciling Ministries Team
Yoshi Kuramoto, Arlene Naganawa, Lynne Onishi, Lawrence Paltep, Terri Pittman, Mariko Ronan, Jarrett Shirouzu, Jenna Tong, Dale Watanabe, Malia Yamamoto
The Reconciling Ministries Team invites all who are interested to join in our work! Visit rmnetwork.org for more information.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia.
Apply Now! Blaine Educational Scholarships
Due May 17
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. Applications are due May 17. We are blessed to offer the following scholarships: the Vera Ing Scholarship, Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship, Yasuda Scholarship, William S. Yorozu Scholarship, and the Robert S. Sato Scholarship. Read more.
Blaine Cookbook needs your recipes!
Due May 31
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church will release a 120th Anniversary Edition of “Let’s Dine!”, the latest in a series of cookbooks produced by Blaine Memorial over the past 70 years. This cookbook will commemorate the 120th Anniversary of Blaine Memorial, with a scheduled release of January 2024. We are seeking submissions for the 2024 cookbook and are calling on you to contribute! Read more.
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out!
Please save the dates for your children and youth! Summer Camps & VBS 2023!
June 25-30 Jr/High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders) Jr. High Camp registration is open now! Please register your youth by May 31!
July 10-14 Vacation Bible School 10am-3pm VBS registration is open now! Visit the VBS 2023 page and bookmark it for updates!
July 23-28 Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade- 2 yrs. post-high school)
The Beacon newsletter is ready for viewing!
Printed versions are available in the office, sanctuary, and social hall!
Rev. Mia MiKyung Park, Lynne Onishi, Rev. Karen Yokota Love, Barbara, Miriam, and Anne Arakaki-Lock participated in a Zoom Reconciling Ministries Bible Study.
Listen, Discern, and Dream
ByLynne Onishi,B.Y.G. Co-Director
What does new life look like to you? As we welcome the Easter season and see signs of new life springing up around us, what are you noticing about the world? What are you noticing about yourself? What are you noticing about God?
Our Innovation Hub Team and Reconciling Ministries Task Force continue to wonder about new life in the context of this Church. What is God calling our church to do or be, but in ways that are new? Recently, we’ve learned how to foster community and belonging for young adults through our monthly activities and how to be both inclusive and faithful people of God through our Reconciling Ministries Bible study series. And yet, we know God has many more dreams for new life in this community! It is up to all of us to listen, discern, and dream alongside God in this innovative work!
Reconciling Ministries Q and A:
We are bringing back our Reconciling Ministries Q and A series this month! In previous newsletter articles, we explained what the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is and how joining the RMN would change things at Blaine Memorial UMC. This month, we would like to share more about the process of becoming officially reconciling and lay out our reconciling journey at Blaine Memorial thus far.
Q: What does a church have to do to become reconciling? Where is Blaine Memorial in this process, currently?
A: All churches who are discerning whether to become reconciling are first advised to form a team of congregation members to steer their church’s process. Because each church is unique, the team plays an important role in shaping their unique church’s reconciling journey. The team’s task is to help the congregation make informed decisions about joining RMN. This might mean answering questions from church members or providing education around LGBTQIA+ issues in the church. Churches join the RMN by voting to adopt a reconciling statement, which must receive support from 75% of the congregation. When the team feels like the congregation is ready to take a vote, they help the church set up protocols for voting.
Our Reconciling Ministries Task Force formed July 2022. Since then, we have been dialoguing with you all about what it means to be an accepting and affirming church. We surveyed dozens of you in August and September to hear your questions and concerns about becoming reconciling. We have hosted film and discussion events throughout the year to provide a space for candid sharing and processing. We are currently leading a Bible study that explores how United Methodists can be faithful and inclusive at the same time. We hope these have been meaningful and thought-provoking opportunities for you to share and learn alongside one another. This spring, we will prepare to take a vote. Before we do, we’d like to take a closer look at the Reconciling Statement with you all. Please stay tuned for more news on this!
The IH team and RM Task Force are always looking for new folks to join us. If you feel called to lend your voice to these important ministries, we invite you to join us for future Zoom meetings. Please contact Lynne or any of the other team members for more information.
On Wednesday, April 5 we met for our third Reconciling Ministries Bible Study Session over Zoom! At a future date, we will have a RM/Young Adult event to be announced soon!
Contact Lynne Onishi with questions about the IH team or Reconciling Ministries, lynneonishi@gmail.com. Onishi serves as the convener of the Innovation Hub Team.
Postlude “Awesome God” by Rich Mullins Kathy Onishi
Passing of the Peace Rev. Karen Yokota Love
Zoom Break Out Room Rev. Dr. Jeney Park-Hearn
Sermon Reflection Questions
1. Imagine you are one of the disciples. You know all the threats mounting against Jesus; you know that the religious leaders are conspiring against him. As Jesus openly enters the city with a public procession, how do you feel? What do you fear?
2. The proclamation, “Hosanna,” is a Hebrew imperative that was initially a cry for help, meaning, “Save us!” Over time, it was used liturgically in Psalm 118 as an expression of praise and adoration. Psalm 118 was sung at the Feast of Tabernacles, which was associated with palm branches. The crowd is described as shouting, or more accurately, “crying out.” Therefore, the tone of the parade is nuanced and complex. Some cry out with desperation. Some shout with adoration and praise. Some are there for the Festival of Passover and participate in the liturgical procession without giving it much thought at all. Some are threatened and afraid.
Imagine the confusion and chaos of this scene. How would you find your way through the crowd?
Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures
Monday 4/3
Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 36:5-11 Hebrews 9:11-15 John 12:1-11
Tuesday 4/4
Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 71:1-14 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 John 12:20-36
Wednesday 4/5
Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 70 Hebrews 12:1-3 John 13:21-32
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Psalm 22 Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42
Saturday 4/8
Job 14:1-14 or Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24 Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 1 Peter 4:1-8 Matthew 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42
Announcements
Easter Cards Sale!
Today
The B.Y.G. continues fund raising today, during fellowship hour. Easter cards designed by Ally S. Each set of cards comes with 5 unique designs and 5 envelopes. Sets are $10. Proceeds will go to our Youth Camping Ministries Fund, to help our youth/leaders to attend Junior High Camp and Asian American
Blaine Cookbook needs your recipes!
Due May 31
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church will release a 120th Anniversary Edition of “Let’s Dine!”, the latest in a series of cookbooks produced by Blaine Memorial over the past 70 years. This cookbook will commemorate the 120th Anniversary of Blaine Memorial, with a scheduled release of January 2024. We are seeking submissions for the 2024 cookbook and are calling on you to contribute! Scan the QR code to visit blaineonline.org for more information.
Summer Camps & VBS 2023!
See Dates
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Please save the dates for your children and youth!
June 25-30
Jr/High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders)
July 10-14
Vacation Bible School, 10am-3pm
July 23-28
Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade-2 yrs. post-HS)
Wednesday Coffee & Prayer
April 5 • 9am on Zoom
Please join Rev. Karen for a time of meditation and prayer on Wednesday, 9am. A few Lenten devotionals will be read. Brew a fresh cup of coffee or steep some tea. This is a great opportunity to pause in the middle of the week to check in with others. The Zoom link will be sent out prior to gathering on Tuesday.
Chips, Savory Items Needed!
Thank you all for generously donating sweet and savory treats for post-worship fellowship time. If you are able to provide individually wrapped bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos etc.) that would be appreciated. Please drop off your donations to the Narthex, Church Office or Social Hall when convenient either on Sunday or during Church Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm). If you are interested in helping serve refreshments on Sundays after worship, please contact Julie Lock at: jtlock00@gmail.com.
Wednesday, March 29, 2023: Psalm 143; Jeremiah 32:1-9, 36-41; Matthew 22:23-33
Thursday, March 30, 2023: Psalm 31:9-16; 1 Samuel 16:11-13; Philippians 1:1-11
Friday, March 31, 2023: Psalm 31:9-16; Job 13:13-19; Philippians 1:21-30
Saturday, April 1, 2023: Psalm 31:9-16; Lamentations 3:55-66; Mark 10:32-34
Announcements
Tent City 3 Meal Service
Today
Blaine Memorial Youth Group plans to cook spaghetti for Tent City 3 and deliver the food on Sunday March 26 after the worship service. Please bring any fruit, cookies, etc. if you would like to provide any desserts or our neighbors. Please contact Lynne & Lawrence (lynneonishi@gmail.com or lawrence.byg@gmail.com) for any questions.
Easter Cards Sale!
March 26 & April 2
Also, the B.Y.G. will be fundraising on Sunday, March 26, and Sunday, April 2, during fellowship hour. We’ll offer Easter cards designed by Ally S. Each set of cards comes with 5 unique designs and 5 envelopes. Sets are $10. Proceeds will go to our Youth Camping Ministries Fund, to help our youth/leaders to attend Junior High Camp and Asian American Summer Camp.
Wednesday Coffee & Prayer
March 29 • 9am on Zoom
Please join Rev. Karen for a time of meditation and prayer on Wednesday, 9am. A few Lenten devotionals will be read. Brew a fresh cup of coffee or steep some tea. This is a great opportunity to pause in the middle of the week to check in with others. The Zoom link will be sent out prior to gathering on Tuesday.
Upcoming Worship Services & Easter
See Dates
Sunday, April 2, 2023: Palm/Passion Sunday
Friday, April 7, 2023: Good Friday Service at 7pm with Japanese Baptist Church at Blaine (6pm: light dinner)
Sunday, April 9, 2023: Easter Sunday
We come together to celebrate God’s love through the resurrection of Jesus Christ On Easter morning. Please bring flowers to decorate the cross and invite children to find eggs in the courtyard at Blaine!
Reconciling Ministries Bible Study
April 5 • 7pm
The Reconciling Ministries task force is excited to host space tor conversations about LGBTQIA+inclusion in the church. Join us for our last Bible study class on April 5. We will continue to explore scripture through Faithful and Inclusive: the Bible, Sexuality, and the United Methodist Church. We will examine how United Methodists read the Bible looking at passages in the New Testament. Join us on Zoom – a link will be sent out in an email prior to Wednesday’s meeting time from 7:00pm- 8:30pm. Contact Lynne Onishi with any questions at lynneonishi@gmail.com
Chips, Savory Items Needed!
Thank you all for generously donating sweet and savory treats for post-worship fellowship time. If you are able to provide individually wrapped bags of chips (potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos etc.) that would be appreciated. Please drop off your donations to the Narthex, Church Office or Social Hall when convenient either on Sunday or during Church Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm). If you are interested in helping serve refreshments on Sundays after worship, please contact Julie Lock at: jtlock00@gmail.com.
Apply Now! Blaine Educational Scholarships
Due May 17
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: the Vera Ing Scholarship, Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship, Yasuda Scholarship, William S. Yorozu Scholarship, and the Robert S. Sato Scholarship. READ MORE
Blaine Cookbook needs your recipes!
Due May 31
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church will release a 120th Anniversary Edition of “Let’s Dine!”, the latest in a series of cookbooks produced by Blaine Memorial over the past 70 years. This cookbook will commemorate the 120th Anniversary of Blaine Memorial, with a scheduled release of January 2024. We are seeking submissions for the 2024 cookbook and are calling on you to contribute!
This summer’s Camping Ministries and Vacation Bible School schedules are out! Please save the dates for your children and youth!
June 25-30, 2023: Jr/High Camp (for incoming 6th-9th graders):
July 10-14, 2023: Vacation Bible School, 10am-3pm
July 23-28, 2023: Asian Camp (for incoming 10th grade-2 years post-HS
Jr. High Camp (JHC) and Asian American Summer Camp (AC) will at Camp Lodestar in Wilseyville, CA.
Lent Book Study: Finding Jesus in the Psalms
All-Church Lenten Book Study for small groups: Finding Jesus and the Psalms. This year’s All Church Lenten Book Study is Finding Jesus and the Psalms with Barb Roose. Roose guides the reader through a meaningful encounter with the Psalms through the season of Lent. The Church Office has a limited supply of books available for $17, Leader Guides are $16. You can also purchase on your own on Amazon.com or Cokesbury.com.
Afghanistan and Ukrainian Refugee Donation & Collection Ministry
Collecting Items: At this time, we have an abundance of some items and so we are NOT in need of clothing or children’s toys. Especially needed items are: women’s products, toothpaste, personal care items, rice cookers, blenders, mixing bowls, microwave ovens, toasters, mixers, irons, dish sets, towels and blankets.
Blaine Memorial UMC Collection Hours: Collection items can be dropped off to the Blaine Memorial Social Hall from Tuesday – Thursday between 10:00am-11:30am and 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please call the Church Office at (206) 723-1536 prior to dropping off your items.
South King County Response Center Collection & Volunteer Hours: The Donation Center is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays from 10am-2pm, same time as the Tukwila Pantry at 3118 S. 140th St. Seattle. Please text Kim Parks at (206) 683-1707 when you would like to help. Please wear a mask and bring a marking pen and measuring tape if possible.
Please contact Donna Sekijima at: donnasek@outlook.com and/or Anne Arakaki-Lock at: salock@comcast.net.
Current COVID-19 policies at Blaine Memorial
Blaine Memorial UMC’s campus is open from Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm. The Church Office is closed on Mondays. Our priority is to continue to do no harm.
We encourage everyone to get the recently CDC-approved updated bivalent COVID-19 booster if eligible. Currently, anyone aged 12 years or older who has completed at least a primary series is eligible for a bivalent booster, regardless of the number or type of prior booster doses received so long as at least two months have passed since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose.
CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older and boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible.
The first COVID-19 booster vaccine is required to attend in-person worship, if eligible.
We require verification of proof of full vaccination or a SAME DAY negative test available in Narthex or Church Office.
If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, please have two negative rapid antigen (home) tests done five days after the onset of symptoms, and also be symptom-free before returning to church.
We require that everyone wear an N95 mask, KN95 or KF94 masks.
We thank you for your continued flexibility as these decisions can change at any time based on unpredictable infection rates.
