Spiritual Formation Center
Practice Replacing Worry
By Anne Arakaki-Lock
Along with many others, I allow myself to be anxious about things. Just tonight, for instance, the administration threatened on the news to defund Medicaid, Medicare and child care because more money was needed for wars. My ire was raised, and I know my blood pressure was affected. I also find myself worrying often about the health of my loved ones—the family and friends who surround me. As I “dakko” (hold) my infant grandchildren, I sometimes make admittedly ridiculous diagnoses without a medical degree, as everything about them seems so fragile and delicate.
Sure, worry is one of those emotions that makes us human. But when it causes anxiety, physical or mental distress, and deprives us of life’s joys, then the Apostle Paul advises us to stop and pray, to seek God.
As I continue on my faith journey, the more I worry, the more I try to pray, thankfully knowing that God is in control. Yes, I have experienced God’s peace, and it is not the world’s peace or anything I can muster up myself. I know it comes from Jesus Christ, who is all-knowing, much stronger than I, and who promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
The Bible tells us not to worry about “anything.” Instead, we are to pray humbly to God with an attitude of gratitude. Ask God for what you need, and you will find an unbelievable peace in your heart that can come only from Him.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Anne Arakaki-Lock is a member of Blaine Memorial UMC.
June/July Lectionary Readings
Lectionary Readings are provided by Vanderbilt University.
Announcements
Dates to Remember
| Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC | |||
| Wednesdays • Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen | |||
| Saturday, June 6, 1-3 p.m. • Author Conversation With Tamiko Nimura | |||
| Sunday, June 7, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. • “I Am American” Film Presentation by Kelsi Umeko | |||
| Sunday, June 14 • Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers • Last Day of BYG (End-of-Year Party) | |||
| June 28–July 3 • NJAUMC Asian American Summer Camp Gathering | |||
| July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala |
Wednesday Coffee and Prayer
- Wednesdays
- 9 a.m.
- Zoom
Join Rev. Karen for a time of connection, a short devotional and prayer. Bring a cup of coffee or tea and begin your day centered in Christ.
The Zoom link will be sent Tuesday.
“I Am American” Film Presentation by Kelsi Umeko
- Sunday, June 7, 2026
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Blaine Memorial UMC
- Social Hall
On Sunday, June 7, we are pleased to welcome a special presentation about a new film currently in pre-production, “I Am American,” by filmmaker Kelsi Umeko.
This powerful story follows a Japanese picture bride who immigrates from Japan to America in 1915 to meet her husband. Together, they build a thriving business, raise Japanese American children and become part of their local community. Their lives are profoundly changed following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.
At its heart, “I Am American” is the story of an immigrant family’s journey in pursuit of the American dream. This deeply personal narrative is inspired by the filmmaker’s grandparents and reflects the experiences of more than 120,000 Nikkei families. The story is being shared in hopes of preserving this history for future generations.
The film is being shot in the greater Seattle area and will recreate historical moments from this important period. During the presentation, we will hear more about the story, the vision behind the film, filming locations and the production team. A pitch deck also will be shared.
Kelsi will offer a short presentation during social hour following worship, and a light lunch will be provided, including Spam musubi, sandwich rolls, fruit and vegetables.
To learn more, visit www.CKfilmspro.com.
Kelsi’s previous feature film, “Second Chance” — a faith-based romantic drama that she wrote, directed and starred in alongside her husband — is also available on the website.
We hope you will join us in supporting this meaningful project and helping share this important story with the wider community.
Free Treasures in the Social Hall
Many people have been hard at work cleaning and organizing areas of our church as part of our spring-cleaning efforts. As a result, there is a wonderful assortment of free items available on tables in the Social Hall.
Please stop by and take a look — you may find something interesting or useful to take home. We have all sorts of goodies, including CD cases, CDs, flower vases, punch bowls, cups, paper goods, binders, office supplies, name-tag holders and many other treasures.
If you feel so moved, we invite you to make a donation to the church. Your generosity will help support our ministries and the ongoing work of our congregation.
Thank you, and happy treasure hunting! This Sunday will be the final opportunity to browse the tables. Afterward, all remaining items will be donated to Goodwill.
Author Conversation With Tamiko Nimura
- Saturday, June 6, 2026
- 1-3 p.m.
- Blaine Memorial UMC Social Hall
Join local writer Tamiko Nimura for a special conversation about her new memoir, “A Place for What We Lose: A Daughter’s Return to Tule Lake” (UW Press), moderated by UW Professor of American Ethnic Studies Vince Schleitwiler.
In this moving discussion, Nimura will reflect on themes of family history, memory, identity and her return to Tule Lake, one of the incarceration camps where Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II.
This event is co-sponsored by Seattle Tsuru for Solidarity.
Following the conversation:
- Books available for purchase from Madison Books
- Author book signing
- Light refreshments provided
We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful community gathering.
- Eventbrite registration
- Read Vince Schleitwiler’s review in the International Examiner
Celebrating the 2025-26 School Year: Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers
Sunday, June 14, will mark the close of the school year for the BYG Youth Group and Church School. During worship, we will offer a blessing for our youth, leaders and teachers. Following the service, we will gather in the Social Hall for a celebration honoring the commitment, dedication and service they have shown throughout the year.
We look forward to coming together in gratitude and celebration as we conclude another meaningful year.
Read the latest issue of The Beacon!
Our monthly collection of ministry stories can be found in the Beacon. Happenings, Faith & Ministries, Visions, and Connections can be enjoyed through our PDF versions of the newsletter. If you would like to subscribe to a printed version, contact the Church Office for more information.
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