Christmas at the Cathedral - Relying on Christmas Miracles

“I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ” Galatians 3:5

I love all things Christmas! I love the lights sparkling in the trees, the songs, the decorations, the movies (yes, I had to watch A Christmas Story for probably the 20th time and I still laughed out loud at the part when Ralphie has to wear the pink bunny suit from his Aunt Claire). Most of all, however, I love the activities at our church. For 26 years now I have been celebrating Christmas with my Washington Cathedral church family and every year it gets better and better.

Every Christmas it takes a series of miracles to make everything happen and every Christmas it seems that God enables us to pull off the impossible. This year was no exception! It started with our Santa Conspiracy. Every year people of our church dress up like Santa or his helpers and go to hospitals, nursing homes, retirement centers and group family homes to deliver a little Christmas cheer in the form of a stuffed teddy bear or cuddly animal. In order to meet the needs of all the facilities we need approximately 5,000 bears. When all the bears were counted one week prior to “Santa Day” we needed 1,900 more bears to meet our goal. We sent out the cry, “We need 1900 more bears” and miraculously on the Saturday before the Santa Conspiracy bears started pouring in! And by the time we had finished counting them on Sunday night - we not only had enough bears, but we had about 200 bears left over to use next year!

Next was the Christmas Drama. This year’s Glory of Christmas Drama was a tremendous success. Over 800 people showed up to witness our efforts in telling the Christmas Story in a new and compelling way. I have worked with Pastor Naomi for several years in pulling these off. My job is to help recruit cast members, get them into appropriate costumes, and try to get them to the right place at the right time. Her job is to pull the music and drama together into one cohesive unit and work out all the other details (a mammoth job!). Both of us are trying to put wheels on Pastor Dale’s vision for the story we are trying to tell. This year, at the last dress rehearsal we both looked at one another and said “It’s going to take a huge miracle to pull this one off!” We had key people getting sick, we didn’t have coverage on some key technical and backstage roles, and we never got to do a full run through on the entire program. But for some reason, when it came to Thursday night, we both seemed to have a peace about things . . . or maybe it was numbness!? Anyway, it couldn’t have been better. Things just rolled right along without any kind of glitch. All the musicians, actors, stage hands, and technical people showed up and every spot was filled. The program was our best ever and Naomi and I said to one another, “Praise God for miracles!”

Of course, my favorite service of the year is the one on Christmas Eve. We have a long-standing tradition of (I think) one of the most beautiful Christmas Eve Services I’ve ever been to. Spirit Falls Sanctuary just sparkles on Christmas Eve. It is like the building knows it has a very important story to tell that night. One of the highlights of every Christmas Eve is having a ballerina dance to “O Holy Night” (this year was sung once again by Rhonda Jones). The key to that element of the night is actually having a ballerina to dance. Pastor Naomi and I both made several calls to people we knew to no avail. So I began calling dance schools. I called the University of Washington dance school and the lady who answered the phone said that she’d be happy to send out an email, but I better not count on a response because most of the students were gone home for Christmas break. I thanked her for agreeing to send out the email and hung up the phone thinking, “Another dead end.” To my surprise and joy, the next morning at 8 am I received a phone message from a young lady who said she just got the email and wanted more information. When I got back to her and she told me about her experience and qualifications―I immediately knew that God had pulled it off again. Not only was she a wonderful dancer, but she was so excited about dancing at a church on Christmas Eve. She said her family was in the south area and that she’d be honored to dance for both the 6 and 11pm services. If you were able to be here for Christmas Eve, you saw what a beautiful, creative dancer she is. But what you wouldn’t have seen is her beautiful heart for the Lord. She danced with feeling because she believed every word that Rhonda was singing. Her mother came to both services and watched her daughter dance. I couldn’t help but glance over at her face and I don’t think any parent could be more proud than she was at that moment. They both loved Washington Cathedral and thanked us for giving them the opportunity to spend Christmas Eve with our church.

Christmas is over now and as I think back on all the things that happened, I thank God that I am in a church were “We not only believe in miracles- - - we rely on them!” I thank God for all the people who let their lives be used to tell the story and I thank God for the opportunity in this coming year to witness more of the same.

Blessings to you all!!

Pastor Linda Skinner

"The Glory of Christmas!"

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.Isaiah 9:2

Over the past two months, families in our church have been giving hours of their time learning songs and lines. For weeks the atrium of the ReCreation Center has been packed with parents waiting for their kids who are practicing for the Christmas play. Why are they doing this at the busiest time of the year? One dad told me, “Because this is what Christmas is all about!”

For 26 years our church has been telling the story of Christmas through music, drama, dancing, and preaching. We’ve transformed high school gyms, VFW halls, senior centers, and barns to tell the story. I can’t begin to count the number of volunteer hours that have gone into building sets, sewing costumes, taking flyers door to door, baking cookies, folding bulletins, labeling envelopes, cutting down trees. . . the list goes on and on. Why? I think if you asked anyone they’d say, “Because this is what Christmas is all about!”

This year our theme for Christmas is “Let’s Share the Light.” That’s what we have been doing all December in each of our services and that’s what we are doing on Thursday and Friday night.

Thursday night’s Glory of Christmas drama is entitled “One Candle Can Light the World” and will be at 7:30 pm in Mountainside Sanctuary. This beautiful dramatic depiction of the glory and wonder of the first Christmas will fill you with Christmas joy. Before the drama you’ll enjoy Christmas carols with the choir, and a heartwarming children’s drama entitled “What’s a Nativity?” (What would Christmas be without kids singing and acting?) Afterwards, there will be homemade Christmas cookies, hot cider and coffee waiting for you in the Library.

Friday night, Christmas Eve, we have two beautiful worship services in our Spirit Falls Sanctuary at 6pm and 11pm. As you enter you’ll notice the waterfall in all its beauty and immediately you’ll hear the beautiful harp being played by Diane Chattin. As is our tradition, we will sing Christmas carols, enjoy a ballerina dancing to Rhonda’s “O Holy Night”, Travis will share a new Christmas song he wrote, the choir will sing about joy, and the little cherub ballerina’s will bless us. And of course, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and Kings will dramatically tell the story in our traditional style of a live nativity. I will share a wonderful inspiring message of hope and candles will be lit as we sing Silent Night. The service will end with an invitation to communion. What a way to prepare for Christmas!!!

Please join us this Christmas. We have a light to share with you! Bring your friends, family and neighbors. They will thank you . . . “Because this is what Christmas is all about!”

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Tim White

"Share the Light!"

Washington Cathedral 2010

4 Astonishing Miracles Now
And One Memory Moment!

You can choose your own miracle
and "Share the Light!"

One - “My Jesus Christmas Gift”
Nothing else makes much sense about Christmas, but with my Jesus gift everything else can make joyous sense! “They opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.” Mat 2:11

A Cathedral tradition―all of us, individuals and/or families, bring our special “Christmas bank” is the very heart and essence of Christmas worship. Any Christmas Sunday and especially Christmas Eve you may leave your “Jesus Christmas gift” on the altar.

Two - “The Miracle of the Gray Curtain”
Nothing is sadder than people in nursing and retirement homes who have lost the ability to experience personal love and joy at Christmas. Washington Cathedral’s “Santa Conspiracy” proves to be again and again, a psychiatric and spiritual breakthrough (at least for a few minutes) for hundreds of terribly lonely people.

Three - “The Three Sundays of Christmas at the Cathedral”
(December 5th, 12th & 19th)
Each of these Sundays are carefully designed as a “Christmas Bursts in Beauty” experience. If you can only make one you won’t miss the glory, but the three will focus more and more our hearts! Different amazing children’s groups will guarantee this miracle.

Four - “The Glory of Christmas Drama” 7:30pm ~ December 23rd
Will reignite and reprogram all of our hearts so the glow of Christmas will last for a lifetime! Christmas Eve Family Communion is a short, sweet, precious church family tradition. (6pm or 11pm)

Dr. Dale Caleb White

"MERRY CHRISTMAS - - - IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS!"

The Christmas season is upon us again, with its wonderful sounds and smells -- and parties, family get-togethers, shopping, wrapping gifts, baking cookies, concerts, pageants, decorating and singing Christmas carols, etc. etc. It's a busy time of year and we tend to wear ourselves out! And it comes around every year, and we celebrate!

But whatever happened to that “Silent night, Holy night, all is calm, all is bright. Christ the Savior is born!”?

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them."Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord! This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:8-14)

Let us remember that it's all about JESUS, who came to earth as a little baby to save us from our sins. That's why we celebrate! Let's keep Him central in all our preparations and celebrations leading up to Christmas and remember the real “Reason for the Season” - it's JESUS! Take some quiet time to remember and celebrate our wonderful Savior. He is worthy of all our adoration and praise. HALLELUJAH! And a Merry Christmas!!

Pastor Marilyn Biggs

It's Christmas at the Cathedral. . . Let's

“Share the Light!”

“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. Look and see, for everyone is coming home! . . . Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy.”

Isaiah 60:1-5

Dear Friends,

Being a part of a kid’s Christmas Pageant is one of the biggest, warmest points in any child’s faith. It’s the kind of thing that builds memories for a lifetime. Last Sunday, several of our Washington Cathedral young people stopped me at the door to ask if they could be a part of the Christmas pageant this year. I said, “Well, we’ll have to wait and see.” One little girl responded back to me, “Well, you’re the big cheese; can't you put in a good word for me?” People call pastors a lot of things - priests - reverends, but seldom are we called “the big cheese.” But yes, this year we as a staff decided that every child should get take part in a Christmas program. Our church has a long standing tradition that “people attend once a year or every Sunday.” And at Christmas we are always happy when we get to welcome people home with open arms. So regardless of your busy schedule, there ought to be some time that will work for your kids to be a part of a Christmas program. And if they can be here for the 23rd (our one-hour Christmas Pageant) then what a blessing that will be for everyone!

Yes, it’s Christmas season at the Cathedral! I am here on Tuesday morning and I can't tell you how beautiful the Spirit Falls Chapel and the Randy & Rod Halvorson ReCreation Center look with the glistening snow covering them (and the entire campus). A few of us made it in. Bob Baird is setting up a Christmas tree lot (which will be ready soon after Thanksgiving); plans are being made for our church Christmas decorations (all done by volunteers with Christmas Spirit); and the services this year will be warm, spirit-filled and sparkling with Christmas!

Starting December 5th we will have a Christmas Children’s programs every weekend as a part of the service. And- - - if you want your kids to be part of it then they are more than welcome. Different ages will be the focus of each weekend. We hope to have a bunch of kids at each of our services for each weekend!

Sunday, December 5th - The Cherubs! (2 & 3 year olds)
Sunday, December 12th - The Little Angles and Shepherds! (Infant through Kdg)
Sunday, December 19th - The Silent Nativity! (1st through 6th grade)
AND!!! ALL children get to be involved in The Kid’s Christmas Musical (a part of) “The Glory of Christmas” Pageant in Mountainside Sanctuary at 7:30pm on Thursday, December 23rd!

On Christmas Eve, December 24, at 6pm & 11pm, we will have an “old-style” Christmas Eve service in Spirit Falls Sanctuary concluding with a ballerina surrounded by tiny cherub dancers stealing the moment, reminding of us of the tiny cherub in each of us.

Please call my wife Jackie for more information 425-861-1375; she will be coordinating the children’s parts with Pastor Naomi, Jannette & Pastor Dale White.

It truly is going to be a very merry Christmas!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

P.S. Please invite family, friends and neighbors to any of these wonderful Christmas services. We plan to make each service a very special time for you to “Share the Light of Christmas.”

"Visualize With Me!"

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

I have a dream. It’s a dream I’ve had for 35 years. It is not a dream about buildings or reaching a certain number of people, but rather it is a dream about the quality of our church. 35 years ago, when God gave me the dream of starting and building Washington Cathedral―a church that would become a pacesetting, great caring network; I could see a fantastic Thanksgiving Eve service. The Thanksgiving holiday is a wonderful time to celebrate all the blessings God has brought into our lives.

Join me as I visualize this year- - - the front of our sanctuary filled with grocery sacks of food for the less fortunate- - - food that will be given to needy families in our community. Now, visualize with me a beautiful candlelight service with the magnificent Spirit Falls waterfall in the background.

After the service I visualize every family getting together with friends, family and/or a family they hardly know- - - new friends- - - and enjoying dessert or a snack in one of their homes followed by games and fun. This can be an evening that will pull our children and families together- - - to be the church-family that we dream of.

Won’t you help make these visions and dreams come true for your family and for our church? Come and celebrate with your church family and be a part of the Candlelight Thanksgiving Eve Service―Wednesday, November 24th at 7pm in Spirit Falls Sanctuary. Bring sacks of groceries and bring your family and friends- - - and- - - prepare to make friendships that will last a lifetime!!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

“Miracles Still Happen Today!”

Hello Pastor Tim,

I need to tell you this story- - -

Almost 10 years ago, when I was living in WA, I did attend WA Cathedral regularly. We were also part of a TLC and joined a couple’s seminar. I then became really ill and it didn't look good for me at all. I was treated at UW for Pemphigus Vulgaris - a blistering auto-immune disease. At UW, they did allow me to disconnect from my IV medications and attend service. My husband picked me up at the hospital and we drove to Redmond for church. I even remember one time I felt so weak that I was lying on the pew.

There was one service that I attended during this time and you preached on, “Miracles Still Happen Today!” You were telling us that Jesus didn’t just perform miracles in the bible, but that he still performs miracles today. In our handout was a small card which read, “It would be a miracle if/when_____.” We were asked to complete the sentence. I wrote, “It would be a miracle if I would become healthy again and would be able to have a child.” (Most of the medications that I had been taking would not allow me to get pregnant, or would reduce the chances of ever getting pregnant). We put all the small cards on the wall at the back of the church and gather there to pray over these cards for the next four weeks.

Well… I stopped taking medications in 2004 and I have not had a single blister since. On Thanksgiving Day of 2008 Markus was born and we are enjoying our days together. I moved back to Germany after I separated from my husband (otherwise I would stop by to tell you this story in person.) Feel free to tell this story as often as you like - I share it here in Germany. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.

Have a wonderful day,

Carolin

"If I don't bless you - - - it makes God sad!"

Ephesians Chapter 4, which happened to be the Cathedral Small Group Study passage, is so practical it- - - actually hurts or helps!

Speaking of the church, so in other words our Washington Cathedral family- - - Eph 4:16 plainly tells us our job is to build each other up in love.

"And if we don't or won't- - -
encourage each other
it makes God sad!"

The Bible plainly says it makes God sad! The exact scriptural wording is, "It grieves the Holy Spirit!" (See Eph 4:30) Wow!! That sounds severe- - - obviously it is a very serious matter, but the answer is simple and extremely wonderful- - - "It's our job to bless and encourage each other."

Please note this is not something we are to step aside and let God do, but this is clearly something that God wants to do through us, "Builds itself up in love." (Eph 4:15)

It's like God gets big tears in His eyes if we miss a chance to encourage each other!

It's a serious, wonderful thing- - - who will God assign to you this week to bless and encourage??? And if you do it! God will smile on you!!- - - And that's good!- - - In fact that's very good!!!

Pastor Dale Caleb White

Hipster Faith!

In September there was an article in Christianity Today entitled “Hipster Faith, When Cool Meets Christ.” Listen to this dialogue.

And do not grieve the Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:27

"Imagine, if you can, a Christian movement mostly designed by believers under age 40. They are concerned that their parent’s faith is too fundamentalist, culturally backward, anti-intellectual, and obsessed with dispensational end-times theology. The fundamentalists may have decent theology in many areas, say these Christians, but seem unconcerned about the poor and other social injustices; and mobilize politically on only one or two moral issues. If only we demonstrated Christ's love more, we would not only find more people drawn to Jesus, Christianity would also be much more culturally acceptable. That, more or less defines the neo-evangelical movement of Carl F.H. Henry, Richard Halvorson, Ken Taylor, Billy Graham, and Harold Ockenga in the late 1940's. Today's "Hipster Christianity" may be less a rejection of the evangelical movement than an echo of Henry's, “The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism." September Issue of Christianity Today (pg13)

Last Sunday night I preached at the Rooted Congregation. It was awesome. The music was cool, the testimony by a young male leader was… well, it knocked my socks off! The fellowship was hip. The only thing not cool at this service was me. I once lost my cool when my daughter Elise was a newborn and my football buddies caught me wearing a burp cloth, but I preached wearing a cool hat. Man that hat really did a great job that night of delivering the sermon.

I love every young person at that service. I pray for them weekly. They are really good people. Every so often a not so young person comes, but everyone is so cool – it’s just cool! I guess if I asked someone from the service they would not like me describing it as cool, but the article in Christianity Today reminded me of them. It defined the “Hipsters” as different from: The Jesus People, The Emergent Church, the Proto-Indie Folkies, and the Christian Surf Punk Scene. Brett McCracken’s “Hipster Faith” draws a line from the Jesus movement of the 60s and 70s through countercultural streets to the “Hipster Faith.” I for one am glad that the Rooted Congregation that started in the summer of 2010 is flourishing. When I pray for them I have great hopes. They are a new generation. Like any new service the attendance goes up and down but the spirit is always up. Sometimes that service’s offering is bigger than any other. Most times their jokes are the right up there with any congregation in the church. Their communion is sweet and it feels like they are going to change the world.

Do the whole world a favor and pray for the youth ministries, the Rooted Congregation and for those that are stepping out as leaders that God will mightily bless their lives.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Please Hold Me Tight!"

A 3 Week Seminar

Cross-centered therapy towards greatness in marriage!

Suppose that we start at the beginning and assume that "God is Love" and He waits to teach us how we can be fully human and fully alive in a dynamic, sacred relationship we call marriage!
If it was God who invented sex, butterflies, sunshine and snicker bars; perhaps His plan for marriage is a continual healing celebration that works from the inside out!

What if it can only happen when we dare to be spiritual children, constantly open to "changing and becoming" as he taught us?

Pastors, Dr. Tim white will kick off this series on Wednesday nights at 7pm at "The Source". Pastor, Dr. Dale White, with some specially invited guests, will continue this "Building Great Marriage" seminar for the next 3 Wednesday nights at 7pm (October 27th, November 3rd & 10th).

This extremely joyful, extremely practical, extremely frank seminar, Pastor Dale calls "Please Hold Me Tight!"

Dr. Dale White will be quoting extensively from Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and his shockingly wonderful book "Kosher Sex." Expect extensive quotes from Dr. Sue Johnson's amazing book "Hold Me Tight" and Dr. John Gottman's "Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work."

Dr. Dale Caleb White

"New Babies Come to AFE"

One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17

They toddle in and wait in line for a hug and a kiss from Jessy, the directora. The come with snotty noses and carrying bags of coca cola, which is quickly snatched away and a bottle of milk put in its place. These are the babies of AFE, who play quietly and sweetly, until snacks emerge; then searching eyes and outstretched hands wait patiently. Rarely is a tear shed, never a fuss made, they are content in their brightly painted room, with their brothers and sisters, and the kind women who take care of their every need. They are the future students of AFE.
If they were not here, in the comfortable cribs of AFE’s nursery, they would be stored in cardboard boxes in the garbage dumps or cared for by nine-year olds in garbage-strewn shacks.

Recently, three new charges joined the ranks in the Guaderia, making the total number of babies cared for at AFE nine. Jose Dario, Dulce Maria, and Iris are younger siblings of a kindergartener at AFE, and only God knows their ages. Their mother, who works in the garbage dump all day, every day, gave birth to her children in her home. As soon as it was physically possible, she had another baby. And then another. She couldn’t care for them. A nine-year old, who looks like a six-year old, babysat all three. They would lie on a bed together instead of learning to crawl because the child couldn’t hold all three.

Since these children were not born in a hospital, there is no record of their birth. Neither is there a record of their mother’s birth. The world does not know about them, but God does. And God created them for a purpose. Now that the three babies are at AFE receiving milk and nutritious, age-appropriate foods, they have a chance at a normal life. And AFE accepted them with the stipulation that the mother would need to take precautions to avoid giving birth to more children than she can handle. Jose Dario, Iris and Dulce Maria are being immunized and receiving proper sleep and care. Who knows what these children will become or how God will use them! Perhaps, they will become influencers and leaders in Honduran society, righting many of the wrongs we see today.

Dr. Rey & Elise Diaz
Lead Pastor & Chief Cultural Architect & President of Together for Transformation

"A Gentle Conversation"

But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

He didn’t think I saw the tears, but I did just for an instant; then they were gone as he pawed clumsily at his lock of red hair. When you’re a 19 year old boy, crying in front of an adult is the ultimate in humiliation. “I think everyone I used to know hates me because I decided to stop trying to pretend I was a Christian.” The words flew at me like stinger bees. I felt each one hit their mark. Emotionally, I was devastated. This was a kid I had grown to love over the years. He had grown up in a church (not Washington Cathedral) and had spent several years serving in a variety of capacities. He’d been through that denomination’s youth program designed to bring kids to a point of acceptance of Jesus. He’d actually done that, accepted Jesus, and, in his own words: “Jesus was about my only friend all through high school. I talked with Him regularly, told Him all my struggles, but I never really heard back from Him.”

Then, it seems he started asking questions and that’s when the trouble began. “My few friends drifted away from me because they didn’t like the questions I was asking. My Pastors couldn’t explain anything that made any sense to me. My parents were no help. And now, the people I thought I could count on, my aunts, uncles, cousins, all of them Christians, don’t want anything to do with me.” At that point, he stopped the futile wiping of his eyes because the tears were coming too fast. All I could do was hug him and assure him that others, like me, loved him and would never reject him because of his questions. We had a very long conversation that evening and I went to bed feeling more powerless and sad than I had in a long time.

Here was a struggling young man on the cusp of adulthood, wanting some answers and sincerely seeking the Truth and yet his closest circle gave him nothing but a sense of rejection and, in his words “hate.”

Dear God! When are we, as Christians, going to stop withdrawing, judging and refusing to help those who ask the difficult questions? When are we going to reach out in love and, with the grace that we have so generously received, welcome the earnest seeker? What are we afraid of? Don’t we have a testimony? Didn’t Christ set us free? Can’t we share our story? Scripture urges us to “be prepared…..” Are we? If not, let’s get prepared. Let’s make sure our testimony is less than 24 hours old. Let’s re-read Psalms 103 and reclaim “all our benefits.” Let’s have a serious conversation with our Holy Spirit and ask Him for opportunities to share what we know as Truth with others. People are dying spiritually out there. Let’s be ready to offer true sustenance.

One way to do that is to get involved in one of the many opportunities to dig more deeply into God’s word through a TLC, WOW, Men’s Ministries or Wednesday night’s “The Source.” Your own personal searching will also yield a rich reward. We have the Holy Spirit as our ultimate Teacher, after all.

Let’s try to not let one person who comes onto our campus feel rejection because we haven’t engaged them in conversation and probed some of the deeper questions of our faith with them.

Pastor Sally Jo Holmes

"Doing Life Together!- - - Mountainside!!!"

When Jackie and I were in Honduras, the staff of the AFE School had written on the back wall of the cafeteria the inspirational phrase, “God has not forgotten!” I think they took it from Psalms 9:18, but I could not get that phrase out of my mind. In fact- - - I still can't!

Last week was a wonderful week at Washington Cathedral as our ReCreation Center was full of pastors from all over the world who had come to learn more about leading small groups in the church. I met pastors from Norway, Hawaii, Alaska, and even Tacoma. Many of them became friends and invited me to come and visit their church sometime. They were very interested in what God is doing at Washington Cathedral. I say this because it was just another reminder for our leadership that God is very interested in what He is doing at Washington Cathedral! And no pastor could be more proud of a congregation and its leaders than I was last weekend! It was an amazing experience - - - with hundreds of volunteers from Washington Cathedral; driving shuttles, greeting, selling material, providing meals, running sound and projection, ushering, giving tours, registering people, and answering questions. No one would have guessed that this was the second of three big weekends in a row here at Washington Cathedral. In fact, the winning attitude around here overflowed onto the Seattle Seahawks and they pulled off an amazing upset over the San Diego chargers! (I’m reading Pete Carroll’s book, Win Forever, and he keeps talking about a contagious positive attitude - so I dropped that little humorless joke in there.)

But there really was excitement around our church for all of those who were tempted to start a revolutionary TLC group and to make the 9 week commitment to this wonderful dream. What is the worst that can happen - it doesn't work and you know that you tried. How often do you get to try an impossible dream where even if you fail your failure is a success? And I don’t think you will fail; I think your whole life will be blessed as you watch God surprise you with success. You will leave this experience knowing that God has not forgotten you or his needy people. If you have any questions please give me a call.

If you don't want to start a group - why not join one? We are studying, “Doing Life Together”- - - Mountainside!!!- - - Connecting with God's family!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

The “International Friendship Festival” was an amazing success!

What the mind of man can conceive- - - God can achieve! I looked around the room to visit with people that no one was visiting. There were people from so many ethnic backgrounds―all laughing and smiling even though many of them did not speak the same language. I spoke with a very athletic young man (not knowing what country he was from) and he told me that he was Brazilian. He said that he has not yet gone to our Videira Congregation, but he knew that someday he would and he was probably going to become a Christian. He spoke with a beautiful accent and a smile on his face as he told me about coming to the ReCreation Center to play soccer and basketball. He said, “I know that God likes this church and what you are doing―especially this big picnic. I can feel God here―yes; I will soon be a Christian.”

That made my day! And I received notes from some of the kids who colored pictures for me during the service (many of the kids color pictures to keep themselves entertained while I am talking). Some showed me with a huge mouth - others were really good artists, but I look best drawn as a stick man. They said things like, “You are a good speacher!” “Pastor Tim you work hard and our family loves you!” One said, “You are funny!” (I really like that intelligent kid.) Another said, “I think your eyes tell me that you are nice and thank you for telling my family about Jesus. I am a guest.”

What a great Sunday of friendship and celebration! At 9am we heard a great sermon by Pastor Linda at the Cathedral at the Falls Congregation and the music of 11am’s Mountainside Congregation was unforgettable. At the end of the day, after visiting the Rooted Congregation and hearing a great message by Dr. Doug and Lori Wheeler, Jackie and I returned home. Just yesterday we had been in Honduras and saw the incredible work that the church is doing there. We sat back, lifted our feet and said, “What a day!” I think I said, “Have we ever had 24 hours that was so life-affirming, so encouraging, so Christ full as the last 24 hours?” Jackie said, “I don't know - I am too tired to tell.”

I want to thank everyone who made the International Friendship Festival one of the greatest successes in the history of Washington Cathedral!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"International Friendship Festival!"

At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walkedup to the altar and prayed, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” 1 Kings 18:36-37

Sunday, September 19th at 11am in the Mountainside Sanctuary – I believe that fire is going to drop from heaven and we are going to have a life-changing, church-transforming, and community-impacting worship experience! There is so much fragmentation and division among people groups today. Not only as different faith and cultures battle it out, but even within individual faiths and cultures there is conflict. I believe at this time in the history of Washington Cathedral there is nothing more important than a service where we focus on the unity of the Body of Christ. That was what Pentecost was all about! The Holy Spirit descended on different groups that all spoke one language and became one family.

I know that people are very busy this time of year, but God has given us a simple plan, “Each one bring one!” Who has God laid on your heart that needs to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ displayed in a powerful way? Who would love to come with you to such an inspiring service and then join in on the best international potluck the Pacific Northwest has ever experienced at 2pm? Would you dare and make the phone call or start the conversation to bring them with you on September 19th so that we can all see amiracle take place?

If I or Washington Cathedral have ever been there for you… please be there for us on this day! We arepraying for fire to drop from heaven and that God would give our church the unity that He intended for the family of God. With a “meta church” and so many different congregations, we need the miracle of the high priestly prayer of Christ―that people would know we are Christians by our love… that we really would love one another. Your presence at this event (and if you can bring a friend) will be a miracle in our book. Also, remember to cook your best recipe from your cultural background with enough to feed a couple other families so that we can witness an amazing feeding of the 5,000 at our 2pm international potluck. It is going to be a great day―a day of miracles and we need your help!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Heart Smart!"

Health Resource Center “Heart Smart” Cardiovascular Screening October 9th, 2010

Be smart and get a “Heart Smart” check up at Washington Cathedral on Saturday, October 9th. A comprehensive cardiovascular screening will be offered by the Health Resource Center (HRC) from 10am to 4pm in the new Washington Cathedral ReCreation Center. This event is open to all Washington Cathedral congregations and the surrounding communities; and will be conducted by Dr. Paul Huang, Cardiologist, Vice President of the HRC, and Medical Director of Swedish Heart and Vascular Clinic and professional medical technicians.

A wide range of cardiovascular screenings will be available to check key vital signs to detect irregular or cautionary symptoms that might warrant more extensive diagnosis and care. With only minor exceptions, all the screenings are free. The screening processes will include:

Medical history questionnaire and review

Check of vital signs to include body mass index, blood pressure, pulse and a brief physical exam

Therapeutic lifestyle change counseling for those under 50 years old

Electrocardiography for those 50 years and older with no previous ECG in the last 2 years

Echocardiogram to check for abnormal heart sounds and abnormal ECG

Carotid ultrasound scanning for those over 55 with abnormal heart symptoms and anyone over 65

Abdominal aortic aneurysm for those over 60 with any of the following characteristics: smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol or comparable family history

Ankle-brachial index for those experiencing aching calves while walking and over 60 who smoke and have diabetes or high cholesterol

The screenings will be conducted in the library and nursery areas of the ReCreation Center at Washington Cathedral. Questions should be directed to Erskine Austin, Executive Director of the Health Resource Center; a non-profit foundation of Washington Cathedral at 425-531-0521 or erskine.austin@comcast.net.

"Another of God's Surprises!"

Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” 1 Kings 18:36b

I could not sleep. We were leaving at 6am to drop Ben and Becca at SeaTac to fly to New Jersey. The McCary family was going to meet early at our house for prayer. So at 4am I woke up, sat by the stove, and had a cup of sleepy time tea. Up the stairs came my youngest daughter dressed for school. She said, something like this, “Do I look ready to go to Princeton?” To me she looked just like she did the first day of preschool. We always took “first day of school” pictures of our kids on our back deck. Time goes so fast.

Becca never set a goal to go to Princeton or to win a scholarship - it was just one of those miracles that happened for her and Ben from the very throne of God. Nobody guessed that they would get married after growing up in the same church. It was just another surprise by a God who loves to surprise us. What a joy to pick your daughter’s husband and their family. (Well, we didn't pick- - - but we delighted in the pick!) We never dreamed that a Presbyterian church would hire both of them and the Senior Pastor would pick them up at the airport and have them spend the first night at their house. It was just yet another of God's surprises. Jackie and Becca cried when they hugged and Ben and I made a hug look really clumsy, but when I hugged my baby girl―well she was still my baby girl. People often tell me they are afraid of their kids growing up. I tell them it goes fast and it’s sad to leave each stage, but it just keeps getting better- - -another of God's surprises!

Can you image how surprised everyone was when fire dropped from heaven after Elijah’s prayer? It must have made even Elijah tremble!

Here is my devotion for you today, “Why not trust God - walk with him - stick your neck out for him and put your life in a place to be surprised by his mighty love?” To me it is like having a fish line in the water waiting for a bite. You never know what God is going to do! So- - - apply for the new job, launch the new business, love your kids - God's way! Build your life on your hopes and wait on the Lord.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"God is at Work!"

WOW God has been working hard! Hi, Pastor Tim... I’m not sure if you remember me... my name is (anonymous). I had a baby girl August 31, 2003 you dedicated her to Jesus and I was baptized the same day. I sat in the front right of the sanctuary all the time. I was married to a Hispanic man and I moved to Mexico with him shortly after the baby was born. We are now divorced. I married again - to a Christian man - July 18th 2009. He is a police officer in Myrtle Point Oregon. He leads worship at church. We just had a baby (that's number two for me). I've been up all night finding songs for worship and out of the blue thought of all the amazing people I was so blessed to have met when I attended Washington Cathedral. I was amazed at the blessing your community has now. I remember when the pool was just the dream and now it's God's work at hand!

What I learned there at Washington Cathedral carried me through my ugly divorce and abuse. My child and I fled Mexico to start over here in Oregon with my family. We almost died down there. I will always love my ex-husband, however his drinking became severe enough that we were locked in a bedroom and he would put food through the door for us to eat. He told me that I would never see my family again! I wish I was more open to you or the leaders there at Washington Cathedral. The abuse started while I was pregnant. I was seeing a pastor there for counsel, however I wasn't honest. Due to my pride I couldn't tell anyone what was happening behind closed doors at home. I have gone through a lot, but the memories, the compassion, and the worship at Washington Cathedral kept my head up.

I want to make a trip and visit some of my friends. (Name removed) has really given her life to the Lord. I brought her with me to church before I left for Mexico and she continued for a while then relocated to a different church and city. Her husband has also given his life to Jesus.

I hope to see you and Jackie sometime this year for a Sunday.

Anonymous
(Printed with author’s permission)

"God is Always Faithful!”

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God―this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is―his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Romans 12:1-2

Every time I attend a camp at Washington Cathedral, whether winter or summer, I find that God is always faithful to reveal Himself. This year’s Junior High camp was no exception! Even as a leader I left feeling overwhelmed by His mercy and provision. Perhaps the most inspiring way I saw God working was through the very lives of the young men and women who attended; barriers were broken, love for God rekindled, and most importantly, they found Jesus in the midst of it all. To me, one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences at camp was the opportunity to pray with one of the girls her vow to remain pure until marriage. It’s experiences like these that make being a youth leader so wonderful; to know that even in a culture filled with negative influences, a young girl would be able to rise above it and declare Jesus as Lord of her life.

Also awe-inspiring, was witnessing my fellow leaders pouring their lives into loving the kids at camp. These leaders included Paul Cook, Dan Koster, Kelsey Robinson, Ken Hunt, Carla Prosch, Tara Roth, and Andy and Paula Erman. Even upon first glance, it’s clear that every individual has a special gift ordained specifically by God to reach the heart of a young man or woman that would have otherwise been left untouched. Yet among all of the spiritual gifts each leader has been blessed with, they all have one in common: the ability to show the unrelenting, all-surpassing love of Christ.

God continues to work wonders in Washington Cathedral’s student ministries, and I am blessed to be walking alongside these individuals through life’s struggles and triumphs.

In Christ,

Gigi Bresolin

Back To The Future!

“Many people would define the ‘good life’ as one that’s free of pain, hardship and heartache. But I’ve learned that adversity is actually an opportunity. It’s a gift, though it may not look like it in the moment. The difficulties life throws at you can be a doorway to something better―something you hadn’t even dreamed was possible.”
Drew Brees, MVP of the 2010 Super Bowl

All things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purposes.

Romans 8:28

I guess it took 55 years for me to learn that life is best lived as an adventure - and this summer is an adventure! It’s a roller coaster adventure for the world, national and local economies. But, when faced with adversity, I love to see true grit in people. I met with a number of people last week who are going through tough times financially and I left not only determined to pray for them, but to make our church a better “inspiration station.” – It’s my goal that every week our church will send people out stronger than they were before they walked through the doors. But, not content with the immediate, Washington Cathedral is planning an uplifting breakthrough strategy for this coming fall.

This is the most exciting time of my life. Excitement always brings change and that’s usually unsettling. As a first step, because finances are a challenge, we are going to discontinue mailing the radiance (at least until fall). This will represent a sizable savings to the church. **So if you would like to continue to receive this weekly inspiration via e-mail, please make sure we have a current e-mail address for you. We will also be discontinuing the big weekly bulletin for the rest of the summer. You will still get a smaller version with a sermon handout, communication card and giving envelope; but it won’t be “chock full.” So in order to keep up on all the great summer and early fall activities available to you, you can pick up an events flyer from the information tables, carefully read the PowerPoint ads showing on the screens before each worship service, and regularly check out our website www.wacathedral.org. This again represents a solid savings to the church for the month of August which is the toughest month of the year for us financially.

You may have noticed that each one of our congregational worship services is becoming more and more of a family. Each service is unique and focused on creating lifelong friendships. This is a part of our long-term strategy you will be hearing more about. We are appointing Congregational Pastors for each congregation and Deacons to help with making each congregation feel more and more like family. Of course you can attend whenever is most convenient for you, but if you plug into one congregation on a regular basis you will find great opportunities for a deeper walk and deeper friendships. I will still be doing my share of preaching, but the focus is “back to the future.” Going back to the loving family that we started out as and moving away from a church which puts on a massive number of worship services. Each worship service or “congregational family” is developing a team of committed people to help us make this happen. In fact, next summer we are planning family camps for each congregation in our church and we will return a church on fire with the closeness that Christ wants us to have.

These are exciting times for this church which dreams of being a great caring network. Your friendship, support, and patience will be deeply appreciated.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Let Justice Splash!"

About a year ago I read an article in a Christian magazine written by Charles Webb, Ph.D. He is the president of Spring Arbor University, a Christian University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. This sentence caught my eye and has resonated with me since that time: “Justice is a distinguishing mark of anauthentic follower of God.” He went on to say “It’s incarnational living that allows [nonbelievers] to see Jesus through the compassionate eyes of justice.” Of course, he was referencing Isaiah 58 and 59. Matthew 19:19 says it more succinctly: Justice is loving your neighbor as yourself, as Christcommands.

We are out to build the greatest caring network the world has ever seen which means that, asfollowers of Jesus, we live our lives right out in the open for everyone to see. Hopefully, as thatfollower, I’m displaying my love for Jesus through the acts of justice I demonstrate daily. If you’ve ever struggled with how that actually looks in real life, here are some possibilities I have explored and found rewarding:

· Commenting to a clerk something personal about them – their nice smile, their courteous manner, or their efficient way of doing business.

· Speaking a word of friendliness to someone while waiting in line.

· Smiling in a friendly way to everyone you pass on the street.

· Offering to help a neighbor in some constructive way.

· Letting the car in the merge lane go ahead of you.

We all have lives to live and places to go. I think it makes the going easier if I spread a littlecompassion and kindness along the way. Another way we’ve expressed it at Washington Cathedral is to “Splash a little joy around!”

By: Sally Jo Holmes

"Some Good News!"

Last week we went door-to-door to over 1,200 homes telling people about the Randy & Rod Halvorson ReCreation Center which is open to the community. People couldn’t believe that we have a pool that is open to the public. Before we got back to the church, young families were stopping by to use it and we were getting calls asking more about this meta church that is bringing different kinds of churches togetherunder the love of God. In 26 years of going door-to-door, I have never seen such aresponse. Sure, I was sore each evening (but I need the exercise) and I am so blessed to know that we are filling the church up with new friends and unlimited possibilities.

Last Tuesday I came out of Pastor Linda’s office with a huge smile on my face. She told me that we now have over 1,000 people who are card-carrying members and 60% of those are not even attenders of Washington Cathedral! Plus, we are running the pool at a slight profit rather than a deficit! She noted that it’s because of all the volunteer work being done! Operating at a profit helps support the other ministries of the church. When I walked out into the waiting room I ran into a good friend of mine―a friend that has stuck by my side through the entire adventure of building this church. I blurted out, “I just found out that we are already running the pool at a profit.” He smiled as big as I did. He said, “That makes me so happy. I thought this pool might become a money pit for the church.” We both just enjoyed the fact that God knew what He was doing when he built this building and we are amazed that thisoutrageous blessing/idea is working. Paul put it this way, “All things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

God is releasing His favor on Washington Cathedral and it is a joy just to be a part of it.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"The Great Commission!"

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostleand sent out to preach his Good News. Romans 1:1

As you know, I love the book of Romans. I have been preaching on it in my latest sermon series, “Attacking the World with Arms Wide Open!” It represents Paul’s theological treatise- - - in other words, it is his definitive story. Many of the themes are picked up in other books, but this is the long walk where he really pours his heart out to the listener. I love to hear people’s life story- - - what makes them do what they do and what has made them the person that they are today. I love to watch people open up when they feel that they have an ally in someone whose grace comes from Jesus Christ- - - someone who is reluctant to be judgmental and quick to offer friendship and prayers.

You would be surprised at how many enemies become friends when you hear their life story.

I am not saying that everyone has a good excuse for the weaknesses they exhibit, but it sure helps a lot when you come alongside and look at the world from their perspective. I like my dad's saying, “Walk a mile in your enemies moccasins and if he is still your enemy you are one mile away and he is barefoot because you have his shoes.”

It is hard for some people to understand the gracious community that we are trying to build here at Washington Cathedral. We think the best way for us to legitimately fulfill the Great Commission is to be non-manipulative. Churches like ours reach out because that is what Jesus told us to do in the Great Commission (Matthew 28). Churches reach out because we refuse to cut the words of Jesusout of the Bible. In the stories of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son he teaches us that we are supposed to be “salt and light” in a world that desperately needs it! On July 8, 2010, the Seattle Times ran an article which said that people are twice as likely to be killed by themselves than to be murdered. Let’s face it- - - Jesus was right! People need help, someone who cares, a community that can be gracious and that is what God has called us to do as a great caring network! This is not an addition to the Gospel message, it is at the heart of every book of the Bible and every word that Jesus spoke. To miss this point is to miss being a Christ-follower- - - and we are not willing to entertain that for one moment. So folks, let reach out! Lets make friendships! Let’s listen to people’s stories and find ways to be a means of God's grace in this world!!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!"

It’s true - - - it really is true!

When we rely on the Lord as the source of our strength it always astonishes us! Even more amazing is when we begin to realize that when God’s love and joy flows through our lives, what seemed to be the worst of times can turn into thebest of times!!

I hope everyone has a chance for some very special summer breaks, but don’tforget that you can experience, week after week, fresh, sweet worship times that will bring cleansing renewal and rejoicing!!

I am so deeply thankful that after every worship service at the Cathedral, I can see it on people’s faces- - - “For you shall go out with joy, and- - - peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing- - - and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Is 55:12

My friend, Dr. Robert Schuller, and other great pastor/preachers are convinced,as I am, that deep relaxation allows creativity! And nothing is more relaxing and invigorating than experiencing, first, the cleansing of God, then the energizing power of His word in holy worship!

Pastor Tim’s summer series from the book of Romans is, I’m absolutely convinced, God’s perfect timing for each of our lives; and our Heavenly Father’s awesomevision for His church!!!

Thanking God for the sweet, sweet summer of 2010 at the Cathedral,

Caleb

“Attacking the World with Arms Wide Open!”
Summer Theme of Washington Cathedral

"A family of churches!"

A Cathedral 4th of July Celebration!

This weekend I will have the privilege of sharing the sermon of a lifetime with you. I am on a series of ten greatpassages from one of the most revolutionary books in the Bible - the book of Romans! Martin Luther's commentary on Romans, John Calvin's commentary on Romans, John Wesley's sermons on Romans, Karl Barth, and Martin Loyd Jones- - - they all shook the world! This book has caused reformation and counter-reformation, enlightenment and great awakenings! But most of all it is famous for beginning revival. I have entitled my sermon series “Attacking the World with Arms Wide Open!”

Saturday night service, July 3rd, will have a very special sermon all of its own; and I hope you bring your children to it, because as part of my sermon I want to sit down and tell them the story of the United States of America.

Sunday, July 4th at 9am we are going to honor those who have served in the military by having them stand during a choir song. I am also going to interview the parents of a hero who is serving in the military right now.

Sunday, July 4th at 11am will be one of our four yearly “Festival Services” and will include our special guest, Gary Del Rosario! Gary is a wonderful tenor from the Seattle Opera and he will be singing with the choir and will sing some stirring patriotic hymns. My dad, Dr. Dale White, and Pastor Naomi, have planned a soul-stirring, sacredcelebration. We have invited all of our congregations to rally together and stand hand-in-hand representing all ourdiversity and the Good News of Jesus Christ! So you can expect to worship with our Hispanic, Brazilian, Egyptian, and Korean congregations, and everyone to take part in the service. This will also be my opportunity to deliver the sermon of my life and the sacred dedication of the “honor flags” will set off fireworks in your soul!

Right after the 11am service we are going to have one of our relaxing old-fashioned, family picnics right on ourcampus (I hope that everyone realizes how important the 11am service is and that no one misses it to set up for the 4th of July picnic.) At the picnic we will have a live band and dancing (which is a Washington Cathedral tradition)- - - dads and daughters dancing away, along with everyone else, just having a good old time! We will have basketball, soccer, softball, swimming, a kid’s carnival with a clown and bouncy house, and- - - some of the most delicioushamburgers and hot dogs that you have ever enjoyed! The picnic will be from 12:30 to 4pm and will be a great time to make new and deeper friendships at Washington Cathedral.

This would be a great opportunity to bring a friend. Your invitation could be a life-changing moment for someone.

Remember, the 4th of July is not just another day! Let’s not take the freedoms that we are blessed with in the United States for granted. If we don't teach our children to appreciate them, they won't last many generations.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"What Am I Learning?"

Worry is unbelief. Can I trust God to handle all the details in my life when I ask Him to? I see that even though the Hebrews believed in the Almighty God, they still felt the need to have the local shrines and gods at their disposal for the everyday care of things. Could we do the same in our world on a different level? We put bank accounts, education,people’s expectations of us ahead of God and these things can become “little gods” to us.

I remember hearing that when we let family or even a spouse become more important to us than God, we have created an idol. God wants to be everything to us. Not anafterthought and not only when everything else has failed, but first and foremost in our lives. He is to be Provider, Savior, Best Friend… all of it! When He is truly in that place in my life then I have the ability to prioritize all others in my life correctly. With God first, I am a better mother because I recognize it doesn’t all depend on me, a better friend asI can allow God’s leading in my life as to how to treat friends better and be supportive and not enabling. If I live from the place of seeking God then all others in my life will be taken care of appropriately. This was all God wanted from His people. He wanted them to seek Him with all heart, body, soul and mind and not depend on the ‘household gods’ for the everyday needs of life.

Thank-you, Father for teaching me this. When I make you first in all things it is bothcrucial and profitable. How easily I slip into the mode of thinking that You expect me to do a lot of this by myself and only rely on You for the “big stuff” when You want to be in charge of it all. My part is to be obedient to Your directions for my life. Patience andwisdom come with seeking You, and knowing Your ways through reading your guidebook to me. Direct my steps today to accomplish all that You have for me to do. In Jesus name, Amen.

A Cathedral 4th of July

A Sacred Celebration!
For Our Legacy of Freedom
100 Flags in Sacred Memory

Gary Del Rosario - our very special friend from the Seattle Opera will join all of our choirs and music groups in an encouraging and thrilling time of sacred worship.

Pastor Tim’s message will stir your heart!! Our special guests a U.S. Marines Color Guard will present the Colors and help dedicate 100 “sacred memory flags.” The music will place strong wings on weary hearts!!!

If you have someone who has served our Country in the Armed Services, we willpermanently tag one of the sacred memory flags to be displayed each 4th of July onthe Church altars; enabling our greatcongregation to give God thanks for their gift of service. Call the church office.

A Prophetic Voice

"Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting.” Is 40:3

I sometimes hear a voice. . . . . . voices. . .
they are saying. . . whispering. . . . shouting
“Why? Why can’t you just be a normal church?
You know. . . a church-church!”
Dignified. . . biblical. . . oh, very biblical
spiritual. . . yes, very, very spiritual
a comfortable church!
Let someone else remember the
garbage dump children.

Only Imagine
Imagine a little boy
or a little girl
caught in a huge area. . . of burning garbage.
It’s only a dream. . .
it’s not even nice.

She’s crying. . . crying
whimpering, helplessly
wiping her eyes with her dirty little dress
the wind picks up! She screams
“Help me! Help me!
Someone help me!”

You run. . . you run, run, run
she sees you coming. . .
holds up her little arms
flames leap. . . you just run harder.
She opens her arms! You scoop her up
and you run and run and run!

I think we have just defined our church- - - did you know Pastor, Dr. Rey Diaz has studied 27 of the worlds largest dumps? Guess we’ll take them one at a time! Caleb

"An Overflowing Life!"

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to know what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. Philippians 1:9-10

The other day, one of my children challenged me to memorize the entire book of 1 John this summer. We were on a one-on-one and they said that they were motivated to memorize the book and asked if I would join them. I paused - looking for a good excuse. I started by saying that I had tried to memorize it 35 years ago and failed - I did end up memorizing a synopsis of the book though. I thought about the busyness of my life, all my challenges and my memory challenges (I could hide my own Easter eggs and have funfinding them!) then I said, “Yes.” I said yes because (if you are a dad) it is tough to say no to a daughter who gives you that “daddy look.” And I said yes because I knew that this was a moment - one that I needed to seize to be fully alive.

My kids have learned that overflowing-faith comes when a Christian understands that growth comes not from listening to the radio preachers or television evangelists or even the pastor of a local church.Overflowing faith is when you learn how to dive into the Word yourself, have a no-excuse prayer life and a seize-the-moment fellowship life.

Oh, how I long that you defy the shallow faith epidemic of our generation. That your theology (understanding of God) goes beyond pop-faith and the latest trend. That you learn to dive deep into the word, walk unceasingly with a conversation with your Lord and Savior and that you put that faith into practice in the adventure of your life! Do you know your spiritual gift? Have you discovered the adventure of serving others? Do you know about the law of God’s economy - that he has given you everything in the first place and the last thing you want to do in tough times is to break your partnership with him?

My grandson, Elijah, is living with us a for a couple weeks. I bid on a bunch of cars at last week’s auction and lost, but some gracious person gave the cars to my son-in-law to give to me so that I could give them to Elijah. I have never seen him enjoy a present so much (he sleeps with these cars). He alternately hordes and shares his cars. The other day I asked him if I could play with one of his green cars (a really cool, old ford pickup truck). He said, “No, No GP” and went into the mode of hording his cars. I thought, “Hey – those cars are a miracle. How can you think you own them and not want to share?” But then I thought, “Isn’t that exactly the situation of the non-overflowing life?” When I was pondering whether I really want to invest all the time to memorize 1 John with my child, I realized that even being asked such a question is a miracle!So I challenge myself (and you) to live our life, not from a faithless model of scarcity, but a faithful model of overflowing - it really makes sense!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Another Historic Event for Washington Cathedral!"

Every great and beautiful dream has some point where a giant stands in its way! And every such challenge prompts a champion to step out and take on that Giant, for the glory of God and the blessing of humanity.

I want to personally invite you to what might be the most important night in the history of WashingtonCathedral. We as a church face a challenge and we’re praying for a miraculous night. When I spoke with the Board of Directors about the importance of this night, they all looked at me as if to say, “Haven’t you had enough tough challenges for one life time.” I said, “I know, but this is the sometimes arduous life of a pioneer, and I am a happy pioneer trying to build the Greatest Caring Network that the world has ever seen. The next generation might have it easier, but this is the path that God has put us on.”

We had a celebratory grand opening for our wonderful new building. We also conducted a moving dedication ceremony. However, a couple of leaders of our church pointed out, we have run from one challenge to another without really taking an evening to thank all the people who in so many ways made it possible for Washington Cathedral to get this far. To me this is a mission of utmost importance.

We have been so blessed by so many great champions who have worked, given, prayed, hung in there with us--and I will spend the rest of eternity thanking God for them. But I also want the church to recognize those stalwarts in person.

So we are going to have a special Comedy Night like we have never had at Washington Cathedral. Every good and bad comedy act from Washington Cathedral will be there to help us laugh and enjoy the joy of our fellowship. I was on the gong show many years ago and I plan to give my unknown pastor comedy act, Rich Skinner and Steve Sibley are better than the Smothers Brothers and they have developed a reputation as “The Boys”. Doug Sutten is the funniest CPA ever to graduate from Kennewick High School (that is in my humble opinion). We will have comedy acts by kids, old people like Rey Diaz who will be trying out his brand of humor (is he really the funniest in his family?) The drama team, teenagers, kids getting ready for camp. It will be a night of fun and hilarity.

Our Washington Cathedral Chefs are preparing a delicious Italian Meal. The food for this meal will cost about $10 per person and a donation basket will be available if you’d like to help us offset that cost. It will be a fun and inspiring evening you will never forget as we say “thank you” for being a part of a miracle. We will outline the ten year plan for Washington Cathedral and the meta church design to become the Great Caring Network that God has called us to be. Please join us and bring a friend. Lets pack the place out! Wouldn’t it be fun if the place became a packed out-house--or should I say, a packed-out house. (Brings back memories of how many you can squeeze into a VW Beetle.)

Don’t miss this historic night! – It will become a milestone memory.

This night of comedy and food will be Friday, June 4, at 7 pm in the ReCreation Center. Call and let us know you are coming (or you can sign up on our website).

Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White

Uncertain Certainty

Uncertain Certainty was the theme for today’s devotion and it has certainly been that. None of us knows what can

happen moment to moment, but if my certainty lies in God, then I need not fear it, but look to it as a life of surprise.

Looking back over my life there have been many surprises. Things not going according to my plans, detours and redirections, but it has made for a colorful life and not one I would have traded. Because of all those ‘happenings’ that went into getting me to this point in my life, I have a perspective from this vantage point I would not want to miss. I hope I have learned to extend grace because it was extended to me, and hope I don’t stand in place of judging another because I never know what I might do if those same circumstances were presented to me. There is the idea that one can never know another ‘until he’s walked a mile in his shoes’ and this bears truth to that.

There is only one certainty in my life and that is that God loves me and has fashioned a plan unique to me. All I need do is allow Him to reveal it to me by being obedient to Him. I know what it feels like to be disobedient, impatient and intent on doing my own thing, due to my thinking He’s not moving fast enough; and I hope not to repeat that…There is peace in this certainty of God. It is to become as a child trusting and eager; living in the moment not anticipating the future with dread or fear; but in eagerness looking forward to the next playtime.

Observe a child at play. They are totally living in the moment. Not worrying about if mom will have food enough for dinner or if she has clothes to wear. They just trust it will happen. Was this what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 6:25-34 this simplicity of trust? Life will happen and there isn’t much we can do about that. But to lean on and depend upon our Heavenly Father during life’s happenings, this something we can do something about.

Lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge God
and He will make your way straight” Proverbs 3:56

Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants.
Then all your other needs will be met as well.
So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34

from a grateful member of Washington Cathedral

"Seeking God!"

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and prayand seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven andwill forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-15

“The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him.Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.” Psalm 22:25-27

“The humble will see their God at work and be glad.Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.” Psalm 69:31-33

As I was reading the bible it occurred to me that in our own lives, we seek to spend time with people and when they make time for us we are blessed and happy. How much more does the Father feel when I make time to spend with Him. There is a difference to spending time and making time. I can find that I spend time with someone out ofnecessity and it fits in with the schedule and those can be blessed times too.

But, isn’t there a subtle difference when it is “sought” time to be spent with someone. We do it in dating, when we want to be with our loved one, we make time for them sometime adjusting the schedule of our lives to accommodate; just think how pleased our Father would be if we extended the same consideration to Him.

God is always ready and waiting for us to make that move toward Him; to have the quiet one-on-one in a devotion or reading with undivided attention and no distractions. I have found this to be the best time of my day and I come away with blessings and promises to get me through my day, until the next time…

Fiona Monaghan

An Ancient Kind of Gathering...

Spirit Falls Circle, formerly known as “Sunday 5,” is a Sunday evening service which began two years ago this past Easter in the Spirit Falls sanctuary.

It’s a gathering of believers, literally sitting in a circle, whose desire has been and continues to beto emulate as closely as possible the essence of the early church…

“They devoted themselves to… teaching, and to the fellowship, and to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42.

Spirit Falls Circle is an open congregation of people who come… to worship God in unadorned song and the spoken word… to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and triumph over death as we come together to the communiontable in quietness and reverence… to draw sustenance from Scripture… where questions, doubts and insights are encouraged and the sharing is rich... to pray, offering our gifts of adoration and gratitude to God, and to intercede for each other… to encourage one another, as our faith is cultivated and we see God’s hand at work in our lives in often miraculous ways…

Spirit Falls Circle is a living thing, flexible and vibrant… and all are welcome. It’s a space in whichone can give and receive… or sit in silence and simply “be”… experience peace and rest. It can be ameaningful way to end the past week and begin the new one, buoyed up for the fusion of joy andchallenge in our life journey. Our numbers have at times swelled and at times ebbed, but God hascontinued to bless us, meet needs and draw us closer to Him. He is most definitely “on the move,”and we have all felt nourished and cared for.

As we draw the hour to a close we leave one another with this blessing… “Go in peace, for by the goodness of God you have been born and by the providence of God you have been kept all this day and all through your lives and by the love of God you are redeemed.”

~ Doug and Lori Wheeler ~

“Please be patient . . . God’s not finished with me yet!”

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)

I love to remind people about this statement - Please be patient . . . God’s not finished with me yet! In fact, it almost makes me laugh to think of it. All these people think they have you and I figured out. They have their list of criticisms and disappointments, and behind our backs they share with delight our failings and mistakes. Then God goes and works a miracle in our lives and we grow!

Isn’t that just like God? Just when everyone thinks they have the picture figured out, he changes the picture. After they memorize the facts for the test―God changes the test. And some people think that God doesn’t laugh!

I plan to change a lot this spring, not to mention this year, and don’t even try and figure out what I will be like in the next five years. My friends, my kids, my church, my community are all going to be shocked at how God works through my life; and I will be laughing and thinking, “God is just so cool!”

If you feel like your boss, teacher, coach, parent, child, or spouse is frustrated with some of your humanness- - - leave them a note saying, “Please be patient - God’s not finished with me yet!” Then, let God change you. Delight in astounding people with the grace of Jesus Christ working powerfully in your life!

What is it that you have to do to change and grow that would make people just say, “No way!!!” Quit smoking? Lose weight? Be on time? Develop study habits? Become more outgoing? Try harder? Worry less? Apologize? Listen to advice? Smile more? Go ahead! Crack a smile and knock all your critics on their rear-ends to the glory of God! (Well, don’t physically knock them on their rear-ends, it’s just a metaphor for the shock they will feel.) You know what I mean- - - go out and let God shock people through your growth!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"11: Indispensible Relationships You Can’t Be Without!"

“To journey without being changed is to be a nomad. To change without journeying is to be a chameleon. To journey and be transformed by the journey is to be a pilgrim.” Mark Nep, The Exquisite Risk

Then Jesus went out to the lakeshore again and taught the crowds that were coming to him. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him. (Mark 2:13-14)

I have been reading a great book by Dr. Leonard Sweet. Dr. Sweet is a brilliant person, author and professor who has a one-of-a-kind character. He lives in the San Juan Islands at an amazing place that is well suited to the imagination of awell known author. If you see someone up there who looks like Colonel Custer than that is probably Leonard Sweet. His book is entitled, 11: Indispensible Relationships You Can’t Be Without. Mark Batterson said of this book, “This book will not only help you cross the finish line strong, it will also help you bring others with you.” The book looks at Biblicalrelationships that are needed to help a person to be healthy in their faith and it has inspired my series to look at healthy Christianity by looking at the friendships that Jesus chose. I can’t wait to dive into this series with you. I believe we will be a much stronger church because of it. Here is an outline of Dr. Sweet’s book (which will be different from my sermon series), but you can get the excitement of the study of scripture by his summary statements.

Who’s Your Nathan?: You Need an Editor
Who’s Your Jonathan?: You need a True Friend
Who’s Your Jethro?: You Need a Butt-Kicker
Who’s Your Timothy?: You Need a Protégé
Who’s Your Barnabas?: You Need an Encourager
Who’s Your Peter/Paul?: You Need a Yoda
Who’s Your Deborah?: You Need a Back-Coverer
Who’s Your Zacchaeus?: You Need a Reject
Who’s Your Rhoda?: You Need a “Little One”
Who Are Your VIPs?: You Need a Lydia and Lazarus, Rich and Poor
Where’s Your Jerusalem?: You Need a Place
The Invisible 12th: You Need the Paraclete

I think you can see how this would cause sparks in a fresh study of the friendships of Christ! If we improve in this area not only will we experience a greater sense of peace and wholeness in our lives, but we will put down roots that our families and friends with enjoy also. Read the book if you like, it will be different from the series, but together – let’s get ready for a great ride the next few weeks!

You need others to get where you are going and the ride is a lot more fun when you are not alone. . .

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

At first reading, that seems reasonable enough, doesn’t it? Who wouldn’t want to act in a just way? But, wait! What does that mean exactly? Am I acting justly when I speak out with passion on a cause I embrace as a “just” cause? What about those who oppose my point-of-view? Even though I may disagree with them, is their cause less just?

Who wouldn’t love mercy? But, wait! What is mercy exactly? Does it mean a lot of “second chances” for others? What does it mean in terms of my own personal boundaries? Is itmerciful to walk on by a panhandler with the notion that to provide him or her with money will only support an addictive habit, therefore, out of mercy, I withhold the dollars? I’m not sure.

Walk humbly with your God? Of course! That’s the dream of every Christian – “me and God, walking side by side.” But, wait! What is this “humbly” stuff? Doesn’t that have something to do with “courage under pressure?” Or does it mean that I always put myself last in the lineup? Or…what does it mean really?

If you aren’t part of a TLC (small group) where some of these issues can be addressed and maybe even clarified and put to rest, you are missing out! God wants us to grapple with His word and come to terms with it. He speaks to us in a variety of ways and a supportive, loving and caring small group is one of those ways.

Don’t struggle alone! There’s the perfect match for you meeting on a day and timeconvenient to your schedule. Talk to Pastor Dale, he’s the TLC coordinator and would love to put you in touch with a group that can vitalize your spiritual life in a way that nothing else can! Call the church office at 425-869-5433 and ask to speak with him. You’ll be glad you did!

Pastor Sally Jo Holmes

"Lift Your Sails!"

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. (Psalm 100)

Rey jokes with me that after a couple years of worshipping in Honduras, I will be ready to run a marathon. Every Sunday morning I walk the dusty roads to church, Elijah in hand, because I know that I need to worship. Most Sundays it becomesunbearably hot in our one-room church, full of bodies in motion in the middle of a scorching day. We spend the majority of the two hours on our feet, in high-heals, clapping to the music or simply standing for prayer. I shift my weight trying to focus on understanding what is being said in a foreign language and feel the sweat pour down. Sometimes Sunday morning worship feels like a test of endurance, other times I sense the Spirit falling mightily on me, either way, I am glad I came.

Last night, I only got fifteen minutes of corporate worship before Elijah had a meltdown and I had to leave. But in those fifteen minutes, I saw again that the Lord is holy, holy, holy, (Santo, Santo, Santo) and all powerful to change any circumstance, any situation. I felt the stress melt off my shoulders and was able once again to see.

Someone once likened spiritual disciplines to lifting your sails on a boat. you never know when the wind is going to blow, but when it does, you are ready. When it comes softly, your only clue of the wind’s arrival is the slight movement of your boat, if your sails are up. My prayer for you this week is that you would lift your sails, do the things you did at first, so that if the Holy Spirit does happen to blow, you will be ready to receive Him.

Pastor Elise White-Diaz
Tegucigalpa, Honduras

"The Glory of Easter 2010!"

Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed. John 20:8

I love Holy Week and I completely enjoy Easter!!! I can't tell you what it means to me to review the depth of the teaching ofPassover, to relive again with Jesus his passion, celebrate the forgiveness of Christ from the Cross, and to entertain the ideas of the resurrection. My heart just thrills. I think of my grandparents, I think of my grandchildren, I think of all my friends that have gone on to heaven and I think of my own life. It makes me tremble inside as I pray for Holy Week services knowing that I could invite someone who might find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

And yes, I am so proud of my dad, Dr. Dale White, and Pastor Naomi Blake for producing a drama which tells the story of Easter fresh and new- - - it spreads revival like wildfire. Last Christmas I was blown away by the drama and I have read the script for this Easter and it’s even better. I pray that our whole meta church family can gather together for the 11 am service to see this glorious pageant- - - one of the few in the area and one of the best ever done in the Pacific Northwest!

Easter week will include: my dad having a soup lunch at noon Monday through Friday and discussing “The Seven Last Words of Christ” with anyone who would like to join him. He will anoint the sick and pray for healing every day that week.

Monday night at 7pm “One is a Whole Number” congregation is going to have a special Easter service and I am preaching. Yes, it will be a different message than my others that week, but I am looking forward to celebrating with this dynamic congregation (Pastor David is even going to sing.)

Wednesday night at 7pm “The Source” I will teach on the Passover. What a time to grow deeper in our understanding not only of our faith, but of the prophecy fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Thursday night at 7pm our “Serenity Service” is going to have Pastors Roy and Pam Seymour preaching with special music that will touch your heart.

Friday night at 7pm is our “Good Friday” service and our newest congregation Rooted Gathering is going to lead this service withwonderful music and three homilies by three dynamic young people from our church. It will include communion and candlelight in front of the waterfall.

Saturday night at 6pm “Boulder Creek” congregation will have a special Easter service with children bringing flowers into thesanctuary, brass, an incredible praise team and a dynamic, stirring Easter message by Dr. Dale White.

And of course we are going to have an “Easter Sunrise Service” at 6:45am. Pastor Linda Skinner will be preaching, we will haveinstrumental Easter music and a touching soloist - what a great way to greet the dawn!

Then, at 7:30am our traditional Easter “Blueberry Pancake Feed” will be open to all the congregations; Coptic, Korean, Hispanic, Brazilian, etc.- - - all in a big family-style feast!

Easter Sunday at 9am “Spirit Falls” congregation will be my opportunity to give my full Easter sermon. I love this traditional service with robes, choir, liturgy, the Lord’s prayer, kids bringing in flowers and dynamic music.

Easter Sunday at 11am in Mountainside Sanctuary will be “The Glory of Easter” drama and I will have a short, uplifting, Easter presentation of the Good News. And we’ll have a special guest from the Seattle Opera who’s singing will stir your soul!

Easter Sunday at 1pm will be our annual community “Easter Egg Hunt”- - - this is always an event never to be forgotten.
Easter Sunday at 5pm our “Sunday 5” congregation will enjoy the Shalom of Easter as they celebrate with a special Easter service.

Every service and every congregation will be blessed and overflowing! Please come to at least one of the services, but you arealways welcome to any or all of them. Just make sure that you don't miss our special “Easter Drama,” Sunday at 11am! It will be our best and our opportunity to fill up our 1100 seat Mountainside Sanctuary- - - that in itself is really inspiring! Bring your friends and give them a tour of our amazing facility as all the different congregations worship throughout the week.

This will be the greatest Easter of our lives so far! Won't you come home for Easter at Washington Cathedral!!!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White