Words of Encouragement: An Investment Worth Making!

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

I recently received a facebook message from someone who was in my youth group as a young man. I was so encouraged and uplifted by his words I decided to share them with you:

Dear Tim,

35 plus years ago you ministered through football (and many other avenues of activities) to a young boy who did not understand this world. After many times in jail and years of drug and alcohol addictions, your words of encouragement (and I am sure many prayers) have finally found a home in this man’s heart.

I have looked for you many times and tonight God placed your face on facebook. My heartfelt thanks to you and Jackie for believing enough in us young boys to spend time (and lots of energy) on us. This man is very thankful and grateful to you! I am a Pastor now for about ten years. I have worked with youth and adults and Counseled for over 5 years at Teen Challenge.
I currently have been pastoring and working with Native Americans here on the Standing Rock Reservation, North Dakota, for the past 2 1/2 years. Tim, thank you, may God richly bless you as you continue to serve Him. I have never forgotten your investment.

Phil Wolverton

You never know how God will use your heartfelt prayers and words of encouragement. I pray that you are an encouragement to your family and friends and that you receive God’s encouragement for your own life.

Happy New Year!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

A Christmas Thank You

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Merry Christmas! I pray that you are experiencing the beauty of this Christmas Season! What wonderful things are happening this year!! Our Santa Conspiracy was a wonderful time of spreading the joy of Christmas with those in the community that need it most. Each year I experience incredible joy when we come together as a church family and reach out to the community with no expectation of return!

I want to give a special thank you to the entire church body who donated over 2,000 bears; and the 300 Santa’s, Mrs. Clause’s, Elves and helpers who participated in the Santa Conspiracy this year!













We received this touching letter of thanks from the UW Medical Center. It was so inspiring I wanted to share it with you all:

Dear Kind People at Washington Cathedral,

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Reverend Tim White, Dan Edwards, Mary Loeser and Marcia McLaughlin for visiting our oncology patients this past Sunday. Amazingly we covered tall three oncology units and even made it to in-patient rehab and antepartum. Wow! What a feat! And thank you to Diane Lutterloh for making arrangements and working with me on the details.

Christmas is a difficult time to be in the hospital. It’s amazing what a visit from Santa can do to lift spirits, no matter what tradition you follow! The bears are very special - and who doesn’t need a cuddly bear to help them feel better?! Thank you to all the members of your congregation who donated and collected them.

I think Santa brings out the child in all of us, and I saw patients’ and staff members’ faces light up as Santa entered units and rooms, bringing the spirit of the holidays and brightening a gray afternoon. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and all the time and effort that went into making this happen.

May you all enjoy a blessed and happy Christmas season.

Gratefully,

Irene Hopkins
Program Coordinator, Volunteer Services
UW Medical Center

I pray that you have a very Merry Christmas and I hope to see you at one of our Christmas Services:

Christmas Bursts Into Beauty: Friday 12/23 @ 7pm and Saturday 12/24 @ 6pm & 8pm (Live nativity, ballet dancer and dancing cherubs, beautiful harp music, Christmas carols, live Christmas animal petting zoo, cookies and cider, and Frosty & Rudolph will greet you at the door!)

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Saturday 12/24 @ 11:30pm (Pastor Linda will be giving a special Christmas Eve message).

And one service on Christmas Day: Sunday 12/25 @ 11am (Pastor Becca McCary will be sharing a Christmas message to inspire you). Call the church office to reserve your complimentary tickets today 425.869.5433.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

New Christmas memories that will bless for generations!

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn said, “Literature is the memory of peoples; it transmits from one generation to the next the irrefutable experiences of men. It preserves and enlivens the flame of a history immune to all deformation, far from every lie.” (Nobel Prize Lecture, 1970) Literature may not have all the answers to our questions, but without it we would have very little history to question.

Solzhenitsyn was born in Kislovadsk in 1918. He lived through the Marxist Lennist revolution in Russia and he was imprisoned for remarks he made against Stalin. He witnessed terrible evil and his literature is part of the witness of history which Stalinist tried to snuff out. He had been fighting in World War 2, had been decorated for heroism twice, attained the rank of captain and he spent eight years in prison for his anti-Stalinist remarks. On his relief he was kept in exile until 1956. He was expelled from the writers union and banned from Russia. In the West his literature faced a backlash of disbelief. Communists considered his literature a betrayal. It was only in his almost unbelievable story that the truth was contained. Toward the end of his life he embraced Christianity and demanded a civilization founded on love, compassion and the humility of its leaders. His unbelievable story was the only way the incredible truth found its way through history.

Christmas begins with an incredible story. “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:12-14 KJV) What a vision! Peace on earth, good will toward men- - - Glory to God in the highest! Many people have questions about the Christmas story and its central historical evidence hidden in literature. This story does not provide answers to all of our questions- - - How many angels? What did they look like? Why didn’t anyone video tape it? But it also provides questions that still rock our world. What if the baby born in a manger was the Savior? What would our lives be like if we still followed this vision- - - Peace on earth and good will to all men- - - giving glory to God in the highest?

When I tell my grandchildren the history of Christmas in my lifetime it will be full of Christmas bursts into beauty, hospital visits dressed as Santa, and friendship with fellow Christian dreamers that I will always cherish. Adventure in the face of difficult odds- - - and lots of faith and love! There will be a sparkle in my eyes when I tell about how much I love my family, friends, church, community and the poor around the world. And about how every Christmas was a miracle- - - dozens of miracles! Marriages saved- - - lost people who found faith- - - worried people who found deep happiness. I wonder what memories we will create this Christmas as we remember the first Christmas!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

P.S. If you would like to be a part of the Christmas miracle at Washington Cathedral just dive in we need all the help we can get! Call the church office 425.869.5433 or visit our website at www.wacathedral.org.

How to Get in the Christmas Spirit

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 (NLT)

There was a young man who just never seemed to fit in. He dropped out of school when he was 15. He hadn’t found his area of giftedness. During some hard financial times he found himself taking a very low-paying job as a court reporter. He even had to teach himself shorthand before he could land the job. The job was somewhat boring, but the stories he heard about the injustices happening to children in society deepened his anger towards the way things had become. He did however discover that he liked to write. He tried to work for court reform because of his concerns about how children were being treated. He found zero success. So his writing turned into fiction. No one wanted to publish his novels so he published his work in a serial form in a cheap newspaper that was not very well respected. His creation of stories about children who had become criminals brutal, but his writings challenged institutionalized poverty. His characters were enchanting and later this would be what Charles Dickens would be remembered for. He was born in 1812 and died in London in 1870. Everyone one knows his classic story entitled A Christmas Carol where Scrooge is transformed by catching the Christmas Spirit. I think this work of art has been performed on stage by many fine actors, but Scrooge McDuck and Mr. Magoo are two of my favorite actors playing Mr. Scrooge (of course I am joking- - - partially). The story is captivating (as are most of Dickens other stories), but the transformation of someone who is self-absorbed, judgmental, and in bad humor- - - into the delightful Christmas Spirit enjoyed by Scrooge touches all of us.

Here are some ideas on how to catch the Christmas Spirit this year:

1. Remember that the Christmas Spirit is the Holy Spirit so make time for spiritual renewal during this season.

2. Avoid self pity like the plague! If your family has to have a tight Christmas- - - make it memorable.

3. Do something for someone else on Christmas.

4. Bring someone to the Christmas services and watch how God uses your friendship to light a fire in another human being.

5. Start a new Christian family tradition this year- - - the sky’s the limit. Have grandpa read the Christmas story- - - pray holding hands- - - express what means most to you about Christmas- - - buy everyone a cross to wear for the Christmas service- - - put up a picture of the kids in Honduras and say a prayer for them- - - have someone over that would otherwise be alone on Christmas. You name it!

I believe that God has planned for you to experience a refreshing, wonderful Christmas this year! Let’s get in the Spirit of Christmas as each of us experiences the transformation of “Scrooge to an angel” and become ambassadors of Christmas joy!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Learning to Embrace Chaos

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:1 (NLT)

Most of us hate chaos. When life feels like a rollercoaster ride our need for control puts butterflies in our stomach and screams in our brain. Yet we all know that the most important times in our lives are uncertain, chaotic, fearful, adventurous, courageous, and just plain wild, uncontrollable chaos. We see this in the very first verse in the Bible. Three Hebrew words describe the chaos at the beginning of our planet. The first is to which is translated “formless” it literally means “confusion, empty place, wasteland”. The second is “waabowa” which is the Hebrew word translated as “empty” or “void”- - - it means a “meaningless desolate wilderness”. And the third Hebrew word is “choseck” which is translated as darkness and it literally means “misery, destruction, death ignorance and sorrow”. These three words describe the chaos that the creative power of God hovered over (some translations say “vibrated with”). This word is used to describe a mother bird as she hovers over her eggs to bring them to life. This is the dance that the Spirit of God did with chaos.

How do you react to chaos in your life? You are going to face it sometime- - - in Leadership Wisdom From Unlikely Voices David Fleming has a chapter on how good leaders handle chaos. He says, "Simply put, chaos is not the enemy of life and creativity. It is, rather, a necessary ally.” Pamela Meyer, in her book Quantum Creativity, tells us to embrace chaos and when she gives this lecture to business people they usually chuckle. The point is that the avoidance of chaos leads to all kinds of problems including the most basic one—unwillingness to embrace the quality that brings creativity to the surface (and that would be God!) When our lives feel chaotic it’s time for the Spirit of God to hover over us and to do His work. Chaos is part of the divine energy of life. It brings us to the brink of either madness or meaning. God invites us to become a part of His creative process. You see God is always creating. Even if formless and void describes part of our lives. We all know that from hindsight- - - when we look back at chaotic times, we see that creation and meaning came not in spite of that season, but as a result of it. To live in the midst of disturbance, (chaos) is to live in the stuff of creation. I guess this isn’t impossible unless we are working with the Creator, but it is adventurous when we see the chaos as an opportunity for the Creator to do something new in our lives.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

We're In This Together!

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:2 (NKJ)

It’s impossible to explain to someone who has not gone through this kind of crucible―the death of a loved one, the loss of a career, the diagnosis of a lifelong debilitating disease. At those moments, for the person of faith, something happens that no poet has ever adequately described. Job tried, when he said “When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” Or when he said, “Though he slay me, yet I will trust him.” or “For I know that my redeemer lives.” God comes alongside as the best friend you could ever imagine and His love is real. He forges gold in our soul. We feel Him at work for our good even in an unexplainable tragedy.

For Washington Cathedral, people are coming together in prayer. Many are walking around the campus praying. In a miraculous act Komo News came out and did a story about the challenge we face. People have been unfairly criticizing―that is true. But it’s only a small amount compared to all the good that is taking place. I received a call all the way from New Jersey from a businessman that I have never met, but he called because he was touched by the prayer of Hill Top Presbyterian Church that Sunday morning for our church. He wanted to know how he could help. There have been so many calls and emails from people far away people saying that Washington Cathedral matters to them. The bank saw the news broadcast and called to let us know they are going to work more closely with us to resolve this somehow. They even complimented us on what good customers we have been.

This Sunday night at 5:30 we are going to have the old clay jar potluck dinner. We are going to hear stories about how our church has touched people’s lives. The music will be great and we will take a miracle offering. My biggest prayer is that everyone will give something to show unity- - - that itself is a miracle. It’s a statement that we are all in this together- - - that we are a family for the rest of our lives. Last week we had over 500 just in our 11 am service (we had four others happening at that hour too). Attendance was significantly up and it felt like a miracle as Pastor Rey brought us a message from God through Honduras. This may be the best time of my life- - - waiting and working for a miracle. That is the way I want to remember life- - - and to be remembered by those that love me.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Prepare to Be Amazed!"

Did you experience firsthand - the impossible surrendering to the power of God? There’s nothing like it! It doesn't guarantee a lifetime of belief- - - look at all the times the people of Israel would walk through the red sea, or follow a pillar of fire, or live off manna from heaven and then return to grumbling and doubt. Many of us would not be Christians if we had not witnessed God in a way that we could not explain without His Grace and power. You are going to have that opportunity in this “Save Our Church” campaign!

For those of you that may not have heard yet- - - we have a balloon payment of 3.8 million dollars due on December 1st (and we are praying for a miracle). God is already answering those prayers. Last week we spontaneously had $35,000 in pledges come in. This Saturday the Esperanza Congregation is holding a yard sale (they may start doing this once a month for a while to help raise money). The Four Winds Native American Congregation gave a very sacrificial gift. People who have not attended our church for years are contacting us and saying that we must save the ministries of Washington Cathedral. The youth have rallied and are writing letters inviting people to church and an internet social networking campaign is happening as thousands around the globe are praying for us and considering if they can give something. People by the hundreds are fasting and praying and many are doing prayer walks around the campus. We met with a very prestigious attorney who deals in these matters and he has informed us that we are in a very strong position because of the value of our property and the fact that we have never been late on a payment. This Sunday the news media is coming to our 11:00 service to interview us regarding the situation (your attendance at this service could be very helpful to our cause!). The world is taking notice that God is doing something very special and important at Washington Cathedral- - - so prepare to be amazed at what God will do!

Please don't gossip- - - call us if you have any questions. If for some reason you don’t agree with us, rather than opposing and promoting division, we ask that you pray for us. We need unity now more than ever.

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. God is working - just open your eyes and see it. We are reducing our church indebtedness (and that is a great thing); and as a people revival is taking place that no one could manufacture.

When I was speaking in Miami in January of last year a pastor from Austria had a prophecy for me. He said, “Tim White you are going to have the hardest year of your life this year, but if you are faithful you are going to break through and God is going to bless your ministry beyond what you ever imagined it could be.” When I was in Peru this September, I was praying for people by the hundreds and one man said he did not want my prayers but had a prophecy from his mountain church in Peru for me. He said, “Tim White you are going to have the hardest year of your life this year, but if you are faithful you are going to break through and God is going to bless your ministry beyond what you ever imagined it could be.” When his message was translated by a pastor from Peru I could not believe it- - - it was word-for-word what I had heard in January of the same year- - - and from two parts of the globe! Stand back; do not be afraid- - - God is preparing to do something amazing in our midst!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Defining Moments: Performing for an Audience of One!"

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes… Romans 1:16

There is something splendid when someone makes a stand. It might be impossible, it might look a bit ugly, it may appear sloppy to a perfectionist, but if it’s right and it’s courageous- - - then you have to admire them. I love how after Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Is that true? I can think a lot of things that the United States had to fear at that time. The Nazis getting the atomic bomb, invasion of Alaska, running out of natural resources, not knowing who their allies were going to be- - - but he boiled it down to one courageous statement. I love how Winston Churchill said (prior to the Nazi invasion of England), “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender!” That bulldog of a British Prime Minister was not going down without a fight- - -and I for one love it! These are the kinds of moments that define us.

For the church it’s all about reaching people with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. Watching people (who everyone has given up on) become clean and sober, saving marriages, rescuing young people from terrible decisions, launching world-changing dreams! Who could be ashamed to the gospel of Jesus Christ knowing it’s the power of God for salvation.

I for one know that my life will boil down to a few defining moments- - - moments that really determine so much. I just hope in those moments that I can honor Jesus Christ- - - that I will play for an audience of one and that I will demonstrate courage that comes from my faith in God which has been instilled in me since I was a child. I believe that those are the moments that will rise above all others.

I love the old “True Grit” movie- - - when John Wayne is trying to save a kidnapped girl. He’s in no shape for the challenge ahead of him- - - four bad guys all well mounted and he has a patch over one eye. He charges with both guns blazing and yelling courageous statements at the top of his lungs! He was unashamed.Your friend for the rest of my life,

Dr. Tim White

"Commit Your Way to the Lord!"

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6 (NIV)

It’s impossible to ignore the uncertain times that our nation faces financially. It is understandable that we all take a hard look at our current financial status. And it makes sense that some have even cut back on their giving during this time, but uncertain times always call for acts of bold and faith-filled heroism. We can either face the future with fear, or we can renew our call upon the Lord to bless us in a mighty way.

We’re praying for our members who are in-between jobs and whose faith and determination is being tested (this is just one of the reasons why we need a great caring network). For those who have been blessed with employment or other financial security during this time; this is an opportunity for heroic support of this great philanthropic community―the local church. We always say, “God loves a cheerful giver; and we don't want anyone to give who doesn’t feel good about giving,” because time after time we have seen amazing joy for such blessed supporters. We believe that God provides for the church and He does so through eager hearts.

I would be remiss if I did not tell you that we are experiencing a time that calls for heroism in order to keep the dream of Washington Cathedral alive. Our church, and everything we do in the community and around the world, is supported by those who tithe and give to the local church body we call Washington Cathedral. Somehow, over the last 27 years, God has worked miracles through combining the small and large gifts of faithful people; and we have grown into an amazing caring network!

So many times through the years, when the going got tough, heroic people gave sacrificially to keep this dream alive. This time is no different- - - I guess it helps us to remember that the church really is a miracle!

If you have ever considered contributing to the Wall of Champions- - - may I encourage you to pray about doing it now. Participating in the Wall of Champions means giving $100 a month over your normal tithes and offerings to support the buildings that are used 7 days a week by so many different amazing groups. For many people, this is their first venture in giving- - - and they get to test God and see if He really will bless their gift (just as we are asked to do in Malachi chapter three).

Without the Wall of Champions we would not have this great campus and all of the ministries that we support in the community. Whether you can give or not, please pray for Washington Cathedral during this challenging time. Washington Cathedral is a dream and it is a vision, but it’s also a miracle every week that’s supported by the heroic gifts of generous people.

May God bless every one of you!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

P.S. If you would like to do your giving online, just go to our website www.wacathedral.org and select “give” in the upper right corner. This takes you to a completely secure website. You can set up your account for online giving.

"It is Time to Believe!"

“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.” Jeremiah 1:17 (NIV)

I believe that I have been preparing for the last part of 2011 all of my life! When I was a kid in Sunday school; when I was an athlete growing up; when I went to college; when I went to graduate school; when I was a youth pastor; when I was being discipled; when I started this church; when my heart was broken; when I saw miracles; when I was raising my children, building my marriage, and learning from my friendships- - - all of my life has prepared me for the greatest moment of life- - - To meet the challenges that we face as a church between now and December 1st. I will not shrink from this challenge! I will be the person that God has always wanted me to be. I will step into the Spirit-empowered, Jesus-directed, God-fortified zone! Jeremiah stepped into it and I will too. I will not shrink from my challenges, because I am playing for an audience of one.

I believe in this great caring network called Washington Cathedral. I believe we are going to change the world one dump at a time. I believe that God has given us a positive, Christ-centered faith to share with a cynical world. I believe that the eye of the tiger is tougher in a man who is gentle, loving, kind, patient, forgiving, and self-controlled. I'll take the Fruit of the Spirit over a spirit of cursing any day.

If you want to stand back and watch a miracle - that’s fine with me. But as for me, I am preparing to see God work in my life and our church as He has never before. Get back critics- - - prepare to eat your words. Watch out fearful spectators- - -cover your eyes, because God is going to do mighty things in our midst.

I'm just saying- - - No, I’m just believing, because- - - It’s time to believe!!!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Your Body: is a Temple

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

I am so proud of the Health Resource Center (HRC) which is the flagship of our Round Table of the great caring network. Last week they sponsored a health fair in which Cardiologist, Dr. Paul Huang, his son Aaron, and a great team from the HRC tested as many people as they possibly could- - - people of all nationalities and all income levels. Each person really appreciated the free examination. Many, many people were uninsured who would not otherwise have access to this kind of care. It saved lives. As I visited with the people and the physicians I thought that Jesus, the Great Physician, would be so proud of this! And that is what we are in this for- - - to please Jesus Christ. That brings joy to our hearts and blessings on our church.

If you would like to get involved in the many projects of the Health Resource Center talk to the President, Dr. Rey Vath, M.D. or the Executive Director, Colonel Erskine Austin. They are out to change the world and are building a key component to “the greatest caring network that the world has ever seen!” We have people from all nationalities and each of our church congregations involved and they are as fine a group of people as you will ever meet.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Encourage One Another"

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor 13:11

The Bible is in essence a collection of stories about man’s encounter with God and how that changed their lives These stories give us guidance and hope for ways to better our lives. This process continues to the present time.

Washington Cathedral has many such stories that need to be told to give us all guidance and hope for these troubled times. I would ask that Sunday school teachers, youth leaders and TLC facilitators to bless our congregations by bringing such life-changing experiences to our attention. This will serve to encourage all of us to pursue a deeper relationship with God as we seek His solutions to our life’s problems.

Some of the stories might appear in our weekly eRadiance, some might be shared at TLC meetings and some might be shared with the congregations during worship services. God is great and God is good - let’s share the glad tidings!

Raymond E. Vath, MD

A Real Adventure Classic: The Drama of Life

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Most people don’t realize it, but the Bible has a lot to say about courage. For some reason, in our society today, courage has become a trait that isn’t as highly prized as it was in our parents’ day. Our society is enthralled with stories about those whose success came by accident, and we are thrilled when we hear that they hardly even tried―an overnight success! We like the “get-rich-quick” stories- - - buy a lottery ticket and become a millionaire overnight (no work necessary). We love the idea of someone discovering us! Maybe that’s why movie stars and pop musicians are the new “heroes” of our society.

I praise the people of courage who are all around us: the single parent, the businessperson daring to conduct business God’s way in a dog-eat-dog world, the hero struggling to overcome a chronic or even life-threatening illness, the person with an impossible dream! We all cheered Lance Armstrong’s victory in the Tour de France, but just imagine his hard-fought battle against cancer! People flock to successes, but some of us live in admiration of those who have fought the odds and continue holding on to the impossible dream.

Courage cannot be born without the cradle of adversity. If you feel like a failure or that everything is going wrong, let me salute you for your courage! I admire the writer who has never published; the policeman or fireman, and their families, who live with the constant threat of danger; the idealistic school teacher who continues to give everything day in and day out to each child they’re given; the Small Groups facilitator who ministers and really nurtures people’s souls; the person who sticks with their dream even when the results are not so encouraging. I am not the only one who notices- - - there are children watching and learning. God is watching and applauding from heaven!

“Lord Jesus, I pray for the people of courage! Give them this moment to hear your applause of heaven! Amen.”

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Living Life with Devotion: What have you bitten off?

A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Acts 16:22-26

On October 5, 2005 ABC Evening News ran a story about a freak accident. In the Florida everglades a python had swallowed a six foot alligator. They were both found dead and the python’s stomach had exploded. I think that many times we are like that snake- - - our lives, and what we have bitten off, seem like more than we can stomach.

Christians have coped with this challenge since New Testament times by learning to look for God’s will in the priorities we set. A generation ago this practice was called devotions. Christians would ask their brothers and sisters to, “Pray for my inner devotional life to be renewed.” They would also challenge one another on the deepest friendship levels and guard against a fall by continually cultivating a deep inner devotional life. They sought never-ending personal renewal by experiencing spiritual focus, emotional restoration, and affirming that Jesus held first place in their lives. The fathers, mothers, teenagers, business people and singles all held each other accountable for their ever growing capacity to offer praise and thanksgiving as well as study and memorize scripture. Every time they met, they would ask each other, “How does it go with your soul?” Many times the look on the other person’s face was all the response needed (it was the look of the snake who had just swallowed an alligator). Then, they would share, pray together, study the Word and learn- - - then make another stride at living life with the devotion that was needed.

What is the alternative to living without devotion? We will miss the focus and serenity that’s essential to our emotional and spiritual health. The apostle Paul writes about such issues in Philippians- - - and the Philippians believe that he knows what he’s talking about.

I have been privileged to meet a lot of people who have faced more than their fair share of life’s problems. Often they can only handle them one day at a time, but their devotion changes everyone who’s privileged to observe them. Yes, many times it’s not only people that swallow more problems than they can handle- - - but sometimes problems swallow people with more faith than any problem can handle. Maybe there’s a little bit of Jonah in all of us.

When Paul was in Philippi he tried to start a church. He and Silas were not only thrown in jail, but they were taken to the hard-core prisoner section- - - the inner dungeon; and if that’s not enough- - - they were then put in stocks. Paul is stuck, he can’t move. In fact, it is surprising that he’s not overwhelmed by claustrophobia! But instead, he and his buddy Silas begin to sing praises and hymns and they don’t give it up- - - they are still singing at midnight! The jailor thought that Paul had been swallowed by the prison, the inner cell, and the stocks- - -wrong! Later the jailer becomes a Christian because he has been transformed by the power of praise in Paul’s life. I pray that all of us practice such a life of devotion this week!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Being Alone with God: Watch Out!

“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.” Matthew 10:38 (The Message)

Oswald Chambers in “Being Alone with God” points out “it was the twelve disciples who asked him questions and who were puzzled about what was happening.”

It’s in the one-on-one times where we find what we need. “He gets us alone through heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, sickness, broken friendships or a new friendship.” Oswald Chambers

It’s when we are all alone in a struggle and no-one else “gets it” no matter how close they are to us; it’s only us that can feel what we feel. But if we seek after God in these times we learn more about His tenderness, caring and willingness to provide (if we let Him) than at any other time. It can’t be explained until it happens―this sounds like an exaggeration, but it’s real. We can’t draw closer until we’re to that place where we are willing to let go of all the stuff that holds us. Things like pre-conceived ideas of what we think our future looks like, relationships that are built on the wrong foundations, the self that has got us into the messes in the first place. It’s those places of self-will and “kingship” of our own lives that doesn’t allow room for God to work. I have heard it said “God only goes where He’s invited. He doesn’t force himself on anyone.” But on invitation- - - watch out! Things will begin to happen and your world will be rocked as re-building takes place. He has a plan for us and it is good, but there may be areas that need dismantling in order to bring good out of it. This is why aloneness with God in so necessary. It is in that time (devotions, quiet time, and Bible study) that He builds up trust with us as He is working so we don’t get discouraged and give up.

The disciples didn’t understand all that was happening, but we have the books and letters written by them about what they learned from it all. They shook the world with what they’d learned and passed it along. Can we expect any less?

Fiona Monaghan

The Battle: Bringing Honor to All

If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26b (TNIV)

On Thursday September 15th, 2011 President, Barak Obama honored the United States Marine Corps and every soldier fighting in the messy war in Afghanistan. He gave the Medal of Honor (the highest honor that our country can give) to a 23 year-old farm boy from Columbia, Kentucky for the worst day of his life (there are only three living recipients of this honor for this war).

When a Marine recruiter first saw Dakota Meyer as a senior he asked him what he planned on doing after high school. Dakota, a big strong boy, told him that he planned on playing college football. The recruiter said, “Good. That’s what I would do if I were you, because I don’t think you have what it takes to make a marine.” Those words haunted Dakota so he enlisted in the marines. He was stationed in the Ganjgal Valley where they were talking to village elders about supporting the Afghanistan government and encouraging them to refuse siding with the Taliban. There were only six marines on this mission. Dakota was asked to stay outside the village and guard the Humvees. Taliban snipers had been positioned in the surrounding mountains and in the village and opened fire on the marines. The gunfire was so thick that it sounded like static. The marines called for support and were denied. The two outside asked to go in to get them and they were denied. So Dakota and his friend, who won the Navy Cross, went in anyway. Dakota was asked if he had thought they would come out alive and he said, “No, but they were our brothers. We just couldn’t leave them there. They would do the same for us.” The press asked Dakota if he deserved the award. He said, “No. I’m not a hero. Those who died are the heroes.” They asked him why he would accept the award and he said, “Because it brings honor to everyone in the Marine Corps.”

Did you know that there are other battles going on in this world? Maybe not with guns, but they are battles for life and eternity. Risk and courage is still displayed; and every act of heroism brings honor to the all those who serve humanity in the name of Jesus Christ. So every time a Sunday school teacher does their best to teach the children who will lead our future- - - it brings honor to all of us. Every time a youth leader sacrifices to spend a couple days with the young people of our church and those young people commit their lives to Christ- - - it brings honor to the whole body of Christ. Every time someone gives a sacrificial financial gift or tithe to keep the church up and running and in the game to make this world a better place- - - it brings honor to all of us. Every missionary we send, every ministry we launch, every act of service that we do reflects on the entire body of Christ. Let’s honor Jesus Christ this week in all that we do.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

We Have a Job to Do

When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and d
id as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. Matthew 28:12-15

Conspiracy theories are nothing new in the world. They invented one about Jesus in Matthew 28. (See above verse)

Sometimes conspiracy theories cause great chasms between the generations. That was the way it was in the 1970s, when I was a youth pastor. You can see the differences between my dad, my grandfather, and myself; but we all had something which gave us a deep bond that no one could understand―unless they were radically committed to following Jesus Christ. We were out to change the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Not to rule the people with a Christian government, but to change the people one person at a time - because the government just reflects the people. What a uniting force this revolution in Jesus Christ has been through the centuries―different political parties, ethnic groups, economic groups, races all joining together and loving one another―willing to sacrifice their life for the noblest cause in the world.

I read studies that say some believe that September 11th was a conspiracy. I remember talking to some of my friends who were meek, mild-mannered physicians and priests/pastors from New York; and to them those were fighting words. They each had friends and family who died on that terrible day. Today the topic is just as volatile. Many have relatives serving in Afghanistan. There were topics just as difficult to talk about in the years when I was a young pastor, but we knew what was important―we had a job to do. In spite of Watergate or the differing views of the Vietnam war, Christians have always been a force of radical love and change- - - doing something rather than giving into the cynicism of anarchy. If ever there has been a time for America to come together it is September 11 ten years later.

Where were you on September 11, 2001? I was at home trying to call my brother who had an appointment in one of the twin towers. I called families in the church whose had loved ones flying Jets out of east coast cities to see if they had been hijacked. I was in shock that this could happen on American soil. I was also dismayed as some other nations cheered in the streets while others rallied by our side. I think we all prayed a little regardless of our religious ideas.

Last August our financial prospect as a nation was downgraded from Standard to Poor because we could not get along. Now everyone is pointing fingers and I don’t think that’s going to change until the next election is over (if even then), but for Christians there are symptoms and conclusions as well as action plans that run much different than pop-politics. This weekend is a time for us to call our nation to revival, repentance, change, and a new vision of hope. That is what we do if we are more than following Christ, but we are actually in Christ and he is in us.



Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Ministry of Solitude"

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 (NLT)

When I was growing up in the Tri-Cities, it seemed that everyone was always afraid of a nuclear chain reaction at one of the atomic reactors in the Hanford area. They worried that one atomic particle could be transformed by the radiation of another and then transform others to grow at an exponential rate until they were out of control; and there would be a catastrophic nuclear event.

We need such a chain reaction of forgiveness in our community of family and friends. A chain reaction that causes a meltdown of the cold, oppressive wall that is formed by the real hurts and pain resulting from our human imperfections and wrong-doings. I think that lack of forgiveness not only causes families to suffer in loneliness at a distance from the very people they need, but I wonder how many companies are also held back by lack of teamwork- - - which is rooted in real hurts that can only be healed by real forgiveness.

I’m convinced that the message of forgiveness is a universal message in its appeal. The atheist or the secularist knows in their heart of hearts that wrongdoing destroys human relationships and that real forgiveness is necessary. They know this because at some time they have been on the offending side of that equation and their inner hope is that there would be some “medicine” which could repair the damage. They also know this because they have been on the offended side of this universal equation and instinctively they don’t want a watered-down forgiveness that says, “It’s all right to hurt another”- - - they need something deeply transforming that brings atonement for the guilt, pain, and suffering.

The message of Christ’s death on the cross for our sins and his resurrection for our new life, which lasts forever, is one which speaks to every one of our emotional needs.

When I receive communion from an elder after a worship service and the Spirit of God is speaking to my heart―I experience God forgiving my sins- - - I am relieved of my burdens, I am full of trust and hope again, and I love everyone. Yes, everyone! What I had been frustrated and desperate about now unimportant and I praise the Lord. When I take a walk with Jesus, memorize a scripture, spend 30 minutes on my knees soaring in prayer- - - I feel no need to follow one whim or another, but to make a steady course to follow Jesus in my life. Let us not forget the Ministry of Solitude in a world which is overwhelmed by the loudest noise and the quickest fix.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

A Community-of-God Endeavor!

The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:26-28

Julio Fonseca is a construction worker in Tegucigalpa, one of thousands. Several years ago Julio could not find any work so he moved his family to the country. This meant withdrawing his children from AFE. But work was also scarce in the country. With no other option, the Fonsecas came back to Tegucigalpa, this time to work in the garbage dump. Their two older children (once AFE students) came back to Tegucigalpa with children of their own.

When the Fonsecas returned, we immediately accepted the four school-age children into AFE (the young girls with babies preferred to stay home to take care of their babies). Tania, Maria, and Julio became students again and children available to sponsor. Around the same time a team from Washington Cathedral visited AFE and fell in love with the Fonseca children.

Tania’s sponsor learned that her family of nine huddled together in a one-room shack susceptible to the elements.Tania’s sponsor did not have a lot of money herself, but did have retirement savings. She leveraged that savings to provide a house for the Fonseca family. The $5,000 cost to build a house included salaries for laborers. AFE hired Julio to build his own house, along with his oldest son, but the construction was not limited to the Fonseca family. Other fathers who had received house-help from AFE joined in and a team of young people from Washington Cathedral came to provide labor.

The Fonseca house truly was a “community-of-God” endeavor . . . a community that stretched across several nations. It began with a church mission trip, moved to sponsorship, then to providing the stability of a home. It was beautiful to see the Washington Cathedral teenagers taking pictures of the Fonseca children as they marveled at their “mansion” (as they called it); knowing that they would share this experience with children’s sponsors, who are also part of the same church. Isn’t it amazing what can happen when we all get together and push! Washington Cathedral has adopted the Fonseca family. If your church would like to become involved in a similar endeavor, contact reyangeldiaz@gmail.com.

Pastor Elise White-Diaz

Stop & Notice the Mountain (And Other Great Things in Your Life)!

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies announce what his hands have made. Day after day they tell the story; night after night they tell it again. They have no speech or words; they have no voice to be heard. But their message goes out through all the world; their words go everywhere on earth. Psalm 19:1-4 (NCV)

The other day I was driving to the church from my home in Woodinville and as I came around the corner (by Chateau Ste. Michelle), in front of Willows Lodge was a man who had stopped his car and was taking pictures. I slowed down and looked out over the grass field to see what he was looking at and all I saw was the grass. I wondered what on earth he was doing taking such effort to take pictures of a plain grass field. A few minutes later, as I came around the corner onto Woodinville-Redmond Road, I looked ahead and saw the beauty of Mt. Rainier looming over the landscape and it suddenly dawned on me, of course, he was taking a picture of that mighty, majestic mountain. I had forgotten about the mountain.

At that moment I thought about how often I don’t notice the beautiful things in my life. I’m so focused on getting to my next destination or getting the next thing on my list accomplished that I forget to appreciate the things around me. The beauty and splendor of God’s creation, the wonderful people God has put around me, the glory of His presence in my life. That day, I recommitted myself to take time and notice the beautiful things God has placed in my life. The words of one of my favorite Psalms echoed in my brain, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands . . . . They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.”

How often do you find yourself speeding through life and not noticing the beauty around you? I think that, especially in our times of stress and distress, we forget to see the beauty around us. God’s creation shouts to us, “I was created by the great Creator for your pleasure and enjoyment!” That’s how much God loves us. Today I challenge you to stop and notice the beauty around you―actually, not just today, but every day. Recommit your life to being a person who listens to the silence of the beauty surrounding you each and every day of your life. Then take time to be thankful. It will draw you closer to the Creator and you will be blessed. I was.

Have a great a glorious week!

Pastor Linda Skinner

“According to Your Faith”

When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” Matthew 9:28-29

I love sales people! I really do! I love them because they are people who cannot afford to be negative and faithless about life. If they are, they see it in their paycheck. They have to be positive, optimistic, upbeat, and enthusiastic or their family will not get paid. These are common ordinary people who are masters of self-motivation and discipline- - - and they have so much to teach us. Recently, I was talking to a friend who has been in our church for years. When I asked him how his business was going, he said something like this, “Oh, I always have all the possibilities that I want, because I help good people solve their problems and I don’t believe in the word impossible.” He went on to explain that it seems like every job he does is one that some competitor has given up on. His secret is that he knows that he can do it―he just has to find a way. When he does that and a little bit more for free- - - there is no limit to the number of jobs or the amount of times his customers want him back. I told my friend, “You are a possibility thinker!!”

There’s a level of performance that’s truly above the natural realm, and to get there just takes a little bit of trust!

I wonder how many people right now are putting themselves in self-imposed quicksand? They are imagining all the ways they might fail. They are worried to death that someone is going to take advantage of them by asking them to do something for free. How refreshing it is to hold a five-minute conversation with someone who dares to believe in deeper, more powerful values and principles.

Many people are claiming to trust God, but in point-of-fact they are rehearsing how their lives and businesses are going to fail. And then they blame God for the mistakes that they themselves sowed into their lives through unbelief.

Right now I am praying for you to move to the next level- - - the level of faith. A faith that will cause you to make the scary phone call, pound out the bold business plan, stretch to do the right thing even if it’s uncomfortable. I believe that Jesus is whispering to you, “According to your faith let it be done to you!”

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

“It takes a lot of work to hang in there”

“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.” Ephesians 4:3-4

Sitting in the chairs waiting for premarital counseling is a couple eager to get married. (At least they should be- - - it makes it a lot easier.) The pastor tries to warn them that marriage and building a family is going to be harder than they think. There will be a time when the honeymoon is over. There will be moments when they feel like the other person is so different that they must be from another planet. There will be times of self pity when they feel like the marriage could be so much more. There will be seasons of financial difficulties, emotional struggles, and conflicts over heartfelt differences, the challenges of life, constant distractions by children, work, commitments, etc.

It takes work to build a great marriage!
But it’s worth every ounce of effort!!!

Sitting in the chair is a new person ready to join the church. They tear up when they talk about how their life has been changed by Jesus Christ since beginning their journey of faith at the church. (When I hear the stories of all the people who have grown to maturity in their faith in this church and how God has blessed their lives I am so inspired.)

But just like it is for the young couple getting married, there will be a time when the honeymoon is over (it happens to all of us as human beings). For some, there are those moments when it seems that every sermon is no longer “just for them”; even though it might be for someone else. Some will have a time when they realize that worship requires them to take an active role not just watch the leaders worship. The toughest moment for some is when it becomes apparent that spiritual growth is a product of living the spiritual disciplines of Jesus and not just finding a new commodity. There are those startling times when patience is required, getting off the bench and getting involved is a must, and staying attached to the vine is essential. Some will have the shocking recognition that all of their needs cannot be met in a sixty-minute service once a week- - - this “following Jesus” is requires a lot more work. There’s a lot of growing up to do in the business of establishing a happy, healthy church, but I think if you ask anyone who has grown up here they will tell you it’s well worth the effort.

It takes a lot of work to hang in there with a church family!
But it’s worth every ounce of effort!!!

In Ephesians 4 the apostle Paul said, “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living though all.”

Your friend for the rest of my life,

"Exciting News & Opportunity to be a Blessing!"

“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 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 12:6-13

A few months ago we introduced our new Intern Youth Pastor, Benjamin Smokovich to you. He is an amazing young man who has a genuine heart for the Lord and for youth. He has been working hard in our youth ministry (alongside all of our gifted youth leaders) and we are blessed to have him at Washington Cathedral. Benjamin has a need for some assistance and has written a letter to you, his church family, with his request. Please consider if you are able to help or know of anyone who can help, and please be praying for this dynamic young man, his family and his continued ministry at Washington Cathedral.

Hello Washington Cathedral,

I would like to introduce my wonderful family to you- - - my wife Natasha and my daughters Ema and Audrie. Currently they are living in the Tri Cities and are moving back to this side of the mountains. We have had a wonderful year of seeing God move in our midst. Ema is currently 9 and Audrie is a 1-1/2. I am very excited to have them by my side and getting involved at Washington Cathedral in this great time of revival.

Right now we are looking for a place to stay as a family; as this is a difficult time in the economy for everyone, but we feel called to this area and we know that God is going to do a huge work in this church. We are so excited, because working with youth and watching them be raised up through the training of God’s Word is a passion for both me and my wife. This is why we are looking to stay somewhere on or near the Eastside so that we can be close to the church. We know that without the help of the church body this will be impossible.

My family is moving here on August 1st and we are looking for a place to stay for a little while, because we don’t have a deposit or last month to put down on a home or apartment. But we are not broken or crushed because of this―it’s just an opportunity to see God work a miracle and for us to be a living testimony of His love and provision. With only a little time left I am putting my family on the mercy of the Lord. So if you know of anyone that could house us for a short time or if anyone has or knows of a place for me and my family to stay for a discount, please let me know; ben.smokovich@wacathedral.org or (425) 268-7065. Thank you very much for your attention and prayers and I will keep you updated on our circumstances.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Smokovich

The Walls Came Tumbling Down: Three Qualities that Break Down Strongholds in Your Life

When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. Joshua 6:20

Many times in our lives we have the same problems that hold us back for years, decades, and even generations. It’s what some Christians call a “stronghold.” Jericho was that kind of stronghold standing against the people of Israel. At one time it was known as the oldest archeological site in the world―in other words- - - perhaps one of the oldest cities in history. I don’t think that’s true today (although I haven’t been reading my archeological periodicals enough know what is). In the 1970s I was at an archeological dig of one of the sites located at the oasis where more than one ancient city existed. Israel was terrified of this fortified city. At one point they turned back from the promise land after scouting it out and realizing that Jericho was unfriendly and invincible.

In an act of obedience they marched around the city for seven days and on the seventh day marched around it seven times. In a display of praise, they shouted and the walls came a tumbling down! A stronghold that had held them back for generations from all that God had promised them was removed.

That sounds easy. Is it? Obedience, humility and submission are qualities that are rare for Christians today. In the bestselling book “Radical: Stealing Your Faith Back from the American Dream” the author points out how easily our self-willed lives can miss the point that God has for us. Obedience is a very difficult obstacle. Jonah had to be swallowed by a great fish before he would comply with God’s will for his life. I think any of us might rethink our plans after being thrown up on a beach by a great fish. Jesus used this as a metaphor for what he had to go through on the cross. Paul said he had to go through something like that before God could get his attention. He was as he said, “Crucified with Christ.” Are you willing to swallow your pride and do it God’s way? That’s a lesson I’ve learned and relearned in my walk with the Lord. Fortunately, I have never been swallowed by a great fish, but I have had some tough experiences that I am ashamed to say were necessary for God to get my attention.

Second was praise. We love to whine and complain―it becomes an addiction, but we are never at our best and ready for victory until we are ready to shout for praise. Do you ever watch a sports team get ready? They don’t do it by complaining- - - they do it by shouting. I loved watching the women’s soccer team this year (I was sad at their loss, but happy for Japan). As I watched our team of winners be interviewed all week on different shows; I thought, “They are really amazing people.” You could see in their eyes that they were winners- - - and they were gracious in their comments about their loss to Japan. There was something in their hearts that made each one of those young athletes beautiful. I see that same look in my two daughter’s eyes. I hope that we can model that attitude of confident praise that makes walls come tumbling down for every young person growing up in the church.

There was a prophet at the conference I just returned from. He said that God told him we are at the door. And if we have the faith to go through it; this next year will be the most blessed year in the history of our church. I believed him when he said it. Are you ready to see the walls come tumbling down? I am!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Learning from the Chicken & the Pig

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Psalm 24:1-2

This week I returned to Tegucigalpa. I returned to a day spent in traffic, just trying to get home. I returned to a faulty phone and internet connection. I visited Pastor Jeony at the doctor’s office and was astounded at the difference in healthcare available to us in Washington. I returned to a house devoid of running water (until we could get it fixed). I had been spoiled in the United States for a month and forgotten what life is like for the majority of the world’s population.

In 2005, half of the world’s population lived on less than $2.50 a day (http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats). 80 % of the world’s population lived on less than $10 per day.

Recognizing how differently the majority of the world lives has important implications for how we steward the Lord’s resources.

Psalm 24:1 says it well, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” And just as God once called Adam and Eve to take care of the garden, he also calls us to be stewards of the resources he made available to us on the earth. Stewards are people who manage another’s property or financial affairs (the Lord’s). They are not our resources to begin with. This is a scary proposition.

On Sunday Rey shared a story with AFE’s church congregation. It was the story of the chicken and the pig. One morning the chicken and the pig were hungry and brainstormed putting a breakfast together. The chicken said, “How about this? We each need to put in something, so it’s fair. I’ll put one egg in. All you need to do is supply the bacon.” “Whoa, whoa, whoa,” said the pig. “That is hardly a fair proposition. It costs you next to nothing to supply the egg, but for me to supply the bacon is a whole other story. I would have to cut off a leg, or maybe even give my very life!”

What happens to us, Rey continued, is that we start just giving God our eggs, instead of our whole being, because it seems easier at the moment. But God calls for our everything; our time, and talents, and resources, our imaginations, our very selves. They were His to begin with and they will be His in the end, when we meet Him face to face and He asks us how it went, how we stewarded all that he gave us to use for the expansion of His kingdom.

Daily, moment by moment, I am finding that I must remind myself that every blessing from God is not for my own enjoyment, but to invest in the work to which he has called me. I encourage you to do the same.

Pastor Elise White-Diaz

Confessions of a “Worship Junkie!”

“But the time is coming―indeed it is here now―when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

What a privilege it is to serve and worship God!!! I must confess that I think I’m a “worship service” junkie. On most weekends I attend a minimum of 3 worship services here at Washington Cathedral and what is amazing is that each one, although the same message, seems very different. Being a “meta” church (a family of churches); each service has its own style and appeal. Pastor Tim preaches the same power-filled message at each service, but it’s amazing how each service has its own personality.

Saturday night at 6pm is the Boulder Creek Congregation. This is a wonderfully casual church service. We have traditionally called this our “country church in the city” and it still has that appeal. When you enter into the atrium of the Spirit Falls building you are greeted by the aroma of fresh-baked cookies. Pastor Dale and Mamma Jane are there to greet you along with the other folks who call Saturday night their church. Pastor Tim often wears his cowboy boots and dresses casually. The people who attend are often coming from working in the yard or just stopping by after a picnic. For some, Saturday night is a perfect solution because they have other Sunday morning commitments. The children have a great Saturday “Sunday School” and there’s always a delicious dinner after the service.

Sunday morning at 9am is the Cathedral at the Falls Congregation. This is the most traditional of all of our services, but still has some elements of contemporary mixed in. Rhonda Jones and the Cathedral Choir comprise most of the music for this service which always includes traditional hymns and modern worship songs. Worship leader, Travis Graham, steps in to lead a couple of the worship songs accompanied by Rhonda and the Choir. There is what we call “liturgy light” which means we responsively read a Bible passage and recite together the “Lord’s Prayer.” Pastor Tim wears a robe as do the rest of the pastoral staff. This service is “traditional” to us not just because of the elements, but it is church the way we did it for many years when we had just one congregation. Kids enjoy the great Sunday school teachers at 9am who are dedicated to helping them grow in their love of Jesus.

Sunday morning at 11am is the Mountainside Congregation (Mountainside is the name we gave our Sanctuary in the ReCreation Center). This is our contemporary service and has changed the most out of all our services. Travis Graham is the Worship Pastor for this service and does an amazing job of leading the congregation is sweet yet exciting worship. He has brought in some of the musicians from his popular worship band, New Heights, and the sound is amazing. There is always a hymn, but it may be done in a new way with drums and guitars. The music is a little louder and the youth are involved in this service―the young families love it. Young children enjoy Sunday school at its best. . . “Radically Opposed to Boredom” is their motto. Children’s music programs are available during this service and the student ministries (grades 7-12) meets together at 10:30 am for breakfast and devotion time just prior to joining us in worship at 11:00.
The Rooted Congregation meets on Sundays at 6pm in Spirit Falls. The leadership team for this service is comprised totally of the young leaders in our church. It is a truly beautiful service. Travis and Katie lead about 30 minutes of sweet, sweet worship with piano and guitar. The lights are turned down low and there are candles covering the altar. Pastor Tim always shares the message with one of the young leaders who takes one point of the message and gives us their spin on it. The children’s program is awesome and I know from talking to the kids who are in it that they have a great time.

This is just one of the many things I love about our church―variety within the Body of Christ. Every service leads me closer to God and I have to say that I would have a hard time choosing which service is my favorite. I love worshipping with the Saturday night congregation; it is such a laid back, casual atmosphere. I adore worshipping with the 9:00 congregation; it feels like home to me being from a Lutheran background. I am totally energized worshipping with the 11:00 congregation; I love the music and being surrounded by the young people. You don’t have to be a total “worship junkie” like me, but I encourage you to find the service that fits your style and engage. You have been designed to worship God and to achieve your full potential as a Christ-follower! Besides- - - being a little bit of a “worship junkie” is not a bad thing.

Pastor Linda Skinner

I believe that freedom is just getting started.

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

I was watching a program on the History Channel about the current phenomenon of “preppers.” I had never heard of them before. They are people who are convinced that our nation is going to collapse so they are investing thousands of dollars and all their spare time getting their kids ready for it. I love to talk about politics and economics (as well as many other subjects) I am amazed at all the conservatives that are pessimistic about the future, and the liberals are just as pessimistic. No wonder they cannot agree on a budget and a long-term plan to face the challenges that face our nation. I have talked to professors of macro economics and they share that the United States is on the slide and is a “has been.” I ask about all the restarts- renewals and revivals our economy has already experienced and how they know that we are not going to experience another one and they don’t have a good answer for me except pessimism. We have seen harder times. The burning of the White House during the war of 1812, the Civil War, times when we had to challenge issues such as slavery, racial prejudice or economic and political change or we were not going to make it. Incidentally each time the change was preceded by a great spiritual awakening. I believe that July the 3rd is one of the most important weeks of the year for you to go to church. If you love our country and have hopes for the future than we need to demonstrate for freedom. We need to remember how blessed we are and fortify ourselves for the challenge ahead by a spiritual renewal in our church that I pray will spread throughout our nation.

In recent history, everyone was saying we were on the way out and that we were going to lose the cold war. What happened then? What about when our economy was stagnate and a bunch of young people created billion dollar companies which carried our nation to a new level of prosperity and blessing for the whole world. This weekend, we will have the presentation of the colors by a Marine Color Guard (thank you Colonel Erskine Austin). We will sing the Star Spangled Banner. The amazingly talented Carly Delucia will sing God Bless America. An actor will recite the 7-minute Gettysburg address with slides and musical background that will stir the soul. The choir will honor those in our church who have served in the military by singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic. I am joining the choir this week along with a bunch of staff members. Travis is singing a song he wrote for a friend who left for Iraq. And I think I will have one of the best messages I have ever delivered in my 56 years. I am fired up about this one. Then Vietnam War veteran, Pastor David Gerzsenye will sing God Bless The USA accompanied by the children’s choir.

Right after the 11am service we will have a short dynamic picnic. Pastor Benjamin Smokovich is preparing a flag football game. Dave Irish will be in concert. Some of us will dance with our children or grandchildren. There will be a children’s carnival and a wonderful old-fashioned hamburger and hotdog meal put on by the men of the church. Of course there will be family swimming and just hanging out as we watch the blockbuster movie “Independence Day.” It will all be too good to miss. So make being at Washington Cathedral a priority to publicly demonstrate for freedom and spend time with some very good lifelong friends.
Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Being Fruitful!"

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Matthew 3:7-9 (TNIV)

I love it when fruit starts to ripen in the Pacific Northwest- - - it’s an amazing miracle! First come the fruit trees blossoming with indescribable beauty. Next, we see the little green beginnings of delicious fruit begin to grow- - - apples, peaches, apricots, cherries (not in this order), watermelon and cantaloupe (not from trees, but from the vines on the ground), loganberries, blueberries and most amazing of all (the most pesky weed in the Pacific Northwest) the blackberry bush dazzles us all as we stop fighting them and start enjoying their fruit. I remember one Sunday I was preaching and I happened to mention that the world’s best watermelon was grown in Hermiston. Little did I know that there was a farmer from Hermiston in the crowd visiting his daughter and the next week he had a fresh Hermiston watermelon delivered to each staff member.

All through the Bible we are encouraged to produce fruit. In John 15:1-2 Jesus says, “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” There is the fruitfulness comparison. It seems that something placed deep inside our human DNA is the desire to be fruitful- - - we want our lives to count for something good and honorable. We want to bear fruit that is self-perpetuating or replicating of the very cause of our lives.

Why do some people bear fruit in their life and others lives are built on sand that wash away at the first sign of a storm? Perhaps our worst enemy is not our circumstances, but ourselves- - - our own attitude of closeness to God. “But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Gal 5:22-23) There lies the ability to weather the storms of conflict, criticism, unfaithful friends, and spiteful enemies; and keep a heart of gold so pure that it can invest completely in the Kingdom of God. I pray that each of us is fruitful in every part of our lives and I pray that the fruitfulness of our church increases.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"A Tribute!"

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

One of the first Christmas’ at Washington Cathedral we received a call from Swedish Hospital that a young lady there was facing death. Our family loaded up our Christmas party and we joined her in her room. For the first (and last) time our family formed a choir and our five-year-old daughter, Elise, played her portable keyboard while we sang Christmas hymns, exchanged presents, and felt the Christmas Spirit in a very precious way. Wendy Moesch was a brilliant straight “A” student who was challenged with a life of chronic illness. She was a member of many different TLC’s (Tiny Little Churches) in our church. I don’t know how many people visited her in the hospital, gave her rides to doctor visits, brought meals, gave gifts, picked her up for church, and rode the rollercoaster of her life along with her dear family.

I think she faced a total of about 26 years of chronic illness. Who wouldn't need all the support and caring they could get to go through the prime of their life filled with pain and illness? It seemed like somehow every year I ended up as Wendy’s Santa through the Santa Conspiracy. She would say, “Pastor Tim how do you always find me at Christmas?” And I would say, “Honestly, I don't know!”

I write this article as a tribute to Wendy Moesch who loved God in spite of her difficult life. I also write it in tribute to her parents and family who hung in there through all the years. A week ago Pastor Linda and Pastor David led her beautiful memorial service in our Spirit Falls Sanctuary. I also write this as a tribute to all the members of Washington Cathedral who are trying to build a great caring network and who were part of trying to encourage an amazing young lady who fought some of the toughest challenges of life with as much faith as she could muster. Wendy made sure all our buildings were special needs accessible; she inspired us when her faith showed through her hardship. Her life was not easy, but she was a great inspiration to many of us.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"What Would Jesus Do?"

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:11-12

What do you do when you are completely out of cheeks to turn? The whole philosophy of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount was turning the other cheek. Loving your enemies, blessing those that curse you is a wondrous theory, but sometimes we get to the end of ourselves. We go through the crucible of losing our ability to understand what God is doing and what we are supposed to do in response to all the injustice in our lives. And that moment is an opportunity to experience a grace that we could never envision. We cannot envision it because it comes not from this world, but from God himself. We trust not in our emotions, but in faith- - - faith that moves mountains! We confess with our hearts and believe with our minds in a strong, bold, kind, and loving response. We ask, “What would Jesus do?” and that is a beginning of a miracle.

I love the story in Acts where the enemies of Christianity threw rocks at the apostle Paul and hit him with sticks until they were sure that he was dead. His friends gathered around him crying and then he moved- - - he was still alive and he got up. As they grabbed him to comfort and bandage him he just walked back into the town and began preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and everyone was amazed. I wonder if Paul was the most amazed one of all. God had worked a miracle in his heart and mind—one that we still experience today- - - a miracle that is still changing the world!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Let's Celebrate!"

For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me. Acts 27:23

In one of the toughest moments of his life, the apostle Paul was going through a storm and we see this one verse (above). It is an amazing verse. God was by his side in the tough times. This has been my experience—that God has sent Angels in the form of friends to stand by my side in the toughest storms of life. I want us all to celebrate that right in the teeth of this recession. Washington Cathedral raised 75 thousand dollars for the children living in the city dump of Tegucigalpa Honduras. We raised 4 full-ride scholarships for kids graduating from AFE School to go to the university. We have our financial challenges as a church, but what a display of generosity! Attendance has been up with new people coming to the church and many wanting to join. We are starting three new congregations and the dream- - - God's dream- - - is moving forward.

Last night a new family from Russia attended The Source. They have a ministry of adopting at-risk kids and loving them as God himself would love them. My dad told the amazing mom that she was his hero and that her ministry is like the highest ideals of this great caring network. She said, “What for? I’m not doing anything.” As my dad told me this story I thought, “This is definitely a God thing,” because with God standing by your side (or sending an angel) it lifts the burden away and turns it all into a sweet adventure that makes life worth living.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Still Splashing Joy!

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15

We have a dream of a great network of churches from all ethnic groups working together as one team out to build the greatest caring network that the world has ever seen. I believe that last Sunday was a glimpse into the future of Christianity. Over 50 people attended our Pastor’s Welcome Brunch / (Discovery Class)—people from Mexico, Brazil, Egypt, El Salvador, Columbia, Peru, the Philippines, and un-churched people from the United States. When I asked everyone to share a little about their faith background, I had no idea at what would happen next. In the history of Washington Cathedral we have never had a class like this! Every story was a tearful telling of redemption, new faith, the discovering of a family and a great caring network. The tears were flowing, but prayers of thanksgiving were also flowing for those who know what it has taken to get this church this far. But more than that- - - it was a viewpoint. You know when you are backpacking and you come around a bend and you see the top of the mountain you are going to climb. It makes your heart pound, takes your breath away and you are filled with new energy. One member of our church leaned over to me and said, “I think this was a ‘God thing’ that we were here to experience this!”

I am somewhat versed in what’s happening at Washington Cathedral, but I was in no way prepared for the beauty, the drama, the pure-hearted Christianity that came pouring out that day. I will never be the same. I can say with Martin Luther King Jr. that, “I have seen the mountain top!” I may not get there with you, but we as a people will get to the mountain top! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. I will never be the same after that class.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim

"At Home in Christ!"

“The disciple who abides (is at home) in Jesus is in the will of God, and what appears to be his free choices are actually God’s foreordained decrees…” Oswald Chambers

We are then to allow Jesus that place of being totally at home in us, in our lives, so that He will be comfortable changing things around, rearranging our rooms…throwing out things that aren’t needed any longer. It might be old habits, wrong thinking: those attitudes and defenses that we no longer need, or do us any good. He wants to be “King of our Castle” and when we let Him, we find that place of Home ~ that Place of Rest and Safety. We find we are more comfortable in our lives, in our own skins, our place in this world and with other people. Not trying to fix them, but accepting them where and for what they are, as God’s children too. He will take care of them. We are to be quite busy with our own rooms and what God has in store for us on this simple, childlike adventure; so we needn’t be worrying about cleaning out other peoples’ houses…

To live within His will and plan for our lives frees us from all sorts of things. We can take steps daily toward our future knowing He’s got it all mapped out. We needn’t worry. If we turn our concerns for others into prayers for them, it accomplishes things for the Kingdom far better than worrying will do. To do this we need to trust God with every aspect of our lives and with the confidence of a little child who is totally focused; and accepting that her Father would never do anything to hurt or disappoint. He loves us and wants only the best for our lives in order to grow and strengthen us to be useful in our time here.

Fiona Monaghan

"The Fourth Great Awakening!"

"But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean theAmerican war? The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people." John Adams (as quoted by David McCullough), Part 1 Revolution

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. Romans 1:16-17
The fourth great awakening has started. Three great awakenings mark American history and it’s time for a fourth! A band of believers are out to change the world through their faith in Jesus Christ and their service to the people that God loves. After the 11am service last week a beautiful, intelligent young girl was headed to Children’s Hospital to visit a 7 year old friend who is facing a very serious illness. She had a smile on her face and moist eyes- - - she was doing what Jesus would do- - - what we call “Splashes of Joy!”

We’ve asked people to share their experience and results with doing “Random Acts of Jesus.” Caitlin, who is 10 years old, wrote about her experience: “I took Lily to the park while Bob and Bev got lots of yard work done." Yeah Catlin! And Laryn wrote about a neighbor girl (Logan) who is her age. After Logan’s parents lost their jobs in Colorado they moved here to re-establish at her grandparent’s house in Laryn’s neighborhood. Then her mom got her old job back in Colorado, but wanted her daughter to stay here to finish school. Laryn feels like Logan needs more friends so she’s been working to help her feel at home. Laryn says, “She is like a sister now." What a blessing and life impacting experience!

As John Adams said, “The revolution starts in our heads. Before there is an army there is something that happens in our minds and hearts.” I think this is happening with the children! I pray we all catch the campaign to reach out and surprise people with “Random Acts of Jesus!”

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim

We Are Spiritual Beings!

Say to them, “The Lord Yahweh says this. . . .I mean to raise you from your graves my people. . . .I shall put my spirit in you, and you will live.” (Ezekiel 37:12-14) If the Spiritof him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from thedead will give life to your own mortal bodies through the Spirit living in you. (Romans 8:1)

There doesn’t seem to be much room for debate for that, according to God’s Word, we are spiritual beings! In fact, I’ve been ruminating about this statement and trying to unpack it for about a month now, “We are spiritual beings who have a soul and live in a body.” The scriptures quoted above confirm the fact that if we are believers we have a spirit. The confusing part has to do with the soul.

Conventional wisdom and common usage intermingles the two which, to my mind, diminishes the power of the Holy Spirit in our individual lives. In fact, I’ve just been following a Lenten devotional called Seven Weeks for the Soul by Gerard Hughes. Our church library had it, and a lot of other very good guides to refresh our spirit on display. I grabbed this one just at the start of Lent. (I must confess, the title drew me because I had already been pondering the soul/spirit issue and wanted to see if this book had anything to help clear my mind.)

Pastor Tim must have read this book! He has been guiding us through his worship messages, discipleship teaching and the Source on Wednesday nights on many of the subjects covered in this book. It all has to do with disciplining the soul - that our spirit may be our prime motivator and guide as we navigate this life wanting to serve God and fulfill His plan for our lives.

Our soul has to do with our mind, emotions and will. A spiritual person, like you and me, longs to demonstrate our spirit-led life through the Fruit of the Spirit as well as the gifts designed to encourage, instruct and serve others. A congregation full of spiritual beings who have disciplined souls will be walking witnesses to what God can do when His people submit to Him. The pure joy of that knowledge just has to burble over into our worship time! That’s my prayer for Washington Cathedral.

Pastor Sally Jo Holmes