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.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
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
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
Friday, December 2, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
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
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
Friday, November 18, 2011
"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
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
Thursday, November 10, 2011
"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
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
Thursday, November 3, 2011
"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’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.
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