The healthy love and compassion of Jesus Christ always amazes me. In so many of our encounters with the hurts of other human beings, it is easy to begin to think in terms of manipulation instead of healthy Christ-like love. We often try to help someone quickly process their grief, but the depth of their hurt or the uniqueness of their personality has its own timetable. We hastily want to cheer a child or discouraged friend. All the while, however, we may be acting less out of genuine Christ-like compassion and more out of our need to stand back from the discomfort we feel when we draw close to someone who is really struggling. This attitude may cause those we are trying to help put up defenses and they may drive away those who we are trying to help.
We may fall into the illusion that we own people, that we can use them, that we have a right to manage their feelings. By offering premature advice on how to cope, by prodding with our faith rather thancreating an atmosphere of trust and growth, we say much about our need for easy closure. When we barge in with such consolation, we may sometimes be making hurting souls into objects or projects.
In fact, a possessive approach to relationships creates many of our own disappointments; people rarely respond well to our efforts to manage their lives or orchestrate their response to their pains. We findrelationships bending or even breaking under the weight of the expectations we place on them and ourdiscomfort with another's suffering. We can then end up even more alone—walled up within ourdisappointments or sadness.
When we treat people the way Jesus did, bridges are built and windows are opened and we enjoy therelationship whether it is moving on our timetable or not. I am discovering that being grounded in the scripture, knowing that the Holy Spirit does the work and not me, gives me so much more patience, joy and discovery in my relationships with a variety of wonderful human beings.
For some reason, God has gifted our church for reaching out to a diversity of people to share thelife-changing love of Christ. Imagine if we continue to grow in relating to everyone in our lives with the wisdom and gentle strength of Jesus. I relish every moment God gives me to live and grow in this holyendeavor.
Pastor Tim White
Monday, April 20, 2009
"A Life-Changing Love!"
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. Luke 19:5-6
Monday, April 13, 2009
“The Day I Skipped Church!”
I found out firsthand that Washington Cathedral is…
“The Greatest Caring Network in the World!”
“The Greatest Caring Network in the World!”
It was Sunday morning, my daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandchildren had come over the mountain from Spokane. My 12 year-old granddaughter, Rachel, was receiving a Math Achievement Award at the UW that morning so I skipped church and attended the ceremony with my family.
When I arrived back home, there was a welcoming committee in my driveway consisting of some neighbors and two representatives from Washington Cathedral (one happened to be a police officer) and they were about ready to call 911 and break down my door. It seems that I was lost, but I didn’t know it!(If we had arrived five minutes later, we probably would have met a fire truck and aid car in my driveway with my door bashed in.)
Because I didn’t show up at church, and some of my friends were concerned, and a few phone calls didn’t locate me, a couple of investigators were sent to my house to check on me. My car was in the driveway with my cell phone in view and through my back glass door, the investigating committee saw my glasses on the table, so they figured that I must be inside and maybe in trouble—they became concerned.
The “Greatest Caring Network” is not just a motto, but caring for widows and orphans and people ingeneral is take seriously here at Washington Cathedral and I was the recipient of that caring spirit that Sunday morning (when I failed to check in properly). I had sent an e-mail to one of the pastors about my plans that day, but she hadn’t checked her e-mail. I think I flunked “Accountability 101” but I promise to check in next time I decide to skip church (but only for a good reason). I love my church family!
My neighbors, who don’t attend church, probably wondered why a church would check on one of its members so closely, but what a wonderful opportunity to tell them about my caring church and what a privilege it is to be a part of this great caring network. My own family doesn’t check on me that closely! My visiting family from Spokane got a good laugh out of it, but were very impressed with the special care and love given to their Mom/Grandma. They know I’m in good hands!
But… I didn’t anticipate my friends at church sending the police to my house to check on me when I didn’t show up at church that morning. It’s nice to be missed!
When I arrived back home, there was a welcoming committee in my driveway consisting of some neighbors and two representatives from Washington Cathedral (one happened to be a police officer) and they were about ready to call 911 and break down my door. It seems that I was lost, but I didn’t know it!(If we had arrived five minutes later, we probably would have met a fire truck and aid car in my driveway with my door bashed in.)
Because I didn’t show up at church, and some of my friends were concerned, and a few phone calls didn’t locate me, a couple of investigators were sent to my house to check on me. My car was in the driveway with my cell phone in view and through my back glass door, the investigating committee saw my glasses on the table, so they figured that I must be inside and maybe in trouble—they became concerned.
The “Greatest Caring Network” is not just a motto, but caring for widows and orphans and people ingeneral is take seriously here at Washington Cathedral and I was the recipient of that caring spirit that Sunday morning (when I failed to check in properly). I had sent an e-mail to one of the pastors about my plans that day, but she hadn’t checked her e-mail. I think I flunked “Accountability 101” but I promise to check in next time I decide to skip church (but only for a good reason). I love my church family!
My neighbors, who don’t attend church, probably wondered why a church would check on one of its members so closely, but what a wonderful opportunity to tell them about my caring church and what a privilege it is to be a part of this great caring network. My own family doesn’t check on me that closely! My visiting family from Spokane got a good laugh out of it, but were very impressed with the special care and love given to their Mom/Grandma. They know I’m in good hands!
But… I didn’t anticipate my friends at church sending the police to my house to check on me when I didn’t show up at church that morning. It’s nice to be missed!
Pastor Marilyn Biggs
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
"One Sunday could color your whole year!!!"
Jackie and I would like wish you a wonderful springtime and personally invite you join us at one of our glorious Easter worship services at Washington Cathedral.
This church has a purpose to be a great force of encouragement in the community and a place ofincredible inspiration every week – that’s why we have eleven different worship services that take place each week.
You may have heard that the new ReCreation Center is now open to the community. A great “third space” that allows people of all backgrounds, philosophies and religions to gather; enjoying one another despite our differences while building life-long friendships. The new ReCreation Center has a beautiful gymnasium, a heated zero-entry indoor pool, a health center lead by psychiatrist, Dr. Ray Vath and an amazing library andcoffee shop which are open for hanging out. You might find an indoor soccer game, roller-skating, a yoga class, water aerobics, after school tutoring and any number of activities taking place here seven days a week.
On Good Friday, we will be featuring an incredible dramatic presentation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. What an amazing story of God’s forgiveness for humanity, something that we all need. At Washington Cathedral we see this great act as God’s message that we ought to treat everyone, both Christians and those of other religions, with dignity. This act was a display of God’s love for all humanity, compelling all Christians to love and respect everyone, even those with whom we disagree. On Good Friday we have organized Easterparties for the children during the presentation so that their experience of church might be full of the joy that should come with any healthy faith.
On Easter Sunday at 11:00am in the ReCreation Center there will be a dramatic reenactment of the first Easter which will be an awesome presentation of the hope of eternal life through Easter. This will be just a part of the worship experience at Washington Cathedral with wonderful music, friendly people and a shortuplifting message that will be a blessing to you and your family. And of course if you would like to attend our Sunrise Service at 6:45am, Easter Breakfast from 7:15am to 1:00pm, or Sunday afternoon’s Easter Egg Hunt at 2:00 pm, you are more than welcome. Or maybe it works best for you to attend one of our other varieties of worship services (our website www.wacathedral.org will give you all the details and times).
Jackie and I hope to see you this Easter and we encourage you to invited neighbors, friends and family to join you for an Easter a service that you will truly find inspiring.
Your friends for the rest of our lives,
Tim & Jackie
This church has a purpose to be a great force of encouragement in the community and a place ofincredible inspiration every week – that’s why we have eleven different worship services that take place each week.
You may have heard that the new ReCreation Center is now open to the community. A great “third space” that allows people of all backgrounds, philosophies and religions to gather; enjoying one another despite our differences while building life-long friendships. The new ReCreation Center has a beautiful gymnasium, a heated zero-entry indoor pool, a health center lead by psychiatrist, Dr. Ray Vath and an amazing library andcoffee shop which are open for hanging out. You might find an indoor soccer game, roller-skating, a yoga class, water aerobics, after school tutoring and any number of activities taking place here seven days a week.
On Good Friday, we will be featuring an incredible dramatic presentation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. What an amazing story of God’s forgiveness for humanity, something that we all need. At Washington Cathedral we see this great act as God’s message that we ought to treat everyone, both Christians and those of other religions, with dignity. This act was a display of God’s love for all humanity, compelling all Christians to love and respect everyone, even those with whom we disagree. On Good Friday we have organized Easterparties for the children during the presentation so that their experience of church might be full of the joy that should come with any healthy faith.
On Easter Sunday at 11:00am in the ReCreation Center there will be a dramatic reenactment of the first Easter which will be an awesome presentation of the hope of eternal life through Easter. This will be just a part of the worship experience at Washington Cathedral with wonderful music, friendly people and a shortuplifting message that will be a blessing to you and your family. And of course if you would like to attend our Sunrise Service at 6:45am, Easter Breakfast from 7:15am to 1:00pm, or Sunday afternoon’s Easter Egg Hunt at 2:00 pm, you are more than welcome. Or maybe it works best for you to attend one of our other varieties of worship services (our website www.wacathedral.org will give you all the details and times).
Jackie and I hope to see you this Easter and we encourage you to invited neighbors, friends and family to join you for an Easter a service that you will truly find inspiring.
Your friends for the rest of our lives,
Tim & Jackie
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
"VISIT... Just Once!"
This is the battle-cry launched by Dr. Dale White as we head into Easter! The life story of Jesus will be told during the next two Sunday 11am services . It will be a drama like this area has never seen before. Dr. Dale White and Pastor Naomi are working together to put forth our very best life-of-Christ drama in our new Mountainside Sanctuary. Bethany Chattin will play the harp at the 6pm Saturday (4/11) & 9am Easter Sunday services. Pastor Scott has a dynamic worship service planned at every single service during Holy Week. The preaching will be powerful – life-changing good news – the music will be an awesome celebration and the best of the people of Washington Cathedral coming together in a grand recognition of God’s victory on Good Friday and Easter. You are also invited to join us for a soup lunch with 2 very special grandmas during Holy Week and Pastor Dale White will be leading a series of inspirational discussions on “The seven last words of Christ from the cross”.
But most important is for you to invite your friends this Easter. Yes… dare them to try this great, positive church even just once and see if it a delightful surprise that will change their life forever. Invite your family, your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, everybody!! We have so many services… they can try us just once.
But most important is for you to invite your friends this Easter. Yes… dare them to try this great, positive church even just once and see if it a delightful surprise that will change their life forever. Invite your family, your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, everybody!! We have so many services… they can try us just once.
HOLY WEEK SERVICES (4/6 - 4/12)
Monday
12:00 pm Soup Lunch with 2 Grandmas & “The seven words of Christ from the cross”
6:00 pm Positive Christian Singles
Tuesday
12:00 pm Soup Lunch with 2 Grandmas & “The seven words of Christ from the cross”
Wednesday
9:15 am “Wow” Women’s Bible Study with Pastor Linda Skinner
12:00 pm Soup Lunch with 2 Grandmas & “The seven words of Christ from the cross”
7:00 pm Wednesday “Under the Green Roof” Passover Service with Dr. Mary Folsom
Thursday
12:00 pm Soup Lunch with 2 Grandmas & “The seven words of Christ from the cross”
7:00 pm “New Life Recovery & 12-Step Groups” with Pastors Roy & Pam Seymour
Good Friday
12:00 pm Soup Lunch with 2 Grandmas & “The seven words of Christ from the cross”
7:00 pm “The Crucifixion” a special drama with Easter parties for the children
Saturday
6:00 pm “Easter Eve Service” with harpist Bethany Chattin
Easter Sunday
6:45 pm “Easter Sunrise Service” with Pastor Linda Skinner
7:15 am “All-Church Blueberry Pancake Breakfast”
8:45 am “Early Morning Communion Service” with Allan & Laurie Wenzel
9:00 am “A Liturgical Easter Service” with harpist Bethany Chattin
11:00 am (Let’s fill the new Mountainside Sanctuary) The best “Life-of-Christ Drama” we have ever presented along with a very dynamic Easter worship service and inspirational sermon by Pastor Tim White!
12:30 pm “New Generation Service” with Becca White preaching
2:00 pm “The Best Easter Egg Hunt in Town” (Children up to 6th grade) with “Bible Bear & Charity Chicken” and long with a special Easter story-time for kids with Pastor Michael Fernandez)
5:00 pm “Sunday 5” Experience Easter in quiet life-transforming reflection with Pastor Scott Burnett
It is up to you and I to get the good news out about Easter this year. We don’t have the money to advertise so let’s all take it upon ourselves to invite a friend and watch God use our best effort to change lives!
12:00 pm Soup Lunch with 2 Grandmas & “The seven words of Christ from the cross”
6:00 pm Positive Christian Singles
Tuesday
12:00 pm Soup Lunch with 2 Grandmas & “The seven words of Christ from the cross”
Wednesday
9:15 am “Wow” Women’s Bible Study with Pastor Linda Skinner
12:00 pm Soup Lunch with 2 Grandmas & “The seven words of Christ from the cross”
7:00 pm Wednesday “Under the Green Roof” Passover Service with Dr. Mary Folsom
Thursday
12:00 pm Soup Lunch with 2 Grandmas & “The seven words of Christ from the cross”
7:00 pm “New Life Recovery & 12-Step Groups” with Pastors Roy & Pam Seymour
Good Friday
12:00 pm Soup Lunch with 2 Grandmas & “The seven words of Christ from the cross”
7:00 pm “The Crucifixion” a special drama with Easter parties for the children
Saturday
6:00 pm “Easter Eve Service” with harpist Bethany Chattin
Easter Sunday
6:45 pm “Easter Sunrise Service” with Pastor Linda Skinner
7:15 am “All-Church Blueberry Pancake Breakfast”
8:45 am “Early Morning Communion Service” with Allan & Laurie Wenzel
9:00 am “A Liturgical Easter Service” with harpist Bethany Chattin
11:00 am (Let’s fill the new Mountainside Sanctuary) The best “Life-of-Christ Drama” we have ever presented along with a very dynamic Easter worship service and inspirational sermon by Pastor Tim White!
12:30 pm “New Generation Service” with Becca White preaching
2:00 pm “The Best Easter Egg Hunt in Town” (Children up to 6th grade) with “Bible Bear & Charity Chicken” and long with a special Easter story-time for kids with Pastor Michael Fernandez)
5:00 pm “Sunday 5” Experience Easter in quiet life-transforming reflection with Pastor Scott Burnett
It is up to you and I to get the good news out about Easter this year. We don’t have the money to advertise so let’s all take it upon ourselves to invite a friend and watch God use our best effort to change lives!
Dawn Dancer…
Tomb Breaker…
Laughing Jesus…
Tomb Breaker…
Laughing Jesus…
It's Easter!!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
“Cynicism & Wonder”
But dear friends, use your most holy faith to build yourselves up, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the Lord Jesus Christ with his mercy to give you life forever. Show mercy to some people who have doubts. Jude 20-22
The journey of faith is a conscious, perpetual departure from cynicism and return to wonder.
Depart Cynicism
Return to Wonder
Cynicism is a particular type of negative attitude that undermines trust by suspecting shadows within the motives and actions of others. It germinates in disillusionment and grows like aninvasive vine, obscuring a clear view of life.
Wonder is joyful curiosity. It is a complex emotion that includes delight in the surprise itself,as well as an appetite to understand the elements and mechanisms of the surprise. Wondercontains hope because it knows there’s something new to know.
Cynicism believes heroes are phonies, celebrations are charades, and fulfilling conclusions are hollow confections.
Wonder sees the crocus in the snow. Wonder cheers the unexpected recovery. Wonder knows disappointment and chooses to allow room for goodness.
Wonder refuses to tight-leash the heart.
Religion can flourish in cynicism but faith cannot. Religion can be knotted with distrust and frustration; faith flies from such entanglements.
Wonder accommodates faith’s full wingspan.
Pastor Scott Burnett
And I will give them one heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone from their bodies and give them a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11:19
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
"Easter - Pagan or Pure Power?"
Yes, Easter was a pagan festival about Spring and new life. Yes, it got pretty twisted but one has to wonder if it was not Romans 1:20 and Romans 2:15 trembling in the pagan heart.
I can’t help but imagine a grandmother who had not yet understood about a God who is good (Psalms 118:1 & 29), let alone a God who is as wonderful as Jesus. Maybe that grandmother had buried a precious grandchild and in her sorrow saw the witness of Spring whispering about new life?
So, amazing grace came into the world with good news, no actually great, great, good news that the Creator God came in human flesh in Bethlehem’s cave. He would teach us how to live life and then die willingly on a cross so we could live forever!
Easter, a pagan term, became the awesome word describing the celebration of the Creator God named Jesus- - - Who didn’t stay on the cross!!- - - or stay in the tomb!!!
Pastor Tim and friends will present the greatest, dramatic sermon ever conceived- - - in 4 Acts! The sermon will be preached in all worship services but the drama will be only in the 11am service.
ACT 1 The Glory of Easter 2009- - - “The Cross is a Plus Sign!” March 29th at 11am Sunday Morning inMountainside Sanctuary.
ACT 2 Palm Sunday “When in Doubt Throw a Party!” April 5th at 11am Sunday Morning in Mountainside Sanctuary.
ACT 3 Good Friday “The Crucifixion!” (Recommended for adults only- - - greatchildren’s parties provided) April 10th at 7pm Friday Night in Mountainside Sanctuary.
ACT 4 “The Glory of Easter 2009” in Mountainside Sanctuary, Easter Sunday at 11am- - - Bring grandma- - uncle Bill, plus your neighbors. Easter Sunday’s drama is called- - -
“Dawn Dancer!”
“Tomb Breaker!!”
“Laughing Jesus!!!”
PS. Attending just this one Sunday all year could color your whole world!!!!
Caleb
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
"Servants In Training"
“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall My servant also be;if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” John 12:26 (NAS)
Perhaps it is because of my intense interest in human behavior that I have become a counselor. That might also be the reason that I have noted some definitely distinctivedifferences with “our kids” at Washington Cathedral from the many children I have worked with over the years as a teacher. I’ve had the immense honor to watch some of these “kids” turn into some pretty amazing adults right from infancy!
I had the experience of being with the Youth Group Team to visit Honduras awhile back and was able to observe that transformation first hand. I watched three young ladies become women of purpose and commitment during that short eight-day period. Each was in a slightly different season of life but each made significant adjustments in their lifestyle and thinking on that trip.
Since that time, I have observed that their original passion has settled into a deep burning resolution. They are now stoking that passion with education, networking andexperience so that the next time God calls them to do something beyond themselves, their passion will be fueled by knowledge and the assurance of their calling. They are turning into deeply committed servants and totally fired-up at what they believe God can do through them.
Grown-ups will have a similar experience early in 2009. It is my expectation that those adults will experience something akin to what the Youth Team experienced. Of course, it will be “age-appropriate” and will look a bit different, but it will definitely be a transforming experience because, while God definitely calls the equipped, He also equips the called for even greater things than any one of us ever thought possible.
Pastor Sally Jo Holmes
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