Do you need inspiration?

by Pastor Tim White

What is the most profound emotion humans ever experience?

In the book, “A Grief Observed” C.S. Lewis points to grief as one of the most profound emotions that human beings ever experience. That means you and I will all experience grief to a greater or lesser degree during our lives. It can be devastating, immobilizing and if we bury it instead of going through it in a healthy way, it can be permanently debilitating. You and I can’t just skip grief; we all are going to go through it at one time or another. And interesting enough, Jesus made this part of his mission statement in Isaiah 61 - to comfort those who grieve. We all have the inclination to ruminate on our hurts. To think about the why’s, what if’s, where for’s, would-have’s, could-have’s and should have’s, is an experience that we have all been trapped in at one time or another. We grieve the loss of our youth, our children growing up, mistakes of our lives and so many more events in an imperfect life.

If we are going to have victory over anxiety and stress, then we need to deal with the angst of our pasts in a healthy, God-like way. Let’s learn from Jesus this week. I believe this will be a major breakthrough for those who can make it this weekend to worship at Washington Cathedral.

Do you need inspiration? Could you do with some personalized encouragement from God himself? Do you need inspiration that will lift you to face your challenges this next week to live at your very best? I think this message will touch your heart and challenge your brain. Please join me.

Let me share with you a joyful experience that good old St. Irenaeus would call a Fully Alive moment.

Carlos Avila was a fine scholar who was the President of the most prestigious university in Honduras. He married a beautiful biology professor and they had two amazing children. Their daughter Pamela grew up to go to the University of Texas and get her graduate degree in business and then to go to work as an executive for Amazon. Their son, also named Carlos, followed his mother’s love for biology. He went to medical school where he would specialize in pediatric oncology. One day Carlos Sr. got a call from the then new Latin American Pope Francis. Pope Francis asked him to stop his career in education and to come to work for him in the Vatican as his ambassador. They were so honored that he and his wife gave up their education mission to join the Pope Francis team. They said it was hard to leave their beloved Honduras and to move to Rome. In fact, at one of the meals with another papal ambassador from Japan, he complained that now that he lived and worked in Rome all his clothes were not fitting any more. The ambassador from Japan said, 'oh didn’t anyone tell you - pasta shrinks clothes.”

Last week Jackie and I enjoyed a family-style dinner with Carlos Sr., his wife and with Carlos Jr., and his sister Pamela. Each person shared how excited they were to be used by God in their place. Jackie and I got to share about the kick-off of our new series starting in October called “Life Vines,” and about how excited we are for our congregation to learn how to help those we care about in their relationship journey with Christ. Helping us all to be more effective in pointing our children, our grandchildren, our neighbors and friends to move one step closer to Christ. Ambassador Carlos lit up as he said, “that is going to be the plan this year for the Catholic Church. We are learning to maximize our relationships to honor Jesus Christ.” He went on to tell us about what a joy it is to work for Pope Francis. He told us how personable he is, how he hugs you, pats your hand, and really cares that he is your friend. I thought this a perfect example of where God is leading our church. I have never been more excited to be alive than I am now. Five years ago, I prayed with a young doctor on a flight back from Honduras that he could have a personalized relationship with Jesus Christ that would make him a better Catholic. He went on to be a pediatric oncologist as well as lead multiple medical brigades to the street kids we support in Honduras, and now we met his family who treated us like family. God is good! We enjoyed this wonderful evening of excitement about the good things God has ahead for us!

May God bless you mightily this next week,

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

There is Hope

by Pastor Tim White

When it comes to anxiety and worry — we all have experience. Some may develop ulcers, high blood pressure, panic attacks, lack of confidence, paralyzing fear of crowds or failure. Some may develop depression, phobias, compulsive behavior, or so many other manifestations of fear.

The good news is — there is hope. That is the message of Jesus Christ. He is not going to leave this age of anxiety unchallenged. The Bible is full of references to fear, anxiety and worry. And in each of those hundreds of references it frames a practical trusting response plan. We have so much available to help us and modern medicine can be a part of the solution.

Last week I began a four-week series based on our church’s life verse, Isaiah 61. (Which is the life verse of Jesus.) We started with the first four verses of Isaiah 61, taking a lesson from Jesus on not trying too hard or too little.

This week we move to the verses at the end of chapter. In these verses we see how finding our God-designed identity can set us free from self-criticism or the hurtful words of our peers. Please join me for this insightful message.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Anxious? There’s hope!

by Pastor Tim White

There is a place where no one is anxious.  Really, this isn’t a joke.  Well, a little bit of a joke. When we think of anxiety-free zones we think of Shangri-La, “The Land that Time Forgot” (oh that one doesn’t work), Disneyland, Hawaii, or Jamaica (where they don’t worry, they’re just happy).  But really there is only one place -- it is the city cemetery.  That was one of my friends, Norman Vincent Peale’s, favorite jokes.  Now he is in the cemetery (well, really, he is in heaven).  But his message was “If you are alive there is always some stress.”  Minimizing that stress, using it as motivation and the ability to rest from it is what is important for our survival.  

Yes, I know I preach about peace all the time.  But sometimes, I am anxious.  The Bible says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice”.  As everyone knows, Jackie and I are moving to a new house somewhere in the area, after living in our beloved home for 34 years.  Man, we were really stressing it.  We were assured by our friend Debbie Walter, who has been such a great Real Estate agent through this process, that we could do it.  But moving out in just a short time was almost impossible.  We had so much help from our friends and neighbors.  But the coup de gras was Sunday after church.  Rob McJunkin asked me if we needed any help and I said, “No, Rob, you have a bad back and we don’t want any of our friends to have to work on this beautiful Labor Day weekend”.  Well, when I pulled up to our house after driving to our daughter and son-in-law’s house to change clothes, I could not believe my eyes. There were so many people there, I could barely find a parking place to get to our house.  I have to admit, my eyes watered profusely, but it was probably just my allergies.  It was a tear-jerking miracle. 

This is just another example of how God wants to share our deepest insecurities, worries and fatigue.  This week’s study is the launch of a new series, “Hope, When There is No Room to Hope,” on the mission statement of Jesus Christ, which can be found in Isaiah 61. It was put another way in Philippians 4, when the apostle Paul says for us not to worry, but to rejoice in the Lord. Pray about everything, yet we don’t always do it.  Why?  And what can we do about this problem that is rocking the foundation of many of us and preventing us from being the people that we were meant to be?  Yes, I am one who does too much worrying.  Anxieties get the best of me.  I know that is shocking to you, but I am trusting God for a miracle in my life.  Won’t you come this weekend and experience the miracle with me?

Rise Up

by Pastor Tim White

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28

It is always inspiring to see what God can do for those people who believe what God tells us in His Word and apply it to their lives despite whatever curve’s life has thrown at them.  We’ve had so many of those people as part of our community at Washington Cathedral.  I think sometimes we lose our appreciation and sense of wonder at what God is doing in our lives.  It often takes someone reminding us of what God can help us overcome when we put our faith and trust in Him.

This Sunday at Washington Cathedral we have the privilege of once again being reminded of God’s amazing power in our lives.  Our special guest speaker is Sam Kuhnert.  See the 3 minute video clip below.  It will give you a short preview of what you can expect to hear from Sam. 

We are looking forward to hearing what God has to say to us through Sam this Sunday at 9 am and 11 am.  Pastor David is preparing a delicious Labor Day weekend barbeque for our Happy Hour from 10-11 am and again at 12 noon. 
 

Fresh Wind - Fresh Fire

By Pastor Tim

- that is my message this weekend as we study together the life of Elijah.  We are excited about God’s word here at Washington Cathedral.  And it has been a great summer of hearing stories every week which are changing our lives.  The great scholar Alister McGrath wrote the book “Christianity's Most Dangerous Idea.”  This great Cambridge philosopher and theologian, who Dr. Vath compared to a modern day C.S. Lewis, points out one of the principle points of the reformation … is that the Bible is for Children.  Young, would-be scholars would often want to say you have to be an expert to interpret the Bible.  That it is so complex that you should not try and read it alone.  And by any means, don’t let children read it.  But I have learned, even after two doctorates and years of being a professor at a number of institutions, that kids are often the best Bible scholars.  That is why Jesus said, Suffer the little children to come to me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of heaven.

Our church has always believed that the Bible is for children.  And it amazes me to see the incredible scholars who grow up in this church who go on to lead in their fields when they get their degrees.  I can’t see why any parent would not do everything in their power to keep their children in a great caring network where they are helping the poorest of the poor and feeling such joy and humility in doing so. 

Elijah was one of the greatest prophets in history.  He was brave, and he also had moments of depression and fear.  And God refreshes him.  In fact, this story lays out God’s plan to refresh his servants.  So many have heard this message throughout their life, but they have such attention deficit disorder that they can’t learn the lesson.  But kids get it. That is why Judaism makes their young people Biblically literate.  They learn Hebrew, they memorize Psalms 119.  They are steeped in the complexities of the Bible.  And then they have a celebration as a 13-year-old to declare that they are a man or a woman.  And did you know that the religion with the top genius ranking is Judaism? 

Maybe the fact that we have held tenaciously to a belief that the Bible is for kids is the reason so many of our kids grow up to be top scholars.  Every time I teach the kids - they teach me.  Malachi used to spend long periods checking in with me at the door. Now it is Fernando, and he too is a deep thinker and encourages me with his kindness and willingness to learn.  And his feedback teaches me.

Yes, the Bible is a book for children.  That is one of the most important stories I have learned in 44 years of ordained ministry.  Our world today is cursed with shallow Christianity whose main source is pop culture.  And if we are ever going to be rescued from that we are going to have to raise up a generation of young people who can handle the truth told with gentle, humble faith.  Authentic faith breeds authentic faith and that is what keeps us strong and continues to renew us.

Elijah could teach a seminar on listening to God.  He wrestled with bold faith and overwhelming fear in the pit of swirling depression.  And God renewed him with a simple, still small voice.  Won’t you join me this weekend and put your child-like self on, so that we can learn together some of the most complex truths by following Christianity’s most dangerous idea. We don’t need a pretentious scholar to interpret this for us, we need to hear, as a child, and let God do the work to form our character as he renews our hearts.

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

Not A Children's Book

by Josh Zappone

Many of us encounter the stories of Saul and David, Moses and Pharaoh, Adam and Eve, or Noah and the Ark as children or at least presented in a simplified form at least sometime in our lives. Would you call those stories personally life changing? 

When I read the story of Saul I think of the children’s books I read as a kid and the flannelgraph figures acting out stories. The Bible is full of stories that fill children with wonder, and it is amazing to see how kids pick out simple truths that cut deep into the truth of life. Kids, and in my context students, can teach us a lot about reading the Bible. The trouble is that biblical narratives (Bible stories) are deep and complex. They address issues and use complex literary devices that are beyond a child’s concrete thought processes. The stories are meant to be pondered, read and reread. Over time we start seeing themes emerging tying all the stories together and we begin to develop a biblical imagination.  The Bible is not a children’s book. 

For instance, the Bible rarely tells us details about appearance and when it does it is always significant (think Zacchaeus). When you read the story of Saul the author gives us a description of his looks, he is taller than all the Israelites and very handsome. Saul is a man a height and power, and yet when he is chosen as Israel’s leader by lot he is hiding among the baggage! Saul’s height points the reader to his arrogance and pride throughout the story. The picture of Saul is contrasted with David, who is also said to be handsome (and with beautiful eyes) and described to smaller in stature and a young man. David is portrayed as humble and obedient where Saul was disobedient and proud. The differences we see in Saul and David are especially apparent when Goliath comes on the scene. The tallest in all the land versus Saul’s army. Yet it is the youngest son of Jesse who takes him on after discarding Saul’s armor. 

In addition, the Bible also doesn’t typically present black and white characters, people who are either good or bad, but each person has a dimension of reality that presents the true struggles of the human condition. Children’s Bible story books leave a lot of that information out. In fact, if you grew up in Sunday school you might have adopted a very clear vision of Saul as the bad guy and David as the good guy. When we take time to meditate and ponder on the story we see that Saul was scared, he struggled with mental illness, he would never accept blame, he was insecure in his leadership position- many issues we find ourselves facing. Saul is not the “bad guy” in the story but he is a person, with flaws and choices that we all encounter. There is a depth to the Bible that I cannot adequately put into words here or even understand myself in a lifetime, but the challenge for you is to start exploring with an inquisitive mind and to learn about the depth of the Bible yourself. I am including a short video with this post that shares some of what I am trying to say. It is part of a series of videos that I think would make a great start for your discussions about the stories of the Bible and help you to understand the greatest stories ever told and how they form the greatest story ever told. 

The Bible wasn’t written to be a children’s story book. It was written for adults and for thinkers who would meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1, Joshua 1:8). The stories are meant to be contemplated and thoughtfully pondered, and then you will find new depths and find yourself in the characters and find truth for your own life.

To find more of these videos go to: thebibleproject.com

Comeback

by Pastor Tim White

Everyone needs a comeback sometime. We all will have that sacred opportunity to come back from a great challenge with the faith of God. My dad used to title his sermon on David and Goliath as “The Fist of Faith in the Face of Fear.” And it’s true. Don’t we all have a showdown with a giant sometime, or I should say several times, in life. That giant might be grief from great loss, a financial challenge for your family, or it might be a challenge at work. Often, there will be some bully whose power comes from fear. The life story of King David teaches us how to face those giants. More than once King David had to find his faith time after time. 

Don’t miss a great weekend worship this week as I share one of my favorite Bible storylines - the drama of King David’s life.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Women of Faith and Passion

by Pastor Linda Skinner

I am inspired by people who have deep faith and unshakeable passion.  Lately, I have been reading a lot about women who have ventured out into unbelievable situations and against all odds to do the impossible and bring glory to God in the process.  

Women like Corrie ten Boom, Hannah Whitall Smith, Henrietta Mears, Margaret Brand, on and on.  These ladies have inspired me through their writings for over 25 years. Contemporary women like Margaret Feinberg, Carolyn Curtis James, Tish Harrison Warren, Ruth Haley Barton and Shelia Walsh have filled my hours of inspirational reading. The thing that all these women have in common is an abiding love for Christ and a passion to honor him with whatever resources they are given.

Last week I had the privilege of preaching about one such woman of the Bible – Ruth. What a story.  This week Dr. Marty Folsom will be sharing about Samuel, the son of another one of my female Biblical heroines – Hanna.  

Hanna’s is a story of a woman struggling with childlessness and all the torment that brought to a woman of her time. The story of her struggle is found in 1 Samuel 1:1-2:10. Hanna went to the temple and prayed and “wept bitterly” for the Lord to give her a son.  She vowed that if her prayer was answered she would give her son back to the Lord to be used in His service.  Very soon God answered her prayer and she named her son Samuel which means “heard of God,” because God heard her prayer.  After Samuel was weaned, Hanna took and presented him to the priest Eli.  Her words to Eli revealed her heart for God: “As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord.  I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.  So now I give him to the Lord.  For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.”

Because of Hanna’s faith and passion for God, she not only was given a son, but she was given the blessing of watching her son change the world by serving the God she loved.

Join us this weekend and hear about Hanna’s son Samuel.  We look forward to seeing you and hope you will join us for some fellowship time before or after any of our services.  You might especially enjoy our Summer Happy Hour on Sunday’s from 10-11 am.

God richest blessings on your week,

Pastor Linda
 

Role Models

by Pastor Linda Skinner

From about age 4, I wanted to grow up and be a cow girl like Annie Oakley or Dale Evans.  They were my role models.  Of course, it was the Hollywood version of those two cowgirls.  Beside the fact that they rode their horses everywhere they went, I admired them for being strong, independent women who stood up for what was right and fearlessly protected their families and friends.  

Annie Oakley was actually my favorite.  When other girls were dressing up as princesses, I was dressing up like Annie Oakley and when I went riding on my trusty steed, Smokie, I would always wear my trusty cap gun in my holster just in case I encountered one of those nasty horse thieves on my ride.  When I went to school, I rode my steed down the street to school and tied him up at the fence (my mom would come get him and bring him back to the pasture and then he’d be back tied up when I got out of school).  Whenever I was asked, what are you going to be when you grow up, my answer was always...” I’m going to be a cowgirl like Annie Oakley.”

Later, I found a biography of the real Annie Oakley and, even though she was not like the Hollywood Annie I loved and emulated, she was a pretty amazing woman.  Born into extreme poverty and shuffled around from relative to relative, she learned to be self-sufficient.  She was a petite woman, 5 ft tall and 100 pounds, that had the title of being one of the best marksmen in the world.  She learned to shoot to provide for her family and herself.  Through a series of events that no one could every predict, she joined up with the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show and became one of the big stars of that show that toured the world in the late 1800’s.  

Girls need those strong role models that show them they have gifts, talents and purpose in God’s Kingdom.  In short, they need to know that regardless of the circumstances they face, God is in their corner and he has a place for them.  Unbeknownst to me, I was learning that lesson from my childhood fictional heroes.  

This Sunday, while Pastor Tim is on vacation, I have the privilege of preaching about one of my grown up ancient female heroes of the Bible, Ruth.  The story of Ruth almost sounds like a Hollywood script about a woman who achieves greatness when all odds are against her. The story really is about the greatness of God and how when we listen and follow Him we can “Be a Difference Maker” in our world. Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

Blessings,
Pastor Linda

PS:  Don’t forget to join us for Happy Hour 10-11am.  It is a great way to get to know the other amazing people of our church.  Pastor David has a great BBQ planned for this weekend at Happy Hour.  
 

The Strength of God!

by Pastor Tim White

This Summer is Sweet!

I love the summer time as a pastor.  Worship services seem to be extra special and the Spirit of God working is extra sweet.  And sitting in an air-conditioned sanctuary looking at our beautiful water-fall with great music and positive message is just uplifting.  I know attendance drops in the summer as people go on much needed vacations.  But also, more new people come who are looking for a church family to call home.  And I have noticed through the years that whether it is a small group or a youth ministry or a singles ministry event, on those weeks that attendance dips down something beautiful happens.  You get a chance to talk to people you normally might not have a chance to chat with before.  And God’s spirit is always up when we are down.  I could sense it last week as Pastor Michael was preaching for me (because I had a wedding) I was just blessed!  The happy-hour in between services really is fun.  People putting together puzzles, playing games and enjoying fellowship in the shade on a beautiful day. Yes, summers are tough for any non-profit to survive, but underneath it all God’s work is thriving not just surviving.

 This Weekend is Going to be Super!

 Please join me this week as I speak on the Strength of God.  If there was ever a time in history that we need strength of endurance, strength of character, strength to dream, strength of integrity, strength of purpose - it is today.   We need Godly strength in our lives, in our church, our nation and our world. And this week I will be telling the story of Samson – I think my story is better than the movie!  I have been practicing all my life for this week’s sermon.  You might even want to bring your kids or grandkids to see and experience this soulful story.  I have special effects ready to assist me.  And our staff is praying that there are going to be some strong people of faith that will emerge after this weekend.  So please join in.  Wouldn’t it be a great lift if attendance jumped up this week in July as we, as a church, wait to experience heroic, Godly strength from the very Spirit of God.  We will see you Saturday at 5:30pm, Sunday at 9am or 11am.  We need you.

 Let’s Rally as a Church Family this Weekend!

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