Best Is Yet to Come

by Pastor Tim White

I am so excited to share this new series with you. Our lives can become so cracked and broken and we can become so discouraged that we might believe the best is gone and it’s all bad from here on out.

Washington Cathedral has always been committed to helping people come back from the devastation of divorce. I have had a number of close friends go through that difficult experience and I can’t imagine our church not being involved ministries like our Divorce Recovery ministry. Because divorce is like so many of the life events that we all go through. Whether you are in Junior High and are dreading the rest of your life, or if you are a senior adult and know that the losses of your life are too heavy to bear. There is grief, denial and a refusal to accept life circumstances. There can be latent anger at the frustrations of life. The Bible shows us the powerful details to resetting our lives for acceptance, faith in action and joy and hope. And that gives our lives a precious quality. And it is sweeter than we could have ever imagined.

And yet I think a great number of us become stuck at this point. We are not trying to be bitter and overwhelmed. It’s a consequence of a few wrong thinking points.

Join me this Sunday as we challenge this wrong thinking with the light of scripture. It will be fun and inspirational.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

God did it again!

by Pastor Tim White

All my life I have lived astonished by Gods gracious love, having seen so many miracles. We always get a miracle; it just may not be the one we are asking for, but God is working.

I can’t tell you the burden I have been carrying the last several years. Years ago, as our construction project was coming near its completion, the manager came in to tell us that the cost of completion was going to increase by another $3 million and we needed it in within 30 days. After much prayer, we came up with a plan to do a private bond offering of $3.3 million. The congregation had already given sacrificially, and we had borrowed to our max to meet past price over runs just to get where we were. Miraculously, within 30 days, we sold 5, 10, and 15-year bonds to fund the project completion. Our hope was always to pay those off early because if we waited to the maturity date of these bonds, with interest the bonds would more than double in what we would owe the bondholders. When we were forced to sell the property, we were able to pay off all the 5- & 10-years bonds from the sale of the property, but we were left with a portion of the 15-year bonds. I had personally guaranteed to repay those bonds. I knew God have provided us with a fantastic lease at the sale of the property and he would help us find a way to eliminate all of our debt. If I were to tell you the fears, threats, guilt trips that were put on me over that debt for the last several years you wouldn’t believe it. Most people did not want to hear about this debt and many thought of it as my debt.

A few heroes of the faith had the same burning desire that I did to eliminate the debt and with their help, over the past couple of years, we have made great strides in paying down the debt. Well, I am so happy to report that on New Year’s Eve day I received a call that another miracle was in the making. We had received year-end gifts from some individuals equaling enough money to totally eliminate our debt. Our finance team is in the process of transferring the funds to Herring Bank, the Trustee of the bonds. Once the bank gives the required notification of early pay-off to the bondholders, those bonds will be totally retired, and the church will be totally debt free.

I feel born again as I begin the 2020’s. I feel that my new series is truly God anointed – “The Best is Yet to Come - A 2020 vision.” How will it change your life if you are fortified by the Biblical idea that God is just getting started in your life? That is a 2020 vision. So, join me this weekend as I have the honor and the assignment to blow our minds with this powerful truth. We are starting this series in Acts 2.

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

PS: God is not finished with us yet.

Amazing Christmas

by Pastor Tim White

Wow what a Christmas! I don’t know how you feel about Christmas 2019, but I am just flabbergasted by all the Grace that God has shown Washington Cathedral. It was a fresh work of our Savior Jesus Christ. Over 1,600 people in our Christmas services with most of them packed with young families.

I don’t know how many times I had young families came up and introduced themselves to me, asking for a family photo with me to remember Christmas. Isn’t that what almost every Church is hoping for? Well, it happened this Christmas. Thank you to all of those who worked so hard to reach out to our Community with the sweet message of Jesus at Christmas!

This weekend, our special guest speaker, Dr. Rey Diaz will be speaking on “Christmas Is…Compassion.” Join us at 5:30 pm on Saturday or 10:30 am on Sunday as we close out the old year and ring in the New Year with a great time of worship.

Also, there is a movement going on in the church encouraging our people to wear Seahawks gear as we get ready for an amazing win against the 49er’s this Sunday. Won’t you join us?

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Quiet in the Midst of Christmas

by Pastor Tim White

This glorious Christmas is my 64th and I just love this Holy day more and more. What do you need from Jesus this Christmas? Well, there are probably various opinions on what you actually need. For me, I would like a new toy. You can never have too many toys. My wife Jackie would probably say something heartfelt, like healing in my knee. To me there are so many people that need healing, so I’d be happy for God to give it to one of them and give me lollipop, a toy firetruck, or something else practical 😊.

One thing I wish everyone in the world would get is some inner quietness, peace, refreshing, and sense of calm. Most are not even aware of their need for this, but it’s needed by all of us. I’ve been reading this precious Christmas story for 64 years and it always brings out a sub-theme of simple peace.

The hymn, “Little Drummer Boy” was written by Ringo Starr in 1968. No, I think it predates the Beatles. However, it was really written by Katherine Davis. The first major recording was by the Trapp Family Singers in 1951. Yes, this Czech traditional folk song was recorded by the real Austrian Trapp family whose story became famous with the movie, “The Sound of Music”.

I love the line, “The ox and lamb kept time, Pa Rum Pa Pum Pum.” When I was young, I thought this lyric was delightfully silly. Today it makes perfect sense. Animals like music and who thinks it is far-fetched that in the stable at the birth of Jesus if there was any music, then I suppose that the animals cooperated? It adds imaginative peace and simplicity to this beautiful Christmas story. 🎄 That is what I pray that Jesus gives you for a miracle this Christmas; quiet peace as you reimagine the simplicity of the first Christmas.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

PS: Please join us this Christmas for “Christmas Lights the Night” Services. Sunday, 12/22, at 4:00 pm or Tuesday, 12/24, at 3:00 pm or 5:00 pm. There will be lots of animals and music. The Christmas Story will come alive for you and your family. We have camel rides, miniature donkeys to pet, pictures with Santa and lots of cookies. At 11:00 – Midnight we have our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight service for those who like to come back and welcome in Christmas morning in the softness of the night. Go to www.wacathedral.org to get your complimentary tickets for “Christmas Lights the Night”. Invite your family, neighbors, co-workers and friends. We’d love to share the Christmas with them.

Christmas Around the World

by Pastor Linda Skinner

On my trips to Israel, one of my favorite spots to visit is the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. The current Roman Catholic Church was built upon the foundation of a Byzantine church that was built on what was reported to be the site of the home of Mary the Mother of Jesus. The very home where the Angel Gabriel visited her to announce that she had been selected to give birth to the Savior of all people.

One of the most beautiful displays in this church are the bigger-than-life mosaics of Mary and Child donated by nations from all around the world. What is so special about these mosaics is that each one has Mary and Jesus depicted in their nationality and dress.

On one of my trips as I walked through the gallery of mosaics, I came up a Japanese family gathered in front of the mosaic from Japan. The children were smiling and clapping their hands chattering to their mom and dad with great joy as they pointed at the beautiful Japanese Mary and Baby Jesus. I don’t speak Japanese, but the body language was saying, “Look mommy and daddy, Jesus is just like us.”

This scene reminded me of one of my favorite Christmas Songs. I first heard it on Andy Williams Christmas Album from the 60’s and now I listen every year on my digital album done by James Taylor. The song is “Some Children See Him” and it was written in 1951 by Alferd Burt, a Jazz Musician who wrote a song Christmas Card every year for his friends. The last verse of that song says it all:

The children in each different place
will see the baby Jesus' face
like theirs, but bright with heavenly grace,
and filled with holy light.
O lay aside each earthly thing
and with thy heart as offering,
come worship now the infant King.
'Tis love that's born tonight!

This weekend we are celebrating our International Christmas. Pastor SuJong Baek of our New Korean Congregation will be preaching. Pastor Chet McVay from our Native American Congregation will open us in prayer. We will have our own worship team, also the worship team from our new Hispanic congregation leading us in worship. On Sunday, after the 10:30 service, we will have an international potluck. Bring food to share that celebrates your heritage.

It will be a great reminder to all that Jesus is indeed the “Savior of All People.”

Christmas Blessings,

Pastor Linda

Second Week of Advent

by Pastor Linda Skinner

Last night Rich and I went shopping for toys. We were going to a Christmas Party where the Marines were going to be collecting “Toys for Tots” and we wanted a couple of fun toys to donate to the cause. Now, we haven’t done much “toy shopping” lately all the children in our family have outgrown the toy stage. Their children all live far way and have asked not to be sent any more toys. So, we had no idea of what was on the market lately. I was amazed to see an entire section of interesting “Advent Toys.”

Now, my recollection is of paper Advent calendars with little doors on them that you open to find a little picture reminding you of what Christmas was really all about. Those evolved to more secular Christmas pictures and then to a chest with little draws that might contain a little toy. Much to my amazement, I discovered a whole new complexion to the meaning of Advent. To demonstrate here’s a partial list of some interesting Advent possibilities you can purchase in 2019:

• LEGO – Friends Advent Calendar (Toy solider, Snowmen, Mice, Boom Box, etc.)

• Funko Pocket POP Advent Calendar Harry Potter (Complete with all wizarding characters.)

• Hatchimals CollEGGtibles Advent Calendar – Little animals in Christmas colored Eggs (Complete with Christmas baby chick, cat, bird.)

• Star Wars Micro Force Advent Calendar – Complete with Mini Action Figures by Hasbro (I have to admit R2D2 in a Santa hat is pretty cute.)

These little “Advent” toys, reminded us how easy it is to get caught up in the fun part of Christmas and forget “The Reason for the Season.” I have nothing against the fun, crazy part. I got a big chuckle looking at these crazy Advent calendars. (And, no, we didn’t purchase any of these as our donation.) I think God gets a chuckle too. But I also think this a great reminder to all of us to remember every morning of Advent (and our entire year) that we celebrate a God who is with us “Here and Now!”

This weekend Dr. Marty Folsom will be sharing a great message “Christmas Is God Here and Now!” On this Second Sunday of Advent come join us and celebrate the real meaning of Advent. Eliot, band and choir will be leading us in a Christmas Carol sing. (Eliot asks us to wear our ugliest Christmas sweater, if we dare.) We’d love to have you join us on Saturday night at 5:30 pm or Sunday morning at 10:30 am.

Christmas Blessings to All,

Pastor Linda

PS – Pastor Tim sends his best wishes to all. He had a little repair work done on Wednesday for some internal stitches that came undone, but he is really looking forward to seeing you all at our Christmas Lights the Night Services.

Christmas Is Here Again

By Pastor Linda

More than likely, you haven’t even made your first pot of Turkey Soup from Thanksgiving leftovers and we are getting ready this weekend to celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. Traditionally, Advent (derived from Latin word meaning “coming”) is that time of the year followers of Jesus Christ get their hearts prepared to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Growing up, I loved the Advent Season. We traditionally had Advent Candle lighting every Sunday and it was the start of Christmas Carols in church. Christmas Carols were very much a part of Advent. Being raised in a very traditional denomination, most of our music was a bit somber and sometimes a little depressing (some of you may know what I mean.) But Christmas music was so much brighter, and joy filled. Mom always volunteered for the Christmas Choir and I went to every practice with her. As soon as I was old enough, I began singing in the choir with her. I loved it when on the 1st Sunday of Advent, we rolled out Christmas.

Saturday before that first Sunday, the ladies would come together and decorate the church with green boughs and red ribbons and the place would come alive. The smell of fresh evergreen boughs, candles burning and the sound of Christmas carols, meant to me that Christmas is here again.

I think it is why I love our church so much at Christmas time, and this Saturday and Sunday is even more special. Saturday morning at 10:00 am the ladies of the church are gathering to decorate. Fiona has the Advent candles ready to be lit. Even better, we are launching Advent with a beautiful concert of Christmas carols and songs. Our music director, Rhonda, has been practicing with the Choir and Joy Ensemble for months now to prepare for just this Saturday and Sunday. Some of the songs are originals that Rhonda has written and arranged.

Pastor Josh will have a short message on “Christmas is Joy” to get your Advent season under full swing. We all wish you a Christmas Season filled with God’s many blessings. A great way to kick it off is to join us this weekend for the start of Advent.

Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas

Pastor Linda

PS If you’d like to join in on the decorating, you can join the group at 10 am Saturday at Spirit Falls Sanctuary. It will be fun.

Grateful or Grumpy?

By Pastor Linda

Have you ever put on a Santa Suit? I mean the whole thing…Big Red trousers, Red coat outlined with white fur, white wig, red hat, fake beard – the whole nine yards. I actually haven’t put on a Santa Suit myself but I’ve many times helped Rich put on his. Something that I’ve learned about Santa Suits, they can be very uncomfortable. I know Rich is always getting that white beard fiber in his mouth and I must bring lots of water because those suits are made for the North Pole not the Pacific Northwest. Another thing I’ve learned is no matter how uncomfortable they might be, you cannot be grumpy when you have a Santa Suit on. There’s just something that happens when a person puts on that suit, they must “Ho, Ho, Ho” and they have to be jolly and nice to people. Now I know all the movies about grumpy Santa’s’, but I think those are actors being paid to put on a Santa Suit and act grumpy. I’ve been a part of the Santa Conspiracy at Washington Cathedral for many years now and I cannot remember ever once encountering a grumpy Santa. It just can’t happen.

This weekend, while Pastor Tim is rehabilitating from his knee replacement surgery, I have the joy of sharing a message with you – Christmas is Gratitude. Maybe every day when we get dressed in the morning, we need to think of putting on our Grateful Suit. When we have the Grateful Suit on, we can’t help but be thankful in all situations. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:15: “All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.”

The mighty grace of God can fill our hearts with gratitude even in the difficult times. I hope you can join me as we explore more about cultivating a “grateful life” and the benefits we will receive from that endeavor. I’ll give you a hint…it all starts with a Baby in a manger.

Don’t forget to bring some non-perishable food to help fill the food banks at this important time of the year. We will have a special time at the end of the service to bring our food to the alter as an act of gratitude. See you Saturday night at 5:30pm or Sunday morning at 10:30am.

Blessings,

Pastor Linda

PS If you haven’t heard, we are getting ready for Santa Conspiracy on Sunday, December 8th. If you would like to help out, we have lots of opportunities to get involved.

We need more Santa’s and helpers. If you would like to sign up to be a Santa or Helper you can do that on our Santa Website (www.wacathedral.org/santa) or fill out a form at the Connect Center.

We need more Bears. You can see the bear display in the lobby for suggestions. The 8-10” bears are the best for our needs. If you don’t have time to shop, you can make a donation to the Santa Bears fund either put a check or cash in the offering plate this weekend, mark it Santa Bears or go to our App or Online Giving and select the “Santa Bear” fund. We need to order bears no later than Friday, November 29th, so please make your donations before that date.

Food for Santa’s. If you enjoy making a crock pot of soup or some yummy sandwiches, salads or desserts to feed our Santa’s and their helpers when they return from their “Ho, Ho, Ho” visits, that would be a great way to help out. Please email us at santaconspiracy@wacathedral.org and let us know what you plan to bring.

If you have any questions, just give me a call 425-830-7101 or email linda.skinner@wacathedral.org

Let Your Light Shine

By Pastor Tim White

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16 NIV

Last week we opened the door to a life altering discussion on living an inviting lifestyle. Church growth is not that complicated. It simply means take the step of being All In to Jesus Christ. (1) Make the church a place of Belonging. (2) Serving our neighbors. (3) A time when worship is becoming excellent. (4) Giving is joyful. (5) Inviting is fun.

Now we enter a season when people want to come to church. The Holiday season just doesn’t feel right without a faith component. That is why this season is our opportunity to grow. Let’s invite our families, friends and neighbors to the special holiday services. Christmas time is a great time to reach people. This year we pray that our dynamic, moderate-sized church can reach 1,500 hundred people. We are working hard on the services to make them the best we have ever experienced. Can you help? Let’s live an inviting lifestyle that attracts our family, friends and neighbors. It is an exciting time to follow Jesus Christ.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Culture of Growth

by Pastor Tim White

I love to read blogs and I love to write them. My friend of many years Father Luigi is a recently retired catholic priest who served much of his life in the Baltimore area. When he writes a blog, I love to read it and correspond with him. Recently he posted this powerful truth. “Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn’t know before you learned it.” - Maya Angelou. What a powerful thought. Most people try to go through life without ever changing, which is impossible because we have events and forces that cause us all to change. Sure, we have inborn personality traits, gifts and weaknesses that don’t ever seem to be far away; but live long enough and you will notice that to some degree your strengths and weaknesses will be even more pronounced than before.

For most of us, we have a hard time receiving new ideas. We don’t have to relinquish our responsibility to filter good ideas from not so good ideas. No, we just need to examine new ideas quickly and, after confirming they are a good strategy, we can implement this new way of living. Then as we move on in life's joyful adventure, we can adapt those new ideas to become our ideas and refine them to work better and better as we utilize them to the fullest. Sometimes they don’t work out as we thought because the variables in our lives are changing. So, we start over again in the process of refining our working world view. When we go through that painful process, we grow. God’s definition of success becomes more attainable and we miraculously grow.

Join me this week as we study God’s practical process to grow. It is a lifestyle of invitation and we will become much better at worshipping the living God this weekend.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White