Finding Christmas

by Pastor Linda Skinner

“When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord told us about.’  They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph.  And there was the baby, lying in a manger.  After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.  All who heard the shepherd’s story were astonished.”  Luke 2:15-18

Sometimes it is really hard to find Christmas. I’m suspecting that this year for some it might be even harder. Some people have found themselves suddenly out of work. Some have had to work at home in conditions that make work really hard. Some have been overwhelmed at work with the amount they are required to do. Everyone has been impacted by health concerns for themselves and/or their families and friends. It may or may not be Covid related, but it is made more difficult by Covid’s impact on the entire health care system. Some have had love one’s move on to be with Jesus. Some have had to postpone or limit the celebration of special events – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings and even memorial or funeral services. All were hoping that by Christmas all of that would be behind us and we could begin to see some normalcy in our days. But it hasn’t happened. In some ways, it seems we’ve gone backwards.

But here we are and Christmas is almost here. I want to challenge you to look around and see if you can find Christmas. Everyday, I’ve asked God to show me Christmas. And He has. I think for me Christmas is even a bit sweeter this year than any other year just because I need it more than ever. Just like the shepherds, you may need to go searching for the baby in a manger. If you do, I know He’ll find you.

Last Sunday at Washington Cathedral we had the most amazing burst of Christmas. Our Christmas Drive-By Food & Toy Drive was a huge success. We gathered a trailer load and a pick-up load of food and a SUV load of toys. Our staff and helpers were all decked out as Santa and Santa’s Elves. Everyone had fun and it made it even more fun to know that we were helping bring Christmas to some people who were struggling right now. We even had a family pull in, just because they saw Santa Claus and their kids wanted to talk to Santa. Of course, Santa had some goodies for them, and they drove off saying Merry Christmas. It was kind of like a Food Drive/Santa Conspiracy all wrapped up in one package.

The topper of the whole season hasn’t happened yet. That is our Online Christmas Eve Service. This year our service will be streamed at 12 noon on December 24th. But, because of technology, it can be repeated or attended any time you desire. You can find it on our website (www.wacathedral.org) or Facebook Page, our YouTube Channel, or our WaCath App. (You can find more details on our website.)

The service is going to be so beautiful! The decorations are so beautiful this year! Leon Patillo and Carolee Mayne are guest musicians. Pastor Tim will be with us sharing a heart-warming Christmas message. “O Holy Night” complete with Ballerina and tiny cherubs will bring joy to your Christmas. And, of course, there will be lots of Christmas Music thanks to Eliot and Rhonda. We have to have “Silent Night” and candle lighting. So, make sure you have your candles and lighters at ready. You won’t want to miss it.

Don’t miss out. If you look, you will find Christmas right where it has always been.

Christmas blessings to all,

Pastor Linda

Presents and Jesus: Finding the True Treasure of Christmas — By Pastor Jared

Peppermint lattes, presents, ornaments, santa movies, tinsel, chocolate, and family gatherings are great, but why stop there? Christmas gets much…much better! Underneath the sparkly and fragrant surface of Christmas traditions lies something uniquely magnificent. It’s Jesus of course! But why is Jesus so worthy of celebration? I’m glad you asked! 

There are two ways to celebrate Jesus. The first way is to adore Jesus Himself. He is the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
 Knowing Him personally is a splendid blessing. The second way is to appreciate Jesus’ work. He brings “peace, justice, and righteousness” to a restless, corrupt, and chaotic world (Isaiah 9:6-7). He rights wrongs and mends what has been broken. In short, Jesus is good, and Jesus does good.

Let's enjoy our mochas, candy canes, and presents this December and cherish the true treasure of Christmas. Jesus is mighty, wonderful, everlasting and peaceful, and a tenacious worker of justice!

Merry Christmas everybody! 

With Much Love and Hope,

Jared Gallardo

PS. Rianna and I are really looking forward to celebrating our first Christmas at Washington Cathedral this year. We hope you can join us on Christmas Eve for our Online Service that will be broadcast at 12 noon on 12/24 on Facebook Live, You Tube Live, www.wacathedral.org or on the WaCath App (IOS and Android). (The service will be available “on demand” at all four locations anytime Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and beyond.)

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

By Pastor Tim White

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  That song startles the imagination of little ones and old ones alike.  When I was a kid and shopping for a Western Flyer BB gun, I would hear that song on the streets of downtown Kennewick - my imagination would go wild. Was it true? It was getting a little stormy outside. The men and women of the church were stopping by from time to time to decorate our church sanctuary for an incredibly special season.  The church raised money for those struggling throughout the world.  Lights began to appear around town. Baking fragrances could be smelled coming from house to house.   My mom and dad had special projects going for those who were in need. 

In those days we would really watch Christmas being painted, carved and decorated in our community before our eyes. It was pulled from economic downturns, real moments of discouragement, and uncertainty in society; into peace, love, and the joy of Christmas.  It was a substantive miracle being brought forth by faith by gracious people.  

Let’s do it again this year. We really need it. Join me for one of the most important sermon series of my life. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”. We will study from the Book of Isaiah and the Gospels following the instructions on what it takes to become Christmas People.

This Sunday, December 13, at 10:25am join me in this new series as we prepare our hearts for this Christmas season.  Be sure to grab your journal or iPad and join us on Facebook Live, YouTube Live, or our Washington Cathedral website or App.  See you Sunday.

Your friend for the rest of my life 

Pastor Tim White

The Twinkle of Christmas Joy!

By Pastor Jackie White

Oh, the twinkling joy of Christmas playing hide and seek with me in my personal devotional time. Do you know what I’m talking about? It’s like my youngest grandchild peeking around the corner dressed for snow play, holding a snowball, hoping that our eyes will meet. 

I sat at my desk earlier this morning feeling uninspired but desiring to open, once again, the channel of Christmas with the help of the Holy Spirit. As I prayed, I first asked for Christmas peace. Then phone calls began to invade my time. Calls from my children and grandchildren all wanting to share stories with me. How blessed Tim and I  are to be able to hear from them, calling to stir up our God-blessed friendship.

The last one says “goodbye for now”, and my Bible is open to 1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries to God because he cares for you.”  There it is - “Merry Christmas, Jesus!”  That’s just what I needed to hear. For me it’s a command which I wholeheartedly accept and will call on time and time again in order to feel the peace God has for me as his daughter.

Won’t you join me as we allow the stream of Christmas Peace to begin to flow into our hearts from a hidden place, near to the heart of God?  Ready, close your eyes and see that playful child sneaking up on you filled with delight and then we whisper to Jesus together, “that is me Jesus because I am a carpenter’s daughter.”

Fill every day with the astonishing Peace of Christmas.

This Sunday, Pastor Rey Diaz will be wrapping up his series with a message on “Keeping God at the Center.” Be sure to grab your journal or iPad and join us on at 10:25am on Facebook Live, YouTube Live, or our Washington Cathedral website or App. This message will enlighten your understanding in a healthy, new way. 
See you Sunday!

Never a Wasted Moment - By Pastor Michael Fernandez

Frequently in our lives we fall into the “Woe is Me Syndrome.” Why is God letting this happen to me? Why now? In our society these days we want to have all the answers and sometimes the answers are just not there. We think we are in control, but we really are not.

In my Senior year in High School I can remember running cross country for my school and I was pretty good at it. In fact, nearing the end of the season I was considered either the third or fourth best in the city depending on the length of the race. The shorter the racecourse the better I did. I had been working really hard on my final kick and was getting ready for All District as we approached the last school meet of the year. Warming up for that meet I was tight all over and was having a hard time loosening up.

I wanted to do my best because my dad was in the hospital recovering from a heart attack. Well, as I was stretching for warm up, I pulled my sacroiliac muscle in my lower back. I had to be picked up and laid into my parent’s station wagon. I was taken to the doctors and given a cortisone shot.  For the next week I was flat on my back all the time.

And with one week left before the District Meet, I started to do some training in the pool at school.  Here I had run at least 15 miles a day for a year in preparation for my Senior year and ultimately the coming District Meet, then the All City Meet. I didn’t even know if the doctors would let me participate. I was devastated. Why did this happen to me?

I eventually ran the race and stayed up in the front of the pack for about half the race, but my legs gave out and felt like rubber. I finished 51st in the pack of about 300 runners instead of third, second or first. That was a tough day for me.  My coach tried to tell me it was a victory for me just finishing, but I had none of that at the time.

I wasn’t a Christian then and I wanted to know why this happened to me?

Fortunately, the experience got me thinking and searching for my purpose in life and eventually lead me to a personal relationship with Jesus.

I understand now that God uses everything that happens to us, and he does not waste anything.  Our Father is with you and has chosen you.

I encourage you during these challenging times in our history, to listen to Joshua, “be strong, courageous, and lean into God.”

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . .”  — Joshua 24:15 NIV

 “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 NIV 

Join us Sunday at 10:25am as Pastor Rey Diaz brings us another sermon in the series “How Not to Waste This Crazy Season” with his insights into “Keys to Facing the Future.” Bring a notepad as he makes some great observations.

It will be the first Sunday in Advent, so we have a special treat for you.

Limits — Hindrance or Help

By Rhonda Jones

During these Covid times we’ve had many limitations placed upon us: the wearing of a mask in public, washing our hands more frequently, having our temperature taken before entering the doctors’ office or some businesses and restaurants, being forced to work from home, the inability to visit our loved ones who may have contracted the virus and are forced into isolation because of it….I could go on and on. But the one limitation that feels the most invasive at this Holiday Season is the limit of social gatherings…being asked not to be with our loved ones or gather for Christmas services during this most memorable and special time of year.

But aren’t most limits put in place to help us obtain a semblance of some balance in our lives? Aren’t limits good for us? We can fight against limits-but that usually ends up most of the time to our own detriment. The Apostle Paul was limited. In fact, he had asked God specifically in 2 Corinthians 12:9 to remove his limitation. But God answered Him with these words that are full of God’s love: “My grace is sufficient for you. For My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore (Paul states), I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses (or limits) so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Maybe some of you are dealing with physical limitations. I had surgery in late August to repair a torn rotator cuff on my left shoulder. Now shoulders are tough to heal…they take months of rehab and usually a year to complete the healing process (I know this because I tore my right rotator cuff 3 years ago and had to have that repaired first). My physical Therapy was going along very nicely until one day recently in October I reached forward and caught myself from falling and felt a little give in my left shoulder. Ever since then my shoulder has decided it wants to stop progressing-it is limiting my use once again. It has limited the length and time I can use my arm freely without pain. But my body knows when I’ve had enough and carefully reminds me through pain that I need to stop my activities for the day. Pain is a reminder I’m pushing my limits.

These Covid times have also limited one of the greatest joys of my life-and that is leading the choir at Washington Cathedral. I miss the moments of hearing their voices soar together in God’s beauty and grace as they proclaim His glory to those gathering for worship. I miss our weekly congregational greeting as we share a quick moment of love with each other before the service begins. But I am so grateful to have experienced the love we have at Washington Cathedral with each other…it is a powerful love from God that unites us as family, especially during these Covid times.

This Sunday, November 22nd, Pastor Rey Diaz will be sharing about how limits force us to lean into God-to trust Him with areas that are beyond our control. Be sure to grab your journal or iPad and join us on Facebook Live at 10:25am, YouTube Live, or our Washington Cathedral website or App. This message will enlighten your understanding in a healthy, new way. See you Sunday.

Peace in Trusting God

by Pastor Linda Skinner

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3

Peace in the midst of chaos is the theme of Pastor Rey’s message this Sunday at 10:30 am Online Worship.

Growing up on a farm I learned so many lessons. (Someday I’m going to write a book, “Lessons I Learned on the Chicken Ranch.”) One of the lessons that has served me well throughout my life is to focus on the things I can impact, and not on the things I have no ability to change or influence. When you farm, you learn that you can do your best to care for your livestock or crops but there are some things you cannot change – e.g. weather, disease, predators, etc. You can adjust to mitigate your losses, but that’s the best you can do.

As a little girl, I remember when a huge heat wave hit our area of Northern California. It was unexpected and temperatures were well over 100 for several days in a row, and it was not cooling off much at night. My dad had about 2,000 laying hens that he cared for (chickens do not do well in high heat). We didn’t have the luxury of climate control in our barns, and the chickens got so hot that they were literally dying. I remember my dad and mom and every able-bodied person we knew started pulling chickens out of the barn and laying them on the cool grass and my dad with a hose sprinkling them with cool water. He lost some, but his quick thinking and action saved most of them. I can still see the picture in my head of that grass field covered with white chickens laying in the grass enjoying the cold water being sprinkled on them.

I remember my Mom saying to me many times, “We just do our best, and trust in God for everything else.” I’m so glad that at an early age I have those lessons to look back on. Learning to trust God, and do the best we can with what we have; and the situation we are in, is a great way to find the peace that passes all understanding.

Join us this Sunday for online worship at 10:30 am on Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Washington Cathedral website or App. You’ll be glad you took the time to learn more about living a life filled with God’s peace.

Blessings,

Pastor Linda Skinner

Relax in God's Peace

by Pastor Tim White

I am praying for everyone in our church family. This is a fascinating time in history. I’m not ignoring the challenges but whatever happens we are called for such a time as this. We will continue to reach out to both sides with Christ’s love regardless. We will still need to take care of our families. Our church still has a mission to share the Good News and to help the poor. We need a great caring network during this pandemic. We have people to love, songs to sing, friendships to stand by, so do not be afraid -- the Lord your God is with you!

This week’s sermon is coming from Dr. Rey Diaz on “How Not to Waste These Crazy Times”. I will be having surgery on Tuesday, November 10th, -- no matter who is ahead in the election. What a joy to have a young talented preacher to bring us this special series.

I remember when Rey first started as our Youth Pastor. He was invited steelhead fishing by J.J. Kinssies, one of the boys in our youth group. When Rey returned, I asked him how it went. He told me it wasn’t as bad as he thought since he wasn’t a fisherman. I have been fishing for steelhead since I was five and I have never caught one. He pulled out his cooler to show me three huge steelhead trout. This was his limit caught in a half day! It’s all a matter of perspective. And so is riding through tough times. Rey is going to bring us strong insights from God’s Word this Sunday. Please join us on live stream at 10:30 this Sunday.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Your Greatest Day?

by Pastor Tim White

Is it possible that the greatest day of your life is still ahead of you? Samson’s great days seemed to be over. There was the time that he defeated a whole army with his only weapon being the jaw-bone of a donkey. At that time of the Bronze Age, Israel was always complaining about the Bronze Age swords the Philistines had over them. So, Samson uses a jaw-bone for his weapon.

Samson had fallen into sin when tempted by Delilah. He was now a slave to the Philistines and being used to ridicule God. You would think his best day had passed ... right? Wrong! He prayed and God worked and as the Bible says he defeated more enemies in his last moment than he did during his whole life.

This week I will be sharing a sermon on “The Greatest Day of Your Life.” Please join me.

I felt like Samson when my surgeon called a couple days ago and gave Jackie and I the first good health news I’ve had in a year. I am infection free! And I get to have my new knee put back in my leg. Praise God and thank you for your prayers. After my sermon this week, Pastor Rey has agreed to preach a series while I heal from my knee surgery. God is good!!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Enduring Faith

by Pastor Michael Fernandez

I will be 67 years young this November. I share this because I have seen and been through many challenging circumstances in my life.

When I was attending the University of Washington, I remember that I was still using a slide rule to figure out my chemistry and Physics problems. In my final year, some students had this new thing called a calculator, which could add, subtract, multiply and divide. (Now we have cars that drive themselves.) It is truly mind-boggling and amazing. What we are experiencing in our world today tops them all.

The one constant in this ever-changing world of ours is faith -- Enduring Faith. It is “enduring faith” that allows me to do what I do best.

My one niche in life is helping people in their greatest time of need. Showing up when they least expect it, praying with them, comforting, and sharing hope with them. The Hope we receive through God’s Spirit.

I love James Chapter 5 because that is where you will find the prayer of Faith:

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:13-16.)  

Pastor Ron Wilbur will be sharing with us from on James 5 this Sunday.  His message is entitled, “Let Your Light Shine.”

I have shared this prayer hundreds of times in my life. And you never know when you will see a miracle happen because God’s Word was spoken. I am always surprised when it speaks to me in a new and fresh way. I believe it always has a freshness since the circumstances are always different.  The passage never gets boring and it is always enlightening. And I have seen many miracles happen because of it.

I encourage you during these challenging times in our history, to listen to James and to be patient and have a little faith, “enduring faith.” You are all still here for a reason, so let your light shine.

Pastor Michael

Note:  Join us on Sunday for Online Worship at 10:30 am on Facebook Live, YouTube  Live, our website (www.wacathedral.org) or WaCathedral App.