To Persevere or Not - That Is the Question…

by Fiona Monaghan

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (ESV)

Definition of perseverance: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition: the action or condition or an instance of persevering : steadfastness.

When I think of perseverance I am drawn to the story of Joseph in Genesis. Of all the stories of someone who could have given up and thought his life over, it would have been Joseph. At 17, he was sold by his brothers, who hated him, to some passing nomads. He worked as a slave and through hard work and integrity was given a position of authority. Then he was accused of indecent liberties when he stood strong against lies. Was put in prison for years before being placed in a position of great power. It was his perseverance and faith in his God that stood him in strong stead. He couldn’t have known at 17 that he would be at 40, second in command in Egypt during a great famine. He stated to the brothers who had sold him, “that what they had meant for bad, God had meant for good.” Reconciliation with his brothers was made available with this awesome understanding that God was in control of his life.

Where do we get that kind of perseverance? It can be found in the things we hold important and unshakeable. When we believe God has good things in store for us. That he loves and cares about us. That He has given everything in order for us to have relationship with Him through His Son. That He won’t leave us alone to handle this life, but will be there in it with us.

Paul, in writing this to the Philippians, also had to stand against many obstacles and hold strong to his faith in God as a rewarder of great things to those who stand strong and believed. He faced many obstacles, punishment and also great accomplishments. He penned many letters of encouragement in the New Testament.

For myself, I have learned perseverance when in places of aloneness. When life didn’t pan out as I had hoped. When I had to rebuild my faith from the ground up. To seek out who God was and what He wanted for me and from me. I am sure I am not alone in this. We have all been in those places where we feel stripped bare of support or comfort and find out just what we believe in and if it will stand the test. God has promised us many things if we trust Him, and He has not disappointed. Stand strong and steadfast.

Join us this Sunday at 10:30am on Facebook Live, YouTube or the Church app or website, when Pastor Tim wraps up this series with the sermon “Every Comeback Needs Perseverance.” Bring your notebook or iPad to make note of these inspiring points he will deliver.

P. R. A. Y.

by Rhonda Jones

There’s no doubt about it…these are trying times. So, what can we do to protect our psyche? We need a plan…a moment-by moment plan to combat the negativity that bombards us daily on social media. And what’s the answer? The answer, plain and simple, is a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the only vital relationship I know that can destress, renew and give hope and peace to our hearts and minds during these stressful times.

I’ve never really struggled to believe in God; I see His majesty in every part of creation. But I know that some of you do-it’s hard to conceive of a God that exists and cares for you, let alone believe that He could speak to your Spirit. It all comes down to whether or not you believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and are willing to open your spirit to the possibility that He will speak to you. We, the staff at Washington Cathedral, do believe the Bible and have learned that God is Spirit, and in order to connect with Him you need to worship Him in spirit and in truth (see John 4:24). That means daily seeking Him and hopefully first thing in the morning (and sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night). I’d be lying to you to say I have that habit down pat…it’s tough making it your first priority each day. But I’ve noticed that when I do, the media reports don’t seem to matter quite as much as they would because when you touch God’s heart, He gives you His ‘Eternal’ perspective on every situation you may face in this life.

So here’s my plan for success in 2021…it’s a simple anagram:

P = Pause

R = Reflect

A = Actively Seek

Y = Yield

Join me on this journey and you will discover as I am that peace is possible in every situation.

Rhonda Jones, Director of Music

PS. Pastor Tim has a great message this week on “Every Comeback Needs a Plan.” Vanessa Love and family will be with us to minister to our hearts in music on this Martin Luther King weekend. Join us online at Facebook Live, You Tube Live, our website or our App. We’d love to see you.

Living Your Purpose

by Pastor Michael Fernandez

God knows you. He knows everything about you. He knew you in advance: your dreams, your strengths, your weaknesses etc. He designed you in a unique way and once you begin to fellowship with Him, you are going to have a purpose that is more powerful than you are. And as you become closer and closer to Jesus you will become more and more like Him.

I remember when I graduated from St John’s Elementary school in 1968. Father Manning asked me to study for the priesthood. I was an altar boy at the time. I was too proud and too stubborn to make that commitment. On March 17th, 1985, I accepted Jesus Christ as My Lord and Savior. Then in September of 1994 I came on staff here at Washington Cathedral.

It took me 26 years to find my true purpose in life. And all that happened when I finally came into fellowship with Jesus. My decision then, to become a Pastor, has been affirmed many times over in these past 26 years, by many of you. And today I am thankful and blessed with the wonderful family and friends Our Lord, has brought into my life.

Romans 8:29-3O (NLT)

“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”

All of that is waiting for you as you strengthen your fellowship with Jesus.

This Sunday, Pastor Tim will be continuing his series with a message on “Refreshing Your Purpose.” 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.

Pastor Michael

The Key to Comeback

by Jared Gallardo

Comebacks are exciting! We’ve all seen movies about people that overcome impossible odds. Disney has made a fortune with movies like “Mulan”, a story about a girl from a rural village transforming into a formidable warrior. What makes her story so interesting? Well...she wasn’t born a warrior. Before she reached heroic status, she went through an identity crisis, completed boot camp, and fought in brutal combat. It seems like every Disney movie does that – They show a person’s journey from pain to power.

Much like Disney movies, the Bible is bursting at the seams with comebacks. Genesis 37-50 tells a story about an average person named Joseph who falls into pain and rises to power. In short, his family betrayed him, and his boss got him thrown into prison, but luckily the story doesn’t end there. He makes friends with the king who gives him leadership “over all the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:41), and his family begins healing from their broken past. Whether Joseph was with his family, being trafficked, working, talking to the King, or working out family drama, God was with him. Even in prison, “the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love...” (Genesis 39:21). Like a flash flood, God’s love rushed into Joseph's pit of despair.

And that is the key to comeback - God’s transformative love in the midst of overwhelming grief.

Happy New Year.

Jared Gallardo

PS: Join us this Sunday at 10:30am on Facebook Live, You Tube Live, the website www.wacathedral.org or on the church app. Pastor Tim will be speaking on “The Great Comeback” as he continues the series “Have Fun in 2021.”

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.