Lighten Up!

By Pastor Michael Fernandez

God has given me the gift of intensity and some of you might be like me. I’m actually an Engineer by trade. It seems to me it would be hard to be an engineer without being intense because there are so many problems to solve.  

Years ago, Teresa and I were the Singles Pastors here. When I moved on to a different position, I had to turn the Singles Group over to another person. It was part of my job to mentor this person. We struggled at first in communicating because we didn’t see eye to eye on things. I would go to Pastor Tim and say “do I have to work with this person?” and Pastor Tim would say “yes” and tell me to go work it out.  This other person would go to Tim and say that he couldn’t work with me and Pastor Tim would say you have to and go work it out. At first, I was pretty intense about it as his ideas seemed to go against my ideas. Finally, it dawned on the both of us that we loved the Single’s Group and we wanted the same things for them.

We were just going about it differently. He was using his gifts and I was using mine. I realized right then, just because we have differences, doesn’t mean we can’t be friends, and it doesn’t mean we can’t work together with one mind and purpose. 

Philippians 2:1-2 NLT “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?  Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.”

As Christians we usually do want the same things -- like leading people to Christ -- but we might go about it from a different perspective. Today Pastor David and I are best friends and laugh about those early times together.  So, God helped each of us learn a great lesson.  That is “lighten up and you will find a way to love one another.”

Pastor Tim will be sharing from the Philippians Chapter 2, a message on “Let It Shine” this Sunday at 10:25 am online.  You can catch with me on Facebook Live, YouTube Live, our WaCathedral App or website.  Hope to see you there.

UNEXPECTED JOY

by Pastor Linda Skinner

A couple of days ago my phone rang and it was one of my dear friends calling me. I knew she was in the hospital and I’d been trying to call her for a couple of days to see how she is doing. So, when her name appeared on my phone screen, I was overjoyed to be able to talk to her and hear how she was doing. This lady is one of those people who always blesses you when you talk to her. She had been admitted to the hospital a few days earlier because of a nasty infection on her leg. She’s been a friend, prayer and ministry partner, and is one of the dearest people in my life. I had been praying for her and was so concerned that she had landed in the hospital, especially, with today’s challenges. I was looking forward to bringing words of encouragement to her.

We talked and she let me know that she was doing great. The medical staff was treating her, and she went on about how special they all were. Then she added how much she was really enjoying her time in the hospital. She said she was meeting so many new people and making friends. She said, “I know I’m right where God wants me to be right now.” After talking to her, I hung up the phone and thanked God for giving me the gift of a special friend. Someone who could help me look beyond my circumstances and find joy in whatever situation I find myself.

This week Pastor Tim is beginning a new series on Philippians entitled “This is the Day – Reasons to be Glad”. Philippians is one of the “Prison Letters” written by the Apostle Paul. “Prison Letter” because Paul writes it to the church at Philippi while he is in prison. In prison for the dastardly offense of preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. One might think Paul’s letter would be filled with anger and whining over why he’s locked up when he’s doing God’s work. But, Paul, like my friend, sees way beyond his circumstances and sees how God can use them to His glory. Paul’s letter is filled with encouragement for us to live a life filled with faith and joy despite our circumstances or our challenges.

I can’t wait to hear what God has laid on Pastor Tim’s heart to share with us this week. I hope you can join me. I want to learn to be a joy-finder and a joy-giver. How about you?

Blessings,

Pastor Linda

PS: All of our services are online right now due to COVID restrictions. You can join us at 10:30 am every Sunday on Facebook Live, YouTube Live, our WaCathedral App or on our website at www.wacathedral.org. If you can’t make it on Sunday morning, you can always catch it at a later time at the same places.

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!