Families Can Be Great!

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:31-35

Some of the most wonderful experiences in life happen within a family! Yet, heartbreakingly, the opposite is also true some of the deepest wounds we carry come from family or from what we thought was family.

Jesus and His followers ignited a revolution that reshaped the very concept of family. They understood how deeply we need nurturing relationships, a place where we belong and are known. Jesus, more than anyone, recognized that so many people walk through life carrying a painful void—a missing father, a missing mother, a missing child or grandparent. These absences leave wounds, but God designed us for relationships that heal and restore.

As followers of Christ, we are called to build strong individual families and an even a greater family—the family of God. Some people fear churches that describe themselves as family, and understandably so. History is filled with misguided cults that have twisted the idea of spiritual family for control, financial gain, or worse. But despite these distortions, the truth remains: the Church is meant to be the family of God (Ephesians 2:19, Romans 8:16, 1 John 3:1).

When a church truly becomes a family of families, it cannot help but grow. Why? Because being part of a healthy, loving family is one of the most basic human needs. The Church at its best is a place where no one stands alone—where love, encouragement, and belonging transform lives.

This Sunday, we have the privilege of hearing from one of the most inspirational pastors in the United States. Pastor Mark Nsimbi will be speaking at Washington Cathedral at 10:30 AM, both in person and online across multiple platforms. If you’ve ever heard Pastor Mark, you know how uplifting and powerful his words are. Let’s not miss this appointment with encouragement!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Lord of the Sabbath

“Then Jesus said, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’”—Mark 2:27

When I was growing up, cigarette smoking was at an all-time high. It wasn’t long before I was born, in 1955, that cigarettes were advertised as being good for you. As a result, so many people—from kids to adults—became addicted, especially in the morning. I remember seeing people whose faces looked so tired that even though our family didn’t believe in smoking we would say: “that guy really needs a cigarette”. And You’d see people who looked so cool by the way they blew smoke rings or the way they held a cigarette between two fingers. There were so many stylish techniques—like those who could talk with a cigarette in their mouth, making it bounce up and down without falling out. Or the ones who left a cigarette dangling precariously from their lips, so close to falling that you couldn’t take your eyes off it, half-expecting it to drop and start a fire. Samuel Clemens (better known as Mark Twain) once said, “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.”

But here’s a surprise! When we get to heaven, there might just be smoking sections. After all, there will be no cancer in heaven, and everyone will be so kind that they won’t mind the spittoons, the secondhand smoke, the bad breath, or the yellow teeth.

And that leads us to the heart of the Lord of the Sabbath passage. We are told by friends, parents, doctors not to smoke or use tobacco because it is a habit which can give us cancer robbing us of years of life.  God wants us to be discipled not for his sake but for ours. God doesn’t give us commands just for His sake—He gives them for our sake, too. Dallas Willard used to talk about the high cost of non-discipleship—what happens when families are raised without morals or values. The cost of living against God’s laws is far greater than we realize. I believe God’s principles exist because they are good for us, not because He delights in punishing us. A God who loves to punish doesn’t square with the Jesus we know.

Come this week as our inspirational Lead Pastor, Mark Nsimbi, shares about The Lord of the Sabbath. You may just discover wonderful truths you’ve never thought about before.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

The Super Bowl of Jesus People

“Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.” - Mark 2:13-14

In the 1990s, I was driving in my car when I received a call from the richest man in the world. My first thought? This had to be a prank from one of my brothers. But there was no mistake, the voice—it was Bill Gates. I had invited him to speak at an international conference at our church, and the invitation had been delivered by one of his top executives. Now, Gates himself was calling me to decline but letting me know he was sending his second-in-command instead. Imagine that! A personal call from Bill Gates!

Now, imagine what Levi felt when Jesus Christ—the Son of God, the Savior of the world—walked up to him, a despised tax collector, and said, “Follow me.” Not just an invitation, but a calling; a life-changing, world-shaking moment. And here’s the truth: Jesus is extending that same invitation to you. Not just to be a typical Christian, but to be his apprentice. To follow him with your whole life.

My favorite professor, Dr. Dallas Willard, once said: “There is no problem that cannot be overcome by a lifetime apprenticeship to Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”

 The Need for Discipleship in a Deconstructing World

It used to be that if you asked someone, “Are you a Christian?” they would say yes, no, or I don’t know. But today, if you ask 12 people that same question, you might get 12 different answers. Why? Because we live in an era of deconstruction. We have taken apart institutions, beliefs, and traditions, some of it necessary, some of it beneficial. But in the process, many have lost their trust in everything. Instead of building something better, we are often left with nothing. This is why discipleships are more important than ever. In a world where skepticism runs deep, people need personal, living examples of what it means to follow Jesus. They need mentors—not just institutions, but individuals who will walk with them in faith.

Have you ever been truly discipled or more importantly discipled someone else? Have you poured your heart, time, and soul into another person, guiding them to live as an apprentice of Jesus? What about your children? Your spouse? Your brothers, sisters, or parents? Your co-workers? Have you invested in their spiritual growth—not just with words, but with love, time, and presence? Discipleship isn’t just about Bible studies; it’s about walking alongside people in their struggles, having deep and honest conversations, sharing moments of joy, and being someone, they can count on.

 An Invitation to Something Greater

I believe one reason people cling to anger and self-righteousness today is because it shields them from vulnerability. It keeps them from building real relationships and real faith. But Jesus calls us to something deeper—something life-giving.

This Sunday, I have the privilege of preaching at Washington Cathedral, and I want to invite you—whether in person or online—to join me. The message could change your life. It could give you the answers you’ve been searching for. I’m calling my sermon: “The Super Bowl for Jesus People: Discipled and Discipling.”

I believe God is calling us to something greater. Will you answer the call?

Your friend for life,

Pastor Tim White

The Servant Leader

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45 (NLT)

We live in an age that is being dominated by self-discovery. More than ever, people are wrestling with questions like Who am I? and What am I meant to do? From social media to Artificial Intelligence, people are searching desperately for answers. Have you noticed how strongly people define themselves by what they stand against? How our identity is increasingly tied to political views, ancestry, nationality, or cultural heritage? Many are walking away from organized religion or past philosophies, searching for belonging elsewhere. This search is shaping history: it fuels both isolation and the desperate need to belong.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This truth is at the heart of our new sermon series, Following the Servant Leader, led by our inspiring pastor, Mark Nsimbi.

A Surprising Truth About You

Whether you believe in God or not, you may already be living as a servant leader. What drives you in life? When times get tough, what gives you the strength to keep going? For many, it’s their children, grandchildren, loved ones, or even their work team. Perhaps it’s the simple joy of helping someone in real need.

Last week, I had an appointment with one of the best cardiologists in the world, Dr. Paul Huong. He’s not just a brilliant doctor; he’s a devoted husband, a father, and an incredible violinist. But what truly defines him is how he serves others with disciplined excellence. On the day of my appointment, I faced unexpected challenges:

•       I barely slept the night before.

•       I hit a rare traffic jam on I-5. (ha ha 😊)

•       I parked far away to save money.

•       I got stuck in not one, but two elevators.

•       I climbed countless stairs due to my impaired legs.

•       I wandered through multiple floors as a work around for broken elevators and my personal confusion in finding the right office.

By the time I arrived, I was exhausted. But after my appointment, something astonishing happened. Dr. Huong told his staff he’d be a minute. Then, to my shock, he grabbed a wheelchair and insisted on pushing me all the way back to my car. Here was a world-class cardiologist, a man who had led Swedish Hospital’s cardiology department for years, humbly serving a tired old pastor. People looked in amazement. But that’s what servant leaders do—they don’t just demand respect; they earn it by respecting others.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

The Gospel of Mark is a book filled with over 100 questions—meant to be read aloud, meant to challenge us into action. It is the first gospel ever written, penned by a teenage follower of Jesus named John Mark, and it reveals Jesus not as a ruler demanding service but as the ultimate Servant Leader.

Join us this week as the dynamic Pastor Linda Skinner launches this life-changing series on astonishing servant leadership.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Prayers That Shape Tomorrow

We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. – Psalm 78: 4-7

One of the greatest stresses in life is our concern about tomorrow. It seems like every day, there’s something new to worry about—the older we get, the more responsibilities and uncertainties pile up. But the truth is, tomorrow is coming, whether we’re ready or not.

Think about it: Have you ever left for a vacation without any preparation? Probably not. We make packing lists, check our routes, and plan ahead. Preparation is especially critical for something as challenging as backpacking into the mountains—where every detail matters. In the same way, shouldn’t we be preparing for our spiritual journeys into tomorrow?

This Sunday, our dynamic Pastor Mark Nsimbi will be delivering an inspiring sermon titled “Prayers That Shape Tomorrow.” What better way to prepare for what lies ahead than through powerful, intentional prayer? This message might just be the most important one you hear this year.

I’m reminded of my childhood in church, where loving members of our church family prayed fervently for the younger generation. These weren’t just words—they were prayers in action. They stood behind each child, supporting us with their faith, and we could see God moving in our lives. Those prayers shaped our tomorrows and gave us strength, hope, and direction.

This Sunday let’s make a choice to stop worrying about tomorrow and start praying for it. Imagine the peace and power we could experience if we replaced anxiety with faith-filled prayers.

Join us this Sunday at 10:30 a.m., in person or online. You won’t want to miss this message—it’s an opportunity to prepare for tomorrow in the best way possible.

Your friend for life,

 Pastor Tim White 

GO: Learning to Pray Outside of Yourself!

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age”. — Matthew 28:18-20

 Dear Church Family,

My prayer for our church is simple: that we would grow in learning how to pray outside of ourselves. Imagine husbands faithfully praying for their wives, parents covering their children in prayer, and children discovering the power of lifting up their classmates, teachers, and principals. Picture how our workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities could be transformed if we genuinely prayed for our clients, coworkers, neighbors, and friends—not for personal gain, but out of love.

The Bible uses the word “Go” 1,542 times, while the word “Stay” appears just 62. This shows us something profound: God calls us to be a people of action. He commands us to go—to live out His promises, to serve, to bless, and to pray.

Think about this: Have you ever met a salesperson who truly prays for their customers? Someone who genuinely wants the best for them, rejoices in their successes, and grieves with them in hard times. You might think, “What’s up with this person?” Their love and care are noticeable—odd in a good way.

That’s the power of prayer. When we pray, we can’t help but love. And when we love, we can’t help but pray. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s, giving us His perspective of others. It shifts our focus from ourselves and helps us see the incredible worth of the people around us. God has a way of picking up a nobody and turning them into a somebody in front of everybody. And when we pray for others, we begin to realize just how much of a somebody they are in His eyes.

Join me this Sunday, January 19th, at 10:30 AM as I share this message God has laid on my heart. We’ll be meeting in person by the waterfall or online for those who can’t attend in person. Vanessa Love will bless us with her singing, and together, we’ll dive deeper into what it means to be the people God has called us to be.

I can’t wait to see how God moves in and through our prayers!

Your friend for life,

Pastor Tim White

Prayer: A Lifetime Art

 “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face continually.”  —1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)

Have you ever been struck by how much room there is to grow in your life? It’s that time of year again—a time to reflect, dream, and seek inspiration. While doing a little research, I came across some mind-blowing accomplishments of human devotion that truly amazed me:

• Dominic O’Brien, an eight-time World Memory Champion, can memorize a deck of cards in under a minute. He can recite back a string of thousands of numbers through memory techniques.

• Rubik’s Cube Solvers can complete the puzzle in under four seconds.

• Miyoko Shida Rigolo balances a feather on a series of interlinked sticks, displaying a mesmerizing level of focus and precision.

• Alexey Molchanov, a freediver, can hold his breath for over eight minutes.

• Grandmaster Timur Gareyev can play multiple chess games at once—while blindfolded.

• Hyperpolyglots can learn and fluently speak dozens of languages, sometimes more than 50.

These examples show us the astonishing potential we each have when we devote ourselves wholeheartedly to something. Behind every one of these feats is thousands of hours of practice, focus, and determination.

So, as we dive into Pastor Mark’s new series: Prayer: Your Superpower, let’s reflect on what it means to approach prayer with the same passion and dedication. What would happen if we saw prayer as an art—a skill we could refine and grow over a lifetime? Prayer isn’t just a momentary act; it’s a lifelong pursuit, one that has the power to transform your life and ripple blessings through your family and community. Imagine the depth, strength, and intimacy with God we could achieve by committing ourselves to this “superpower.”

This Sunday at 10:30, let’s continue this journey together. Bring your questions, your heart, and your willingness to grow. I promise it will be worth it.

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” —Martin Luther

Your friend for life,

Pastor Tim White

Seeking a Magnificent God!

Recently, I have been amazed at the many ways God has shown to me His character, His love, His magnificence, His tenderness. I was sharing with my WOW group how God inspired me yet again in his magnificent ways the other night, when I was doing my before bedtime walk with Belle Bear, my sweet and feisty Cairn Terrier. She was frustrating me a bit, because it was a crispy cold night, and she wanted to sniff and explore, and I wanted her to get down to business so I could get back into the warm house. But instead of getting frustrated, I took a moment to look up at the night sky. What a picture! The dark sky sparkled with life – stars, planets, satellites, airplanes all sparkling for their creator. To the east a wispy fog bank reflected the lights of Redmond and Bellevue, adding to the beauty. I was as mesmerized at that moment with the sky as Belle was with the ground sniffing.

Everyday God displays for us how important we are to Him. Every day He gives us opportunities to see a glimpse of who He really is and who I am in His Kingdom. I’m inspired by King David’s words in Psalm 8. Stepping into those words:

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, the stars, which you have set in place, who am I that you are mindful of me and that care about me? You made me a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned me with glory and honor. You assign to me the task of caring for the work of your hands and everything and everyone that I encounter as I walk this planet. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Take some time look up, look around, look inside and seek out a God who delights in you. And delights in showing you how magnificent His creation is, and you are an integral part of that creation.

Join us for worship this Sunday. Learn more about God and about yourself.

 Blessings,

Pastor Linda Skinner

Celebrate Christmas All Year in 2025!

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” —2 Thessalonians 3:16

I love Christmas! This year was especially meaningful for me. Singing in the choir, being a wise man, and watching the Christmas service online brought such joy to my heart. The music was uplifting, Pastor Mark’s sermon was inspiring, and the tiny cherubs dancing filled the sanctuary with wonder. And how could I forget Hank the Tank, our spectacular camel? Even the burrow, sheep, and goat seemed to share in the peace of the season—they really liked me!

But one moment stands out above all. At the end of the hall, little Taamale spotted me. With a burst of joy, he ran giggling the whole way and gave me a big hug. That spontaneous dash of love captured the essence of Christmas—pure, uncontainable joy.

I also cherished seeing old friends, exchanging “Merry Christmas” wishes, and sharing a Christmas kiss with Jackie after both services were done. In those moments, faith, hope, love, and peace triumphed in indescribable ways.

So, I ask: Why don’t we celebrate Christmas all year in 2025? Every Sunday, we could gather at church, sing together, and hear the Good News of scripture from Pastor Mark. We could delight in the children running around, play peek-a-boo with them, and remind each other of the peace proclaimed by the angels that first Christmas: “Peace on earth, goodwill toward all.”

My mom had a habit of singing “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” year-round. It’s a beautiful reminder that the message of Christmas isn’t confined to December. What if we all embraced that mindset? What if, instead of limiting the celebration of peace and goodwill to one season, we made it a way of life?

Let’s make 2025 the year of Christmas all year long—a year filled with joy, kindness, and peace at all times and in every way.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

The Birth That Brings Us Together

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” — Matthew 1:22-23

There’s something primal and powerful about the way we gather when the cold of December settles around us. The year’s end presses close, like the hush of snowfall at dusk, and we instinctively draw together—kin, friends, and neighbors—to share warmth and laughter. It’s no coincidence that we celebrate the birth of Christ this way, for His coming marks the ultimate togetherness: God with us.

As Lead Pastor Mark Nsimbi reminds us, “Jesus’ birth calls us into a family of faith—a family that celebrates, dances, and shares life together, embracing the gift of togetherness through traditions like the agape feast.”

I remember a Christmas when my family filled every corner of our home. Jackie and I were bustling about, preparing the feast, when the smallest grandchild took center stage. She began to dance—tiny feet tapping to the lively carols that filled the air. Then the others joined, laughter spilling out like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. Soon, even my mom rose to her feet, and for a moment, generations blurred in the rhythm of joy. That dance became a tradition for us—a thread binding time and memory into something sacred.

This Sunday, the last before Christmas, is our chance to ground ourselves in the heart of this season: peace, hope, and love. It’s an opportunity to come together as a church family in a way that echoes the early believers—those who gathered for the agape feast. In the first centuries of the church, Christians broke bread together, erasing barriers of class and status in a radical act of love and unity. They prayed, sang hymns, and shared stories of faith. At the heart of their meal was Christ, the Bread of Life, who nourished not just their bodies but their souls.

Purpose and Meaning of an Agape Feast – The feast was a celebration of love and unity among believers, regardless of social or economic status. It symbolized the new family formed in Christ. The gatherings typically involved prayer, hymn singing, the reading of Scripture, and the sharing of food. The Lord’s Supper (Eucharist) was often part of the feast. They broke down social barriers, uniting people of different classes, genders, and ethnicities under a shared identity in Christ. This inclusiveness was radical in the Roman world, where sharp distinctions in status were common.

Sunday morning, we will enjoy Eliot and our praise band singing Christmas hymns. Pastor Mark’s inspiring message and our own church choir and the children will be performing together.  At the close of the service, we will embrace the spirit of the first agape feast as we break into smaller groups to share a taste of The Nsimbi’s famous Kenyan bread, dipped in grape juice—a simple, sanitary nod to the ancient tradition. Afterward, the celebration continues with a bread potluck in the back. Bring your best homemade loaf or pick something special from your favorite bakery. What matters is the breaking of bread, the act of sharing, the fellowship it brings.

Let this be more than a tradition. Let it be a moment that echoes the first agape feasts—a tangible reminder of the love that unites us. Don’t miss it.

Yours in faith and fellowship,

Pastor Tim White