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

Bringing Home the Light of Christmas

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.”— Luke 2:1-3

The first Christmas was more than an event—it was the turning of a great wheel. A simple family, swept up in the chaos of an empire, found themselves at the heart of something eternal. The birth of a child, that most ordinary of miracles, set the heavens ablaze and sent kings and shepherds stumbling toward Bethlehem.

Isn’t that the nature of Christmas? Families, far and wide, are drawn together to celebrate Faith, Hope, Love, and Peace—forces as real as the wind in the trees and the sun on your face. And who could oppose such a celebration? Every year, without fanfare or orders from on high, the world rises to meet this season with songs, meals, and open arms. These gatherings—spontaneous and unstoppable—bind us together, spilling over with love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

And this year? It will be no different. In fact, it has already begun. For 69 Christmases, I’ve seen God’s hand at work—unfailing, unyielding, unstoppable. Time and again, He moves where we cannot, weaving joy into the fabric of our lives. The greatest folly is to think that this miracle is up to us to create. We couldn’t carry that burden if we tried. But when we let go, when we trust, the miracle happens all the same.

Over the years, I’ve played many roles: Joseph, a shepherd, a choir member, Santa Claus for the Salvation Army, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a cook at the Union Gospel Mission, a hospital volunteer, a prison visitor, a Sunday school teacher, a Christmas dinner deliverer, a janitor, a parking lot attendant, a preacher, a communion leader, and even an emergency counselor. I’ve assisted law enforcement, fixed broken-down cars, and visited nursing homes. And this year, I’ll stand as a wiseman—though I can assure you, the wisdom belongs to God, not me. I have loved every role that I have taken. Yet through all these years and all these roles, one truth has remained: Christmas is alive, moving, and unstoppable. Families will gather. Kindness will spread. Love will shine. Spontaneous celebrations of faith and joy will spring up all over the world. And you can bet your bottom dollar, I’ll be part of as many as I can. My prayer for you is that somewhere some way you too can find a Christmas celebration that you can be a part of.

Please join me this Sunday at 10:30 AM as pastor Mark teaches us about the good news of Christmas and how we can focus on the right things this year.

Merry Christmas, dear friends. I love this time of year—a season where we can say “Merry Christmas” over and over again and mean it more each time.

Your friend for the rest of your lives,

Pastor Tim White

God Making His Home for Christmas with Us

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.”—John 1:1-5

I can hardly wait for Pastor Marks’ sermon this Sunday on the powerful truth of God making His home with us for Christmas. As I think about it, I picture Christmas morning at the Nsimbi home. It brings to mind my own cherished memories of Christmas—both as a child and as a parent raising my own family with Jackie.

I imagine Taamale, caught up in the Christmas spirit, darting out in his onesie pajamas to join his two joyful older sisters. Anne and Mark are waiting near their beautifully lit tree, their faces glowing with anticipation. While I don’t know exactly what their Christmas morning will look like, I’m certain of one thing: they will be opening their hearts to welcome Jesus into their home this Christmas.

As I reflect on this, I’m reminded of the beauty of the season and wrote this little piece as a response to such thoughts.

Open your heart, your home, your door, For Christ is here forevermore. His light will shine, His peace will stay, A gift of love this Christmas Day.

Pastor Mark’s Advent devotional today deeply moved me. I know this Sunday will be a truly uplifting time for everyone who joins us. I hope you’ll be there to experience it too.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Welcoming Home the Light of Christmas

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”— Isaiah 9:6-7

A great Christmas is never an accident. It is forged, like steel, through purpose-driven struggle.

The words of Isaiah 9 were penned over 700 years before the first Christmas dawned, yet their promise burned like a lantern in the dark. Fragments of this ancient prophecy, preserved in the Dead Sea Scrolls, have been carbon-dated to over a century before that sacred night in Bethlehem. These verses, immortalized in Handel’s Messiah, speak of a coming King—a child who would shoulder the government of heaven and bear the names Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.

But the road to Christmas was not lined with joy. It was a path carved through centuries of pain and perseverance. Isaiah’s vision came during days of looming disaster. Israel and Judah were crushed under the heels of their enemies. The young were chained and marched into exile; Jerusalem, the holy city, lay in ruins. Families were torn apart; lives, extinguished. By the waters of Babylon, the captives wept. Their cries echoed through the centuries: Daniel faced the lions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego endured the furnace, and untold others bore the weight of persecution. Yet through it all, a remnant held fast to a flicker of hope—the promise of a Savior, a light piercing the darkness. Seven centuries of faith endured before the prophecy became flesh and dwelt among us.

And so, it is with Christmas. Great celebrations do not happen by chance. They are born from sacrifice, vision, and relentless faith. Ask any mother preparing her home or any “Saint Nicholas” laboring in quiet devotion. Christmas requires intention.

This year, our theme is Welcoming Home the Light of Christmas, and Isaiah 9 encapsulates that spirit. It reminds us that healing, renewal, and hope don’t arrive unbidden; they require purposeful effort and trust in God’s redemptive power.

This week, I have the honor of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with you. Together, we’ll explore how God’s plans for healing and restoration can transform your life and your family this Christmas season. I believe this journey will lead to a worship experience you’ll treasure—a moment to reflect on the Light that has come to dwell among us.

I invite you to join us—online or in person—at 10:30 a.m. on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Together, let us welcome home the light of Christmas.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Thanks-Living

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” — Psalm 69:30

When I think back to my childhood in Joseph, Oregon, I remember those early mornings that began at the crack of dawn. I’d wake up in the old parsonage, where Native American pictures covered the bedroom wallpaper, and the chill in the air seemed to pull me from the covers. I’d jump out of bed and race down the stairs—until I heard my dear grandmother call out, “No running on the stairs, Timmy; it’s dangerous!”

Downstairs, the warmth of a crackling wood fire in the old stove would greet me, mingling with the smell of homemade bread baking in the oven and bacon sizzling on top. From the sitting room, the steady ticking of my grandparents’ old clock filled the air. But the sound I remember most came from my grandfather’s study. Every morning, there he was, on his knees, his face turned toward his old, well-worn Bible, singing hymns with a heart so full it seemed to overflow into the entire house. He began each day like this—with hymns of thanksgiving and praise.

Even in his 90s, when he couldn’t remember his own name or his lifelong calling, he’d rise each morning and sing hymns for an hour, thanking God with a heart of praise. That memory of his voice still echoes in my mind, calling me to live a life of thanksgiving.

My parents shared this same spirit of gratitude, their voices lifted in song as though inviting me to join them. Even now, as I glance at their picture on my desk, their twinkling eyes seem to say, “Come, join us in thanksgiving and praise.” And I remember Pastor Dick Sanders, singing hymns at the top of his lungs as he drove me and his son Rich in his old pickup truck—singing as if nothing mattered more than these moments of pure praise.

The truth is our thanksgiving doesn’t end. It lives on beyond us, continuing like an endless song of praise. We’re invited to be part of something that stretches beyond life’s bounds, an echo of gratitude that carries us into eternity.

This Sunday, I invite you to join us as Pastor Mark shares the secret of “Thanks-Living”—a life that glorifies God with each moment of gratitude, praise, and joy.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White 

Friendships that Can Weather Political Differences

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” — John 13:34

How many times, I wonder, has the answer to my struggles simply been to love like Jesus. Life throws us no shortage of challenges and disagreements—especially in a world that can feel divided along every fault line, from politics to personal beliefs. And yet, through it all, the command remains simple and clear. Jesus, in His last moments with His disciples, offered this timeless answer: love one another as I have loved you.

Sometimes I imagine a whimsical project I’d like to set up in retirement—an “Answer Stand,” much like a drive-by coffee stand. For a nickel, I’d hand out scraps of paper, each with the same answer: Love like Jesus. The sign overhead would flash, “Answers to Anything—One Nickel.” I’d sit there all day, spreading this one simple but profound solution to everyone who stopped by. Maybe one day I’d even put this answer into vending machines, ready for anyone who needs it. Just drop a nickel, get a note: Love like Jesus!

Joking aside, there’s a bit of truth in it. The answer to healing friendships, weathering misunderstandings, and building bridges in divided times often boils down to this same message. This Sunday, Pastor Mark is diving deep into that kind of love—the kind that doesn’t waver in the face of political differences, mistakes, or even broken trust. It’s the magical cure for friendships that might otherwise falter.

So, this week, let’s each be reminded of this command that’s both old and new. Let’s love as He did, seeing others with compassion, humility, and grace. Join us, and let’s learn together what it means to truly love like Jesus.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White