The Assignment Remains the Same

If you are celebrating the victory of President Trump or struggling through disappointment after voting for Vice President Harris, the assignment for Christians both sides remains the same.

It’s true in every season of life. Whether you’re celebrating a victory or mourning a loss, our calling as followers of Christ remains unchanged. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10). In times past, believers have lived under kings and tyrants, emperors and democracies. Yet, their joy has never wavered, for they see God’s grand design and stay fixed on their mission: seeking and saving the lost.

Proverbs 19:21 speaks to the ageless disappointments we all feel. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” In moments of disappointment, we’re reminded to look beyond our crushed expectations, to glimpse God’s unseen work, shaping even our struggles for His purpose.

Jesus himself showed us the way when he faced the hour of his death. In the garden, his human heart longed to turn away, yet he submitted with these words: “Not my will, but Thy will be done.” Even then, he held fast to God’s plan, knowing it held more than human eyes could see.

Across the political divide, we are still bound as brothers and sisters in Christ. Our charge is to love, as Christ has loved us, without condition. With this love, we have the power to overcome the world, one soul at a time.

This Sunday, Pastor Mark Nsimbi will speak on the strength found in silence. Join us, for together, we’ll find blessing and renewal.

 Your friend always,

 Pastor Tim White

The Smile Beyond the Ballot

“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” – John 18:36

Many people feel anxious as we approach the presidential election of 2024. This Sunday, Pastor Mark will deliver a sermon to help calm our hearts and guide our actions. At Washington Cathedral, we take pride in being a congregation where half lean toward former President Trump and the other half toward Vice President Harris, yet we remain united as friends.

For families split by differing votes, we encourage them to keep looking to Jesus’ love as our anchor, which helps us respect each other and work together toward shared goals. No matter who wins, God is still in control, and we have a lot of Jesus’ work left to do.

It isn’t always easy to be a Christian in this day and age. It requires letting go of grudges, admitting our mistakes, and showing respect to everyone. Remember, you’ll never look into the eyes of someone whom God does not love—so be kind.

This Sunday, we’ll gather to embody this kindness, led by Pastor Mark’s powerful message.

Your friend always,

 Pastor Tim White

The One Who Feeds the Songbirds

Have you ever wondered who in our community feeds all the beautiful songbirds? It crossed my mind yesterday as I thought about our neighbor, Tom, a retired LAPD officer. Tom is a busy man, deeply committed to his church, his family, and our community. Despite his full schedule, he always finds time and makes the effort to care for the songbirds, ensuring they are well fed.

This week, we conclude our series on kingdom investments, with Pastor Emeritus Linda Skinner delivering the final message. I have no doubt it will be an inspiring word. But as I reflect on Tom’s simple act of feeding the birds, I’m reminded of how many unseen acts of love and care go unnoticed but play such a vital role in making life beautiful.

At Washington Cathedral, I see a community of heroic individuals who, like Tom, tend to the “songbirds” among us—the ones who need care, support, and encouragement. It’s these small but noble acts that allow life’s songs to continue. What a gift it is to be surrounded by people who invest in the beauty of life in quiet and selfless ways.

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” - Proverbs 16:24

Your friend always,

Pastor Tim White

The Benefits of a Life of Generosity

“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”
Proverbs 22:9

Many of us who give do so because someone modeled a generous life to us. By giving we not only make them proud, but we reap the rewards of generosity that they have taught us about.

Generosity is often seen as an act of kindness towards others, but its impact reaches far beyond those who receive. Being a generous person not only enriches the lives of others but also profoundly benefits the giver in ways that might surprise you.

1. Strengthens Relationships - When we give freely—whether through our time, resources, or energy—it strengthens our connections with others. Generosity fosters trust and mutual respect, deepening relationships and creating a sense of community.

2. Boosts Well-Being - Studies have shown that generous people tend to experience greater levels of happiness and satisfaction. Acts of kindness release "feel-good" chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and oxytocin, creating a sense of fulfillment and emotional well-being.

3. Reduces Stress - Generosity helps shift focus away from personal worries and problems, allowing us to gain perspective. By focusing on the needs of others, we often find that our own stressors diminish, leaving us feeling lighter and more at peace.

4. Creates a Positive Ripple Effect - Generosity is contagious. When we give, we inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of kindness that can spread throughout our communities. One act of giving has the potential to influence countless others.

5. Builds a Legacy - Generosity leaves a lasting mark on the world. It’s not about the size of the gift but the heart behind it. Being generous helps build a legacy of compassion, love, and service that echoes long after we are gone.

In the end, generosity benefits not only the receiver but also the giver, creating a cycle of goodwill that uplifts everyone involved. When we choose to live generously, we open ourselves up to greater joy, stronger relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Pastor Mark Nsimbi will be teaching on generosity this week. Join us for a celebration of God working in our world.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Stewarding Your Finances

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

I know this may be hard to believe, but it’s the truth: I’ve made mistakes—many, in fact. To be fully transparent, I’ve even willfully sinned. Surprising? It shouldn’t be, because this is true for all of us. What’s more, I fell into the trap of thinking that every good thing in my life was the result of my hard work alone. This misguided belief filled me with anxiety, convincing me that I had to handle everything by myself. I stopped seeking God’s guidance, particularly in my finances, and became less generous with my family. This, of course, led me even further off course.

One of the greatest comforts in life is the knowledge that God is our ultimate provider. In Philippians 4:19, the Apostle Paul offers this profound promise to the church at Philippi—a reassurance that God will meet all their needs, not according to earthly resources, but “according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

This verse speaks directly to the nature of God’s provision. It is limitless, abundant, and rooted in His eternal glory. When we consider our needs, they often include things like finances, health, relationships, and direction for the future. While these are valid concerns, Paul’s message invites us to view our needs from a deeper perspective:  our spiritual, emotional, and eternal needs are just as significant, if not more. God’s riches are not merely material. His provision includes peace in the midst of anxiety, hope when all seems lost, and strength in moments of weakness. Christ Himself embodies this wealth—through His sacrifice, we are given the fullness of life, salvation, and a relationship with our Creator.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by what we lack or what we think we need, but Philippians 4:19 urges us to shift our focus to God’s sufficiency. Just as He provided for the early church, He promises to care for us today. Our job is to trust in His timing, rely on His wisdom, and remain faithful, knowing that He will provide exactly what is needed when it’s needed.

Reflection:  Are there areas of your life where you’re anxious or uncertain about provision? Take time today to bring those concerns to God in prayer, remembering that He knows your needs even before you ask. Trust in His abundant riches and allow His peace to guard your heart and mind.

Prayer:  Father, thank You for Your promise to meet all my needs. Help me to trust in Your provision and not be consumed by worry. Teach me to rely on You daily and to find peace in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s be friends for the rest of our lives,

Pastor Tim White 

You Just Can't Go It Alone

“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.” — Ephesians 4:3-6 (NLT)

Living life as a team is more powerful than most of us realize. The Bible makes it clear: to be an inspiring Christian, you need to be involved in a local group of believers. In the post-COVID era, many have come to believe they can go it alone, but this shift in thinking can leave us vulnerable.

I’m reminded of a story about two mafia hitmen walking through the woods at night. The forest was full of eerie sounds, and one of the men started to get anxious. He said, "I'm really starting to get scared walking through these woods." The other hitman, just as shaken, replied, “You’re scared? I’m the one who has to walk back alone!”

Ok, that might be a bad “dad joke”, but the sentiment is real, life can feel scary when you're going it alone, but when you’re part of a Christ-centered team, everything changes.

Together, we can:

1. Hear God’s voice more clearly.

2. Experience the power of effective prayer.

3. Find our confidence renewed.

4. Draw strength from constant encouragement.

5. Discover and develop our unique gifts.

6. Benefit from the gifts of others.

7. Share our burdens and lighten the load.

8. Stand strong, knowing that even the gates of hell cannot prevail against us.

If we could refocus on living life in community, it would transform our lives in ways we can hardly imagine.

We hope to see you this Sunday at 10:30!

Honored to be on your team,

Pastor Tim White

Solid Foundation

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27

One of my favorite activities when we visit the ocean is building sandcastles. I’m no expert, but over the years, my family and I have managed to create some impressive castles. We spend hours crafting them, all the while knowing the tide is creeping closer. As the waves edge nearer, we frantically try to defend our creation, constructing makeshift walls, rock-and-wood fortifications, and moats to divert the water. At times, we even lie down in front of our beloved sandcastle, hoping to shield it with our bodies. But, as you might guess, nothing can hold back the relentless tide. Before long, we watch as the sea claims our fragile kingdom, and no matter how much effort we put into it, the castle falls, leaving us with a sense of bittersweet defeat.

This image, familiar to anyone who’s ever played at the shoreline, is much like the metaphor Jesus uses in His Sermon on the Mount. He speaks to the very heart of what we wrestle with throughout our lives: Will we build our lives on shifting sand, or will we build them on the solid Rock?

Pastor Mark Nsimbi’s upcoming sermon on Kingdom Investments invites us to reflect on where we spend our time and how we choose to invest in what truly matters. It sounds like worship this weekend could be a wise investment of time.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Relationships: The Essence of Life

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed." - Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

This week, our message focuses on relationships, which are the very essence of real living. We believe this one message has the power to drastically change someone's life for the better and that someone could be you!  We invite you to join us this Sunday at 10:30AM to hear about how relationships change lives. You can watch our live stream on our YouTube channel. You will find us at @WashingtonCathedralRedmond (be sure to subscribe so you can easily find us). Or, come in person to the Cathedral at the Falls at 10:30AM and bring a friend!

Today, a wealth of research shows that relationships are not just important they are essential to our wellbeing. While withdrawing from social connections after the pandemic is understandable, it is also proving to be conclusively harmful: to society, our economy, and, most of all, to ourselves.

A powerful example of the struggle many face post-COVID comes from Dr. David Rush and Dr. Walker, who have seen numerous patients struggle to reintegrate socially. The pandemic created a sense of safety in isolation, but this has unfortunately led to an increase in loneliness and depression. Prolonged isolation has only deepened these emotional challenges.

For instance, those who feel lonely, stressed, or sad often withdraw even further, leading to a vicious cycle of increased loneliness, heightened anxiety, and the risk of depression.

Researchers from numerous organizations have highlighted the alarming rise in:

1. Mental health issues worldwide

2. Cognitive decline

3. Physical health deterioration

4. Social disconnection and community fragmentation

Why not come this Sunday to hear Pastor Tim White share how Jesus' message offers a solution to these challenges and helps us rebuild meaningful, life-giving relationships.

Giving is Living!

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." —Luke 6:38

This Sunday, Pastor Mark begins a new series you won’t want to miss.

Life is not a zero-sum game. In game theory, there’s a well-known concept: zero-sum theory.

A zero-sum situation refers to one person’s gain being exactly balanced by another person’s loss. Think of poker: the money on the table doesn’t change; one player’s win means another player’s loss. But in non-zero-sum situations, everyone can benefit—a win-win instead of a win-lose.

While this theory is intriguing and even popular, it doesn’t hold up when applied to a life of faith.

Economic theorists tell us that capitalism—our nation's economic system—cannot thrive unless it’s expanding. New ideas, businesses, and markets are essential for growth. A poker game, with its limited chips, doesn’t accurately reflect how our economy works, even though it’s become a popular worldview.

The Bible teaches us something very different: giving is living.

Can a parent live without giving? No. None of us can. Life itself demands we give—whether it's to the IRS or in our relationships. Can you love without giving? Can you truly live without it?

I’m not suggesting we give everything away and leave ourselves with nothing. What I am proposing is a profound truth: giving refreshes us. It motivates and unites us in ways nothing else can. It pushes us beyond the zero-sum mentality. In God's economy, He’s always adding more chips to the table—new dreams, new life, new ideas, fresh energy for the weary, and a deep peace that enables us to do what we couldn't on our own.

In this new series by Pastor Mark, we hope to discover something life-changing, something that will bless our families, communities, and nation for generations. We pray to embrace the truth that giving is living.

Your friend for life,

Pastor Tim

The Joy of Going Forward

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16

Baptism was one of the greatest moments of my life and it can be that way for you also. When I was in the third grade, I surprised myself by going forward at a church camp in the Cascade Mountains.  The preacher finished explaining that if we wanted to be certain we were going to heaven we needed to individually choose to let Jesus Christ come into our lives. They had a musician singing about 45 verses of “Just as I Am” and after every verse, they asked people to come to the altar and kneel to confess our sins, ask for forgiveness, and start a new life. No one was coming forward, that is why they kept singing “Just as I Am” so many times. Finally, the young man sitting next to me was bored with the whole thing, so he whispered out loud, come on somebody if you don’t go forward, we are never going to be able to leave. So, I went. It was a long embarrassing walk up there as many exclaimed out loud, oh good, look Timmy White is going forward-he really needs it.

When I finally got up there, I was the only one. The preacher came down to me kneeling at the front. There is a lot more to this story that I will share sometime with you but suffice it to say, I was ready for this moment. The preacher used the microphone to ask me if I was a sinner. I answered yes as the crowd affirmed Amen. He asked me “What are your sins, Timmy?” I was so nervous that I could not think of a thing. My mind went blank. That was when members of the crowd helped me out by sharing a few with everyone. There was plenty to choose from. Then he asked me if I would pledge to God that I would never smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs as long as I lived. (This was not necessary as you probably know and a lot of this was off as to how we understand salvation; but this was my honest experience). I prayed the sinner’s prayer with him as people yelled hallelujah at parts of my prayer. When I stood up, I looked at the teenager who had been sitting next to me. He winked at me as if he was saying good job buddy, and this crowd is a bunch of suckers. But I did not wink back at him because something profound had really happened to me, something so powerful that I would spend the rest of my life trying to understand. I went to school for 26 years trying to understand it. I have gone 69 years without smoking, drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs.

When we went back home, they had a baptism for adults. When I went forward, they told me I was too young. So, I went back to sit by my mom; she took my hand and walked me to the front telling the usher that if I wanted to be baptized, they had better let me or else. I was baptized that day at the Kennewick Evangelical church. 

When I was 21, after I had graduated from college and was a youth Pastor, I baptized a lot of high-school and college people in the Columbia River. One day after I had baptized the last one, I asked my dad to baptize me by emersion.  And practically every time someone asks people to come to the altar, I lead the way. I did this one time at seminary and the Dean asked me if I had ever accepted Christ before and I said it seems like a million times but I really, really want to follow Christ. He looked at me with a tear in his eye and said that’s good son.

A lot of what happened to me was not necessary but for me they have been the greatest moments of my life. You can be baptized by Pastor Mark this Sunday and make it one of the greatest moments of your life too. If want to participate, just reach out to Pastor Mark or Pastor Jackie to be a part of this amazing celebration.

Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White