October 27, 2019 Reformation Sunday Preparing for worship Have you experienced beauty this week? cramped in a small metal tube at 35,000 feet This is a question I have been pondering since being hurled through the air at 500 miles an reading the book Lessons Learned: Practical hour. What is beautiful about this potentially Insights into Student Choir Ministry by Randy harrowing experience? Then, I looked at the Edwards, minister of music at Woodland couple next to me and remembered observing Baptist Church in San Antonio and director of them enter the plane, finding their seats, the San Antonio Youth Chorale. putting up luggage, sitting down and settling in I decided to read this book to help me further for the ride. There was a such a vibe of kindness my knowledge and practice of student choir and acceptance I was picking up by observing ministry. Ready for reading practical wisdom their conversation and general regard for each from one of the most brilliant youth choir other. It was beauty exhibited in the relational directors, I was surprised at the very first behavior between two people. Beauty of another chapter, titled “Beauty.” Edwards wrote not of sort. lists of dos and don’ts, nor of particular beauty How might we experience beauty today? in music, but beauty that we experience in any Of course, we will hear wonderful hymns and form and especially helping students to be ensembles, and we will see the dazzling display cognizant of experiencing beauty around us. of the red paraments, but what will you touch, One exercise in the chapter implored readers smell and taste today that will be beautiful? to take a minute and observe three things of We find beauty in the fragrance of the flowers beauty. I was on an airplane in transit from this morning, the touch of passing peace to Denver to Dallas while reading this book. our friends in fellowship. And surely anyone Immediately, I looked out the window and saw who has had a cookie made by Judy and Collin the big, beautiful blue sky with clouds and the Yarborough has tasted what delectable beauty earth below with its beautiful patchwork of is. farmland as if quilted together. So, take a minute, identify and experience the Of course, this was too easy. I needed a beauty around you. challenge for number three. However, I was —Jeff Brummel
Wilshire Baptist Church 4316 Abrams Road | Dallas, Texas 75214 (214) 452-3100 | www.wilshirebc.org Partnered with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Building a Community of Faith Shaped by the Spirit of Jesus Christ
ON THE COVER: The Good Samaritan, Aimé Morot, 1880. Housed at the Petit Palais, Paris.
2 October 27, 2019 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Reformation Sunday
Chiming of the Hour The people of Wilshire gather this morning to worship God. In order for this service of worship to be focused upon that purpose, please turn off all cell phones, pagers and alarm watches.
Prelude All Creatures of Our God and King arr. Cynthia Dobrinski Carillon Ringers Ralph Manuel, director
Call to Worship Antiphonal Psalm arr. Jon Paige Youth Choir Alissa Payne, pianist; Luke Wingfield, trumpet
Praise ye the Lord, ye heavenly hosts! Praise ye the Lord! Praise God for his marvelous deeds! Praise him with trumpet blast! Praise him with cymbal crash! Praise him with song, and rejoice! Praise him with strings and flute! Praise him with harp and lute! Praise him and lift up your voice! Praise ye the Lord, rejoice with glad singing! Rejoice!
Opening Sentences Sunny Carroum / Jessica Capps
On this Reformation Sunday, we gather as one expression of the worldwide communion of Christians, united in a common faith expressed in different traditions. We have been formed into a church that is always re-forming, listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit, following the pattern of Jesus and giving worship to God our Creator. We find in the fulness of God’s work in the world a mighty fortress for our faith.
+Hymn 418 A Mighty Fortress ein’ feste burg
Greeting to Worshipers Tiffany Wright / Leigh Ann Brown
Guests are invited to take a Response Card from the pew rack, complete it and place it in the offering plate when it is passed later in the service. You also are invited to take the red fabric rose from the card and place it on your lapel or blouse to help others identify that you are our honored guest today. Prayer concerns will be received and prayed for this week when listed on an intercessory prayer card from the pew rack and placed in the offering plate.
*8:30 worship service / **11:00 worship service +All congregants who are able are invited to stand. Hearing devices are available in the Narthex and South Atrium. 3 Hebrew Scripture Reading — Leviticus 19:9–18 Jill Granberry / Allyson Cook
When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the Lord your God. You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; and you shall not lie to one another. And you shall not swear falsely by my name, profaning the name of your God: I am the Lord. You shall not defraud your neighbor; you shall not steal; and you shall not keep for yourself the wages of a laborer until morning. You shall not revile the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind; you shall fear your God: I am the Lord. You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the Lord. You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Cuando llegue el tiempo de la cosecha, no sieguen hasta el último rincón de sus campos ni recojan todas las espigas que allí queden. No rebusquen hasta el último racimo de sus viñas, ni recojan las uvas que se hayan caído. Déjenlas para los pobres y los extranjeros. Yo soy el Señor su Dios. No roben. No mientan. No engañen a su prójimo. No juren en mi nombre solo por jurar, ni profanen el nombre de su Dios. Yo soy el Señor. No explotes a tu prójimo, ni lo despojes de nada. No retengas el salario de tu jornalero hasta el día siguiente. No maldigas al sordo, ni le pongas tropiezos al ciego, sino teme a tu Dios. Yo soy el Señor. No perviertas la justicia, ni te muestres parcial en favor del pobre o del rico, sino juzga a todos con justicia. No andes difundiendo calumnias entre tu pueblo, ni expongas la vida de tu prójimo con falsos testimonios. Yo soy el Señor. No alimentes odios secretos contra tu hermano, sino reprende con franqueza a tu prójimo para que no sufras las consecuencias de su pecado. No seas vengativo con tu prójimo, ni le guardes rencor. Ama a tu prójimo como a ti mismo. Yo soy el Señor. Esta es la palabra del Señor. Gracias a Dios.
Generations Conversation Jared Jaggers and George Mason
+Hymn 307 All Creatures of Our God and King lasst uns erfreuen
Prayers of the People Carolyn Murray / Judy Yarbrough
Giving of Tithes and Offerings
One of the best ways to ensure faithful giving is to schedule a recurring gift through the Wilshire website. Such gifts may take the form of automated bank drafts or credit or debit card transactions. You set the schedule and the amount. Learn more by scanning the QR Code here or visiting wilshirebc.org/give or by visiting the Give section of the Wilshire app for smartphones. 4 Offertory Air in D J.S. Bach/arr. William H. Mathis Carillon Ringers
+Offertory Response old 100th
Our God is making all things new, a promise that we know is true. Through eyes of faith we long to see a love-transformed community. A place where truth and justice reign and healing triumphs over pain, Where all have dignity and worth and peace is passed throughout the earth.
+Gospel Reading — Luke 10:25–37 Mark Wingfield
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
En esto se presentó un experto en la ley y, para poner a prueba a Jesús, le hizo esta pregunta: “Maestro, ¿qué tengo que hacer para heredar la vida eterna?” Jesús replicó: “¿Qué está escrito en la ley? ¿Cómo la interpretas tú?” Como respuesta el hombre citó: “Ama al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con todo tu ser, con todas tus fuerzas y con toda tu mente”, y: “Ama a tu prójimo como a ti mismo.” “Bien contestado,” le dijo Jesús. “Haz eso y vivirás.” Pero él quería justificarse, así que le preguntó a Jesús: “¿Y quién es mi prójimo?” Jesús respondió: “Bajaba un hombre de Jerusalén a Jericó, y cayó en manos de unos ladrones. Le quitaron la ropa, lo golpearon y se fueron, dejándolo medio muerto. Resulta que viajaba por el mismo camino un sacerdote quien, al verlo, se desvió y siguió de largo. Así también llegó a aquel lugar un levita y, al verlo, se desvió y siguió de largo. Pero un samaritano que iba de viaje llegó adonde estaba el hombre y, viéndolo, se compadeció de él. Se acercó, le curó las heridas con vino y aceite, y se las vendó. Luego lo montó sobre su propia cabalgadura, lo llevó a un alojamiento y lo cuidó. Al día siguiente, sacó dos monedas de plata y se las dio al dueño del alojamiento. ‘Cuídemelo, le dijo, y lo que gaste usted de más, se lo pagaré cuando yo vuelva.’ ¿Cuál de estos tres piensas que demostró ser el prójimo del que cayó en manos de los ladrones?” “El que se 5 compadeció de él,” contestó el experto en la ley. “Anda entonces y haz tú lo mismo,” concluyó Jesús. Esta es la palabra del Señor. Gracias a Dios.
Message “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” Allen Walworth
+Hymn 662 The Mission God Has Given nyland
Sharing of Decisions
**Family Dedication — Leanna and Aaron Coyle-Carr with Henlee Caroline
We welcome into the life of the church this morning Henlee Caroline Coyle-Carr, daughter of Leanna and Aaron Coyle-Carr. Through this dedication, the congregation and the family pledge together to raise Henlee in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, so that when she reaches an appropriate age she may choose for herself to follow Jesus Christ as Savior. Present for the dedication in person or via live stream are grandparents Michelle Coyle, Lee and Carla Coyle, Bruce and Shelley Carr; aunts and uncles Emily and Robert Baca, Nathan and Calyn Coyle, with cousins Watson and Mason, Adam and Jessica Coyle; and godparents Wes and Meg Spears-Newsome.
Benediction
Postlude Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Johann Gottfried Walther
The flowers on the chancel today are given by Pat and Fred Cullum in loving memory of her mother, Natalie Cook Churchill, on the occasion of her birthday, Oct. 30.
Children welcome here. Parents of children in kindergarten and older are encouraged to bring their children with them to worship, because at Wilshire our worship experience is intergenerational and formative of lifelong habits. Worship care with loving workers is available for preschoolers younger than kindergarten age. To find the secure check-in station, follow the signs behind the Sanctuary or from the north entrance.
Welcome to Wilshire today. If you are a guest with us today, we welcome you warmly to our congregation. We would like to get to know you and tell you more about our church. Please take a Response Card from the pew rack, fill it out and place it in the offering plate when it comes by. You also are invited to a coffee reception in James Gallery immediately after the service.
Someone to talk with. If you are facing a life challenge and would like to have a spiritual friend to walk alongside you for a season of healing, perhaps you would benefit from a Stephen Minister. Learn more at wilshirebc.org or contact Tiffany Wright at (214) 452-3107. 6 Meet today’s worship leaders Leigh Ann Brown and her husband, Kile, came to Carolyn Murray grew up at Wilshire and is the Wilshire in 1997. They are the parents of two adult daughter of Bob and Charlene Law. She and her daughters, Chelsea and Alison, and a son, Blake, a husband, Mark, have raised two children here — freshman at Villanova University. Leigh Ann is a Mason and Lucy Kate. Carolyn is a deacon, serves as deacon, teaches preschool Sunday School and serves director of Journey Class and works with 3-year-olds on the New Member Committee. in Globetrekkers.
Sunny Carroum and her husband, Ben, joined Allen Walworth is no stranger to Wilshire, because Wilshire in 2017. She serves on the Baptism he is both a former member and has led the church Committee. She and Ben are the parents of twin through three previous fundraising efforts with his teenage girls, Grace and Evelyn. company, Generis. He and his wife, Connie, live part- time in Dallas and part-time in Naples, Fla., where Allyson Cook is brand-new to Wilshire, along with he also serves on the preaching staff of a church. her husband, Matt, and teenage children, Nathaniel Allen joins us today to introduce our Generations and Caroline. They moved to Dallas from Wilmington, emphasis, focused on growing the Unified Budget N.C. Allyson is a graduate of Campbell University and the Pathways to Ministry Endowment. Divinity School and has a work background in the nonprofit sector. She attends Seekers Class. Judy Yarbrough and her husband, Charles, joined Wilshire in 1975. They are the parents of four Jill Granberry came to Wilshire in 1993 and met her adult children, including Wilshire member Collin husband, Larry, here. They are members of Seekers Yarbrough. Judy is an ordained Baptist minister Class, and she is a past chair of deacons. They are the working to raise awareness of racial injustice. She parents of two teenagers, Emma and Ross. Jill is an also works with Collin at Full Circle Bakery, which executive recruiter with HireBetter. gives its proceeds to local charities. She is a deacon, missions volunteer and writes periodically for Wilshire’s Facebook blog. Staff contacts George A. Mason Jessica Capps Jared Jaggers Senior Pastor Minister to Senior Adults Pastoral Resident (214) 452-3132 (214) 452-3129 (214) 452-3153 Mark Wingfield Darren DeMent Ryan Wilson Associate Pastor Minister to Students Pastoral Resident (214) 452-3128 and Young Adults (214) 452-3158 Doug Haney (214) 452-3102 Matt Dodrill Minister of Music Julie Girards McIver Fellow (214) 452-3123 Minister to Children (214) 452-3156 Jeff Brummel (214) 452-3104 David Nabors Associate Minister of Music/ Joan Hammons Director of Business Admin. Organist Minister to Preschoolers (214) 452-3157 (214) 452-3122 (214) 452-3141 Dale Pride Tiffany Wright Leanna Coyle-Carr Facilities Manager Minister for Care Ministries Pastoral Resident (214) 452-3101 (214) 452-3107 (214) 452-3154 J. Preston Bright Heather Mustain Leigh Curl Associate Pastor Emeritus Minister of Missions & Advocacy Pastoral Resident (214) 452-3110 (214) 452-3152 To email any staff member, use the first letter of the first name combined with the full last name and add @wilshirebc.org. 7 The Wilshire Tapestry Wednesday baptism service
A special Wednesday evening baptism service is planned for Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. If you have not been baptized and would like to be immersed or if you would like to affirm your previous Christian baptism, you are invited to participate in this small-group experience that some find less intimidating than a Sunday morning service. To learn more, contact Debby Burton at [email protected]. or (214) 452-3132. Civil conversations at Thanksgiving? Wednesday daytime at Wilshire After worship on Sunday, Nov. 3, the Theological Dialogue Team will host a free luncheon event Did you know there’s a place for you at Wilshire called “Why Am I Afraid to Talk to my Family during the daytime on Wednesdays? New Song, our at Thanksgiving?” It will feature a moderated community senior adult choir, rehearses at 9:30 conversation between Aaron Coyle-Carr, Gloria every Wednesday morning, and all are welcome to Martin and Andy Stoker. Gloria is a marriage and participate. We also offer lunch in Koinonia Café family therapist, and Andy is a United Methodist every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by pastor with expertise in family systems theory. Bible study around the tables at noon. After the panel discussion, there will be time for small-group conversations around the tables. No Koinonia Café: Oct. 30 — Chicken cordon bleu, reservation is required. The event will be at noon Marsala pork chops, tomato-basil gnocchi, roasted in Community Hall. broccoli, snap peas, spinach and artichoke rice, Wilshire on the salad bar, dessert bar. Kids menu: Pasta, meat sauce, Wilshire on the Go salad. Nov. 6 — Ginger-sesame salmon, orange chicken, rice, stir-fried veggies, broccoli with garlic The next Wilshire on the Go sauce, ramen noodles, salad bar, dessert bar. Nov. luncheon will be this Tuesday, 13 — Shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, peas with mint, Oct. 29, at noon at Ascension GO curried cauliflower and carrots, wild rice with dried Coffee, 14555 Dallas Parkway, fruit and bacon, Brussels sprouts, salad bar, dessert on the west side of the Dallas bar. Nov. 20 — Chicken Parmesan, pasta with North Tollway near Spring Valley Road. Come Bolognese sauce, Parmesan potatoes, ratatouille, enjoy the covered patio on the third floor and box fried mushrooms, snap peas, salad bar, dessert bar. lunches catered by Ascension. Wilshire on the Nov. 27 — No meals due to Thanksgiving week. Go is a way to connect with Senior Pastor George Mason and our pastoral residents at informal All Saints Day remembrance lunchtime gatherings across the city, close to where you work and live. Another luncheon will be A special time of remembrance will be offered held Nov. 19 at CityLine. No reservation is needed. in the Columbarium next Sunday, All Saints Sunday, at 9:30 a.m. This gathering is intended This Wednesday at Wilshire primarily for those who have loved ones inurned or memorialized in the Columbarium but is open All are invited to the resident-led vespers service to anyone remembering a loved one on this All in McIver Chapel on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. Saints Sunday.
Keep up with all the Wilshire news at wilshirebc.org or by using our Wilshire app or via social media. Worship is live streamed every Sunday at 11:00. 8 Blood drive there is no charge to attend. Guests are welcome as long as they register. Register at wilshirebc.org/ The quarterly Wilshire blood registration. drive will be next Sunday, Nov. 3, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in New members: Marcus Sacco, Mia Sacco Community Hall. All eligible blood donors are encouraged Congratulations to: Rhett and Callie Mason on to participate. The gift of blood the birth of their son, Wells Maitland Mason, Oct. saves lives. No reservation is needed; just show up. 22. Grandparents are George and Kim Mason.
Wilshire Welcome Class Thanksgiving food baskets Get to know Wilshire through a rotating series of If you or your Sunday School class is interested Sunday morning classes that begin at 9:40 a.m. most in putting together turkey baskets (each basket Sundays. The class meets near McIver Chapel on the costs $50 to $75) for our mission partner south end of the building, first floor. the Wilkinson Center, contact Abbey Adcox ([email protected]) and tell her how many Cultivating Peace in a Violent World baskets you will provide. This year Wilshire Wars rage, toddlers in cages, another mass has committed to provide 75 baskets to provide shooting, economic and environmental injustices complete Thanksgiving meals for families in need. wreak havoc. How do we respond to the violence A suggested list of items and instructions will we see every day with compassion and justice? be provided to you upon confirmation. Baskets Join Heather Mustain and special guests in a must be dropped off at Wilshire the morning of timely and important conversation about how we Saturday, Nov. 16, between the hours of 9 and 10 can become peacemakers in a violent world during a.m. Volunteers also are needed on Wednesday, a three-week conversation on Wednesday nights at Nov. 20, to load the U-Haul and deliver the 6 p.m. Nov. 6, 13 and 20. baskets.
Global Weirding: Sacred Stewardship in a Thanksgiving food bags Changing Climate Wilshire will continue the longstanding tradition From wonky weather to woeful watersheds, it of providing canned goods for families in need is getting harder to ignore the earth’s distress. for Thanksgiving. These donations will benefit What is a Christian to do? What can be done at families served by White Rock Center of Hope all? A three-week class led by Leanna Coyle-Carr in East Dallas. Beginning next Sunday, Oct. 27, will consider climate facts, examine an array of pick up the designated brown paper bags and theological and cultural responses, and craft a accompanying shopping list, then fill the bags with plan of compassionate action odd enough for this canned goods and return them to the front office weird world and God’s own “peculiar people.” Nov. 17. Please note this is an earlier drop-off date than in previous years. Celebrate Girls! Thanksgiving service opportunities Third through sixth grade girls and their mothers or other adult female role models are invited to Gateway of Grace will host its annual celebrate their journey to becoming wonderful Thanksgiving luncheon (from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) young women of God. The event will be held on at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cathedral on Ross Friday, Nov. 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in James Avenue on Thanksgiving Day. Help is needed to Gallery. If a mom is not available, an aunt, friend transport refugees to the meal and to provide food or neighbor may be invited to attend. The evening and gift cards. For many refugees, this is a first- will begin with a dinner and fellowship followed time experience with Thanksgiving. Cornerstone by a presentation from Kelli Culpepper, a local Baptist Church has reserved 10 volunteer spots OBGYN and Wilshire mom. She will encourage for Wilshire members to help serve Thanksgiving girls and empower moms and adult role models lunch at Cornerstone on Thanksgiving Day. Sign as they navigate this exciting time of change and up at wilshirebc.org/registration. growth. Dress for the evening is Sunday best, and 9 The Tapestry Stephen Ministry training
The next Stephen Minister training will begin in January 2020. Stephen Ministry leaders are accepting applications now through Nov. 17. If you are new to Wilshire and have served as a Stephen Minister, Tiffany Wright would welcome a conversation with you to discuss becoming an active Stephen Minister at Wilshire. If you would like to learn more about being trained as a Stephen Minister, also contact Tiffany: [email protected] or (214) 452-3107. More information may be found online at wilshirebc .org/care/stephen-ministry. Faith in 3-D Thanksgiving luncheon
Wilshire’s 2020 Faith in 3-D production will Tickets are now on sale for Wilshire’s annual be Lighting the Way, a collection of short plays Thanksgiving Luncheon, which will be held commissioned by Climate Change Theatre Action and performed internationally by respected at noon on Sunday, Nov. 24, in Community theater schools and performing arts groups. Hall. Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Numerous actors are needed to present a number meal with friends and family. This year, the of brief plays with topics that range from the luncheon will double as a celebration of hilarious to the deadly serious. The show will be the fall Generations emphasis, with special presented March 6 and 7 in Community Hall. Auditions will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. music and activities for all ages and a report Rehearsals will begin on Monday, Jan. 6. Men and on the results of commitments turned in women of various ages are encouraged to apply to during worship that morning. audition by Nov. 4. Complete the registration form at wilshirebc.org/registration. Turkey with gravy and dressing Mashed potatoes Thursday Noon Brown Bag Book Club Sweet potatoes with marshmallows Green beans The Women of Wilshire Thursday Noon Book Macaroni and cheese Club will meet on Nov. 7 for I Was Anastasia by Cranberry sauce Ariel Lawhon; Dec. 5 will be a potluck brunch to Dinner rolls discuss The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. For Green salad more information, contact Tiffany Wright at (214) Pumpkin pie and pecan pie 452-3107 or [email protected]. Seating is by advance reservation only. WOW! Tuesday Evening Book Club Purchase your seats in the front office. The Women of Wilshire Tuesday Evening Book The cost is $10 per adult and $6 per child Club meets monthly at 7 p.m. in the Parlor. elementary age and younger with a $30 cap Upcoming dates and book titles are: Nov. 19, Little for immediate families. Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng; Dec. 10, The Christmas Club by Barbara Hinske (with cookie exchange, bring two dozen cookies to share); Jan. 21, Southern Discomfort by Tena Clark.
10 Mission spotlight: Preemptive Love Coalition The work of Preemptive Love Coalition despite the ceasefire announced by the U.S. We’re stretches across Iraq, Syria, the United States on the ground. Our mobile clinics are providing and beyond — working together to unmake urgent medical care, and our teams are feeding violence and create the more beautiful world our thousands. But the need is enormous. This is the hearts know is possible. They do this through biggest humanitarian crisis we’ve seen at one time, providing relief on the frontlines of conflict: and it’s getting bigger.” food to help families survive, shelter to remake homes and medicine to mend the wounds of war. Engage with PLC They also help refugees start businesses while providing coaching and connection to the global Although we may never as a community go and marketplace. see the work, there are many ways we can engage with PLC. Impact • Donate to provide immediate relief to Wilshire began a relationship with PLC through families fleeing this crisis. the generous gifts given to the Missions Plus • Pray. Pray for those fleeing, pray for the Fund. With a $25,000 grant from Wilshire, PLC PLC staff, those on the ground putting their was able to provide life-saving heart surgeries lives at risk to serve the most vulnerable. to children in Libya. Invigorated by PLC’s work, • Learn more about PLC when its founder, Wilshire formally began funding its general Jeremy Courtney, is in Dallas Nov. 6-8. If budget in 2017. Your gifts to the Unified Budget interested in obtaining one of a few tickets make this possible. to his event, contact Heather Mustain at Even now, PLC is on the frontlines of the recent [email protected]. crisis in Syria delivering food and offering urgent • Attend an upcoming Wednesday series,” medical care. Just this week, PLC ran out of Cultivating Peace in a Violent World,” led by food, reporting this: “Over 300,000 have fled as Heather Mustain. Turkish bombs continue to fall in northern Syria,
11 Today, we begin a month-long Roots and Reach. Anyone interested Generations focus throughout in helping build the tree is invited to work with Jared Jaggers and Leigh Curl. the church’s life. Additional prayer and thanksgiving opportunities connected to the tree will be In worship today. Our guest preacher, offered in the weeks ahead. Allen Walworth, will interpret the theme of this fall emphasis with his sermon on the The outdoor tree. Soon after, a real live Good Samaritan. Three more Generations tree will be planted along the edge of the home fellowships are available this week: South Parking Lot, facing Abrams Road. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights. See The June 9 windstorm took down a large the facing page for times and locations. tree from this location. The new Genera- tions Tree will engage preschoolers, chil- Prayer focus today. During the Sunday dren and youth in digging the hole and School hour today, anyone interested in preparing the soil beginning Sunday, Nov. learning more about Generations and 10, and running through Wednesday, Nov. joining a concerted prayer effort related to 13. On that Wednesday, a new 14-foot Bur it is invited to join Jared Jaggers in McIver Oak will be delivered and planted in the Chapel from 9:40 to 10:40 a.m. Jared will place prepared. This will be a long-lasting explain the emphases of Generations and reminder of our commitments. lead a guided prayer experience. The same information and prayer time will be offered The Thanksgiving. The all-church phase on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 9:40 a.m. and on of Generations will culminate on Sunday, Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. Nov 24, with our annual Thanksgiving wor- ship service and luncheon. At that service, The indoor tree. Today, construction will all congregants will be asked to turn in begin on a huge paper tree to be erected Statement of Intent cards related to the in the lower South Atrium. This tree will 2020 Unified Budget and the Pathways be a symbol of our Generations subtheme: Endowment.
12 Have you signed up to attend a Generations home meeting for dinner and dialogue with George Mason and a pastoral residency alumnus? A link to the online Signup Genius may be found at wilshirebc.org/ registration.
Date and time Host home Resident alumnus
Sunday, Oct. 27, 5:00 p.m. Home of Bob and Judy Coleman Garrett Vickrey 7039 Westlake Ave., Dallas 75214
Monday, Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m. Home of Sam and Rachel Murphy Erica Whitaker 6230 Berwyn Lane, Dallas 75214
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m. Home of Jim Sterling & Joey Hamilton Anne Scalfaro 5454 Druid Lane, Dallas 7520
What is Generations?
Generations calls us to two big ideas as we move toward 2020, the final year of our Vision 20/20 strategic plan. These are: (1) To ensure a sustainable Unified Budget that will fuel the annual missions and ministries of the church; and (2) A fully realized Pathways to Ministry Endowment that will fund the pastoral residency program in perpetuity without relying on church budget money or annual fundraising.
Is this a capital campaign by another name?
This is not a “capital campaign,” because we’re not seeking to build any new buildings. As you might expect from Wilshire, what we’re attempting to do is unique. We seek to combine an annual appeal for our basic budget along with a special appeal to over-and- above generosity for our Pathways to Ministry Endowment.
What is the most important thing you want me to do?
Our first and primary commitment is to regular, systematic generosity through the Unified Budget, the foundation of everything we do. We’ve got to do the basics well first, which is why we’re seeking to grow our giving to the Unified Budget by 10 percent over three years. This is the “Roots” of Generations. Once you’ve got that worked out, we invite you to make a special gift to the Pathways to Ministry Endowment Fund — either a one- time gift or a gift given regularly for up to three years. 13 George Mason’s Generations Sermon Series We know, you’re probably thinking, Sunday, Nov. 17: Generating Reach “Four weeks of sermons on giving? Isaiah 55:10-13; Luke 10:1-9 Umm, I think I’m needed somewhere The Old Testament image of the blossoming else on Sundays.” But take a look. creation from the generative word of God urges us to see the church’s mission as spreading the These aren’t just sermons on giving gospel for the sake of a bounteous harvest. Jesus your money. See you in worship. sends out 70, two by two, as mission agents of the kingdom of God. They are to bring peace, heal Sunday, Nov. 3: Re-generational Church the sick and stay among the people. Similarly, Psalm 145; 2 Timothy 1:1-7 Wilshire sends out young, well-trained ministers to towns and cities across the country with words The Baptist vision of church is that it is always of peace and healing. The church’s generative regenerating, in contrast to the Reformed reach grows from its commitment to preparing tradition that says the church is always reforming and sending pastors to other places with the DNA or the Church of Christ tradition that says the of the sending church. church is always restoring the New Testament church. Every generation is a fresh expression of Sunday, Nov. 24: A Generous Church the faith of previous generations. Like Timothy, Proverbs 3:5-10; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 whose faith bears the semblance of that of his mother and grandmother, our church bears the Generosity grows from trust in God’s goodness marks of our forebears. If we are to continue to and the promise of God to provide abundantly pass faith from generation to generation, we will for all our needs if we share in the same generous have to be courageous and self-disciplined in our work. Paul’s call to the church in Corinth to excel time. This will involve a commitment like that of in generosity as they do in everything else is still our forebears to service and stewardship. God’s call to the church. Wilshire prides itself on being a strong model of faith, knowledge and Sunday, Nov. 10: Generative Roots courage. We must become a model of generosity, Psalm 1; Ephesians 3:14-21 or the growth of the church will be dwarfed by lack of financial nourishment. The church is like a tree planted by living waters, to borrow an image of the psalmist. It is rooted and grounded in love, as Paul says. The day by day, week by week, season by season attention to nurturing and caring for the soil and the growing deep healthy roots makes a tree grow strong and tall. Similarly, faithful attention to cultivating the spiritual and financial wellbeing of the church makes it grow strong to the glory of God. The Unified Budget is the vehicle for giving that allows all the ministries of the church to flourish. Starve it, and the church withers; feed it, and it thrives.
14 Let the People Sing!
“Hymns are the folk songs rule: “To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus of the people of God.” Christ and to walk in his footsteps.” This group Eric Routley became the Franciscan order of monks. Hymn historian William Reynolds offers this By Doug Haney explanation of the hymn: “The original text was Minister of music written during the unusually hot summer of 1225, when (Francis) was very ill and suffering Thinking back on my childhood in the loss of his sight. His misery was increased Alpharetta, Ga., I remember my Granddaddy by a swarm of field mice in his straw hut. How Pruitt’s bass voice. He had no musical training, extraordinary that such a masterpiece should but he had a keen ear and loved bass lines in come from such circumstances!” old Gospel songs that answered the other parts. Hymn singing was a weekly part of Wednesday and Sunday worship. Here is the list of hymns to be featured and At Wilshire, energetic and enthusiastic the hymn number in our Celebrating Grace congregational singing has been a hallmark of Hymnal: our worship. We sing our faith. We pray and praise when we sing. Singing is a sign of our • September — In the Bulb (545) unity in community. How can we intentionally • October — All Creatures of Our God nurture this vital part of worship? and King (307) Over the next year we will highlight one • November — Abide with Me (543) hymn each month in worship. Most of these • December — In the Bleak Midwinter hymns come from a hymn survey conducted (131) at Wilshire in 2018. Each month there will • January — Be Thou My Vision (71) be a devotional article on the hymn text, an • February — There’s a Wideness in God’s instrumental group or the organ will play the Mercy (set to a new tune, WYNETTE) hymn and we will sing this hymn on Wednesday (41) and Sunday. We will title this effort “Let the • March — Speak, O Lord (280) People Sing!” because we want everyone who • April — O Sons and Daughters of the gathers for worship to know the hymns we sing King (212) and to sing them with confidence. • May — God of Grace and God of Glory Today we sing All Creatures of Our God and (285) King, a text by Francis of Assisi. Francis was • June — The Solid Rock (590) born into a prosperous Italian family; his father • July — Worthy of Worship (7) was a silk merchant. In 1202 he participated in a military expedition, was captured and spent a year as a prisoner. This experience and a subsequent illness led to a spiritual conversion. Francis adopted a lifestyle of simplicity and concern for the poor. He gathered around him a small group of followers who lived by a simple
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Wilshire calendar Sunday, October 27 • Vespers – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 6 • Morning worship – 8:30 a.m. • Committee on Committees • New Song – 9:30 a.m. • Country Critters – 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. • Adopt-A-Book – 10:30 a.m. • Sixth Grade Sunday School • Yoga class – 6:15 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. open house – 9:30 a.m. • Watershed – 6:30 p.m. • Ukulele group – 11:00 a.m. • Wilshire Welcome – 9:40 a.m. • Service of baptism and • Koinonia Café – 11:00 a.m. • Sunday School – 9:40 a.m. affirmation – 7:00 p.m. • Bible Study – noon • Morning worship – 11:00 a.m. • Sanctuary Choir – 7:00 p.m. • Children’s handbells – 5:00 • Youth Choir lunch – noon p.m. • Deacon Nominating Thursday, October 31 • Koinonia Café – 5:00 p.m. Committee – noon • Knit Unto Others – 1:30 p.m. • Cultivating Peace in a • Personnel Committee – noon • Senior women’s exercise Violent World – 6:00 p.m. • Sexual Abuse Awareness class – 2:00 p.m. • Global Weirding: Sacred Training – noon Stewardship in a Changing • Shekinah – noon Saturday, November 2 Climate – 6:00 p.m. • Nova – 1:30 p.m. • MOPS garage sale – 7:00 • Committee on Committees • Praying with a Pen a.m. – 6:00 p.m. workshop – 4:30 p.m. • Cord of Three prayer group • Generations home Sunday, November 3 – 6:00 p.m. fellowship, Coleman home – • Blood drive – 7:30 a.m. • Music and Missions – 6:00 5:00 p.m. • Morning worship – 8:30 a.m. p.m. • Columbarium remembrance • Yoga class – 6:15 p.m. Monday, October 28 service – 9:30 a.m. • Watershed – 6:30 p.m. • Game of 42 – 10:00 a.m. • Wilshire Welcome – 9:40 • Sanctuary Choir – 7:00 p.m. • Fall prevention class – a.m. 10:30 a.m. • Sunday School – 9:40 a.m. Thursday, November 7 • Generations home • Morning worship – 11:00 a.m. • The Bridge/Stew Pot – 11:15 fellowship, Murphy home – • Youth Choir lunch – noon a.m. 6:30 p.m. • Deacon Nominating • Women’s Ministry Brown • Wilshire Winds – 7:00 p.m. Committee – noon Bag Book Club – noon • Youth Choir – 12:25 p.m. • Knit Unto Others – 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 29 • Shekinah – noon • Senior women’s exercise • Wilshire On the Go – noon • Nova – 1:30 p.m. class – 2:00 p.m. • Yoga class – 12:15 p.m. • Carillon Ringers – 3:00 p.m. • Sanctuary Choir 20+ Year • Senior women’s exercise • Praying with a Pen Club dinner – 7:00 p.m. class – 2:00 p.m. workshop – 4:30 p.m. • Generations home Friday, November 8 fellowship, Sterling/ Monday, November 4 • Friday Friends – 10:00 a.m. Hamilton home – 6:30 p.m. • Game of 42 – 10:00 a.m. • Alzheimer’s support group – • Fall prevention class – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 30 10:30 a.m. • Adoption and Foster Care • New Song – 9:30 a.m. • Wilshire Winds – 7:00 p.m. Parents Night Out – 6:30 • Ukulele group – 11:00 a.m. p.m. • Koinonia Café – 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 5 • Marriage Connections – • Bible Study – noon • Yoga class – 12:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. • Children’s handbells – 5:00 • Senior women’s exercise p.m. class – 2:00 p.m. • Koinonia Café – 5:00 p.m. • Stephen Ministry CE and • Music and Missions – 6:00 supervision – 6:30 p.m. p.m.
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