Preparing for worship

Transcription

1 Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost September 30, 2018

2 Preparing for worship Don t you love the Sundays when we have a children s moment? There s something joyful in the simple image of seeing one of our very important ministers, one who is ordained to the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ, sitting on the steps with children around. There s an innocence and beauty to their responses that make us laugh and often makes us reminisce. No matter the content of a children s moment, we re sure to be reminded of Jesus welcoming the little children and calling us to a child-like faith. When I recently was in Tanzania with several others from Wilshire, children made significant impressions on all of us. They were so glad to meet us and tested their English greetings on us, they chased our Jeep as we drove away, and they worshiped with us as we joined a congregation in the African Inland Church of Tanzania. That church celebrated their own beautiful moments with children. The youngest members of the church left during the sermon for their own Bible lesson, but they lined up in front of the chancel for a prayer and blessing from the pastor before they exited the sanctuary. Perhaps even more beautiful was the young girl who simply wandered about during the singing and praying. She seemed to be in wonder as she observed the choir that danced and sang. She seemed to look at the faces of her elders to learn some wisdom from the community. She even approached the communion table with her curious hands before an adult scooped her up. Today we sing about God s children of every tribe and race, we read about Jesus care for the little ones, and we are reminded that we re all God s children. Perhaps we all can find a way to worship together as children this morning, lining up in our pews for a blessing from God before we exit this sanctuary to our busy lives that lie beyond. Listen this morning for God s voice in the music, in the actions, in the words. Let your eyes wander like that little Tanzanian girl, looking for the face of God in the people around you. As you look at our own communion table, gaze with curiosity about how God may be inviting you to offer yourself in service to the kingdom. Jared Jaggers Wilshire Baptist Church 4316 Abrams Road Dallas, Texas (214) Partnered with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Building a Community of Faith Shaped by the Spirit of Jesus Christ ON THE COVER: Estados Complementarios No. 017, Eldavara, public domain, Wikicommons. 2

3 September 30, :30 and 11:00 a.m. Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost 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 Prelude in A Major, BWV 536 J.S. Bach Opening Sentences Ellen Mooney / Anna Hines Our God is worthy of worship, which is why we gather here today. Here, we call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and we are saved from our enemies. Here, we join the witness of John the Baptist, who declared he was not worthy to untie the thong of Jesus sandals. Here, we join the Roman centurion who declared he was not worthy for Jesus to enter his home. Here, we join the Apostle Paul in seeking to lead lives worthy of the calling to which we have been called. Here, we join the chorus of the ages to praise our Lord and God, who alone is worthy to receive glory and honor and power. +Hymn 7 Worthy of Worship judson Greeting to Worshipers Jason Woodbury / Julie Girards 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. Reading James 5:13 18 Afton Crissey / Joannah DeMent Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently *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

4 that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth yielded its harvest. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Prayers of the People Children s Moment Gladys Kolenovsky / Darren DeMent Mark Wingfield +Hymn 409 What a Friend We Have in Jesus converse Giving of Tithes and Offerings When you give to Wilshire s Unified Budget, you make possible the church s witness on behalf of the larger Christian community. Through our Church without Borders initiative, we seek to shine the light of Christ through video and audio and written word, over the Internet and radio and through social media. Offertory Children of the Heavenly Father arr. Forrest +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 Mark 9:38 50 Matt Dodrill / Aaron Coyle-Carr John said to him, Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us. But Jesus said, Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 4

5 Anthem *How Can I Keep from Singing? arr. Thomas Nova Mike Capps, director; Bill Jernberg, pianist My life flows on in endless song above earth s lamentation. I hear the real though far-off hymn that hails a new creation. Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing? What though the tempest loudly roars, I hear the truth, it liveth. What though the darkness round me close, songs in the night it giveth. No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I m clinging; Since love is lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing? When tyrants tremble as they hear the bells of freedom ringing, When friends rejoice both far and near, how can I keep from singing! To prison cell and dungeon vile our thoughts to them are winging; When friends by shame are undefiled, how can I keep from singing? **I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Sanctuary Choir arr. Rasbach I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing, I will sing! I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord. With my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. Message In One Peace George Mason +Hymn 519 Sent Forth by God s Blessing ash grove Sharing of Decisions Benediction Postlude Trumpet Prelude Kimball The flowers on the chancel today are given in honor of Polly Craig on her 90th birthday by Lee, Cheryl and Lindsay. All guests are invited to a coffee reception in the 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)

6 Meet today s worship leaders Afton Crissey and her husband, Alden, joined Wilshire in They are the directors of Labyrinth Class and are the parents of Henry, who is 2, and Hugh, who was born in February. Afton serves on the Weekday Education Committee and is a greeter. Joannah DeMent is the mother of Virginia, a ninth grader, and Elias, a sixth grader, and wife of Darren DeMent, Wilshire s minister to students. Joannah is a deacon, and teaches youth Sunday School and children s Globetrekkers on Wednesdays. An experienced emergency room nurse, Joannah now teaches in the medical sciences program for Richardson ISD. Shana Gaines is our guest music leader in worship today, since Doug Haney is on sabbatical leave. Shana directs Wilshire Winds and is an elementary music teacher in Richardson ISD. Anna Hines joined Wilshire in She is a deacon, teaches Kindergarten Sunday School and is immediate past chair of the Personnel Committee. She previously served on the Missions Committee and has been a missions volunteer. Anna is a retired Staff contacts George A. Mason Senior Pastor (214) Mark Wingfield Associate Pastor (214) Doug Haney Minister of Music (214) Jeff Brummel Associate Minister of Music/ Organist (214) Tiffany Wright Minister for Care Ministries (214) Heather Mustain Minister of Missions & Advocacy (214) Jessica Capps Minister to Senior Adults (214) Darren DeMent Minister to Students (214) Julie Girards Minister to Children (214) Joan Hammons Minister to Preschoolers (214) Jakob Topper McIver Fellow (214) Aaron Coyle-Carr Pastoral Resident (214) human resources professional who now consults for small businesses and is a CASA volunteer. Gladys Kolenovsky has been a Wilshire member since She is married to Bobby, is a deacon, teaches in rotation in Cord of Three Class and serves as co-leader of the Vision 20/20 Sustain Initiative. Vocationally, she administers services for children with dyslexia at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. Ellen Mooney has been a Wilshire member since She is a retired teacher who serves on the Weekday Education Committee, sings in New Song and attends Whosoever Wilshire Class. Jason Woodbury and his wife, Paula, have been Wilshire members since They are the parents of Garrett, a freshman at Lake Highlands High School, and Kathryn, a fourth grader at Wallace Elementary, and the guardians of Sher Moo Ku, who also is a freshman at Lake Highlands. Jason serves as chairman of deacons, serves on the Weekday Education Committee and teaches youth Sunday School. Professionally, he is vice president for information technology with CBRE. Matt Dodrill Pastoral Resident (214) Jared Jaggers Pastoral Resident (214) Ryan Wilson Pastoral Resident (214) David Nabors Director of Business Admin. (214) Dale Pride Facilities Manager (214) J. Preston Bright Associate Pastor Emeritus To any staff member, use the first letter of the first name combined with the full last name and

7 Wilshire calendar Sunday, September 30 Morning worship 8:30 a.m. YourCall 8:30 a.m. Connections Class 9:30 a.m. Voter registration 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:40 a.m. Beginnings Class 9:40 a.m. Fourth Grade Sunday School Open House 9:40 a.m. Morning worship 11:00 a.m. Meet and Greet with Guests noon Wilshire Talks noon Deacon Nominating Committee noon Nova 2:30 Youth Choir pizza, sundaes and a movie with Jeff 4:00 Carillon Ringers 4:00 Monday, October 1 Game of 42 10:00 a.m. Senior women s exercise class 2:00 Tuesday, October 2 Computer classes 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 Yoga class 12:15 Stephen Ministry CE and supervision 6:30 Wednesday, October 3 New Song 9:30 a.m. Gentle Voices 11:00 a.m. Koinonia Café 11:00 a.m. Bible Study noon Stephen Ministry supervision 1:30 Children s handbells 5:00 Koinonia Café 5:00 Explore handbells 6:00 Music & Missions 6:00 Christianity & Empire: From Christ to Constantine 6:00 Speaking God Again 6:00 Gallery Café 6:00 The Enneagram Journey 6:00 Cord of Three prayer group 6:15 Yoga class 6:15 Watershed 6:30 Sanctuary Choir 7:00 Thursday, October 4 The Bridge 11:15 a.m. Women s Ministry Brown Bag Book Club noon Knit Unto Others 1:30 Senior women s exercise class 2:00 Saturday, October 6 Library volunteer appreciation brunch 10:00 a.m. Sunday, October 7 Morning worship 8:30 a.m. Beginnings Class 9:40 a.m. Wilshire Welcome 9:40 a.m. Sunday School 9:40 a.m. Morning worship 11:00 a.m. Meet and Greet with Guests noon Deacon Nominating Committee noon One Starry Night Leadership Team noon Vision 20/20 Belong Team noon Nova 2:30 Youth Choir 4:00 Carillon Ringers 4:00 Paradiso 5:00 Shekinah 5:30 Monday, October 8 Game of 42 10:00 a.m. Senior women s exercise class 2:00 Wilshire Winds 7:00 Tuesday, October 9 Computer classes 9:30 a.m. & 6:00 Yoga 12:15 7 Ice Cream on the Playground for preschool families 3:15 JazzStand on Abrams 7:00 WOW! Tuesday Night Book Club 7:00 Wednesday, October 10 New Song 9:30 a.m. Gentle Voices 11:00 a.m. Koinonia Café 11:00 a.m. Bible Study noon Wilshire Adventurers Committee 1:15 Koinonia Café 5:00 Children s handbells 5:00 Explore handbells 6:00 Music & Missions 6:00 Accidental Theologies 6:00 Work Matters: A Theology of Labor and Leisure 6:00 Committee on Committees 6:00 Gallery Café 6:00 The Enneagram Journey 6:00 Yoga class 6:15 Watershed 6:30 Sanctuary Choir 7:00 Service of baptism and affirmation 7:15 Thursday, October 11 Knit Unto Others 1:30 Senior women s exercise class 2:00 Friday, October 12 Wilshire Adventurers trip to Canada 8:00 a.m. Friday Friends 10:00 a.m. Alzheimer s support group 1:00 Adoption and Foster Care Support Group 6:30 Marriage Connections 6:30

8 The Wilshire Tapestry Wilshire Talks is today Plan to stay for lunch and Wilshire Talks at noon today, with two Wilshire members telling their stories in a TED Talk format. Speakers will be Wally Brewster, former U.S. ambassador to the Dominican Republic, and Kristi Walters, mom, fitness instructor, blogger and humorist. Lunch is free. Wally made international news in 2013 when after unanimous confirmation by the United States Senate he became the first person in a same-sex marriage to represent the U.S. at the ambassadorial level in the Americas. His appointment was opposed by the Catholic Church and evangelical leaders. In his Sunday talk, Wally will explain how his own Christian faith sustained him in this challenge. Kristi is a regular blogger for Wilshire s Facebook page, where she often writes about her husband, Fireman Dave, and their three boys and their journey through public education, family drama and lessons learned as a fitness instructor. Women s Brown Bag Book Club Wilshire Talks Bring a lunch and join these book discussions from noon to 1 in Room 1205-L. No reservation required, and guests are always welcome. The book for Oct. 4 is Finding Theo, by Timothy Krause, who will be present to discuss the story. The book for Nov. 1 is Moloka i, by Alan Brennert. The book for Dec. 13 is Two Sisters, by Asne Seierstad. Stephen Ministry A new training class of Stephen Ministers will begin in January. Applications are now being accepted for prospective Stephen Ministers, who are trained lay volunteers assigned to one-on-one caring relationships with individuals in difficult life circumstances. The deadline for applications is Sunday, Nov. 4. For more information, contact Tiffany Wright, minister for care ministries at twright@wilshirebc.org. Warm outerwear collection Wilshire s Globetrekkers will collect new and gently used coats, scarves, gloves, mittens, hats and other warm outerwear and new socks and underwear for one of our mission partners, Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries in New York, now through Oct. 31. Collection boxes are available outside the main church office, near the north entrance, and in the second floor education offices. New members: Harvey McCall, Meredith McCall. Koinonia Café Oct. 3: Barbeque brisket, roasted potatoes, fried catfish, macaroni salad, veggie-kale slaw, green beans with bacon, salad bar, dessert bar. Kids: Roasted chicken leg, peas and carrots, baked beans. Thanksgiving basket drive It s time to begin thinking about Thanksgiving, when Wilshire will partner with the Wilkinson Center for its annual Turkey Basket Drive. Wilshire is committed to collect 75 turkey baskets this year. These baskets will be received by adult students in the Wilkinson Center s GED program. 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

9 We will deliver these baskets to Arcadia Park (West Dallas) on the morning of Nov. 15. The cost of putting together one basket is about $75 ($20 cash/check will be collected for each basket for a meat or meatless voucher). Sunday School classes are invited to take on this project. To sign up, contact our missions and advocacy intern, Shelby Patterson, at spatterson@wilshirebc.org. Volunteers also are needed to accept donations at Wilshire, load the U-Haul and distribute the baskets on Thursday, Nov. 15. Sanctuary Choir guest clinician While Doug Haney is away on a six-week sabbatical leave, Sanctuary Choir rehearsals will be led by Allen Hightower, professor and director of choral studies at the University of North Texas in Denton. Prior to his appointment at UNT, Allen was the first holder of the Weston Noble Endowed Chair in Music at Luther College, where he served as conductor of the renowned Nordic Choir and artistic director of Christmas at Luther. Prior to that, he was professor of music and director of choral activities at Sam Houston State University. His choirs have drawn national and international acclaim, often chosen to perform at annual meetings of music educators. He is considered one of the premier choral directors in America today. And you can learn from him during these six weeks by joining Sanctuary Choir. New and returning singers are welcome during Doug s sabbatical. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7 in Choral Hall. Voter registration drive Texas ranks 47th in voter turnout and 44th in voter registration out of the 50 states. The Christian Advocacy Committee is hosting a voter registration table in James Gallery today, Sept. 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 Stop by the table to update and renew voter registrations or to register for the first time. Registration cards will be available along with sample ballots, FAQ s, and nonpartisan voter guides on all candidates. Members from the committee will be present to answer questions. Midterm elections are Nov. 6, with early voting beginning Oct. 22. This Wednesday at Wilshire Two new Wednesday night classes for adults continue this week at 6 Speaking God Again draws on Jonathan Merritt s newest book, Speaking God from Scratch, to examine why Christians are slow to speak God in shared spaces. It is led by Chad Mustain, board-certified chaplain, and his father, Jim Mustain, founder of the local ministry Loving Community. Pastoral Resident Aaron Coyle-Carr is leading a two-week discussion about how early Christianity came face-to-face with the dominant world empire of Rome. Through Christianity and Empire: From Christ to Constantine learn how in the middle of the first century, Christianity was born from a minority religion in an insignificant corner of the mighty Roman Empire and by the middle of the fourth century, Christianity had captured the imagination of that same empire. Accidental Theologies class On Wednesdays, Oct. 10 and 17, Matt Dodrill will lead a 6 class inspired by the writings of poet Christian Wiman. Sometimes the best theology is found in non-theological texts such as letters, essays, poems and short stories, what Wiman calls accidental theology. Come explore the significance of discerning truths about God, revelation, beauty and human nature from literature not intended to be theological. Work Matters: A Theology of Labor & Leisure On Wednesdays, Oct. 10 and 17, Jared Jaggers and Ryan Wilson will offer a two-week series discussing a Christian understanding of work as participation in the character of God. American culture has taught us that we need to work as much as possible to find worth and value, but research shows people are more dissatisfied than ever in their work. How might our Christian faith empower us to find meaning in our work? Is ceaseless activity the primary goal for our lives? WOW! Tuesday Night Book Club The Women of Wilshire book club meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 in the Parlor. For Oct. 9, the book is A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman. All women are welcome. Continued on next page 9

10 The Wilshire Tapestry Dust off that instrument and join the band Advocacy training Do you have a band instrument hiding in your closet that you haven t touched in years? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play again? Wilshire Winds is looking for new members. The all-volunteer ensemble especially needs clarinet, low brass and percussion players. All sections would welcome additional musicians. For information, contact Shana Gaines at sgaines@ wilshirebc.org or (214) Special baptism service planned Have you joined Wilshire on the basis of your previous baptism by another form but would like to be baptized by immersion now? Have you never been baptized but would like to take this step in following Jesus in a less-crowded setting than Sunday morning? A special baptismal service is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 7:15 in the Sanctuary. There will be no all-church worship service just the family and friends of those who are being baptized. If you wish to participate, contact Debby Burton at (214) or dburton@wilshirebc.org. Ireland trip openings Texas Impact will offer a community advocacy training session at Wilshire on Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. The training will include a faith panel with guest speakers, basic information on how to become a Christian advocate with elected officials, plus breakout sessions on hunger, education, payday lending and immigration. Register at texasinterfaith.org/training. MOPS: Surrender Daringly MOPS kicked off the semester in September with two great speakers. On Sept. 7, MOPS moms heard from Heather MacFadyen, host of The God Centered Mom podcast, to speak about true humility and what it means to occupy your God-given space. On Friday, Sept. 21, moms heard the testimony of Patti Denman, small group and women s Bible study leader, about how God has provided and shaped her life stage by stage. Advertising space is still available in the MOPS newsletter. Janet Stegner at janetstep@ gmail.com for more information. For more information about joining the group or helping the MOPS moms, contact Katie Payne at ktwpayne@ gmail.com or visit wilshirebc.org/learn/mops. There are just four spots still available for the May 2019 trip to Ireland led by Mark Wingfield. If you re interested in going, see trip and registration details at wilshirebc.org/registration. One Starry Night volunteers On Dec. 14, One Starry Night will once again fill Wilshire s Community Hall with the sights and sounds of a first-century village. It s an interactive outreach event for the community and an intergenerational experience for church members and their families. Volunteers are needed for a variety of booths and activities. Contact LeAnn Kite Hampton at KiteL@tx.rr. com or (214) , or Joan Hammons at jhammons@wilshirebc.org or (214) for more information. 10 Fall prevention class Physical therapy students from Texas Woman s University will offer a Balance n Boogie fall prevention class at Wilshire on Mondays from Oct. 22 through Dec. 3. The class will meet from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Room The first session will include an initial assessment of each participant s balance along with an introduction to the class. Classes following will focus on building strength, improving balance, practice getting from the floor to standing, tai chi and dance. For more information, contact Laura Danks at ldanks@twu. edu or Linda Garner at lgarner@wilshirebc.org or (214)