Preparing for worship

Transcription

1 Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017

2 Preparing for worship Today, on this third Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of joy. It would appear, at least in my own experience, that some years joy is an easier word to identify with than others. I assume this might be true for you as well. Joy can resonate throughout your soul as you look at the wonder of the season through the eyes of a child or celebrate a milestone with beloved friends. On the other hand, joy can seem almost absent in the wake of infertility or as you approach Christmas for the first time since the passing of a loved one. At times, claiming joy can make us appear out of touch with our own pain or the pain of others. Perhaps this internal struggle exists because we have allowed the word joy to become a synonym of happiness. Or perhaps we have come to believe that to claim joy we must denounce the struggles of this world or our own personal grief. It s the most wonderful time of the year bellows out from our radios, and even if our personal lives are running according to plan, a few minutes of the evening news reminds us all that the world s troubles don t stop just because the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. And yet, the joy of Advent seems to be about something more. If God can be trusted, then certainly this joy of which we speak is capable of transcending the world s pain. Surely it is a joy that must ring true year after year in the midst of our celebrations and grieving. The joy of which Advent speaks is one of hope, of God s kingdom coming in Christ that is both now and not yet, in the promise of reconciliation and redemption of God s creation. Whether we find ourselves as jolly as St. Nick himself, or struggling to find any merry in this Christmas season (more than likely it s somewhere in between), the joy we speak of today is one each of us can claim with conviction. Christ is coming, God s promises are true, may joy abound. Katie Murray 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: Madonna 2016 Daniel Bonnell 2

3 December 17, :30 / 11:00 a.m. Third Sunday of Advent 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 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing arr. Bock Jeff Brummel, organ; Bill Jernberg, piano +Processional Hymn 122 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice in dulci jubilo Lighting the Candle of Joy *Rebecca and David Cole with Crosby, Wilson, Elijah and Elton **Torre and Carlos Capistran with James and Luna Preparing for the Nativity *Ava Brashear, Natali Hall, Dre Mahan, Nevaeh Mahan, Tiffany Mahan, Ella Rose, Emory Rose, Anabelle Tinsley, Gillian Tinsley **Whit Anderson, Tyler Elliott, Joshua Murphy, Paul Murphy, Richard Murphy, Henry Roden, Elle Sheaffer Advent Candle Litany Jessica Capps / Julie Girards Leader: Today we light the Shepherd Candle of Joy, signifying our earnest hope to receive grace upon grace from the fullness of Christ. People: As we prepare for the coming of the Lord, we will rebuild the nations. Leader: Hear the news of the angels, that joy will overflow and will change the course of history forever. People: Grant us grace to stand in awe of the glory of the Lord, as did the shepherds abiding in their fields by night. Leader: As we prepare, may we look toward the future as well as the present. Remember this: When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins. People: We will carry the joy of the Lord. *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 Greeting to Worshipers George Mason Guests are invited to take a Response Card from the pew rack, complete it and place it in the offering plate later in the service. We would love to know you were here 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. Children s Moment Prayers of the People +Gospel Reading Luke 1:46b 55 Kevin Sinclair Joe Gross / Sarah Stafford Sarah Phillips / Rebecca Francis My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. +Hymn 97 The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns morning song Giving of Tithes and Offerings Year-end gifts are vital to Wilshire s Unified Budget, which supports missions and ministries. As the offering plate passes today, take a moment to review whether you ve given at the level you intended to give this year and consider how to help Wilshire finish this year strong financially. For assistance with year-end contributions, contact Lori Gooden in the church office. Offertory Variations on I Saw Three Ships arr. Payne +Offertory Response cranham What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can, I give him: give him my heart. 4

5 Reading Isaiah 61:1 4, 8 11 Aaron Coyle-Carr / Conrad Morrison The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.... For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. Leader: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. Anthem *Carol of Joy Forrest Nova Bill Jernberg, accompanist Green leaves all fallen, withered and dry; brief sunset fading, dim winter sky; Lengthening shadows, dark closing in; then, through the stillness, carols begin. O fallen world, to you is the song! Death holds you fast and night tarries long. Jesus is born, your curse to destroy; sweet to your ears, a carol of joy! Pale moon ascending, solemn and slow; cold barren hillside, shrouded in snow. Deep, empty valley veiled by the night; hear angel music hopeful and bright. O fearful world, to you is the song! Peace with your God, and pardon for wrong. Tidings for sinners, burdened and bound, a carol of joy a Savior is found! Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes! Thrill to the chorus filling the skies. Look up sad heart! Witness God s love; join in the carol swelling above! O friendless world, to you is the song! All heaven s joy to you may belong! You who are lonely, laden, forlorn: O fallen world, O fearful world, O friendless world to you, a Savior is born! Eileen Berry **The Work of Christmas Sanctuary Choir Forrest When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, 5

6 When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, to heal the broken, To feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, to bring peace among brothers, To make music from the heart. Howard Thurman Message Restoring the Balance George Mason +Hymn of Commitment 107 O Little Town of Bethlehem st. louis Sharing of Decisions Choral Benediction The Work of Christmas Forrest Nova / Sanctuary Choir Postlude In dulci jubilo, BWV 729 J.S. Bach All guests are invited to a coffee reception in the James Gallery immediately after the service. 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. 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)

7 Meet today s worship leaders Torre and Carlos Capistran joined Wilshire in January and are members of Perennial Class. They are the parents of James, who is 2, and Luna, born in August. She is a website developer and consultant, and he is executive chef at Shinsei. Rebecca and David Cole joined Wilshire in 2014 and are members of Labyrinth Class. He is an usher, and she is a greeter. He also serves on the lay support team for Pastoral Resident Jakob Topper. They are the parents of Crosby, 5, Wilson, 3, and Elijah and Elton, who were born in June. Rebecca and David work together at Slant Partners, a marketing firm founded by Rebecca. Rebecca Francis grew up at Wilshire and is the daughter of Ed and Linda Francis. She is a student at Rice University. Joe Gross has been a Wilshire member since He and his wife, Phyllis, are members of Compass Staff contacts George A. Mason Senior Pastor (214) Mark Wingfield Associate Pastor (214) Doug Haney Minister of Music (214) Sarah Stafford Associate Minister of Music (214) Jeff Brummel Music Associate/Organist (214) Tiffany Wright Minister for Care Ministries (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) Heather Mustain Minister of Missions (214) Katie Murray Christian Advocacy Specialist (214) Timothy Peoples McIver Fellow (214) Kevin Sinclair Pastoral Resident (214) Class. He was instrumental in launching Stephen Ministry at Wilshire. He retired as director of pastoral care for Baylor University Medical Center. Joe volunteers most Monday afternoons at the reception desk in Wilshire s front office. Conrad Morrison returned to Wilshire in 2011 and is married to Danielle McLean. They are the parents of Ella Morrison, 14, Austin Morrison, 11, Lily McLean, 3, and Oliver Morrison, who was born in November. Conrad works as chief compliance officer for Crow Holdings Capital Partners. Sarah Phillips grew up at Wilshire and recently returned here after graduating from Baylor University. She attends Ithaka Class, serves on the Missions Committee and on the lay support team for Pastoral Resident Matt Dodrill. She works as a sales and marketing representative at Applied Aerodynamics. Jakob Topper Pastoral Resident (214) Aaron Coyle-Carr Pastoral Resident (214) Matt Dodrill 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

8 This week at Wilshire Wilshire Winds at Dallas Zoo JazzStand on Abrams this week Wilshire Winds will perform at the Dallas Zoo s Zoo Lights event on Monday, Dec. 18. The Winds will play at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Featured will be several selections that will not be on the Dec. 20 program at Wilshire: Twenty Carols in Two Minutes, Santa Meets Sousa, and an assortment of traditional carols. After the animals head in for the evening, the Dallas Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with nearly 1 million twinkling lights illuminating the night sky throughout the holidays. FDR book on sale today Wilshire member Christine Wicker has written a new book, The Simple Faith of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. As a way of being All In, the author will be selling and signing copies of this book today in the South Atrium, with the full price of the book donated to Wilshire s Unified Budget. Congregants are invited to buy the book for themselves or as a gift and know that they also are giving a gift to the church. FDR s passion for justice, equality and mercy were inspired and strengthened by Christian faith. The book s detailed look at his often overlooked spiritual consciousness adds a crucial piece toward understanding one of the most complex personalities ever to hold presidential office. Holiday worship schedule Because Christmas Eve and New Year s Eve fall on Sundays this year, Wilshire will offer one combined worship service at 10 a.m. both Sundays, with no Sunday School. The regular schedule of two worship services with Sunday School will resume on Jan. 7. On Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., hear the group Diaspora, with Tito Charneco, tenor and soprano saxophone; Brad Leali, alto saxophone; Ben Alden McDonald, piano; Mike Luzecky, bass; and Jose Aponte, drums. All JazzStand concerts are free and open to the public with a reception afterward. This Wednesday at Wilshire There will be no Koinonia Café for lunch or dinner this week, and no noon Bible study. Instead, Wilshire Winds and Carillon Ringers will present a combined Christmas program in the Sanctuary at 7 p.m., with a reception following in James Gallery. There will be no Wednesday programing on Dec. 27. Wilshire Winds and Carillon Ringers program This Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m., Wilshire Winds and Carillon Ringers will join together for a Christmas concert in the Sanctuary. Titled Tidings, it will be festive and full of familiar Christmas classics. A light secular section will feature Leroy Anderson s familiar Sleigh Ride, a fun Christmas in the 50s and George Gagliardi s arrangement of Jingle Bells for a jazz combo. Carillon Ringers will play a fun rendition called Nutcracker Sweets and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. A sacred section will include many favorite Christmas carols with bells and brass and flutes. Wilshire Winds and Carillon Ringers will combine forces for the finale Tidings. A reception will be held in James Gallery after the concert. Foundations of Faith Class Foundations of Faith Sunday School Class will begin a new cycle of study on Jan. 7, returning to the Old Testament. This 35-week study begins with an overview of the Hebrew Scriptures and moves through a survey of the Law, History, Poetry and 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 Wisdom books, the major prophets and minor prophets. The class is an opt-in class where some members attend for a period of time and then return to their home class. Others come and stay. A variety of Wilshire members, staff and pastoral residents lead the Bible studies. The class meets in Room 3202 on the third floor. All are welcome. Jazz vespers in January God, Winter and All that Jazz will be the theme of the resident-led vespers service on Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 6 p.m. in McIver Chapel. Dinner will be served in Koinonia Café from 5 to 6 p.m. All are welcome. There will be no child care for this event. Adventurers January outing On Thursday, Jan. 18, Wilshire Adventurers will sponsor a day trip to the Dallas World Aquarium and Dallas Holocaust Museum, with lunch together at Sonny Bryan s in the West End. Round-trip transportation will be provided by chartered motor coach. Watch for sign-up details the first week of January. Adventurers to hear Jeanne Robertson All interested senior adults are invited to join Wilshire Adventurers to hear comedienne Jeanne Robertson at the Winspear Opera House on Saturday, Feb. 10. Tickets are $35 apiece and include roundtrip motor coach transportation from the church. The bus will depart Wilshire at 6:30 p.m. and return around 9:30 p.m. Summer mission team to New York City Wilshire has started a new partnership with CBF field personnel Leslie-Ann Tommey in New York City. We ve been invited to lead a week of camp (Aug. 4-11) for children through Rauschenbusch s Metro Ministries. At least 15 participants, from ninth graders through adults, are needed. Heather Mustain to enlist. Groups will stay in dormitories at Metro Baptist Church and will have evenings free. Christmas Eve at Wilshire 5:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m. 9

10 This week at Wilshire Hymns We Love CDs Hymns We Love CDs will be available to pick up this Sunday, Dec. 17, in the South Atrium. This is the recording of the congregational hymn sing on Oct. 29. The CDs are free and members are encouraged to pick up one CD for themselves and one or two to share with others. As you share the CD, take this opportunity to invite someone to visit Wilshire at Christmas. Homeless count coming Once again, Wilshire will serve as a deployment site for the annual Dallas Point in Time Homeless Count. The date is Thursday, Jan. 25, and the times are from 7 p.m. to midnight. Register now to help with this important effort to document the extent of homelessness, changing trends and the measure of success in making homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring in Dallas. To signup, contact Heather Mustain at hmustain@ wilshirebc.org or (214) New members: A.L. Schueler. Condolences to: Kerry Pickering and Connie Freeman on the death of Kerry s uncle, Dec. 8. Unified Budget update Gifts this Week:... $70,147 December gifts to date:... $108,145 December budget projected:... $609,000 YTD budget gifts:...$3,346,298 YTD budget projected:... $3,834,600 MLK weekend events Shabbat Service at Temple Emanu-El Friday, January 12 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Wilshire and Temple Emanu-El will co-host a Shabbat service on Friday, Jan. 12, featuring guest preacher William Barber II, president of Repairers of the Breach and leader of the Moral Monday movement. This will be a service of reflection on God s concern for the vulnerable and how as a people of faith we can move toward seeking justice. Advocacy Teach-In at Friendship West Baptist Church Saturday, January 13 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing Event in Community Hall Monday, January a.m. to noon Forty to 50 volunteers are needed to help package 10,000 meals. All ages are welcome, but advanced registration is required. Find the signup link at wilshirebc.org/registration. Join us at Friendship West as their senior pastor, minister of justice and other invited guests provide important advocacy training and information on upcoming legislative priorities around economic justice, public education, voter engagement and more. 10

11 Wilshire calendar Sunday, December 17 Morning worship 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:40 a.m. Morning worship 11:00 a.m. Carillon Ringers 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 18 Game of 42 10:00 a.m. Senior women s exercise class 2:00 p.m. Wilshire Winds performs at Dallas Zoo Lights 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 19 Yoga class 12:15 p.m. JazzStand on Abrams - Advent of Jazz 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 20 Wilshire Winds and Carillon Ringers Christmas concert 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 21 Knit Unto Others 1:30 p.m. Senior women s exercise class 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 22 Church office closed in observance of Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24 Morning worship 10:00 a.m. Christmas Eve family candlelight worship 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve liturgical candlelight worship 11:00 p.m. Monday, December 25 Church office closed in observance of Christmas Day BELOVED COMMUNITY starts with you Give to the Offering for Global Missions today This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 helps sustain the long-term presence of CBF field personnel serving around the world. This means that you ll help care for refugees around the world, welcome refugees to the U.S. and care for people who need help. You will welcome people, you will share the Gospel and you will create Beloved Community. BELOVED COMMUNITY Starts with welcoming one person home 11

12 Six ways to support Wilshire s mission In worship: Simply place your cash or check (payable to Wilshire Baptist Church) in the offering plate during any of our worship services. For your convenience, offering envelopes are available in the pew racks. By mail: Offerings may be sent to Wilshire through the mail: Lori Gooden, Wilshire Baptist Church, 4316 Abrams Road, Dallas TX, Please write on your check if it is intended for the Unified Budget or another purpose. Online: This safe and flexible option is the easiest way to give at Wilshire. Schedule a recurring or one-time gift charged to either your debit or credit card or directly as an ACH from your checking account. Through this online account you can easily see your past donation history and manage your future giving amount or specify where the funds should be applied. Visit wilshirebc.org/ give (be sure you have enabled cookies on your phone or tablet) or scan the QR Code here. Automatic bank pay (bill-pay): This is an easy and effective way to systematically give through your checking account online bill-pay. Go to your bank s website, log in to your individual bank account and follow your bank s instructions to set up Wilshire Baptist Church as a new payee. Your bank will print and cut a check and mail it to Wilshire on your behalf. Be sure to mark the fund designation in the memo line. Text: Using your smartphone, text WILSHIRE and the dollar amount (example: WILSHIRE 50) to 73256, and follow the link that pops up. The first time you use this option, you will enter your credit card and contact info. Your payment information will be saved securely so you will not have to enter it again. All text gifts will be applied to the Unified Budget. Wilshire app: By downloading the Wilshire Baptist Church app from the App Store or Google Play, you can make your gifts easily from your phone or tablet. 12