Preparing for worship

Transcription

1 Third Sunday After Epiphany January 22, 2017

2 Preparing for worship I recently finished reading Colson Whitehead s breathtaking new work of historical fiction, The Underground Railroad. It tells the gut-wrenching story of Cora, a runaway slave, making her way to freedom. Without giving too much away, at one point in the novel she happens upon a commune that is operated by a group of African Americans, some free and some runaways. The motto of the farm is Stay, and contribute, an invitation that stood in stark contrast with the plantation law from which she had run. Stay: find rest, fill your belly, settle your spirit. But when you are ready, contribute: find your place, lend a hand, be a part of that which is sustaining you. Be an agent in your own recovery. This invitation is as close as the novel gets to defining one of its key themes, that elusive place that is always so much more than a place: home. Home is much more spiritual a thing than physical. I read somewhere recently about the notion of inner homelessness, this endemic lack of roots in our culture. There has never been a more mobile generation of humans, and for all its many obvious benefits this mobility comes at a cost. The cost is often home. Not simply a place to stay, but a place to contribute. A place to belong. As great a scourge as literal homelessness surely is, it may be that the church s chief calling at the present moment is to tend to the many inner-homeless among us. The people who have no place to belong, no place to love and be loved. And the truth is, we are all likely to find ourselves without this kind of home at some time or another. Although you are not my home church, in many ways Wilshire is home to me. You took me in and invited me to stay for a time. But more than this, you taught me the importance of contributing, of being a part of that which sustains me. My story is not so different from many of the residents some of whom are with you this week and so many other people who have found in you that elusive place that is so much more than a place. Some call it home, but you and I know it by another name. Church. Scott Dickison Wilshire Baptist Church 4316 Abrams Road Dallas, Texas (214) Partnered with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship ON THE COVER: Fire in the Rocks, David Clanton, interpreting Acts 2:3 4: Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 2

3 The Worship of God January 22, :30 and 11:00 a.m. Third Sunday after Epiphany 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 How Lovely Shines the Morning Star arr. Manz Call to Worship The Lord Is My Light Courtney from Psalm 27 Sanctuary Choir The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Of whom shall I be afraid? Though evildoers assail me, when adversaries attack me, they stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, though war break out against me, my heart will not fear. One thing I ask, one thing I seek of the Lord: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will hide me in his dwelling; and he will set me high upon a rock. Then shall my head be exalted above my enemies round about me; I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. Invocation Tiffany Wright / Jessica Capps +Hymn 307 All Creatures of Our God and King last uns erfreuen Greeting to Worshipers Mark Wingfield 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 addressed this hour 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

4 Epistle Reading Isaiah 9:1 4 Megan Thompson / Casey Boland But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Light Work Focus with Danielle Ayers Prayers of the People George Mason Jakob Topper / Timothy Peoples +Hymn 665 Because I Have Been Given Much seminary Giving of Tithes and Offerings When you give to Wilshire's Unified Budget, you support the work of racial reconciliation as Wilshire and Friendship-West Baptist Church partner through the New Baptist Covenant. Offertory Air in G H. Howells +Offertory Response Gloria Patri gloria patri Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. +Gospel Reading Matthew 4:12 23 Chré Parnell / Debbie Rampey Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned. From that time Jesus began to proclaim, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. And he said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fish for people. Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and 4

5 proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Message Called to New Life Austin Almaguer +Hymn of Commitment 476 You Walk Along Our Shoreline aurelia Sharing of Decisions Benediction Postlude Lasst uns erfreuen arr. Diemer All guests are invited to a coffee reception in James Gallery immediately after the 11:00 service. Staff contacts George A. Mason, Ph.D. 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 Pastoral Resident (214) Kevin Sinclair Pastoral Resident (214) Jakob Topper 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 5

6 This week at Wilshire Continued from back page 2016 generosity report. Wilshire ended fiscal year 2016 with an operating deficit that will be fully covered by the Contingency Reserve Fund. The net operating deficit of $70,543 resulted from income falling short of expenses, after year-end adjustments were made from designated accounts. For details, see the online Tapestry or the news section of wilshirebc.org. of popular items include restaurant gift cards, personal services, sports and theater tickets, jewelry, household items, artwork. Contact Lisa Butler at (214) or Laura Dodgen at (214) Condolences to: Douglas and Calla Havis on the death of his brother, Kenneth Havis, Jan. 17; Sharon Austin on the death of her husband, Lynn Austin, Jan. 14. Jim Girards on the death of his brother, Robert Girards, Jan. 11. Paul Skelton on the death of his wife, Jann Skelton, Jan. 11. Koinonia Café Jan. 25: Carved roasted pork loin, turkey sausage, jambalaya, sautéed spinach and mushrooms, creamed corn casserole, steamed cauliflower, ratatouille, potato salad, wheat rolls, lemon cake. New giving option. Automated bank draft giving through the Wilshire website is now available. Members now have an option to set up an ACH payment schedule through the secure website, which gives the member control over the amount, frequency and fund selection. To use this new option, visit wilshirebc.org/give and create a login if you don t already have one. Once logged in, look for the My Scheduled Giving tab and follow the instructions. For assistance, contact Abbey Adcox at aadcox@wilshirebc.org or (214) Youth Choir auction donations. Donations are sought for the annual Wilshire Youth Choir silent auction, which will be held on March 5. Samples Spring break mission. Join a group from Wilshire over spring break to serve with mission partner Delta Hands for Hope. The group will travel by carpool leaving the morning of Saturday, March 11, and returning on Thursday, March 16. Heather Mustain will give more information on Sunday, Jan. 22, at noon in Room 1205-L. Macedonia mission. Travel with others from Wilshire to Skopje, Macedonia, to visit with and learn from CBF field personnel Jeff and Alicia Lee April The team will learn about the global refugee crisis and participate in the daily ministry of the Lees. Contact Heather Mustain by Feb. 8 if interested. Ushers and greeters needed. Please contact Abbey Adcox if you are interested in greeting or ushering on Sunday morning. Greeters in the Narthex for 8:30 are urgently needed. Contact aadcox@wilshirebc.org. 6

7 Meet today s worship leaders Austin Almaguer serves as pastor of Vienna Baptist Church in Vienna, Va. He is an alumnus of Wilshire's pastoral residency program. A native Texan, Austin is married to Alison, who also is an ordained minister. Austin earned a bachelor of arts degree in religion from Baylor University and a master of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. In Virginia, he serves on the executive strategy team for Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement. Austin is also a member of the Coordinating Council for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia. Casey Boland came to Wilshire in 2002 and has been involved as a missions volunteer and Stephen Minister. She teaches World History at Lake Highlands High School. Debbie Rampey has been a member of Wilshire since She is married to Wayne, and they have two adult sons Jeff and David. Debbie is a CPA by training and currently manages a small company in addition to extensive volunteer work. She is a deacon, attends Cord of Three Class and serves on the Finance Committee. Megan Thompson grew up at Wilshire and recently returned here after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. Megan is a member of Ithaka Class. Her parents are Hank and Shellie Thompson. She teaches sixth grade at Aiken Elementary School. Chré Parnell and her husband, John, came to Wilshire in She attends Foundations of Faith Class and serves on the Churchwide Social Committee. 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)

8 This week at Wilshire Wilshire Talks. Something new is coming on Sunday, Jan. 29: Wilshire Talks. Enjoy a quick lunch in Community Hall and hear three Wilshire members give brief talks (much like TED Talks) about their life, work and spiritual experiences. Speakers will be Tim Krause, Talitha Kiwiet and Scott Spreier. The event is free but registration is requested via wilshirebc.org/registration. Philippians study. A new study on the book of Philippians is currently offered for adults on Wednesday nights from 6 to 6:50 p.m. in Room 1205-G. The same study is offered at noon. Preschool Family Fun with Reading. All preschoolers and their families are invited to a special reading event on Friday, Feb. 3, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There s no charge, and reservations are not needed. Snacks and activities will be provided. Friends are welcome, too. Sponsored by the Library, Preschool ministry, and Early Childhood Learning Center. Hear resident alumni this Wednesday. Alumni of Wilshire s pastoral residency program will lead vespers worship in McIver Chapel this Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Residency alumni also will lead the noontime program in Community Hall this Wednesday. Adventurers Valentine luncheon. All senior adults are invited to a Wilshire Adventurers Valentine luncheon on Monday, Feb. 13, beginning at 10 a.m. with a Valentine sing-a-long led by Frances Jones, followed by a special luncheon menu. Cost is $10 per person. Sign up at the Adventurers table on Wednesdays or Sundays. Faith and race discussion. Katie Murray and Timothy Peoples will co-lead a conversation on faith and race every Wednesday evening in February. The class will include information about the New Baptist Covenant partnership between Wilshire and Friendship-West Baptist Church. Participants will discuss the intersection of faith and race, as well as how to begin thinking about and engaging in the work of racial reconciliation both as individuals and a church community. The class will meet each week at 6 p.m. Nurtured Heart workshop. Former Pastoral Resident Ann Bell Worley will lead a Nurtured Heart Approach workshop at Wilshire Saturday, Feb. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $50 per person or $75 per couple. The approach began as a method for treating children labeled as challenging, difficult, or intense especially those with diagnoses such as ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism, PTSD, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and more. The approach is now used successfully in schools, foster-care systems, and communities worldwide to help all children flourish. Register at wilshirebc.org/registration. Discounted theater tickets. Dallas Theater Center has offered Wilshire members $10 off tickets to the new production of The Christians at Kalita Humphreys Theater Jan. 27-Feb. 19. This new American play explores the intersection of theology, friendship and leadership in American evangelicalism. Follow this link: attpac.org/production/40794 and use the promo code WILSHIREBC. Children s Friendship Party. All first through sixth graders are invited to a free Friendship Party on Friday, Feb. 10, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Room Children will create special Valentines for friends and family, hear stories, play games and watch a movie. Register online at wilshirebc.org/registration. Historic Virginia tour. Registration is now open for the Wilshire Adventurers fall trip to historic Virginia. Mark Wingfield will lead this Sept trip to Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown and Newport News. Pick up a trip brochure in the church office. Continued on page 6 Keep up with all the Wilshire news at wilshirebc.org or by using our Wilshire app or via social media. Worship live streamed every Sunday at 11:00. 8