February 23, 2020Transfiguration Sunday

How do you know what it means?My daughter Jillian and I had a moment at

the MoMA this week. The Modern Art Museum in New York City features a world-renowned collection of masterpieces in the modern style of painting and sculpture. We were standing in front of Paul Cezanne’s Boy in the Red Vest. It was one of four portraits the artist painted of this Italian young man, each in a different pose.

Jillian wondered with me about what we should take from it. We looked at it more closely, asking questions about color, setting, costume and mood. We knew it wasn’t possible to determine the artist’s intent, so we asked ourselves what it made us think about and how it made us feel. We imagined ourselves as that boy, considered whether the red vest was a uniform or choice flung against his blue-toned melancholy. All in all, we came away changed by it. Better for it. Determined to face whatever our lot in life with courage and style.

Worship is a mystery that invites us to do

more than just be there. We enter into it, whether a song or text or a prayer. We involve ourselves in the story or the experience. We decide to be different, better, more determined for having entered into the encounter with God as a participant, not a spectator.

The disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration were privileged to see Jesus shine in the presence of Moses and Elijah. They didn’t know what to make of it all at first, but Jesus was there to guide them, as he still is with and for us. He wants us to shine too. He wants us to know the blessing of God, to sense the encouragement of the saints, and to accept the mission to serve the world.

It might not mean the same for all of us, but it will mean something for each of us if we join in and let God transfigure us afresh.

—George Mason

Preparing for worship

ON THE COVER: The Transfiguration is the last painting by the Italian High Renaissance master Raphael. Conceived as an altarpiece for the Narbonne Cathedral in France, Raphael worked on it until his death in 1520. Oddly, the subject is combined with the next episode from the Gospels, the healing of a possessed boy, in the lower part of the painting. On display in Vatican City.

Wilshire Baptist Church4316 Abrams Road | Dallas, Texas 75214

(214) 452-3100 | www.wilshirebc.orgPartnered with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

Building a Community of Faith Shaped by the Spirit of Jesus Christ

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February 23, 20208:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Transfiguration Sunday

Chiming of the HourPlease turn off all cell phones and alarm watches.

Prelude Beautiful Savior arr. Robert A. Hobby

Opening Sentences Pat Cullum / Lynette DeBose

Enter worship now with expectation. On this Transfiguration Sunday, let us fix our eyes upon Jesus in all his glory. Let us shield our eyes from all that is unholy and gaze fully upon the Beautiful Savior, Lord of Creation. Let us worship the one who is all glorious and holy.

+Hymn 52 O Worship the King lyons

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 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 anintercessory prayer card from the pew rack and placed in the offering plate.

Reading — Exodus 24:12–18 Linda Garrett / Allison Moore

The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.” Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

This is the word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

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*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.

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El Señor le dijo a Moisés: “Sube a encontrarte conmigo en el monte, y quédate allí. Voy a darte las tablas con la ley y los mandamientos que he escrito para guiarlos en la vida.” Moisés subió al monte de Dios, acompañado por su asistente Josué, pero a los ancianos les dijo: “Esperen aquí hasta que volvamos. Aarón y Jur se quedarán aquí con ustedes. Si alguno tiene un problema, que acuda a ellos.” En cuanto Moisés subió, una nube cubrió el monte, y la gloria del Señor se posó sobre el Sinaí. Seis días la nube cubrió el monte. Al séptimo día, desde el interior de la nube el Señor llamó a Moisés. A los ojos de los israelitas, la gloria del Señor en la cumbre del monte parecía un fuego consumidor. Moisés se internó en la nube y subió al monte, y allí permaneció cuarenta días y cuarenta noches.

Esta es la palabra del Señor.Gracias a Dios.

Children’s Moment George Mason

+Hymn 587 Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound new britain

Prayers of the People Gina Biddle / Vanessa Vaughter

Giving of Tithes and Offerings

When you give to Wilshire’s Unified Budget, you make possible our Library, which maintains a vast collection of theological and leisure reading materials for children, youth and adults. Last year, budget gifts added 311 books to the Library. Thank you.

Offertory Meditation on picardy arr. Jeff Brummel

+Offertory Response 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 17:1–9 Heather Mustain / Jessica Capps

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

This is the word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

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Seis días después, Jesús tomó consigo a Pedro, a Jacobo y a Juan, el hermano de Jacobo, y los llevó aparte, a una montaña alta. Allí se transfiguró en presencia de ellos; su rostro resplandeció como el sol, y su ropa se volvió blanca como la luz. 3 En esto, se les aparecieron Moisés y Elías conversando con Jesús. Pedro le dijo a Jesús: “Señor, ¡qué bueno sería que nos quedemos aquí! Si quieres, levantaré tres albergues: uno para ti, otro para Moisés y otro para Elías.” Mientras estaba aún hablando, apareció una nube luminosa que los envolvió, de la cual salió una voz que dijo: “Este es mi Hijo amado; estoy muy complacido con él. ¡Escúchenlo!” Al oír esto, los discípulos se postraron sobre su rostro, aterrorizados. Pero Jesús se acercó a ellos y los tocó. “Levántense,” les dijo. “No tengan miedo.” Cuando alzaron la vista, no vieron a nadie más que a Jesús. Mientras bajaban de la montaña, Jesús les encargó: “No le cuenten a nadie lo que han visto hasta que el Hijo del hombre resucite.”

Esta es la palabra del Señor.Gracias a Dios.

Anthem Thou Art Holy Craig CourtneyWilshire Men’s Choir

Holy, holy, holy, thou art holy. Thou alone art holy.Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,Who wert, and art, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see;

Only thou art holy, there is none beside thee.Perfect in power, in love and purity.

Message * “Transformed” Leigh Curl ** “Transfixed or Transfigured?” Ryan Wilson

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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.

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.

+Hymn See Our Lord in All His Glory picardy

Sharing of Decisions

**Family Dedication — Heather and Chad Mustain with Bly Michael

We welcome into the life of the church today Bly Michael Mustain, son of Heather and Chad Mustain. Through this dedication, the family and the congregation pledge together to raise Bly in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, so that when he reaches an appropriate age he may choose for himself to follow Jesus Christ as Savior. Present for the dedication or watching via live stream are big sister Jimmie Mustain, grandparents Jim and Sharon Mustain, Kathleen and Roger Brusehaber, and Steve and Lynette Beard; family friends Shawn, Alison, Nathan and Joel Ashmore and Sheri McShan.

Benediction

Postlude Fanfare arr. Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens

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Meet today’s worship leadersGina Biddle joined Wilshire in 2014. She attends Discovery Class and works as a chaplain in the UT Southwestern Medical Center system.

Pat Cullum attended Wilshire as a teenager, then rejoined with her husband, Fred, in 1977. They are members of the Compass Class. Pat is the mother of three adult sons. She is a Stephen Minister and deacon, currently chairs the Wilshire Adventurers Committee and serves on the Vision 20/20 Belong Team. Pat previously taught study skills and reading at Richland College, where she also worked as a librarian.

Lynette DeBose came to Wilshire in 2017 and is one of the organizers of JazzStand on Abrams. She is a member of Discovery Class, sings in Sanctuary Choir and works as office administrator at RE/MAX DFW Associates.

Linda Garrett and her husband, John, came to Wilshire in 2010 from Virginia, where she was pastor of Long Branch Baptist Church in The Plains, Va. Linda and John are the parents of Zoe,

who is a student at Austin College. Linda teaches in Charlie’s Angels Class, sings in Sanctuary Choir, serves on the Deacon Nominating Committee and is a Stephen Minister. She also is an avid horsewoman who teaches therapeutic horse riding.

Allison Moore and her husband, Brian, came to Wilshire in 2004. They are members of Seekers Class, and are the parents of Amory, who is an eighth grader. Allison is a nurse by vocation.

Vanessa Vaughter and her husband, Woody Weilage, came to Wilshire in 2017. They are members of Epiphany Class. Vanessa also teaches in Labyrinth and plays with Carillon Ringers. She is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice.

George A. MasonSenior Pastor

(214) 452-3132Mark Wingfield

Associate Pastor(214) 452-3128Doug Haney

Minister of Music(214) 452-3123Jeff Brummel

Associate Minister of Music/ Organist

(214) 452-3122Tiffany Wright

Minister for Care Ministries(214) 452-3107

Heather MustainMinister of Missions & Advocacy

(214) 452-3110Jessica Capps

Minister to Senior Adults(214) 452-3129

Darren DeMentMinister to Students

and Young Adults(214) 452-3102Julie Girards

Minister to Children(214) 452-3104

Joan HammonsMinister to Preschoolers

(214) 452-3141

Leanna Coyle-CarrPastoral Resident

(214) 452-3154Leigh Curl

Pastoral Resident(214) 452-3152Ryan Wilson

Pastoral Resident(214) 452-3158David Nabors

Director of Business Admin.(214) 452-3157

Dale PrideFacilities Manager

(214) 452-3101J. Preston Bright

Associate Pastor Emeritus

Staff contacts

To email any staff member, use the first letter of the first name combined with the full last name and add @wilshirebc.org.

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Tiffany Wright reception next Sunday

Join in a recognition and reception for Tiffany Wright, who is leaving her position as minister for care ministries, next Sunday, March 1. All are invited to thank Tiffany for her 20 years of service as she is recognized in both morning services and at a reception in James Gallery during the Sunday School hour.

Blood drive today

Join us today from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Community Hall for our first blood drive of 2020. No reservation is necessary; just show up and donate. Wilshire provides opportunities to perform this civic duty with quarterly blood drives conducted by Carter BloodCare. Being a blood donor is an act of Christian stewardship by giving of yourself to improve the lives of others. One pint of donated blood can save three lives. Donors must be at least 16 years of age, and there is no upper age limit. All donors for Carter BloodCare must bring a valid photo ID. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds.

Solar and LED project

Wilshire has received a generous gift from an anonymous donor designated for a major energy-saving initiative. The Building and Grounds Committee has been at work for months now and has executed contracts that will lead to the installation of solar panels on all the flat roof surfaces of the property and the retrofitting of most lighting in the building with LED fixtures. Together, these projects will significantly reduce the church’s carbon footprint and energy expenses. The solar panel project will begin first, perhaps as early as April. Watch for updates as installation details become available.

Ash Wednesday this week

The Lenten season begins on Feb. 26 with Ash Wednesday. Three special worship opportunities will be offered that day. The Wednesday noon Bible study will be replaced with an Ash Wednesday service in Community Hall. That evening, an Ash Wednesday Vespers service will be offered in McIver Chapel at 6 and 7 p.m., with the 7 p.m. service being family-friendly.

Wednesday Lenten meditations

On Wednesdays, March 4 and 11, two tracks of Lenten meditations will be offered from 6 to 7 p.m., both drawn from this year’s Lenten theme: God Be in Us. Doug Haney will facilitate a session in McIver Chapel titled “God Be in Our Ears,” which will allow participants to use sacred choral music as a form of listening prayer. Leanna Coyle-Carr will facilitate a session in Room 1205-L titled “God Be in Our Hands,” which will offer participants a time of lectio divina Scripture reading and to express prayers through free-form art. The same sessions will be offered both weeks.

George Gagliardi concert

George Gagliardi will present a free concert in Community Hall today, Feb. 23, at 6:30 p.m. The event will be titled “Just Me, Just Myself.” George explains it this way: “After lo these many years I’ve decided I wanted to do a solo concert, just me, just myself. In the past I’ve been fortunate enough to have great, talented friends help me out and I loved those concerts. However, this time around I wanted to go out there on my own, reminiscent of how I used to perform back in the dark ages when I played on college campuses and on the basement banquet circuit.” This concert will be a combo of old songs and new ones plus maybe a surprise or two. All are invited.

The Wilshire Tapestry

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.

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Contemplative retreat

“Creating Sacred Spaces” is the theme for this year’s contemplative retreat, organized by Wilshire members and others each spring. The dates are Friday, April 24, through Sunday, April 26. Registration deadline is Friday, April 8. Location is Arrowhead, near Glen Rose. Brochures with full details are available in the church office or online at wilshirebc.org/registration. The structure for the retreat is intentionally open. The group will gather on Friday evening for a time of fellowship followed by a shared meal.Leadership for the weekend will be shared by laity. Saturday will be spent in intentional quietness, with optional experiences available including guided prayer, creative expression, yoga, praying Scripture, and prayer for personal healing and restoration.

Housing stabilization program

Anyone interested in joining a new missions initiative on housing stabilization for the homeless is invited to a training session on Monday, April 6, from 6 to 7 p.m. This will be led by Wilshire mission partner Austin Street Center as part of a nationwide pilot program to utilize volunteers to phone individuals recently housed through Austin Street. Each year the center houses nearly 400 individuals, but as an organization they do not have the capacity to remain in contact. Volunteers will call and run through a simple survey with individuals to make sure any housing concerns are brought to the immediate attention of a case manager. Volunteers will be asked to make at least 10 calls a week, which takes about an hour of time and may be done from anywhere. For more information, contact Heather Mustain at hmustain@wilshirebc.org or (214) 452-3110.

Wilshire Welcome Class

Guests and prospective members are invited to get to know Wilshire through a rotating series of classes offered on Sunday mornings at 9:40 a.m. March 1: Wilshire Tour. Hear the history of our church while touring the building. Meet at the entrance to McIver Chapel. March 8: Worship and Learn: Learn how and why we structure our worship services the way we do, and hear about other Bible study opportunities on Sunday mornings and during the week. Meet in the McIver Chapel hallway. March 15: Meet and Greet. Join us for a casual reception with

coffee and breakfast while visiting with some of our members and other guests in James Gallery. March 22: Serve, Care and Give. Hear about our mission partners and ways Wilshire serves and gives to the community and beyond. Meet in McIver Chapel hallway. March 29: Coffee and Conversation. An informal hour with Senior Pastor George Mason. Meet in the pastor’s study on the second floor. Churchwide service days

Join Wilshire’s Missions Committee this year for several churchwide Saturday service days. The first will be held the morning of Saturday, May 30. These days will offer opportunities to get to know others from the church as well as be exposed to the work of our local missions partners. Details for the May 30 opportunity will be published next month. Pantry volunteers needed

Two of Wilshire’s missions partners, CitySquare and Wilkinson Center, need volunteers to serve in their food pantries. This would be a four-hour commitment during a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday morning or Tuesday afternoon. If interested, contact Heather Mustain at hmustain@wilshirebc.org or (214) 452-3110. Room in the Inn

Volunteers are still needed for both the Feb. 28-29 and March 27-28 Room in the Inn. This is Wilshire’s mission project to provide housing and interaction for homeless women. To learn more or to sign up, visit wilshirebc.org/registration.

Koinonia Café: Feb. 26 — Roast turkey with cranberries, pork chops, cornbread dressing, roasted potatoes, okra with tomatoes and bacon, grilled cauliflower and broccoli, salad bar, dessert bar. New members: Javier Morales, Joshua Bautista

WOW! Tuesday Evening Book Club

The Women of Wilshire Tuesday Evening Book Club meets monthly at 7 p.m. in the Parlor.Upcoming date and book title are: March 24, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson.

Continued on next page

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The Wilshire TapestryBeginnings Class for newly & nearly married

The Beginnings Class for newly and nearly married couples will be offered on six Sunday mornings beginning March 1. The class meets during the Sunday School hour, from 9:40 to 10:45 a.m. It is open to all couples making life commitments. Guest speakers and topics covered include family financial management with David Nabors, couple conflict resolution with Phill and Gloria Martin, spirituality in marriage by George Mason, the Five Love Languages by Ryan Wilson, and understanding issues with family of origin by Amy and Cory Anderson. The class is free but preregistration is preferred. Contact Darren DeMent at ddement@wilshirebc.org.

Internships available

Wilshire Children’s Ministry offers two paid summer internships available for 10 weeks during the summer of 2020, approximately May 22 through Aug. 2. Each internship will be about 20 hours per week plus a four-day overnight camp working with children in grades one through six. Each intern will work with the church staff and volunteers to coordinate various programs offered throughout the summer including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and preteen camp. Most hours will be weekday mornings and Sunday mornings. Candidates should have completed at least one year of college and have experience working with children, as well as having a desire to explore the opportunity to serve in a ministry position. Inquire with Julie Girards, minister to children, at jgirards@wilshirebc.org or (214) 452-3104.

Perkins Summit for Faith and Learning

Wilshire members are invited to participate in the Perkins Seminary Summit for Faith and Learning March 26-28. This is a lay-friendly event with noted speakers from the Perkins Seminary faculty. Course options include “A Boundless God: The Spirit According to the Old Testament,” with Jack Levison; “How to Read the Bible According to the Early Church Fathers” with James Kang Hoon Lee; “Truth Telling in a Post-Truth World” with Stephen Long; “The Emperor’s New Clothes: How Mark’s Ironic Passion Story Reveals God’s Reign” with Wesley Allen; “How Do We Solve A Problem

Like ... Mary?” with Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner. Registration prices begin as low as $15. See the full schedule and register online via the link at wilshirebc.org/registration.

Eboo Patel at Shurden Lectures

Eboo Patel will be the featured speaker for the Shurden Lectures on Religious Liberty and Separation of Church and State, to be offered March 5 on the campus of SMU. The event is hosted by the Baptist House of Studies at Perkins School of Theology at SMU and co-sponsored by the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. Patel is the founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core and a national leader in efforts to make interfaith cooperation a social norm. He will speak in the Great Hall in Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall, 5901 Bishop Blvd. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. with Patel speaking on “Religious Freedom and a Theology of Interfaith Cooperation.” A lunch will follow at noon with a conversation between Patel and George Mason. At 2 p.m., Patel will conclude the program with a talk on “Religious Freedom and Interfaith Leadership.” The event is free and open to the public but an RSVP is requested for lunch and to receive a parking pass. Find the link at wilshirebc.org/registration.

Brown Bag Book Club

Wilshire’s Brown Bag Book Club meets once a month on Thursdays at noon in Room 1205-L. Bring your own lunch and join the conversation about a great book. March 12, Still Life by Louise Penny; April 2, Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera; May 7, The New Girl by Daniel Silva; June 4, The Guardians by John Grisham.

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Youth Choir auction and spaghetti luncheon The annual Youth Choir Spaghetti Lunch and Silent Auction will be Sunday, March 1, in Community Hall from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event helps fund the choir’s summer mission trip to Denver to sing, serve and sightsee.

The silent auction will include restaurant gift cards, musical tickets, voice lessons, math tutoring, home goods, jewelry and more. Also back this year is a seven-night stay in a beachfront condo on Grand Cayman’s Seven mile beach. Some of the Sign and Go Parties include JV’s Famous Fajita Party on the evening of May 2, a Dessert and Discussion with the pastoral residents during the afternoon of May 2; Baking with Collin and Judy on Saturday, May 31 (only 8 spots for this one) and a Louisiana Style Dinner at the DeMents on March 21.

If you would like to donate items or services to the silent auction, contact Carolyn Murray at cpmurray@sbcglobal.net. Suggestions include gift cards to local restaurants, new household items and event tickets. Also, professional services make great donation items. If you are a musician, tutor, photographer, baker, designer, accountant or have some other professional service to provide, consider donating a gift certificate of your time or service.

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By Scott Spreier

Last Saturday, I was on a team serving dinner to 1,000 asylum-seekers at a refugee camp on the Rio Grande in Matamoras, Mexico — just a hop, skip and big border wall from Brownsville.

My fellow servers included a Jewish physician from Philadelphia, a Muslim from Houston, her husband, a retired NASA rocket scientist from Hyderabad, India, and a college professor who said he was an atheist, although he certainly didn’t act like one.

I crossed the border at the urging of my daughter, who was making her fifth trip. From the stories she’d shared, I wanted to see it first-hand. We, along with Angela Sayre, another Wilshire member, made the long road trip,

We spent Friday and Saturday prepping meals and helping Team Brownsville, a volunteer group started by local educators, carry dinner over the border. Sunday, we taught and played with dozens of smiling youngsters.

It was hard but rewarding, both gut-wrenching and heart-filling, always eye-opening.

We learned that efforts are under way to make the camp more livable with the installation of portable toilets and shower facilities, so that residents will no longer have to bathe in the river.

We learned that World Central Kitchen, a small but amazing NGO started by celebrity chef Jose Andres, is preparing healthy meals daily for the refugees and promises to stay until the camp is gone. Their meals, served in the big tent, create a sense of fellowship and family that is much needed among these displaced people.

For those of us who failed Spanish, we learned that a nod and a smile go a long way in conveying hope and friendship. We discovered that even refugee kids hate vegetables.

But the most important lesson I brought home was the importance of meeting people where they are, not where we want them to be.

Volunteering forces us to interact with others and in the process creates bonds that cross geographical, cultural, economic, political and religious boundaries. In Brownsville, this meant not just refugees but also our fellow volunteers — an eclectic lot that included retired school teachers, a New York rabbi, a group of matronly Lutheran women from the South and a Colorado yoga instructor. A lot of us appeared to be old Hippies who, while no longer wearing beads or flashing the peace sign, still think we can build a better world. Ironically, the Millennials who joined us seemed to have embraced the same values.

And that to me illustrates the punch line of the headline: One group of diverse strangers coming

to help another. We came not to minister to them in the stereotypical Christian way, but to walk among them, in a very human, albeit Christ-like manner.

Here at Wilshire, we are an entitled lot. It’s much more convenient to write a check than it is drive 10 hours, get our hands dirty and embrace strangers. Less threatening, too.

But critical as they are, donations seldom generate the understanding,

perspective and personal impact that friendly boots on the ground create. No, going to Matamoras won’t save the world. But it will change hearts and minds, including yours.

I plan on returning. I hope you will join me.

For information about upcoming mission team trips to the Texas-Mexico border, contact Heather Mustain at hmustain@wilshirebc.org or (214) 452-3110.

A Christian, a Jew and a Muslim walk into a refugee center ...

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Special film screening March 8Wilshire member Cheryl Allison has created an award-winning film, Shatter the Silence, that will be screened at Wilshire on Sunday, March 8, at noon. Lunch will be served. No reservation is required, and the event is free. In the film, the use of archival footage including suffragettes, Anita Hill, Eleanor Roosevelt, Lady Bird Johnson and President John Kennedy helps support the modern-day voices of women and men weaving together a story of the ongoing fight for gender equality.

Save the date for Wilshire’s Road to Resurrection family Lenten experience. It will be Palm Sunday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a come-and-go event in Community Hall. Bring your family for a multi-sensory experience, traveling with others the path of Jesus during his last week on

earth. This hour-long event is filled with Bible-time experiences that will engage participants of all ages (especially older preschoolers through middle elementary ages). We’ll create and wave palm branches, taste the Passover meal and visit the Garden of Gethsemane. A family-friendly lunch will be available for free starting at 11 a.m. The event itself is free. All are invited to lunch.

Volunteer opportunities are available for those willing to serve as greeters, travel guides, costumed characters, assistants or to help with decorating. Contact Julie Girards at jgirards@wilshirebc.org.

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The Wilshire calendarSunday, February 23• Wow! Women’s Retreat • Blood drive• Worship – 8:30 a.m.• Sunday School – 9:40 a.m. • Worship – 11:00 a.m.• Churchwide Social

Committee – noon• Youth Choir lunch – noon • Youth Choir – 12:25 p.m.• Shekinah – 1:20 p.m.• Nova – 1:30 p.m.• George Gagliardi concert –

6:30 p.m.

Monday, February 24• Faith in 3-D rehearsal –

8:00 a.m.• Game of 42 – 10:00 a.m. • Ice Cream on the

Playground for preschool families – 2:45 p.m.

• Wilshire Winds – 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 25• Faith in 3-D rehearsal –

8:00 a.m.• Computer class – 9:00 a.m.• Yoga class – 12:15 p.m.• Senior women’s exercise

class – 2:00 p.m. • Building and Grounds

Committee – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 26• New Song – 9:30 a.m.• Ukulele group – 11:00 a.m. • Koinonia Café – 11:00 a.m. • Ash Wednesday service –

noon • Children’s handbells – 5:00

p.m.• Koinonia Café – 5:00 p.m. • Music and Missions – 6:00

p.m.• Ash Wednesday Vespers –

6:00 p.m.• Ash Wednesday Vespers

(family-friendly) – 7:00 p.m.

• Yoga class – 6:15 p.m. • Watershed – 6:30 p.m. • Sanctuary Choir – 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 27• Faith in 3-D rehearsal –

8:00 a.m.• Knit Unto Others – 1:30 p.m.• Senior women’s exercise

class – 2:00 p.m.

Friday, February 28• Friday Friends – 10:00 a.m. • Room in the Inn – 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 1• Worship – 8:30 a.m.• Blessing Reception for

Tiffany Wright – 9:40 a.m. • Wilshire Welcome – 9:40

a.m. • Sunday School – 9:40 a.m. • Worship – 11:00 a.m.• Youth Choir spaghetti lunch

and auction – 11:00 a.m.• Nova – 1:30 p.m.• Carillon Ringers – 3:00

p.m.• New Member Fellowship –

5:30 p.m.

Monday, March 2• Faith in 3-D rehearsal –

8:00 a.m.• Game of 42 – 10:00 a.m. • New Song program – 11:00

a.m.• Wilshire Winds – 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 3• New Song – 11:00 a.m.• Faith in 3-D rehearsal –

8:00 a.m.• Computer classes – 9:00

a.m. • Yoga class – 12:15 p.m. • Senior women’s exercise

class – 2:00 p.m.• Stephen Ministry CE and

supervision – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 4• Faith in 3-D rehearsal –

8:00 a.m.• New Song – 9:30 a.m. • Ukulele group – 11:00 a.m. • Koinonia Café – 11:00 a.m. • Bible Study – noon • Children’s handbells – 5:00

p.m.• Koinonia Café – 5:00 p.m. • Music and Missions – 6:00

p.m.• “God Be in Our Ears” – 6:00

p.m. • “God Be in Our Hands” –

6:00 p.m. • The Enneagram Journey –

6:00 p.m. • Cord of Three prayer group

– 6:00 p.m. • Yoga class – 6:15 p.m. • Watershed – 6:30 p.m. • Sanctuary Choir – 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 5• Faith in 3-D rehearsals –

8:00 a.m. • Wilshire Writers – 10:00

a.m. • The Bridge/Stew Pot – 11:15

a.m.• Knit Unto Others – 1:30 p.m. • Senior women’s exercise

class – 2:00 p.m.

Friday, March 6• Faith in 3-D: Lighting the

Way performance – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 7• Faith in 3-D: Lighting the

Way performance – 7:30 p.m.

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Faith in 3-D is March 6 and 7

“Lighting the Way,” Wilshire’s 2020 Faith in 3-D production, will be presented on Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Community Hall.

In association with Climate Change Theatre Action, the evening will be anchored by 10 brief plays written by an array of international playwrights, interspersed with music and exposition. From wildly funny to deadly serious, the plays explore consequences and remedies concerning climate change, wildlife extinction and the devastation of natural resources.

Thirty-three Wilshire performers will combine their talents to present this theatrical event in 3-D: drama, dessert and dialogue.

The event is free and open to the public. Preschool child care will be provided on Friday, March 6.

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Lenten devotional book

You are invited to join the congregation in reading a new book of brief daily devotionals during the Lenten season. The book, God Be in My Head, is built around an ancient prayer known as The Sarum Prayer. The five-line prayer begins, “God be in my head and in my understanding.” The book is written by Michigan pastor Ken Wilson. Its daily reflections and prompts are simple and straightforward and appropriate for older children, youth and adults. Copies of the book are available in the church office for $5 apiece. A digital version of the book also is available from Amazon.

Ash Wednesday

The Lenten season begins on Feb. 26 with Ash Wednesday. Three special worship opportunities will be offered that day. The Wednesday noon Bible study will be replaced with an Ash Wednesday service in Community Hall. That evening, an Ash Wednesday Vespers service will be offered in McIver Chapel at 6 and 7 p.m., with the 7:00 service being family-friendly.

The Sarum Prayer

God be in my head,

And in my understanding;

God be in my eyes

And in my looking;

God be in my mouth

And in my speaking;

God be in my heart

And in my thinking;

God be at my end,

And at my departing.