Fourth Sunday of AdventDecember 23, 2018

Today we will share in an irregular family dedication service. I will take my grandson, River Shannon, in my arms and walk him around a church he has never visited before and will know in the future mainly by the power of our prayers. He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with his parents, among whom is his young mother who first came to our church when she was 14 months old as the youngest child of the new young preacher nearly 30 years ago.

We usually dedicate babies of parents who are our regular resident members, those who live here in Dallas and pledge to keep their child within the precincts of “this” temple. We pledge ourselves to those babies and their parents in the steady and sure Sunday by Sunday work of forming faith.

That’s what makes River’s dedication among us “irregular.” We are extending the reach of our blessing. River’s parents are committing themselves more to the Church than to this church, to rearing him in the faith among the people of another church yet to be determined. After being gone from us for more than 12 years, Jillian is still technically a member of Wilshire, so they qualify for this on technical

grounds. But it’s the spiritual grounds that matter most.

Christmas is the celebration of the irregular birth of a baby. Irregular, because of how he was conceived as the consummation of the love of God for the world. Irregular, because of how he would be born in a stable among strangers who saw something in him others might have missed and dedicated themselves to him. These irregularities change the way we view regularity.

Children were not cherished in the time of Jesus the way they are today. They were thought of as potential adults, developing humans. That God would deign to become one with us by becoming one of us in this way changes everything. It means we look at every child as fully human and every mother as full of grace for having borne the baby. Every child, regardless of age. Every child, regardless of place of birth.

“Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.” Jesus’ birth calls for Christmas celebration. Every child’s birth since calls for Christian dedication. River’s too.

—George Mason

Preparing for worship

ON THE COVER: Canticle of Mary, Jen Norton. Used by permission.

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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December 23, 201810:00 a.m.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Chiming of the HourThe 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 Swiss Noel Daquin

+Processional Hymn 127 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing mendelssohn

Lighting the Candle of Love Cheryl Allison and Natalie Murray

Preparing for the Nativity Reese Pritchard, Link Pritchard

+Candle of Love Litany Preston Eggert

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore

he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength

of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

Let us receive the Lord our God with gladness!

Today we light the Angel Candle of Love, acknowledging that God is love and that Jesus is the Beautiful Savior, the image of God’s love.

Let us receive the Lord our God with gladness!

As we wait for the night of Christ’s birth, grant us grace to cleanse ourselves of all that is not lovely, as we seek to become more like Christ and worship him alone. Help us to love all whom God loves, just as we have been loved by God. And help us to reflect the glory of the Lord that shines upon us.

Let us receive the Lord our God with gladness!

+All congregants who are able are invited to stand.Hearing devices are available in the Narthex and South Atrium.

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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.

Children’s Moment Jared Jaggers

Prayers of the People Heather Mustain

+Hymn 138 How Far Is it to Bethlehem stowey

Giving of Tithes and Offerings

Everything you see at Wilshire is made possible by generous gifts from our members and friends. Many more things that you do not see also are made possible by your generous gifts, including missions and ministries that span from downtown Dallas to the far reaches of the globe. Ours truly is a “Unified” Budget because it encompasses so many ministries in a single bundle. As we approach the end of the fiscal year, your generous support will make the difference in our ability to fully fund these local and global expressions of Christ’s love.

Offertory Good Christian Friends, Rejoice arr. Brummel

+Offertory Response lasst uns erfreuen

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+Gospel Reading — Luke 1:39–45 Shannon Schoellhorn

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

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

Anthem O Little Town of Bethlehem arr. ForrestSanctuary Choir

Mark McKenzie, soprano saxophone

Message “The Presents of Presence” George Mason

+Hymn 122 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice in dulci jubilo

Sharing of Decisions

Family Dedication George Mason

We welcome into the life of the church this morning River Dean Shannon, son of Jillian and Chris Shannon. Through this dedication, the family and the congregation pledge together to raise River 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 Lord. Present for the dedication are grandparents George and Kim Mason and great-grandparents Valerie Mason, and Bill and Charmaine O’Brien.Grandparents Barbara and Mark Langell and many aunts, uncles and cousins are watching River’s dedication via live stream.

Benediction

Postlude Fantasia on in dulci jubilo J.S. Bach

Someone to talk with. If you are facing a life challenge and would like to have a spiritual friend to walk alongside you for a season of healing, perhaps you would benefit from a Stephen Minister. Learn more at wilshirebc.org or contact Tiffany Wright at (214) 452-3107.

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Meet today’s worship leadersPreston Eggert grew up at Wilshire and is the son of Mark and Linda Eggert. He is a student at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

Shannon Schoellhorn came to Wilshire in 2014. She is married to Jon-Erik, and they are the parents of Sloane, who is 2, and Jordan, who is 1. Shannon and Jon-Erik serve as directors of Discovery Class, and she also is involved in Wilshire’s MOPS group.

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) 452-3110

Jessica CappsMinister to Senior Adults

(214) 452-3129Darren DeMent

Minister to Students and Young Adults

(214) 452-3102Julie Girards

Minister to Children(214) 452-3104

Joan HammonsMinister to Preschoolers

(214) 452-3141Aaron Coyle-Carr

Pastoral Resident(214) 452-3154Matt Dodrill

Pastoral Resident(214) 452-3156

Jared JaggersPastoral Resident

(214) 452-3153Ryan 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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Christmas Eve schedule

Everyone is invited to Wilshire’s two Christmas Eve candlelight services. The 5 p.m. service is family friendly and will last about 45 minutes. Children of all ages are welcome into the service with their families. The 11 p.m. service is more liturgical in nature and includes celebration of the Lord’s Supper. This service ends about midnight. Both services will be live-streamed.

Youth Choir alumni invited

All college-age alumni of Wilshire’s Youth Choir are invited to sing together for Wilshire’s 11 p.m. Christmas Eve service. All interested singers should meet in Choral Hall at 10:15 p.m. for a brief rehearsal. Choir robes will not be worn.

No Wednesday activities

Due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, there will be no Wednesday activities Dec. 26 or Jan. 2. The full Wednesday schedule will resume on Jan. 9.

Deacon nominating report

The Deacon Nominating Committee will present its recommendations at the Annual Church Conference on Sunday, Jan. 20, at noon. Five members have been nominated for ordination to deacon service: Allison Brown, Linda Imhoof, Richard Luttrell, Jon-Erik Schoellhorn and Alison Wingfield. Nine ordained deacons have been nominated to new three-year terms of service: Pat Austin, Carol Cabaniss, Bob Coleman, Craig Keith, Kenton Keller, Michael Moorhead, Shaeron Moorhead, Hank Thompson, Everett Williams.

Deacon officers

The deacon body has elected officers for 2019. Henry Stone will serve as chair after serving this year as chair-elect. The new chair-elect will be Rob Banta. Vice chair will be Rhonda Walton.

MLK weekend events

On Saturday, Jan. 19, Wilshire congregants are invited to join Friendship-West Baptist Church for A King Teach In. George Mason and Freddy Haynes will engage in a dialogue focused on justice. On Monday Jan. 21, 50 volunteers are needed for our MLK Day of Service. We will package 10,000 meals from 10 a.m. to noon All ages are welcome, but advanced registration is required at wilshirebc.org/registration.

Homeless count

On the evening of Jan. 24, Wilshire will again be a training center for the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance annual homeless count. Volunteers will be sent out all over. To help, register a group of three to five or individually at wilshirebc.org/registration. This is a great opportunity to engage your work colleagues as well.

Room in the Inn dates

Many volunteers are needed to make these evenings of respite lodging for homeless women happen at Wilshire. Upcoming dates are Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 15. Sign up at wilshirebc.org/registration.

Condolences to: Friends and family on the death of Mark Meyer, Dec. 15. Friends and family on the death of C.T. Cadenhead, Dec. 15. Betty May on the death of her brother, Thomas Jefferson Billings, Dec. 4. Jeanne and Scott Spreier on the death of Jeanne’s father, James Wehnes, Dec. 13. Virginia Singleton on the death of her cousin, Donna Avery, Dec. 13.

Advent coloring project

Visit the first-floor hallway between the Library and the preschool to participate in a jumbo Advent coloring page project. All ages are invited to participate by picking up crayons provided and adding a touch of color to the Advent story.

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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Spring break mission trip

This year’s spring break mission trip to Shaw, Miss., will be March 9-14. A team from Wilshire will work with our missions partner, Delta Hands for Hope, to lead a children’s camp, complete a few manual-labor projects and tour important Civil Rights locations. Families are encouraged to participate on this trip together, as children of all ages are welcome. The average cost of the trip per person is $220. Contact Heather Mustain at hmustain@wilshirebc.org or (214) 452-3110.

WOW! Women’s Tuesday Night Book Club This book club meets the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Parlor. All women are welcome. On Tuesday, Jan. 8, the group will discuss A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

Save these dates for 2019

Wednesday activities resume on Jan. 9. This includes daytime and evening activities, Koinonia Café, New Song, preschool, children, youth and adult programs.

“Healing Waters,” is a resident-led vespers in McIver Chapel on Wednesday Jan. 9, at 6 p.m. All are welcome. Child care will be available.

Reclaiming Joy book signing and luncheon. On Sunday, Jan. 13, Ella Wall Prichard will speak at a noon luncheon in Community Hall about her new book, Reclaiming Joy: A Primer for Widows. She wrote the book she needed, but could not find, after her husband died. She offers practical advice on how to achieve joy. Each chapter focuses on a different trait needed to move from grief to joy. The book is part memoir, part guide, part inspiration.

Annual Church Conference will be held on Sunday, Jan. 20, at noon in Community Hall. This is the once-a-year time for the church to gather to hear updates on our shared ministries and approve the annual budget, committee nominations and deacon nominations, along with any other business to come before the church.

Deacon ordination will be held on Sunday morning, Jan. 27. Deacon nominees will be voted on at the Annual Church Conference the week before.

The Wilshire Tapestry

Sunday, December 23• Coffee fellowship hour –

9:00 a.m. • Morning worship – 10:00

a.m.

Monday, December 24• Church office closed in

observance of Christmas • Christmas Eve Service –

Family – 5:00 p.m. • Christmas Eve Service –

Liturgical – 11:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 25• Church office closed in

observance of Christmas

Thursday, December 27• Knit Unto Others – 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 30• Coffee fellowship – 9:00 a.m. • Morning worship – 10:00

a.m.

Monday, December 31• Last day for 2018 financial

contributions• Church office open until

4:45 p.m.

Tuesday, January 1• Church office closed in

observance of New Year’s

Sunday, January 6• Morning worship – 8:30 a.m. • Wilshire Welcome – 9:40 a.m.• Sunday School – 9:40 a.m.• Morning worship – 11:00 a.m.• Pathways to Ministry

Committee – noon • Personnel Committee – noon • Vision 20/20 Belong Team

– noon• Nova – 2:30 p.m.• Carillon Ringers – 4:00 p.m.

Wilshire calendar

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Our local missions partnersCITY SQUARE is renewing hope in Dallas by addressing the root causes of poverty, hunger, health and housing.

CORNERSTONE BAPTIST CHURCH has been ministering to the South Dallas/Fair Park community for more than 40 years. They offer hot meals five days a week and a shower and clothing closet to those experiencing homelessness, and education initiatives to vulnerable children and youth.

GASTON CHRISTIAN CENTER houses under one roof nine congregations and a variety of faith-based social service and education organizations. It is a multi-ethnic house of worship and service, with more than 1,200 people passing through its doors every week.

GATEWAY OF GRACE is an ecumenical effort to connect Dallas churches and Christians with refugees from around the world who find their way to Dallas and need someone to show them the love of God through service and friendship.

GENESIS WOMEN’S SHELTER provides emergency shelter, safety counseling, play therapy and transitional housing free of charge to women and girls experiencing violence.

INTERFAITH FAMILY SERVICES provides transitional housing, programs and services to Dallas-area families living in poverty and homelessness.

PRISON ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMconnects executives, entrepreneurs and MBA students with convicted felons to unlock human potential through entrepreneurial passion, education and mentoring.

WHITE ROCK CENTER OF HOPE provides emergency-aid services (including food, clothing rent/utility assistance and some funds for prescriptions) to residents in East Dallas.

WILKINSON CENTER provides emergency services to those in need while offering developmental opportunities at the same time.

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Vespers A PATHWAYS SERVICE

Healing Waters Wednesday

January 9, 2019 6:00 p.m.

McIver Chapel

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WILSHIRE BAPTIST CHURCH

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13Wilshire Baptist Church

4316 Abrams Rd. Dallas, TX 75214Interviews during 8:30 and 11:00 worship services

12:30 luncheon presentation: “Resolve to Claim Joy”

Ella Wall Prichard writes the book she needed, but could not find, after her husband

died. She offers practical advice on how to achieve joy. Each chapter focuses on a

different trait needed to move from grief to joy. The primary narrative arc is spiritual,

even though stories of struggle, conflict, and loss are recurrent themes. Her book is

part memoir, part guide, part inspiration. It captures the pain felt in the first years

of widowhood in the move from grief to joy. It offers encouragement and advice to

women who seek the strength to rebuild their lives and reclaim their joy.

BOOK SIGNING TO FOLLOW SERVICES AND LUNCHEON

Ella Wall Prichard is is the president of Prichard Oil Company and provides resources for widows at ellaprichard.com.

with The Grief and Loss Center of North Texas

IS PROUD TO HOST

and the launch of

Ella Wall Prichardin celebration of her book

RECLAIMING JOYA Primer for Widows

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Six ways to support

Wilshire’s mission

1. In worship: Place your cash or check (payable to Wilshire Baptist Church) in the offering plate during any of our worship services.

2. By mail: Send to Lori Gooden, Wilshire Baptist Church, 4316 Abrams Road, Dallas TX, 75214. Please write on your check if it is intended for the Unified Budget or another purpose.

3. Online: Schedule a recurring or one-time gift charged to either your debit or credit card or directly as an ACH from your checking account. Visit wilshirebc.org/give (be sure you have enabled cookies on your phone or tablet) or scan the QR Code in today’s order of worship.

4. Automatic bank pay: Go to your bank’s website, log in to your individual bank account and follow your bank’s instructions to set up Wilshire as a new payee. Your bank will print and cut a check.

5. Text: Using your smartphone, text WILSHIRE and the dollar amount (example: WILSHIRE 50) to 73256, then follow the link that pops up. The first time you use this option, you will enter credit card and contact information. All text gifts will be applied to the Unified Budget.

6. Wilshire app: Download the Wilshire app from the App Store or Google Play to make gifts easily from your phone or tablet.