Second Sunday of AdventDecember 9, 2018

If you’ve stepped outside at all recently, you know that Christmas is fully under way. Neighbors have lights up and trees in their windows, restaurants have switched to their Christmas playlists, and you probably are inundated with marketing about the latest sales on the perfect gift for whoever you love.

However, as we step into the Sanctuary, it’s not Christmas yet. We are in the season of Advent, a time of waiting with hopeful expectation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Celebrating Jesus’ birth seems like an obvious occasion, but why do we reenact this waiting again and again when we can wait for Christmas for eleven months of the year?

This morning we will begin worship by lighting the Advent candle of peace, and one of the lectionary passages for today is the Benedictus, or Zechariah’s song of praise upon the birth and dedication of John the Baptist, who will prepare the way for Jesus. Zechariah praises God for raising up a mighty Savior to deliver Israel from her enemies, to show faithfulness to God’s covenant, and “to guide our feet into the way of peace.” His song was a bold proclamation of hope as he lived under the Roman Empire. And likewise, celebrating peace

may be too bold for us today. How can we praise God for the Prince of Peace when we read the news?

These two questions have the same answer. God already has come in Jesus Christ, and we are still waiting for Jesus. Peace already has been realized in Jesus Christ, and we are still waiting for peace. This is why we observe the season of Advent year after year. We find ourselves continually caught in this tension between what God already has done in Jesus and the full redemption of all things that have not yet happened. We all have experienced the peace of Christ and undoubtedly have had glimpses of a peaceful world, but we know full peace is yet to come.

So we still wait this morning. As we light the candle of peace, may our worship remind us that we’re expectantly waiting for Jesus Christ as the one on whom peace depends, and may our lives together act as a candle of peace already present in our world.

—Jared Jaggers

Preparing for worship

ON THE COVER: Saint John the Baptist Bearing Witness, Annibale Carracci (ca. 1600). A gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art by Fabrizio Moretti and Adam Williams, in honor of Everett Fahy, 2009.

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 9, 20188:30 / 11:00 a.m.

Second 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 Huron Carol arr. FedakShayne Grant, organ

+Processional Hymn 126 Angels, from the Realms of Glory regent square

Lighting the Candle of Peace*Kristin and Ryan Boyd with Alice and Ana**Jessica Thompson and Andy Brookshire

Preparing for the Nativity*Presley Dorman, Madyson Johnson, Claire Michie, Finn Michie

**Nathan Ashmore, Ashleigh Currie, Riley Koshkin, Parker Mosley

Candle of Peace Litany Julie Girards / Gina Ortegon

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is

coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and

purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. (Malachi 3:1–4)

Lord, prepare us to become instruments of your peace.

Today we light the Bethlehem Candle of Peace, anticipating the coming of the Prince of Peace. In a world of war and strife, we look for one who will help us beat our swords into plowshares

and our spears into pruning hooks.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

*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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As we wait for the night of Christ’s birth, grant us grace to forsake our sins of greed and keeping up appearances, that we may behold the glory of the Lord.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Greeting to Worshipers Helen Fratena / 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.

Rejoice in Giving Bob Coleman / Janell Mirochna

Prayers of the People Gina Biddle / Gladys Kolenovsky

+Hymn 107 O Little Town of Bethlehem st. louis

Giving of Tithes and Offerings

If you were raised in a Baptist church, you likely associate the Christmas season with missions, and most likely you remember giving to a special offering for missions at Christmastime. At Wilshire, we support missions year-round through our gifts to the Unified Budget. That’s why you’ll not see a special missions offering in December. Your regular giving and your faithful year-end giving support field personnel of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowhip around the globe as well as an array of local, state and national missions enterprises.

Offertory Still, Still, Still arr. Martin

+Offertory Response lasst uns erfreuen

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+Gospel Reading — Luke 3:1–6 Jared Jaggers / Aaron Coyle-Carr

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

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

Anthem People Look East arr. LeavittYouth Choir

Alissa Payne, accompanist

People, look east! The time is near of the crowning of the year.Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the Guest, is on the way.

Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim, one more light the bowl shall brim,Shining beyond the frosty weather, bright as sun and moon together.

People, look east, and sing today: Love, the Star, is on the way.

Angels, announce with shouts of mirth him who brings new life to earth.Set ev’ry peak and valley humming with the word, the Lord is coming.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the Lord, is on the way.

Message “Bearings” George Mason

+Hymn 79 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel veni emmanuel

Sharing of Decisions

Postlude Good Christian Friends, Rejoice arr. Held

All guests are invited to a coffee reception in the James Gallery immediately after the service.

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

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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.

Bob Coleman and his wife, Judy, have been at Wilshire since 1975. They both are deacons and are members of Compass Class. Bob is a past chairman of deacons and of the Finance Committee and currently serves on the Personnel Committee. Bob is a long-time attorney in the Dallas area, with a specialty in the defense of professional accountants. He and Judy have two adult children.

Helen Fratena has been a Wilshire member since 1998. She is a founding member of Discovery Class and previously served on the Churchwide Social Committee. She is a veteran tour guide in Dallas.

Shayne Grant is a junior at Booker T. Washington High School who is active in Wilshire’s student ministry, including Youth Choir and Shekinah. He is the son of Gayle Grant.

Gladys Kolenovsky has been a Wilshire member since 1982. She is married to Bobby, is a deacon, teaches in rotation in Cord of Three Class and serves as co-leader of the Vision 20/20 Sustain Initiative. Vocationally, she administers services for children with dyslexia at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.

Janell Mirochna has been a Wilshire member since 1980. She and her husband, Conrad, are the parents of two adult sons, Eric and Matthew, and a high school senior, Daniel. Janell is a deacon and member of Cord of Three Class and sings in Sanctuary Choir. Professionally, she works as content marketing director for Texas Instruments.

Gina Ortegon and her husband, Ronnie, came to Wilshire in 2001. They are the parents of Erika and Elena, both high school juniors, and Ana, who is a seventh grader. Gina is a deacon, serves on the Interior Design Committee and teaches preschool Sunday School. Gina is an interior designer by vocation currently working with Smith Brown.

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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One Starry Night

It’s finally here! This Friday night, Dec. 14, is One Starry Night at Wilshire. Community Hall will be transformed into the village of Bethlehem, with shops, tradesmen, food and storytelling about the whispered birth of a special baby. This free event is especially suited for children with families but is fun for all ages. Bring friends and family and neighbors. One Starry Night will be open from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

This Wednesday evening at Wilshire

Everyone is invited to the Children’s Choirs Christmas program this Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 7 p.m., in the Sanctuary. Begin the season with the music of our preschool and children’s choirs and children’s handbell choir.

Wednesday noon Bible study

This week’s Wednesday noon Bible study will be held in James Gallery due to the setup for One Starry Night. Come enjoy lunch from 11 a.m. to noon, and then stay for the Bible study.

Women’s Brown Bag Book Club

Bring a dish to share for the holiday potluck and join a book discussion from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 1205-L. No reservation required, and guests are always welcome. The book for Dec. 13 is Two Sisters, by Asne Seierstad.

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. There is no meeting in December but on Tuesday, Jan. 8, the group will discuss A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

Generosity update

As of Nov. 30, gifts to Wilshire’s Unified Budget totaled $3,323,889, which was $204,111 or about 5.8 percent below projected revenue for the period. By comparison, gifts to the Unified Budget through November 2017 totaled $3,238,174, which was about 9.9 percent below projected revenue for that period. Expenses through November 2018 totaled $3,688,688, creating a year-to-date deficit of $364,799. Designated gifts for specific missions and ministries totaled $122,504. The current value of the George A. Mason Pathways to Ministry Endowment stands at $4,578,060, with $58,691 given toward the endowment thus far this year.

Tree of Remembrance

Visit the Tree of Remembrance in the South Lobby, where you are invited to write the names of departed loved ones or loved ones who are facing critical illness on clear ornaments and hang them. Congratulations to: Peyton Louder on the birth of her son, William Kai Petty, Nov. 29. Grandparents are Bobby and Alexia Louder. Great-grandparents are Jerry and Carole Duval.

Condolences to: Lawanna McIver Fields on the death of her husband, W.C. Fields, Dec. 2, in Nashville, Tenn. Becky and Joseph Waterfield on the death of Becky’s sister, Linda Rodgers of Lancaster, Nov. 28.

Koinonia Café Dec. 12 (in James Gallery): Grilled sausages, barbeque chicken, hash-brown casserole, ranch-style beans, green beans with mushrooms, sautéed kale, salad bar, dessert bar.

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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New members: Chris Kelley, Sheryl Kelley.

Mark your calendar for 2019

Wilshire’s 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.

Chrismon Tree

If you don’t normally pass through the Narthex on the Abrams Road side of the Sanctuary, make a point to go by and explore Wilshire’s Chrismon Tree. The Chrismons are handmade ornaments with symbols for the names of Christ. “Chrismon” is a word drawn from contracting the two words “Christ” and “monogram.”

Advent coloring project

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

Advent devotional guide

Pick up a printed copy of the 2018 Guide to Advent Devotions, or sign up to receive the daily devotionals via email. The devotionals also will be posted each day on Wilshire’s Facebook page. To receive the daily emails, notify Susan Kimball at skimball@wilshirebc.org or sign up at wilshirebc.org/registration.

Brunch and Learn with “A Christmas Story”

All ages are invited to a special performance of the touring Broadway musical “A Christmas Story” at the Winspear Opera House on Thursday, Dec. 13. The group will depart from the church on a chartered motor coach at 8:30 a.m. and return around 2 p.m. Cost is $35 per person and includes the show, a pre-show conversation with the cast and brunch. To sign up, contact Mark Wingfield at mwingfield@wilshirebc.org. The musical is based on the popular film of the same name.

Holiday schedule

There will be no Wednesday activities on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. On Dec. 19, there will only be the noon meal and Bible study and no evening activities. On Sundays, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, there will be one worship service only at 10 a.m. and no Sunday School.

Interfaith Memorial Arch

Faith and Grief Ministries invites all who are grieving in this season to participate in special interfaith events at the Memorial Arch at the east end of Klyde Warren Park, Dec. 1–22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Participants are invited to remember loved ones by writing their names on ribbons and tying them to the arch.

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.

The Wilshire Tapestry

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Advent of JazzThe December version of JazzStand on Abrams

All concerts are free and open to the public

Damon K. Clark Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., Sanctuary

Damon K. Clark, vocalist Myles Tate III, piano Lucas Reader, bass Andrew Griffith, drums

A Few of Joe McBride’s Favorite Things Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., Sanctuary

Joe McBride, vocalist and piano Jonathan Fisher, bass Andrew Griffith, drums

Sunday, December 9• Morning worship – 8:30 a.m. • Wilshire Welcome – 9:40 a.m.• Sunday School – 9:40 a.m.• Morning worship – 11:00 a.m.• One Starry Night volunteer

meeting – noon• Carillon Ringers – 4:00 p.m.

Monday, December 10• Game of 42 – 10:00 a.m. • Senior women’s exercise class

– 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 11• Yoga class – 12:15 p.m.• JazzStand on Abrams – 7:00

p.m.

Wednesday, December 12• New Song – 9:30 a.m.• Koinonia Café – 11:00 a.m.• Bible Study – noon • Children’s bells – 5:00 p.m.• Koinonia Café – 5:00 p.m.• Preschool Christmas pageant

and children’s choir program – 6:00 p.m.

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

Thursday, December 13• A Christmas Story – 8:30 a.m.• Brown Bag Book Club – noon• Knit Unto Others – 1:30 p.m.• Senior women’s exercise class

– 2:00 p.m.

Friday, December 14• Friday Friends – 10:00 a.m. • One Starry Night – 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 15• Koinonia Class Christmas

party – 10:30 a.m. Sunday, December 16• Morning worship – 8:30 a.m. • Sunday School – 9:40 a.m.• Preschool birthday party for

Jesus – 9:40 a.m. • Coffee and Conversation with

George – 9:40 a.m. • Morning worship – 11:00 a.m.• Meet and Greet with guests

– noon• Finance Committee – noon

Wilshire calendar

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In memory of:Charles F. Ackerman by Betty AckermanGussie Allen by Ann, David and Andrea CossumRussell Allen by Lynnda and Lynn AllenJohn Alloway by Jane AllowayPaul Alloway by Jane AllowayPaul Alloway by Paula AllowayPaul Alloway by Sue AllowayZane Thomas Anderson by Amy, Cory, Bryn and

Whit AndersonStan Baker by Jeri BakerLeona and Kent Banta by Pam and Rob BantaClytie Basden by Jenyce GushJohn Bruster by Charlotte and Bill BrusterAlvin Everett Burns by Jean BurnsHazel Chism by Sue HayesRaymond Lee Crouch by Leighanne, Adam, Stella

and Vera ScheuermannFrances and Joe Diffee by Laurie and Mike DiffeeAdam Donaldson by Carrie and Dave DonaldsonCharlie W. Fenner by Debbie and Marc LaCheyElaine and John Gibson by Debbie and Marc LaCheyPeaches and Sandy Hallman and John M. Shaw by

Dawn and Steven HallmanSasha Hallman by Dawn and Steven HallmanCharlie Hayes by Sue HayesDollie Hill by Donna GregoryMary Frances Holly by Karen and Hank Holly Jill Gush Hrncir by Jenyce GushAlister James Hyder by Amy, Carol and Jerry DuvalAvis and Bill Imhoof by Linda and Mike ImhoofJulian Kampfschulte by the Woodbury familyJane Haywood Kendrick by Karen and Hank Holly Billy Malesovas by Kathy Malesovas and Russell

MalesovasOur parents by Linda and Ivan MartinezCarol McCuistion by Laura and Ray SnowWilma and Truett McCuistion by Laura and Ray

SnowFaye McGee by Sue HayesLouise Mecaskey by Linda and Mike ImhoofKathleen Hampton Moorhead by Shaeron and

Michael MoorheadEunice and Norm Neujahr by Pam and Rob BantaAsa Newsom by Barbara and Don FloydBradley Thomas Newsom by Amy, Cory, Bryn and

Whit Anderson

Wilshire gratefully acknowledges those who gave poinsettias to beautify the Sanctuary. The love expressed through these flowers is dedicated to the Lord and Savior whose birth we celebrate.

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Mildred Patterson by Cheryl Allison and Natalie Murray

Gary Perales by Gina Perales WatermanArnold Peterson by Barbara PetersonCandy Post by Barbara and Don FloydBarbara Sanders by Cheryl Allison and Natalie

MurraySarah Scheuermann by Leighanne, Adam, Stella and

Vera ScheuermannBill Smith by Mary Lou Smith Maureen Stepter by Jean BurnsPa Thomas by the Anderson familyJohn Welch by Dorothy WelchAlyne Yates by Mary Lou Smith

In honor of:Lynnda and Lynn Allen by Dorrell BrownNathan Ashmore by Dorrell BrownJeri Baker by Barbara PetersonLillian Brashear by Dorrell BrownMonna Brown by Pam and Rob BantaJeff Brummel by Jeri BakerJeff Brummel by Dorrell BrownKaren and Dwight Burns by Jean BurnsTammy and Frank Burns by Jean BurnsCrosby Cole by Dorrell BrownDiscovery Class by Dorrell BrownSara Dixon by Mary Lou Smith Joy Phillips Fenner by Debbie and Marc LaCheyDavanel Fitzgerald by Gina Perales WatermanGeorge Gagliardi by Dorrell BrownLinda Goelzer by Dorrell BrownJill Granberry by James PerryLori and Doug Haney by Jeri BakerDeborah Herford by Dorrell BrownDelores Knight by Mary Lou SmithCatherine LaChey and Nick Fourmier by Debbie and

Marc LaCheyElizabeth and M.H. LaChey by Debbie and Marc

LaChey

Dot Laux by Dorrell BrownCharlene and Bob Law by Dorrell BrownAdrienne, Sean and Savannah Lothery by Debbie and

Marc LaCheyGeorge Mason family by Jeri BakerKaren McClure by Jeri BakerDiane McKenzie by Dorrell BrownSpencer Hamilton Moorhead by Shaeron and

Michael MoorheadMeredith, Matt and Parker Mosley by Barbara and

Don FloydDot Newsom by Amy, Cory, Bryn and Whit AndersonDot Newsom by Barbara and Don FloydNova Leadership: Mike Capps, Doug Haney, Bill

JernbergBill O’Brien by the BEST ClassOpen Bible Class by Mary StiffPastoral Residents by Dorrell BrownJames Perry by the Seekers ClassLydia Perry by James PerryBarbara Peterson and Wilshire Library by Jeri BakerMax Post by Barbara and Don FloydCamille Riggs by Jean BurnsSanctuary Choir by Dorrell BrownDorothy Shaw by Dawn and Steven HallLaura and Dennis Smith by Jeri BakerSarah Stafford by Jeri BakerStephen Ministers by Dorrell BrownMichele Stinecipher by Laurie DiffeeEvelyn Vachon by Dorrell BrownCharlotte Vaughter by Vanessa Vaughter and

Woodrow WeilageBill Waters by Dorrell BrownTrish Willingham by Jeri BakerWilshire Deacons by Dorrell BrownMark Wingfield family by Jeri BakerPaula Woodbury by James PerryJenna Worthen by Jenyce GushTiffany Wright by Dorrell Brown

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 | Children’s Choirs Christmas ProgramCelebrate the season with the music of our preschool and children’s choirs and

children’s handbell choir at this 6 p.m. program in the Sanctuary.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 | Third Sunday in AdventSanctuary Choir presents Randol Alan Bass’ Gloria and Gwyneth Walker’s Rejoice!

in worship at 8:30 and 11:00, with Carillon Ringers and a message by George Mason.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 | fourth Sunday in AdventOne morning service at 10:00 with seasonal music and a message by George Mason.

Coffee fellowship beforehand at 9:00. No Sunday School.

monday, DECEMBER 24 | christmas eve5:00 — Family friendly candlelight service

11:00 — Liturgical candlelight service

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30 | first sunday after christmasOne morning service at 10:00.

Coffee fellowship beforehand at 9:00. No Sunday School.