April 26, 2020Third Sunday of Easter

All my life, I’ve never not believed in God, but it’s taken almost 60 of my 80 years to believe in church.

After discovering Wilshire 15 years ago, I hungered to know more about Jesus, Christianity, Baptists, the Bible and church. I’m still learning and grabbing almost any source — books, websites, articles, videos, sermons and testimonies from people I know and don’t know. The range of information crosses lines between liberal/progressive and conservative/fundamental. I want to hear and savor it all.

So when I prepare for worship, it’s not for one Sunday; it’s for every day — because I’ve learned these last 15 years that that’s where church is: in our daily routines with the people who populate our days, those we know and those we don’t. Before COVID-19 took over our lives, we met these folks face-to-face, in stores, pharmacies, restaurants, movie theaters, museums, beauty salons, barber shops, taverns, concerts, school rooms, courtrooms, lectures, elevators, sanctuaries and on DART, planes, trains and airport shuttles. The list of places we can no longer frequent is exhausting.

Now that we are confined to our homes,

church and the people who fill our days come to us online, as electronic blips on our laptops, televisions and smartphones. We no longer can touch or smell or taste church, but we can see and hear it. And maybe that’s enough when we prepare for daily worship — that and reading and listening to the sources we’ve found that enrich our understanding of church.

For example, in his first letter, Peter addresses those in exile (and don’t we feel exiled in our isolation?):

Prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope

on the grace that Jesus Christ [the Head of Church] will bring you ... . Live in reverent fear

during the time of your exile ... . Love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew … through the

living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:13, 17, 23

Thus, just as God is in us, so is Church. I can now believe that, although I need daily reminders.

—Mary Kay Jackman

Preparing for worship

ON THE COVER: Road to Emmaus, Daniel Bonnell. 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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April 26, 202011:00 a.m.

Third Sunday of Easter

Chiming of the Hour

Prelude Jesus Shall Reign arr. Arnold B. ShermanCarillon Ringers

Ralph Manuel, directorRecorded on February 16, 2020

Opening Sentences Blake Brown

We come together today to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, who cannot be contained by doors or walls or isolation or fear. This same Jesus is present with us now, wherever we are, however alone or isolated we feel. We are invited in this moment to join the journey with Jesus, to listen and learn and to be changed.

Hymn 217 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus hymn to joy

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, his the sceptre, his the throne.Alleluia! His the triumph, his the victory alone.

Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood,“Jesus, out of every nation, has redeemed us by his blood.”

Alleluia! Not as orphans are we left in sorrow now.Alleluia! Christ is near us, faith believes, nor questions how.

Though the cloud from sight received him when the forty days were o’er,Shall our hearts forget his promise, “I am with you evermore?”

Alleluia! Bread of Heaven, Christ on earth our food and stay.Alleluia! Here the sinful rest in you from day to day.

Intercessor, friend of sinners, earth’s Redeemer, plead for me,Where the songs of all the sinless sweep across the crystal sea.

Greeting to Worshipers Darren DeMent

Psalm Reading — Psalm 116:1–4 Anabelle Tinsley

I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, save my life!”

Yo amo al Señor porque él escucha mi voz suplicante. Por cuanto él inclina a mí su oído, lo invocaré

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toda mi vida. Los lazos de la muerte me enredaron; me sorprendió la angustia del sepulcro, y caí en la ansiedad y la aflicción. Entonces clamé al Señor: “¡Te ruego, Señor, que me salves la vida!”

Children’s Moment Julie Girards

Prayers of the People Joan Hammons

Invitation to Give George Mason

Thank you for your continued generosity in these unusual times. The work of the church goes on, despite the building being closed. With your gifts, we are using technology in new ways to connect with one another in fellowship, Bible study and worship. With your gifts, we are helping local missions partners serve the most vulnerable among us. With your gifts, we are adapting every aspect of the church’s life to meet the present need. And with your gifts, we are planning and preparing for the day ahead when we all are reunited in this place. Update your giving or make a gift at www.wilshirebc.org/give.

Gospel Reading — Luke 24:13–21, 25–35 George Mason

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. ... Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

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

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Aquel mismo día dos de ellos se dirigían a un pueblo llamado Emaús, a unos once kilómetros de Jerusalén. Iban conversando sobre todo lo que había acontecido. Sucedió que, mientras hablaban y discutían, Jesús mismo se acercó y comenzó a caminar con ellos; pero no lo reconocieron, pues sus ojos estaban velados. “¿Qué vienen discutiendo por el camino?” les preguntó. Se detuvieron, cabizbajos; y uno de ellos, llamado Cleofas, le dijo: “¿Eres tú el único peregrino en Jerusalén que no se ha enterado de todo lo que ha pasado recientemente?” Les preguntó “¿Qué es lo que ha pasado? Lo de Jesús de Nazaret. Era un profeta, poderoso en obras y en palabras delante de Dios y de todo el pueblo. Los jefes de los sacerdotes y nuestros gobernantes lo entregaron para ser condenado a muerte, y lo crucificaron; pero nosotros abrigábamos la esperanza de que era él quien redimiría a Israel. Es más, ya hace tres días que sucedió todo esto.” ... “¡Qué torpes son ustedes,” les dijo,” y qué tardos de corazón para creer todo lo que han dicho los profetas! ¿Acaso no tenía que sufrir el Cristo estas cosas antes de entrar en su gloria?” Entonces, comenzando por Moisés y por todos los profetas, les explicó lo que se refería a él en todas las Escrituras. Al acercarse al pueblo adonde se dirigían, Jesús hizo como que iba más lejos. Pero ellos insistieron: “Quédate con nosotros, que está atardeciendo; ya es casi de noche.” Así que entró para quedarse con ellos. Luego, estando con ellos a la mesa, tomó el pan, lo bendijo, lo partió y se lo dio. Entonces se les abrieron los ojos y lo reconocieron, pero él desapareció. Se decían el uno al otro: “¿No ardía nuestro corazón mientras conversaba con nosotros en el camino y nos explicaba las Escrituras?” Al instante se pusieron en camino y regresaron a Jerusalén. Allí encontraron a los once y a los que estaban reunidos con ellos. “¡Es cierto!” decían. “El Señor ha resucitado y se le ha aparecido a Simón.” Los dos, por su parte, contaron lo que les había sucedido en el camino, y cómo habían reconocido a Jesús cuando partió el pan.

Esta es la palabra del Señor.Gracias a Dios.

Anthem Stay with Us Egil HovlandSanctuary Choir

Recorded October 20, 2019

Stay with us, Lord Jesus, stay with us.Stay with us, it soon is evening and night is falling.

Jesus Christ, the world’s true light!Shine so the darkness cannot overcome it!Stay with us, Lord Jesus, it soon is evening. Stay with us, Lord Jesus, for night is falling.

Let your light pierce the darkness and fill your church with its glory.

Message “On the Road Again” Leigh Curl

Hymn 640 Leaning on the Everlasting Arms showalter

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms.What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms, Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

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Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting arms.Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms, Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms?I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms, Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Sharing of Decisions Leigh Curl

Benediction Leigh Curl

Affirmation of Faith old 100th

Our God is making all things new,A promise that we know is true.

Through eyes of faith we long to seeA love-transformed community.

A place where truth and justice reignAnd healing triumphs over pain,Where all have dignity and worth

And peace is passed throughout the earth.

– LeAnn Hampton

Postlude Trio and Toccata on “Hymn to Joy” arr. Jeff Brummel

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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) 452-3122Heather Mustain

Minister 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) 452-3141Leanna Coyle-Carr

Pastoral Resident(214) 452-3154

Leigh CurlPastoral 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.

Meet today’s worship leadersBlake Brown grew up at Wilshire and is the son of Kile and Leigh Ann Brown. He is a student at Villanova University.

Anabelle Tinsley is the daughter of Price and Sara Tinsley and granddaughter of Sam and Peggy Tinsley. She is a fourth grader.

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Zoom chat with Jeff Brummel

We’re continuing Wednesday night conversations with some Wilshire ministers. This week, chat with Jeff Brummel, associate minister of music and organist, at 6 p.m. The format will be an open question-and-answer session. The chat will happen online through Zoom. To receive information on how to connect, email jbrummel@wilshirebc.org no later than 3 p.m. this Wednesday, April 29.

Condolences to: Perry Pierce on the death of his wife, Kathryn Pierce, April 19; the family of Sug Carr, who died April 18; Vicki Carlisle on the death of her cousin to COVID-19, April 16; Casey Boland on the death of her mother, Ona Boland, April 16; Barbara Peterson on the death of her sister-in-law, Cindy Peterson Schaffner, April 15.

“Can You Spare a Can?” update

With 26 collection sites across Dallas, Wilshire members have put nearly 1,000 lbs. of food on the pantry shelves at the Wilkinson Center and directly into our neighbors’ homes. Donations will

be accepted through May 2.

Just Mercy screening

We are planning a virtual screening of the film Just Mercy in collaboration with Wilshire and Friendship-West Baptist Church. The shared screening via Amazon Prime will be followed by a panel of experts discussing the current problems with our criminal justice system and the potential for reform. Pre-registration will be required. To receive details once they are finalized, register now via the link at www.wilshirebc.org/registration.

Missions partner funding

Wilshire has continued to make extra donations to our local missions partners as we are able to help them address the present crisis. Extra funding so far has gone to CitySquare, Wilkinson Center, Cornerstone Baptist Church and Gateway of Grace.

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.

Join the Friday 5All Wilshire congregants are invited to join in an easy pastoral care project during our time of physical distancing. The idea for “Friday Five” is this: Every Friday during the coronavirus isolation, commit to contact at least five Wilshire friends in your circle of influence to see how they’re doing. Think first of those who are not your family or closest friends but who would love to hear from you. Let’s multiply our care for each other.

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In times like these ...Find inspirational resources

Visit a new page on Wilshire’s website for a collection of inspirational videos and writings related to the present crisis. This is an ideal page to share with friends and family who are not part of the Wilshire community. Because of the accessibility of the church’s robust online presence now, it is easier than ever to share Wilshire with a friend. Find the page here: www.wilshirebc.org/care/inspiration-during-isolation.

Wilshire closures

Due to COVID-19 virus precautions, all public gatherings and meetings at Wilshire are suspended until further notice. The church offices are now closed as well, in compliance with the Dallas County directive. Staff members are working from home and are available by phone and email. See the ministerial staff directory on page 7 or visit wilshirebc.org for complete staff contact information.

Online Sunday School

Mark Wingfield continues to teach a weekly online Sunday School lesson via Facebook Live. Check the church’s Facebook page to see last week’s lesson or to find this week’s lesson, which will be broadcast beginning this Sunday at 10:15 a.m. This will be a 30-minute lesson, allowing you a short break before worship begins at 11.

Online mid-week Bible study

Our pastoral residents are offering our normal Wednesday Bible study in video format posted online. This study, along with a prayer time and music, is published on the church website, through our Facebook page and on our YouTube channel every Wednesday before noon.

Pastoral care notes

Your ministerial staff still wants to keep up with you. The first line of contact is Michele Stinecipher, assistant to the associate pastor, who may be reached at (214) 452-3130 or mstinecipher@wilshirebc.org. She maintains the daily Care Notes list and funnels information to the rest of the pastoral staff. You also may contact Mark Wingfield at mwingfield@wilshirebc.org or (214) 452-3128.

Stephen Ministers available

If you are struggling with anxiety or fear or other spiritual issues during this time, you might benefit from a conversation with a Wilshire Stephen Minister. These trained lay leaders walk alongside others in times of distress. All conversations are confidential. To learn more, contact Gail Brookshire at gsbrookshire@gmail.com.

Tele-counseling available

Our ministry partner The Center is now offering tele-counseling with its trained, professional staff of licensed counselors. If you need professional counseling to get through this time, call The Center’s client services team at (214) 526-4525.

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Tanya BensonGina BiddleCayce BrumleyJoni CabanissAnn CossumKaren CotterKelli Culpepper Hall Joannah DeMent Diana EarlyJanda Edwards Linda EggertLinda Garner Linda GregoryRita HamiltonJoey Hamilton

Deborah HerfordJeff JonesTori Korson Wingfield Desiree Krieger Micki Lacker Bobby Louder Linda Martinez Kim Mason Marty McElya Alyssa McElya Sheri McShan Allison Moore Sheri Mosser Monica Mullins Chad Mustain

Mike Plunk Ross Prater Lyn Prater Nancy Quelland Katie Smalling Connie Smith Jim Sterling Nancy Stretch Robin SullensClaire Tommey Jim Walton Amy Wilson Jenny Wolff Alan Wright Rebecca Yarbrough

Pray for all Wilshire health care workers

Rapid-response teams formedHealth Response Team is comprised of medical professionals in the church who are willing to make themselves available for general counsel and encouragement. These volunteers are not dispensing medical care but are available for general questions and guidance especially when it may be harder to get to a doctor. Lead contact is Linda Garner, lgarner@wilshirebc.org or (214) 452-3151. Food and Supplies Response Team is comprised of volunteers from our Missions and Advocacy committees who are at the ready to help those who are isolated and need food or other supplies brought to them. We have identified existing designated and budget funds that will be used to meet urgent needs of members, such as food and medicine and limited rent assistance. Lead contact is Heather Mustain, hmustain@wilshirebc.org or (214) 452-3110. Spiritual Support Response Team is comprised of trained lay leaders and staff who are available to talk with members who are lonely, scared or just need to talk during this time of isolation. This is not a substitute for professional counseling. Volunteers will call care receivers on at least a weekly basis to listen to them and offer emotional support. Other referrals for additional identified needs will be made to the appropriate teams or staff. Lead contact is Gail Brookshire, gsbrookshire@gmail.com.

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Wilshire Roots CDWilshire’s latest music CD is produced and ready to distribute, but due to the coronavirus containment efforts, we cannot currently hand them out. Never fear, though: There is a way to access this music at home.

Venture over to www.wilshirebc.org/wilshire-roots or www.wilshirebc.org/media/sounds, and you’ll find audio files of the new “Wilshire Roots” CD. Eventually, these tracks will be available on other commercial digital music platforms as well as on the physical CDs. But for now, due to limitations on other distribution methods, you may access them on our website.

“Roots” music isn’t standard fare on Sunday mornings at Wilshire, but it slips in between the classical hymns and anthems more often than you would guess. In the Baptist tradition, our roots come from at least two streams — one more formal and one more informal. So it seems natural that those traditions would merge in our worship even today. When that happens, you’ll often find Darren DeMent on the mandolin at the center of things. For this album, Darren gathered up some of his frequent collaborators and captured a few of our congregation’s favorite pieces they have sung and played in recent years. We often say Wilshire is “a different kind of Baptist church.” Here’s evidence yet again.

The album also now is available for purchase in the iTunes store.