I Am Wilshire – Woody Weilage.
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Education: Lincoln Southeast High; Nebraska Wesleyan University; Perkins School of Theology, SMU
Profession: United Methodist pastor, 1975–2011
Present City: McKinney
What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
After I retired in 2011, my wife, Vanessa Vaughter, and I moved to McKinney, where we live in a home built in 1910. We inherited many heirlooms that fit very nicely in our home. We also host families through Airbnb who come to McKinney for vacations or family events.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
We met Roy and Karen Austin, who lived three houses up the street, and they introduced us to Wilshire. We feel part of a wonderful church family, and we are members of the Epiphany Class.
Tell us about your family.
My son, Jordan, born in 1980, had two grand mal seizures while very young. Fortunately, he is medication compliant, but he will never be able to drive. Jordan began attending Royal Lane Baptist Church years ago thanks to the gracious hospitality of former pastor Ray Vickrey, who would drive him there. I attend Royal Lane on Wednesdays with Jordan, who is a true lover of God and a gentle spirit.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I enjoy listening to a wide variety of records and CDs. This includes music from the Beatles to Beethoven, Handel’s Messiah to Jesus Christ Superstar, Tchaikovsky to Leonard Cohen. I enjoy fresh-water fishing, doing yardwork and repurposing wood.
What is your favorite place to travel?
My favorite place to travel is Colorado. When I was 18, a friend and I climbed Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. I still remember standing on top of the world and being able to see mountains below me. It was truly an inspirational moment.
How about your volunteer life?
My main civic duty started when I took training to be a Volunteer Deputy Registrar. I am certified to register people to vote in Dallas, Collin and Denton counties.
Tell us about your faith journey.
My faith journey is still a work in progress. I didn’t fully realize how much my parents had to do with my spiritual development until it was too late to tell them. Many hymns remind me of how God worked and is still working in my life. I enjoy Wilshire’s music ministry very much, and every worship experience is done with intentionality from the beginning until the benediction. Life hasn’t been what I expected; it’s been better than I could imagine.
If you are interested in being featured in an upcoming I Am Wilshire article, contact Carolyn Murray