Youth Choir Home Concert tonight at 6:30 p.m.
All are invited to the Wilshire Youth Choir’s mission tour home concert, which will be presented in the Sanctuary at 6:30 tonight. Thirty-seven Youth Choir singers and nine adult sponsors returned yesterday from a week of singing, serving and sightseeing in and around Denver, Colorado. The group sang in worship last Sunday at Calvary Baptist Church, where pastoral resident alumna Anne Jernberg Scalfaro is pastor. They also worked at mission sites including Denver Parks & Recreation, Food Bank of the Rockies, Volunteers of America and Extreme Community Makeover. Other experiences included a Colorado Rockies baseball game, the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art and visits to Boulder, Winter Park, Georgetown and Red Rocks. Youth Choir alumni present at tonight’s concert will be invited to join the Youth Choir in singing its signature anthem, Allen Pote’s Psalm 139. The concert will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.
Religion writer Jonathan Merritt preaches today
Our pulpit guest for June 26 is Jonathan Merritt, one of America’s most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. His books include Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing — and How We Can Revive Them, named Book of the Year by the Englewood Review of Books. He preached at Wilshire in 2018.
Merritt is a contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3,000 articles in outlets including the New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, the Washington Post and Christianity Today. He has appeared on ABC, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, PBS and CBS’ 60 Minutes. He is a winner of the Wilbur Award for excellence in journalism and was named columnist of the year by the Religion News Association. Merritt is also a sought after speaker at colleges, conferences and churches on topics relating to spirituality, politics and current events.
Merritt holds a master of divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a master of theology from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, and has done graduate work in ascetical theology at the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church. He lives in New York City. He is an aspiring dog dad, a college football fan and is intolerable before coffee.
The Wilshire Pulpit
A diverse lineup of guests will preach at Wilshire during our pastoral transition. Our pastoral residents will also preach about once a month. Here’s a look at who’s coming up:
July 3: Pastoral Resident Brianna Childs
July 10: Aurelia Dávila Pratt is lead pastor and founder of Peace of Christ Church north of Austin. She cohosts the Nuance Tea Podcast and writes for Progressing Spirit, Alliance of Baptists and Good Faith Media. Pratt holds a master’s in social work from Baylor University and an MDiv from Baylor’s Truett Seminary. Her book, A Brown Girl’s Epiphany, will be published this fall.
July 17: Amy Butler is a pastor, teacher and writer currently serving as interim senior minister at National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C. She previously was senior minister at the Riverside Church in New York City. Butler holds degrees from Baylor University, International Baptist Theological Seminary and Wesley Theological Seminary.
July 24: Andy Stoker is VP and chief engagement officer of the Thanks-Giving Foundation in Dallas. From 2013 until this year he was senior minister at First United Methodist Church Dallas. Stoker earned an MDiv from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, a PhD in family studies from Texas Women’s University and is a certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher.
■ See the full schedule at wilshirebc.org/guest-preachers
Blessing for Jenna Sullivan in worship
Worship on June 26 will include a time of recognition and blessing for Pastoral Resident Jenna Sullivan as she nears the end of her two year residency term. Jenna, who came to Wilshire in 2020 after graduating from Wake Forest University’s School of Divinity, is deep in conversation with an area congregation that is voting today on whether to call her as their lead pastor. Watch social media and next week’s Tapestry for more information about Jenna’s call once it becomes official.
Come Together: One Service + Lunch this summer
Expedite your lunch check-in: register and pay in advance
All are invited to Community Hall after worship each week through Aug. 14 for a Fellowship Lunch prepared by the Wilshire kitchen staff.
■ Meal is buffet-style and “chef’s choice.”
■ $10 for ages 10 and up; $5 for ages 4–9; Free for 3 and under. $35 household max.
■ Advance registration and payment are not required, but are encouraged to help staff plan and reduce food waste.
■ Expedite your check-in by registering and paying online in advance. Multiple weeks are now open for registration in Realm.
■ Pay at the door with cash, check or credit card.
■ Please submit dietary restrictions by Wednesday each week. Email Elizabeth Ferguson (eferguson@wilshirebc.org) or note your request when registering online.
■ NOTE: No Fellowship Lunch on July 3.
Our guest preachers will join us for lunch each week. At about 12:45, they will spend a few minutes sharing thoughts or engaging in a time of Q&A.
Want to eat free? Greeters and cashiers are needed each week from 11:45 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m. and will get a free lunch. Contact Carolyn Murray or find the SignUpGenius link at wilshirebc.org/registration.
We are offering one Sunday worship service, at 11 a.m., through Aug. 14. Sunday School remains at 10 a.m. We return to two services, 9 and 11 a.m., on Aug. 21.
Visit wilshirebc.org/summer-lunches to register and pay for lunch.
Wilshire Welcome Class Sunday
■ The monthly Wilshire Welcome Class, which helps guests and new members learn what Wilshire is all about, will meet June 26 at 10 a.m. in the Prayer Room near McIver Chapel.
■ Coffee and Conversation will be hosted by Associate Pastor Doug Haney on Sunday, July 10, at 10 a.m. in the senior pastor’s study. This informal event gives guests and new members a chance to ask questions about Wilshire.
■ Questions about these events? Contact Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org.
Adventurers luncheon speaker to highlight Texas humor
The Wilshire Adventurers will enjoy lunch and a presentation from speaker and writer Sharron Lucky on Tuesday, July 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Community Hall. Cost for the meal is $10 per person, and no reservation is needed. In a celebration of Texas storytelling she calls Texsanity, Lucky will share stories from some of the Lone Star State’s most humorous writers. “After the times we’ve been through,” she says, “you might want to laugh a little about the state we’re in! I’m talking about Texas!” Questions? Contact Barbara Clayton at 214-452-3125 or bclayton@wilshirebc.org. Adventurers activities are open to those 60 and up.
Women of Wilshire book clubs
■ The WOW! Tuesday Evening Book Club meets in the Parlor monthly at 6:30 p.m. On July 12, the group will discuss Timothy Egan’s The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire That Saved America. Zoom option by request. Contact: Debby Burton (dburton@wilshirebc.org).
■ The WOW! Brown Bag Book Club meets one Thursday a month at noon in Room 1205-L. On July 7, the group will discuss Jamie Ford’s Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. Contact: Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org).
CBF General Assembly Dallas, June 28–30
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Wilshire’s primary global partner for missions and ministry, will hold its 2022 General Assembly in Dallas on Tuesday, June 28, through Thursday, June 30. General Assembly is CBF’s annual gathering for learning, worship, inspiration and fellowship. Sessions will take place at the Hyatt Regency Dallas in downtown. Registration is free, although some events with meals require a ticket purchase. Learn more, see the full schedule and register at cbf.net/general-assembly. Below are some special events that may be of particular interest. All events will be held at the Hyatt Regency unless noted otherwise.
Wilshire, Friendship West to receive racial justice award
The ministry partnership of Wilshire and Friendship West Baptist Church has been awarded a 2022 Emmanuel McCall Racial Justice Trailblazer Award by the CBF’s Pan African Koinonia. This award goes to individuals or ministries that initiate proactive resolutions for communities through policies or practices that result in greater equity, opportunity, impact and outcomes for all. The award will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, June 29, at 11:30 a.m.
Wilshire hosting BWIM Lunch
Tuesday, June 28, Noon – 3 p.m.
Wilshire will be the site for Baptist Women in Ministry’s Annual Lunch and Gathering, which will include lunch, an awards ceremony and a worship service. Gina Stewart, senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, will preach. Childcare is available. Learn more at bwim.info.
Baptist Joint Committee Lunch
Thursday, June 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
BJC, the Washington, DC-based nonprofit dedicated to religious liberty and church-state separation, presents a panel discussion titled “Indigenous voices on faith freedom for all.” Ticket required. Ticket sales end June 19. Learn more at bjconline.org.
AWAB service and reception
Thursday, June 30, 3 p.m.
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists is holding a service and reception at Royal Lane Baptist Church. Cody Sanders, pastor of Old Cambridge (Massachusetts) Baptist Church will preach, and LGBTQ advocate Aubin Petersen will be honored. Learn more at awab.org.
Baptist News Global Dinner
Thursday, June 30, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
BNG, the news agency led by Wilshire member Mark Wingfield, presents a conversation on race and gender with Althea Butler of the University of Pennsylvania and Beth Allison Barr of Baylor University. Former Wilshire pastoral resident Erica Whitaker will moderate the discussion. Ticket required. Learn more at baptistnews.com.
Music staff seeks input for Aug. 21 hymn sing
On Sunday, Aug. 21, Wilshire will return to two worship services with a hymn sing at both 9 and 11 a.m. Since it would take hours to sing all the hymns we love, the music staff is seeking your help in narrowing the choices. To vote for your favorite 10 hymns in our online survey, click here: https://form.jotform.com/221645777840060
You will be able to select up to 10 hymns from a list of 50. The list is comprised of hymns we have sung at least twice in recent years. A few things to remember:
■ Select hymns you love. Perhaps the words help you pray or praise God well. Maybe the melody is one of your favorites.
■ Consider selecting hymns you think our congregation sings well together.
■ Don’t see your favorite on the list? There will be a blank for you to write in one title.
■ The online form will be available through Tuesday, June 28.
■ A paper form will be available in the church office. Turn it in by June 28.
Sign up for June 29 blood drive
The Carter BloodCare bus will be at Wilshire for a blood drive on Wednesday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Carter is still feeling the effects of a decrease in blood donations during the pandemic; they have a less-than one-day supply of many blood types. Contact Parish Nurse Linda Garner with questions at lgarner@wilshirebc.org or 214-452-3151. Make an appointment here: https://ww3.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/128192.
Summer activities for children & preschoolers
Cooking Camp
Monday–Friday, July 11–15, 9 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Completed first through sixth graders will learn about food safety and nutrition and prepare a three-course lunch that will be served daily. Cost: $100. Register by: July 4.
Listen to Your Art!
Monday–Friday, July 11–15, 12:30–5 p.m.
Creative arts camp includes music, drama, movement, dancing, visual arts and more for completed first through sixth graders. Lunch not included; snacks provided. Cost: $90. Register by: July 4.
Full-Day Option: Both Cooking Camp and Listen to Your Art!
Monday–Friday, July 11–15, 9 a.m. –5 p.m.
Completed second through sixth graders can register for Cooking Camp and Listen to Your Art! Lunch is part of Cooking Camp. Cost: $175. Register by: July 4.
Preteen Camp
Saturday–Tuesday, July 23–26
Passport Kids! Camp is for kids who have completed grades 3 through 6. We’ll depart by bus at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, and will stay at the Heart of Texas Baptist Camp and Conference Center near Brownwood. Campers will experience worship, Bible study, recreation, missions and more. We’ll return around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Cost: $350; $100 deposit guarantees a spot. Full payment due July 10.
Preschool Friends Camp
Monday–Friday, July 18–22, 9 a.m. –noon
“I Can Be a Good Friend” is the theme for this camp, open to preschoolers 3 and older who have not completed kindergarten. Cost: $75. Register by: July 13.
Preschool Friday Fun Play Dates
July 1 & July 29, 9:30 –11:30 a.m.
Parents can stay the full time with their preschoolers at no cost or pay $25 per child per date. Register for each date separately by one week prior.