Amy Butler preaches July 17
Amy Butler, our guest preacher for July 17, is currently interim senior minister at National City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Washington, D.C. She previously served as senior minister at New York City’s Riverside Church and was the first woman to lead that historic congregation. No stranger to Wilshire, Amy was last here in 2019 to help celebrate George Mason’s 30th anniversary as senior pastor. Amy believes deeply that courageous communities of people who live with tenacious love can change the world. Much of her career has been spent helping build communities of radical witness in the institutional church.
She holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. Amy’s career began in New Orleans, where she first served as director of a homeless shelter for women and later was associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church. In 2003, she was called to become senior minister of Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. An avid reader and writer, Amy’s memoir will be published soon by Penguin Random House. Amy is mom to three young adults.
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.
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.
July 31: Stephen Hatfield retired last November after 28 years as senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Lewisville. He previously served churches in Arkansas, where he grew up, and Texas. Hatfield holds a bachelor’s degree from Ouachita Baptist University and an MDiv and PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.
Aug. 7: Pastoral Resident John Kelly
Aug. 14: Luke Powery is dean of Duke University Chapel and associate professor of homiletics at Duke Divinity School. His teaching and research interests include preaching, worship, pneumatology and culture, particularly expressions of the African diaspora. He previously taught at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he earned his MDiv. His PhD in theology is from the University of Toronto’s Emmanuel College.
■ See the full schedule at wilshirebc.org/guest-preachers
New to Wilshire
■ Coffee and Conversation will be hosted by Associate Pastor Heather Mustain on Sunday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m. in the senior pastor’s study (Room 2203). This informal event gives guests and new members a chance to ask questions about Wilshire.
■ The monthly Wilshire Welcome Class, which helps guests and new members learn what Wilshire is all about, will meet July 24 at 10 a.m. in the Prayer Room near McIver Chapel.
■ Questions about these events? Contact Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org.
Preschool Friday Fun, July 29
The Preschool Ministry will host a Friday Fun Play Date on July 29, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The $25 per-child cost will be waived for parents who stay the full time with their preschooler. Register by this Friday, July 22, by visiting wilshirebc.org/registration.
Adventurers lunch with program
The Wilshire Adventurers will enjoy lunch and a presentation from writer Sharron Lucky on Tuesday, July 19, at 11:30 a.m. in Community Hall. Cost for the meal is $10 per person; no reservation 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. Contact Barbara Clayton at 214-452-3125 or bclayton@wilshirebc.org.
Women of Wilshire book clubs
■ The WOW! Tuesday Evening Book Club meets in the Parlor monthly at 6:30 p.m. On Aug. 9, the group will discuss Sarah Penner’s The Lost Apothecary. 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 Aug. 4, the group will discuss The Dearly Beloved by Cara Walls. Contact: Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org).
Join us in Community Hall for lunch after worship
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.
■ Expedite your check-in by registering and paying online in advance. Multiple weeks are now open for registration in Realm.
■ Cash, check or credit card accepted at door.
■ Please submit dietary restrictions by Wednesday each week. Email Elizabeth Ferguson (eferguson@wilshirebc.org) or note your request when registering online.
Preachers to speak. Each week at about 12:45 p.m. our guest preachers will be invited to spend about 15 minutes sharing thoughts or taking questions.
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.
Parish nurse available. Linda Garner will be available during Fellowship Lunches for blood pressure checks and general consultations. No appointment necessary.
One service.
We are offering one Sunday worship service, at 11 a.m., through Aug. 14. Sunday School remains at 10 a.m. We will return to two services, at 9 and 11 a.m., on Promotion Sunday, Aug. 21.
Promotion Sunday Hymn Sing, August 21
Worship on Promotion Sunday, Aug. 21, will take the form of a Hymn Sing. The service will include congregational singing of 10 hymns chosen by the music staff after tabulating your votes in the recent hymn survey. A variety of instrumental accompaniments will be utilized, including organ, piano, guitar and mandolin. There will be no guest preacher or sermon on Aug. 21. R.G. Huff — Wilshire member, Sanctuary Choir singer, hymn writer and retired music minister — will offer three hymn reflections during the service.
Celebrating George Mason, August 28
Mark your calendars for Sunday, Aug. 28, when Wilshire will recognize and celebrate George Mason as his retirement from the senior pastor role becomes official. Aug. 27 will mark George’s 33rd anniversary as senior pastor, and his last day will be Aug. 31. Both services on Aug. 28 will include a time of recognition for George, and in lieu of a sermon each of our three associate pastors will offer a reflection. A reception for George, Kim and family will be held in James Gallery following both the 9 and 11 a.m. worship services.