Zoom chat with George Mason. We’re continuing Wednesday night conversations with some Wilshire ministers. This week, chat with Senior Pastor George Mason 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 pastor@wilshirebc.org no later than 3 p.m. this Wednesday, April 22.
Youth Choir tour cancelled. Due to the containment restrictions currently in place and the uncertainty of restrictions being fully lifted in time, Youth Choir leadership has made the difficult decision to cancel the annual Youth Choir mission tour, scheduled for Denver the third week of June. Thanks to everyone who has supported our students, especially through the spaghetti luncheon and silent auction. Funds raised through that event will be carried over to the 2021 mission tour.
Looking ahead to summer. Staff members and lay leaders are developing a process to evaluate all summer programming to determine what will be feasible to accomplish in light of the current COVID-19 restrictions. Other than Youth Choir tour, no additional decisions have yet been made to cancel or reschedule programs. Each event will be considered on its own merit and a decision made as late as possible on its viability.
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 under the About Wilshire tab on our website.
Online Sunday School. Mark Wingfield continues to teach a weekly online Sunday School lesson via Facebook Live. Check Wilshire’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 by email. She maintains the daily Care Notes list and funnels information to the rest of the pastoral staff. You also may contact Mark Wingfield at (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.
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.