This page is usually updated Fridays.
Visioning Survey ends Sunday, Sept. 20
Sept. 20 is the last day to take the Visioning Team’s online survey, which should take about 15 minutes. We hope to hear from everyone via the survey, even those who attended a Visioning Day session last Sunday. Find the link and more information at wilshirebc.org/visioning.
• If you filled out a paper survey, please turn it in to the church office by Sept. 20.
• If you have any questions or concerns, you can email the Visioning Team at visioning@wilshirebc.org.
Visioning Day was a success — all thanks to you!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for one of our sessions last Sunday. Your energy and ideas helped us take an important step toward discovering who we are as a church. A very special shoutout to our amazing volunteer facilitators, note takers and timekeepers! Your support helped keep the day moving and made the experience possible. Thanks to everyone for being part of the vision! —Visioning Team
Zoom Visioning session Sept. 20
Long-distance members and anyone else who couldn’t participate in Visioning Day last Sunday are invited to join a discussion on Zoom on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 5:30 p.m. The Zoom link will be posted before the meeting at wilshirebc.org/visioning.
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Unified Budget Update
YTD Budget: $2,703,017
YTD Income: $1,869,986 ($634,827 short of expenses)
YTD Expenses: $2,504,813
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Pathways Endowment YTD gifts: $19,786
Pathways Endowment August balance: $11,829,637
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Deacon nominations sought by Sept. 25
The Deacon Nominating Committee asks Wilshire members to submit names of persons to be considered for deacon service. Nominees should be individuals who have modeled consistent, faithful service and leadership and who have been Wilshire members at least one year. You may also nominate deacons in reserve to rotate into active service. Please submit nominations by Friday, Sept. 25, at wilshirebc.org/deacon-nominations. Paper forms are available in the office. If you have been ordained as a deacon in another church and have not served at Wilshire, please let Chelsea Hopkins know (chopkins@wilshirebc.org).
Committee nominations sought by Oct. 4
The Committee on Committees is beginning to nominate church members for 2027 committees. If you are not on a committee and are interested in serving or suggesting someone, visit wilshirebc.org/committee-interest-form to fill out our online form. Paper forms are available in the office. Names received will be evaluated against committee openings and needs, and all current and potential members will be contacted. Proposed committees will be presented at January’s Annual Church Conference for approval. Please make submissions by Sunday, Oct. 4. Contact: Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org).
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Blessing of the Animals set for Oct. 4
Everyone is invited to bring their pets as our pastoral residents host a Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 5:30 p.m. in the south parking lot (near the office). The residents will offer a brief litany and prayer along with blessings for your family’s animals. Water for both humans and animal friends will be available. We ask that all pets be leashed or in tanks, cages or carriers.
Two named to part-time roles
• Tim Cruise has begun work on Wilshire’s staff as part-time student ministry assistant. He reports to Associate Pastor Darren DeMent. Tim joined Wilshire in 2014 and served as a student ministry intern during summer 2012 and from 2014 to 2016. He teaches English at DISD’s Roosevelt High School and previously taught in Fort Worth and Chicago. Tim is married to Dr. Sydney Curtis and recently completed a master’s degree from Brite Divinity School at TCU.
• Christina Evans will join Wilshire’s staff Sept. 14 as interim missions and advocacy coordinator, a part-time role reporting to Associate Pastor Heather Mustain. Heather said, “Christina brings a host of administrative experience and skill paired with a deep love to see the gospel put into action.” Christina and her husband, Mark, joined Wilshire in 2024 with their two kids, Liam, 7, and Eliana, 5.
Two ways to get involved with migrant ministry
• Wilshire has the opportunity to expand our migrant ministry through the Thriving Congregations Immigration Ministry of our partner FaithWorks. The advocacy agency is forming a two-year cohort for churches to learn from each other as they develop specific ways to serve and advocate for the local migrant community. To learn more, attend a short meeting after worship on Sept. 27 in Room 1205-L. Contact: Gladys Kolenovsky (gladkol@swbell.net) or Cindy Estee (cesteedallas@aol.com)
• Local agency La Colectiva provides daily support to individuals and families who show up for appointments at ICE’s Dallas Field Office. If you’d like to volunteer, a training is being held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. Associate Pastor Heather Mustain plans to attend and welcomes anyone to join her. Contact Heather (hmustain@wilshirebc.org) to let her know if you’re interested.
Empowering the Masses pantry drive
Join us during September, Hunger Action Month, as we help our mission partner Empowering the Masses stock its new pantry location in Pleasant Grove. Empowering the Masses provides for basic needs, delivers educational resources, and provides access to careers that are stable and lucrative, paving a path for sustainable success in life. Shop via an Amazon wishlist and have items shipped directly to Empowering the Masses. Link: https://a.co/01xOWXIn
Next blood drive is Sept. 20
Carter Blood Care will hold a blood drive at Wilshire on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; appointments are recommended. Scan the QR code or visit wilshirebc.org/events/blood-drive.
Songwriter Vespers: Dolly Parton set for Sept. 27
Dolly Parton, the iconic songwriter and performer who died Aug. 25, will be the focus of the next Songwriter Vespers, set for Sunday, Sept. 27, at 4:30 p.m. in Choral Hall. Wilshire’s Songwriter Vespers series blends elements of a coffeehouse performance and a worship service, with music from a full band and various singers. Songwriters featured in the past include John Prine and Townes Van Zandt. Coffee and light snacks will be served.
Time With Tim on Sept. 27
Time With Tim is a chance for guests and new members to meet and talk with Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples. Time With Tim will be held in Timothy’s office at 9:45 a.m. No RSVP is needed. Contact: Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org)
CenterPeace conference help needed
Wilshire is among the sponsors for the 2026 CenterPeace conference, set for Oct. 15–17 at First United Methodist Church in Dallas, and volunteers are needed to help in a variety of ways. Founded by Wilshire member Sally Gary, CenterPeace is a fully affirming, Christ-centered ministry that cultivates spiritual community for LGBTQ+ people. If you can serve during the conference, contact Heather Mustain (hmustain@wilshirebc.org).
Preschool parents brunch, Oct. 4
All parents of preschoolers are invited to a brunch at 9:45 a.m. on Oct. 4 in James Gallery. Minister to Preschoolers Kelly Akins says the event will be an informal time for preschool parents to get to know each other.
Next Midday on Abrams is October 7
The next Midday on Abrams will be held Wednesday, Oct. 7, with Robin Sullens as guest speaker. Robin, a Wilshire member and staff chaplain with the VA, brings a wealth of knowledge from her 20+ years of experience helping individuals and families navigate medical decisions. Midday on Abrams is a new event with lunch, fellowship and informative speakers on the first Wednesday every month. Lunch ($10) starts at 11:30 a.m., and the program runs from noon to 12:45.
Check your voter registration
With elections and an Oct. 5 registration deadline approaching, everyone should check their voter registration status at votetexas.gov. Texas has placed 1.2 million voters on a “suspense” list, but this does not mean their registration was suspended or removed. The list includes registered voters who election officials believe may no longer live at their registered address. Voters on this list can confirm their address by contacting their local voter registrar before Oct. 5 and completing a new voter registration form. For help, contact Associate Pastor Heather Mustain (hmustain@wilshirebc.org).
Together for Hope conference
Mission partner Together for Hope is hosting its annual conference in Jackson, Mississippi, from Oct. 21 to 23. If you’re interested in learning more about asset-based community development, rural poverty initiatives or the agency’s mission, you can attend the conference alongside Associate Pastor Heather Mustain. Please contact Heather (hmustain@wilshirebc.org) by Oct. 1 if you’d like to go.
Preschool parents brunch, Oct. 4
All parents of preschoolers are invited to a brunch at 9:45 a.m. on Oct. 4 in James Gallery. Minister to Preschoolers Kelly Akins says the event will be an informal time for preschool parents to get to know each other.
Adventurers trip to Québec City announced
The Wilshire Adventurers are planning a trip to Québec City in Canada for Sept. 20–25, 2027. To learn about the trip and express your interest in going, visit wilshirebc.org/adventurers-trip and submit an online form by Oct. 2. Official trip registration will happen later. Brochures are available in the office.
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Wednesday Night Live: Sept. 23
• Family Dinner | 5 p.m. | Community Hall | New name, same great buffet dinner. Kid-friendly options available. Cash/check/credit accepted. Pricing at wilshirebc.org/events/wnl. Sept. 23 menu: Lemon herb chicken thighs, spinach and tomato orzo, eggplant ratatouille, crisp Greek salad, sweet orange cake. Kids: Chicken tenders, butter orzo.
• Preschool Music & More | 6 p.m. | Age 3–Pre-K | Preschool choir plus activities and lessons focused on God’s love.
• KidConnect | 6 p.m. | K– Grade 5 | A rotation of activities to help kids learn how to love God and others with every part of themselves. Includes choir for Kindergartners.
• Adult Spiritual Formation — Guest speaker Dr. Barbara McClure | 6 p.m. | Community Hall | Dr. Barbara McClure, professor of pastoral theology and practice at TCU’s Brite Divinity School, will join us at 6 p.m. to explore what it means to truly flourish — not simply to be happy or successful, but to live with deeper meaning, purpose and wholeness.
• Watershed | 6:30 p.m. | Grades 6–12 | Wilshire Student Ministry’s midweek gathering.
• Sanctuary Choir | 7 p.m. | Choral Hall | New singers are always welcome. No audition.
Childcare is offered from 6 to 7:15 p.m. for infants to 2-year-olds with parents involved in church activities.
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Adventurers Tech Talk on AI open to all
On Sunday, Oct. 4, Wilshire member Teri Walker will offer a Tech Talk on AI (artificial intelligence) over lunch in Community Hall. Teri will equip us to confidently navigate this quickly evolving phenomenon. This Adventurers-hosted event is open to anyone. Registration is not required, but you can make sure you get lunch by signing up at wilshirebc.org/events/ai
Library Adopt-a-Book set for Oct. 11
At the Wilshire Library’s Adopt-a-Book event on Sunday morning, Oct. 11, you can help the Library defray the cost of new books by purchasing a dedication in honor or memory of a loved one. Dedications will be printed on plaques placed inside the books, which will then be available to be checked out. Monetary donations are also welcome to help the Library build its collection. Stop by the South Atrium from 9 to 10:45 a.m. or after worship.
Mark your calendar for October Friday Night Live
The next Friday Night Live will be offered Oct. 9. Held about once a month, this event is actually three events that work together: Marriage Connections, open to all couples; Kids Night Out; and Preschool Night Out. All events are free. Register for each separately. Find more details at wilshirebc.org/events/fnl.
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Monthly service opportunities
• A Wilshire group serves the fourth Friday morning each month at the Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation’s Mobile Food Pantry. If you can help, contact Charlie Estee at cesteedallas@gmail.com.
• Cindy Estee coordinates volunteers to serve as food pantry assistants at the Wilkinson Center the third Tuesday each month from noon to 3:45 p.m. Contact Cindy at
cesteedallas@aol.com.
• A team of Wilshire volunteers serves lunch at The Stewpot on the second Thursday every month. Contact David Cossum at dc@cossum.com to join the team or learn more.
Men’s Book Club
Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 7 p.m. | Parlor | A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness by Michael Pollan. Contact: Scott Spreier (swspreier@gmail.com) or Mike Meripolski (meripolski@att.net)
Women of Wilshire Book Clubs
• Tuesday Evening Book Club | Oct. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | 1205-G | How to Read a Book by Monica Wood. Contact Debby Burton.
• Brown Bag Book Club | Thursday, Oct. 1 | Noon | 1205-L | All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley. Contact Carolyn Murray.
Adam’s Baskets
Wilshire’s Adam’s Baskets ministry, created in memory of Adam Malcik upon his passing in 1987 by his parents Vy and Michael Malcik, provides members the opportunity to keep our food pantry stocked. Our small pantry meets immediate needs when a neighbor stops by for assistance. Wicker baskets are located around the church, and you can place nonperishable items into a basket at any time. Proteins, peanut butter and pop-top canned goods are most needed. Items are collected from the baskets on the second Sunday each month.