Hometown: Lewisville
Present City: Dallas
Tell us about your family.
I was the youngest girl in a family of eight. I married A.D. Brown in 1958, and we were married until his death in 2012. I have two adult children, Denise and Alan, five grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
A.D. and I were newly married and bought our first home near the church. We visited and immediately felt at home. The people and staff were warm and inviting.
How have you served at Wilshire?
There are very few committees that I have not served on over the years. A.D. and I served together as directors in our adult Sunday School class for many years, and A.D. was a deacon. In the mid-70s Bruce McIver asked me to begin our homebound ministry. I launched the ministry to honor my parents, who I cared for as they aged and had died a few years before. We began with about 60 members, visiting them in their homes, and we served the Lord’s Supper to them. In the mid-80s I became involved in the bus ministry, providing transportation for those who were unable to get to the church. To this day I am still passionate about this ministry and serve on the home-visitation ministry team.
What have you learned through your volunteerism?
Everyone has needs. Some are obvious, but many are not. Our job as members of the body of Christ is to show the Lord’s love through acts of service. It is important to know the spiritual gifts that the Lord has given us and use them. As a young woman I learned so much from those older than me. As I have grown older, I have leaned on those lessons. When I get discouraged, I pick myself up by doing something for someone else. It puts everything in perspective and brings me joy.
What has been your greatest reward?
My greatest reward is knowing that my children, their spouses, my grandchildren (and their spouses) have professed a personal faith in Jesus Christ. There is nothing better.
What would you tell others about Wilshire?
Wilshire is my home. I think of my children’s baptisms, my daughter’s wedding, and my husband’s funeral — all at Wilshire. Through this church community I have made precious lifelong friendships that have carried me through my life. The pastors I have known — Bruce McIver, George Mason and Timothy Peoples — have all cared deeply for the members of this church and have encouraged us to grow while nurturing our faith.
■ Monna will celebrate her 90th birthday on Dec. 29. Join us in wishing her a happy birthday!