This page is usually updated Fridays.
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For guests and new members
• Time with Tim is your chance to meet and chat with Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples in an informal group session in his office. Upcoming date: Nov. 16.
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Weekly 9 a.m. contemplative service starts Nov. 9 | Read more >
Georgia McKee called to Chicago-area church | Read more >
Thanksgiving Food Drives | Read more >
Advent and Christmas 2025 | Read more >
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Baylor’s Malcolm Foley here Nov. 9
Malcolm Foley, a pastor, author and special adviser to the president of Baylor University, will be at Wilshire for a talk over lunch on Sunday, Nov. 9. He will discuss his 2025 book, The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward. Foley holds a PhD in religion from Baylor and an MDiv from Yale Divinity School. In addition to his role at Baylor, he serves as co-pastor of Mosaic Waco, an intentionally multicultural, nondenominational church.
■ Lunch is free while supplies last; priority will be given to those who registered by Nov. 2.
Gift card drive showed generosity
At press time, Wilshire had collected 133 grocery gift cards for SNAP recipients whose benefits were disrupted by the government shutdown. The cards were distributed to families who also received funds through our Rental and Utility Assistance Program. Thank you for your generosity.
Elevator project to start soon
Work to replace the north elevator will begin Nov. 17, earlier than expected. The project should take 6 to 8 weeks. The work should not impede access to the Preschool Hall, Youth Center or any entrance on the north end of the building. Workers will place a storage box outside for parts and tools needed for the project. Thank you for your patience. We are grateful this project will be done sooner than anticipated.
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Unified Budget Update
YTD Budget: $3,287,872
YTD Income: $2,598,986 ($445,756 short of expenses)
YTD Expenses: $3,044,741
….
Pathways Endowment YTD gifts: $20,292
Pathways Endowment Oct. balance: $10,935,275
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Fireside Chats on Nov. 16
Wilshire will host Fireside Chats at members’ homes on Sunday evening, Nov. 16. This social event with fellowship and light refreshments will deepen connections and provide an intimate setting for us to express our collective gratitude. Sign up to attend at any of the host homes throughout the area. Some sites will start at 5 and end at 6:30, while others will run from 6:30 to 8.
Poinsettia ordering is open
Help decorate the Sanctuary for Advent by ordering a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. Dedications will be listed in the Dec. 7 worship folder. Each plant costs $14, and donors may take them home after Christmas Eve services. Order forms are available in the office, or you can order and pay online at wilshirebc.org/poinsettias. Deadline to order: Nov. 30.
Active shooter training offered
All staff, deacons, fellowship of the ordained and volunteers in our preschool, children’s and youth ministries have received an invitation to participate in a self-paced course called “Active Shooter Situations in Church Settings” through Congregation U, an online platform. This course is intended to help reinforce knowledge that could lead to quick and smart action when faced with this type of situation. While we pray this never happens, the Risk Management Committee feels it is important to equip as many as possible. If you did not receive an invitation to the course and would like to take it, please email Associate Pastor Heather Mustain (hmustain@wilshirebc.org).
McKee ordination set for Nov. 30
All are invited to an ordination service for Pastoral Resident Georgia McKee on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Georgia, who began her residency in August 2024, is a graduate of Wake Forest University School of Divinity and Belmont University.
Kids’ Dance Party rescheduled
Friday, Nov. 14, is the new date for the Children’s Ministry Light-Up Dance Party, originally scheduled for Oct. 24. Kids in kindergarten through grade 5 are invited to enjoy glow-in-the-dark fun with friends from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Community Hall. There will be snacks, but eat dinner before you come. Please register by Nov. 12 at wilshirebc.org/events/dance-party. Friends are welcome but will need to register.
Save the date for January 11 author event
Mark your calendars for Jan. 11, when Wilshire will host author, speaker and pastor Meredith Miller. Miller is the author of Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Heal From, and she has over 20 years of experience in children’s ministry and curriculum. On Jan. 11, Miller will lead a Sunday School session geared toward parents and participate in 11 a.m. worship. After worship all are welcome to hear more from Meredith, including a time of Q&A, over a free lunch in Community Hall. Registration for lunch and childcare is coming soon.
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Wednesday Night Live: Nov. 12
Koinonia Café
5 p.m. | Community Hall | Buffet dinner for the whole family with kid-friendly options available. Cash/check/credit accepted at the door. Full Meal: $10 for ages 10 and up; $5 for kids 4 to 9; free for kids 3 and under; $35 household max. Soup & Salad Meal: $7. Nov. 12: Lemon chicken, wild rice, roasted butternut squash, cream of mushroom soup, rolls, apple crumble, peanut butter cookies, jello.
Preschool Music & Missions
6 p.m. | Age 3–Pre-K | Preschool choir plus fun activities and lessons focused on God’s love and caring for others.
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. Each week is different! Activities include art, music, recreation, science and more. Kindergartners will have choir as part of KidConnect.
Book study: Living Resistance
6 p.m. | Community Hall | On Nov. 5, 12 and 19 we will study Kaitlin Curtice’s Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day. In the book, Curtice reclaims resistance as a basic human calling for every human who longs to see their neighbors’ holistic flourishing.
■ Nov. 26: No Wednesday night activities.
■ Dec. 3: Resident-led Vespers.
Watershed
6:30 p.m. | Grades 6–12 | Wilshire Student Ministry’s weekly time of Bible study and
music in the Youth Center.
Sanctuary Choir
7 p.m. | Choral Hall | Wilshire’s main adult choir rehearses weekly. New singers are always welcome, and there’s no audition.
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Let’s Organize! names focus areas
The Wednesday Let’s Organize! group has identified four advocacy areas of emphasis: gun violence, human rights, immigration and public education. Over the past four sessions, participants have been “cutting the issue” — breaking these complex challenges into concrete, actionable goals. Together, they are co-creating a safe space to process our current political climate, cultivating hope and equipping one another to be agents of change. In November, the groups will move from discernment to action, finalizing concrete goals and next steps. You’re invited to join the conversation for the final two sessions, Nov. 5 and 19 at 6 p.m. in the Parlor.
Next Lunch & Learn is Nov. 19
All are invited at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, for a buffet lunch ($10) followed by Bible study. No RSVP needed; pay at the door. Lunch & Learn is held the first and third Wednesdays every month.
Preschool Playdate on Nov. 24
Preschoolers and their families are invited to a Preschool Playdate with Ms. Kelly on Monday, Nov. 24, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room.
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Stephen Minister training begins in January
Stephen Ministry is a Christian caregiving ministry in which trained lay people provide confidential, one-on-one support to those facing challenges such as grief, illness, divorce, job loss or family stress. Stephen Ministers are trained in listening, prayer and compassionate care and typically meet weekly with one care receiver at a time. The ministry expands our church’s ability to offer support beyond what our ministerial staff can provide.
• To inquire about receiving care, email stephenministry@wilshirebc.org or call our dedicated phone number, 214-452-3176.
• A new Stephen Minister training class begins in January. To learn more or apply, contact Linda Garner at 214-452-3151 or visit wilshirebc.org/stephen-ministry.
Register for WOW retreat
Registration is open for Women of Wilshire’s 2026 retreat, set for Friday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Prothro Retreat Center at Lake Texoma. Get away and find community, encouragement and time with God through worship, art, learning and fun. Details and registration at wilshirebc.org/events/wow-retreat-2026.
Free exercise classes
Physical therapy students from Texas Women’s University will lead a series of classes geared toward fall prevention at Wilshire starting Monday, Oct. 20. Covering balance, cardio, strength training and more, the free classes will be a great way to stay active and have fun in a supportive environment. Classes will be held Mondays through Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact: Parish Nurse Linda Garner (lgarner@wilshirebc.org)
Puerto Rico trip planned for 2026
Wilshire is forming an intergenerational mission team to serve in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during Spring Break. Families with youth ages 13 and up are encouraged to serve together alongside others who have served in Puerto Rico in past years. Proposed trip dates are March 14–20, 2026. The trip will cost an estimated $400 per person plus airfare. Scholarships are available. If you have questions or are interested, contact Abbey Adcox (aadcox@wilshirebc.org).
Monthly service opportunities
• A Wilshire group serves the fourth Friday morning each month at the Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation’s Mobile Food Pantry. Dates for the rest of 2025 are Nov. 21 and Dec. 19. 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.
Youth Fall Retreat
Wilshire Student Ministry’s Fall Retreat will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, to Sunday, Nov. 23 at Camp Copass in Denton. A cost of $125 covers bus transportation, lodging, meals and a T-shirt. Register at wilshirebc.org/events/fall-retreat.
Marriage Connections is Nov. 14
Marriage Connections will be held Friday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. Free childcare (infant–grade 5) is provided while parents enjoy a short program at the church and then have until 9:30 to themselves. Registration is required for childcare by Nov. 9. Visit wilshirebc.org/events/marriage-connections.
• The same childcare is available to single, adoptive and foster parents. Register at wilshirebc.org/events/pno by Nov. 9.
Sign up for Nov. 19 Blood Drive
Carter BloodCare will hold a blood drive at Wilshire from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19. There is a critical need for several blood types, including A+, A-, O+, O- and B-. Visit wilshirebc.org/events/blood-drive to make an appointment.
Columbarium prices to rise Jan. 1
Since being dedicated in 2010, Wilshire’s Columbarium has become the resting place for many Wilshire members and their loved ones. We are proud to house this space as a place to memorialize and remember those who have left us. Over the years, we have kept prices steady, but with rising maintenance costs and the necessity to hire a new engraver, we are going to raise the price of single and double niches as well as the price of remembrance markers. Prices will change as follows: a single niche, now $1,500, will cost $1,750; a double niche, now $3,000, will cost $3,500; a remembrance marker, now $500, will cost $750. New prices will take effect in January. Act soon to purchase a niche or marker at the current price. Contact: Chelsea Hopkins (chopkins@wilshirebc.org)
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Library help needed on Sundays
Librarian Barbara Peterson is looking for Library volunteers to work Sundays from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. a few times a year in rotation with others. Tasks include shelving and checking out books. Contact Barbara (bpeterson@wilshirebc.org) if you can serve.
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Medical personnel sought
Parish Nurse Linda Garner is compiling a list of Wilshire medical personnel to serve in case of an emergency or to simply be a resource. If you are a physician, registered nurse, nurse practitioner or any kind of healthcare professional, please contact Linda at lgarner@wilshirebc.org.
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Save the date for 75th anniversary
Wilshire will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026, culminating with special events on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14. Planning is underway, and more information is coming soon about how you can get involved. For now, mark your calendars for next June 13 and 14, and plan your summer vacation so you don’t miss the festivities.
Women of Wilshire Book Clubs
• Tuesday Evening Book Club | Nov. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Parlor | Little Bee by Chris Cleave. Contact Debby Burton.
• Brown Bag Book Club | Dec. 4 | Noon | 1205-L | The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill. Contact Carolyn Murray.
Men’s Book Club
Nov. 18 | 7 p.m. | Parlor | Book and Dagger by Elyse Graham. Contact: Scott Spreier (swspreier@gmail.com) or Mike Meripolski (meripolski@att.net)
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.