Note: This page is generally updated on Fridays.
Keep Watch: Advent 2024
Advent begins Sunday, Dec. 1. See everything we have planned at wilshirebc.org/advent.
Sign up kids to build Nativity
Elementary school children are invited to help build the Sanctuary Nativity scene by carrying elements to the chancel at the start of worship. We’ll begin Dec. 1 and build the scene week by week until it is complete at the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Sign up at wilshirebc.org/nativity.
Christmas Eve: Tuesday, Dec. 24
■ 4 p.m. Christmas Eve family service. Suitable for all ages.
■ 11 p.m. Christmas Eve liturgical service. Includes celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
■ No Sunday School (worship only) on Dec. 29.
Invite for youth alumni
Youth Choir will sing for the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve service, and Youth Choir alumni of all ages are invited to join in. Meet in Choral Hall at 10:20 for coffee, a cookie and a quick rehearsal.
Tree of Remembrance
Help decorate Wilshire’s Tree of Hope and Remembrance in the South Lobby by writing the name of a loved one as a memorial or your name as a survivor of cancer or another disease. Blank ornaments and markers are provided at the tree, which is decorated with bracelets representing different forms of cancer. Hang your ornament on the tree anytime and feel free to take it home close to Christmas for your own tree.
Advent book study
Join us this season as we read Calling All Angels: an Advent Study of Fearlessness and Strength by Erin Wathen. The book examines four angelic encounters that began with the same refrain, “do not be afraid,” and challenges readers to apply this timeless message to our lives today. The book is available from major book retailers.
■ On Sundays from 9 to 9:45 a.m., Darren DeMent and Katie Murray are leading a discussion group on the book in Room 1205-G.
■ Many Sunday School classes, including Youth, are studying the book during Advent.
■ A family study guide is available for parents to use with children. Pick up a copy in the main office or near the north entrance.
Wednesdays on break
Wednesday Night Live is on a break for the holidays and will resume Jan. 8. Lunch & Learn, regularly held the first and third Wednesdays each month, resumes Jan. 15.
Adventurers Trip
The Wilshire Adventurers will visit Sedona’s Red Rock Country and the Grand Canyon from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, 2025. Space is limited. For early access to registration, express your interest by Dec. 20 at wilshirebc.org/adventurers-trip.
Holiday closures
■ The church building will be closed and staff members on break from Tuesday, Dec. 24, through Thursday, Jan. 2. On Friday, Jan. 3, staffers will return to work but the building will remain closed.
■ If you have an urgent pastoral need over the break, contact Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples at 214-452-3171 or tpeoples@wilshirebc.org.
■ The Columbarium will be open Monday, Dec. 23, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 24, 3–6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 29, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Year-end giving
■ While the church office will be closed starting Dec. 24, checks can be dropped into the secure black mailbox accessible from the south parking lot. Checks in the mailbox will be retrieved in time to count as 2024 giving.
■ Checks sent in the mail need to be postmarked by Dec. 31.
■ Online gifts can be made before midnight on Dec. 31.
■ Stock gifts must arrive in Wilshire’s Fidelity account no later than Dec. 30. Email Lori Gooden for account information and to let her know about the gift.
Next Blood Drive is Jan. 8
Carter BloodCare will be at Wilshire for a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended. Visit wilshirebc.org/events/blood-drive to make an appointment.
Rise Against Hunger on MLK Day
Join us on MLK Day, Monday, Jan. 20, as we partner with Rise Against Hunger to pack healthy meals for those in need. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon in Community Hall. This project is for everyone and includes ways to serve while seated. Children are a great help collecting completed bags with help from a parent. Volunteers are needed to help set up starting at 8:30 a.m. and clean up afterward. Rise Against Hunger’s mission is to create immediate and long-term solutions to hunger by building resilience, self-sufficiency and empowerment in communities worldwide. All volunteers must register and complete a waiver at events.riseagainsthunger.org/wilshirebaptistchurch2025.
Rental assistance program
Wilshire’s rental and utility assistance program is looking for volunteers to meet with those applying for assistance. Training will be held in January. Contact: Associate Pastor Heather Mustain.
Annual Church Conference
Make plans to attend our annual church conference in Community Hall after worship on Sunday, Jan. 26. We’ll adopt a budget, elect deacons and committees and hear updates about the church. Lunch will be provided.
Men’s Book Club
Wilshire’s Men’s Book Club will discuss Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Parlor. On Feb. 18 the group will discuss Eric Larson’s The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War. The group meets the third Tuesday each month but will not meet in December 2024. Contact: Mike Meripolski or Scott Spreier.
Women of Wilshire
■ WOW Tuesday Evening Book Club | Jan. 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Parlor | James by Percival Everett. Contact Debby Burton.
■ WOW Brown Bag Book Club | Jan. 9 | Noon | 1205-L | The First Ladies by Marie Benedict. Contact Carolyn Murray.
■ Evening knitting group. Anyone who enjoys knitting is invited to Peggy Tinsley’s Garland home one evening each month, usually the third Thursday, to work on their projects in fellowship with others. The group is open to knitters of all skill levels. Contact Sara Tinsley for more details.
Wilshire kitchen is hiring
Over the past few months, Wilshire staff have thought through food service staffing needs to ensure that we are able to provide a meaningful fellowship experience for members and guests when the kitchen is used. To that end, the church is seeking applicants for three food service positions: a full-time sous chef, a part-time prep cook and a part-time floater position. See the job descriptions and application instructions at wilshirebc.org/employment.
Advocacy Action Groups
The 89th Texas Legislature and 119th U.S. Congress convene in January. Consider joining an Advocacy Action Group to receive educational resources and action alerts regarding local, state and national issues. From the Missions and Christian Advocacy Committee. Sign up here >
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.