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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Hymn festival on Oct. 18
The Plymouth Choir from First-Plymouth Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, will be joined by Wilshire’s Sanctuary Choir to present a hymn festival here on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. In Sing Glory to the Name of God: A Festival of Hymns, the choirs will bring a message of hope in a program celebrating the many names we offer God. Tom Trenney directs the Plymouth Choir. Ariel Merivil served at First-Plymouth before joining Wilshire as minister of music.
Middle School Bells starts Oct. 19
Middle School Bells is a new opportunity for students in grades 6–8 to learn more about reading music and developing musicianship in a low-pressure setting. Starting Oct. 19, the group will rehearse in the Handbell Room from 1:30 to 2 p.m. on Sundays. Jeff Brummel, who has years of college and private teaching experience, will direct. Contact Jeff with questions at jbrummel@wilshirebc.org. Note: Jeff is on sabbatical until Oct. 13.
Weekly 9 a.m. contemplative service starts Nov. 9 | Read more >
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Wednesday Night Live: Oct. 22
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. Oct. 22: Chicken teriyaki, steamed rice, stir-fry vegetables, egg rolls, egg drop soup, roll cake, sugar cookies, jello. Kids: Chicken, steamed rice, veggies.
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.
Bible Study series: HERstory
6 p.m. | Community Hall | What do you think of when you think of women and the Bible? Perhaps Mary, mother of Jesus, or the other Mary, who shares the news of the resurrected Christ. This series will highlight the voices of various women in the Bible, using feminist insights to show the expansive ways these women’s unique experiences reveal the work of God and witness to the gospel.
• Oct. 22: Lydia and Phoebe
• Oct. 29: Vespers in McIver Chapel
November: Next month we will study Kaitlin Curtice’s Living Resistance. Consider deepening your experience by purchasing and reading the book in advance.
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. 5
All are invited at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 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.
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Unified Budget Update as of Sept. 30
YTD Budget: $2,969,990
YTD Income: $2,377,388 ($364,181 short of expenses)
YTD Expenses: $2,741,569
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Pathways Endowment YTD gifts $19,154
Pathways Endowment Sept. balance $10,837,508
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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.
Can you host a fireside chat?
Hosts are needed for Wilshire’s Fireside Chats on Sunday evening, Nov. 16, from 5 to 6:30 or 6:30 to 8. This annual churchwide social event aims to deepen relationships while expressing our collective gratitude in an intimate setting. Hosts can determine the number of guests (20 max) at their home, and Wilshire will provide a gratitude liturgy, refreshments and logistical help. If you can host or have questions, contact Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org) by Nov. 1.
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. 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.
Gaston Center open house
Mission partner Gaston Christian Center will hold an open house on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. All are invited to tour the facility, meet staff and board members and learn how GCC is a resource hub for the community. The center is located at 8515 Greenville Ave.
Heather on panel for SMU event
Associate Pastor Heather Mustain will be one of four panelists discussing the intersection of faith, housing and human dignity at SMU on Thursday, Oct. 23. The event will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Moody Hall on the SMU campus. Learn more about the event and register at bit.ly/4nm7H1W.
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.
Children’s Light-Up Dance Party
Kids in kindergarten through grade 5 are invited to a Light-Up Dance Party on Friday, Oct. 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 in Community Hall. Come enjoy glow-in-the-dark fun with friends. There will be snacks, but eat dinner before you come. Please register by Oct. 22 at wilshirebc.org/events/dance-party. Friends are welcome but will need to register.
Wilshire Game Night
All are invited to Wilshire Game Night on Friday, Oct. 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in James Gallery. This will be a perfect event for parents whose kids are attending the Light-Up Dance Party at the same time.
Adventurers event on Oct. 29
Wilshire Adventurers will enjoy lunch ($10 ea.) and a presentation from Texas Master Gardener Fran Powell at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29. No reservation required. In “Language and Legends of Flowers,” Powell will share about the rich symbolism of flowers as inspired by myths, legends, religion, world cultures and literature. Adventurers is a fellowship group for anyone 60 and up.
WOW: Bubbles, Bites & BWNA
Join Women of Wilshire on Thursday, Oct. 30, for a casual evening with friends while learning about the work of Baptist Women of North America and their Education Equity Program, which provides period products in Africa. The come-and-go (or come-and-stay) gathering will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the home of Carolyn Murray (9930 Caribou Tr.). Please RSVP at wilshirebc.org/events/bwna.
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.
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; childcare is available for preschoolers. Register for lunch and childcare at wilshirebc.org/events/foley.
Texas constitutional amendments
On Nov. 4, Texans will vote on 17 amendments to the state constitution — the most at one time since 2003. The measures address issues like property taxes, education and workforce funding, public safety and judicial reform, parental and voting rules and health research. The constitution can only be changed again through another legislative supermajority and statewide vote — making these decisions long-lasting. Learn about the proposals at texasimpact.org/2025-constitutional-amendments. Register, verify your registration and find polling locations at goelect.txelections.civixapps.com. Early voting begins Oct. 20.
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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.
A note from the parish nurse on flu and COVID vaccines
It is time to get your flu and Covid-19 shots. Both illnesses are still present and can make you miserable for several days. It is safe to get both vaccines at the same time. This year, not all pharmacies are giving them, so call before you go to be sure you can get it at your usual place. The vaccines are recommended for all adults over 65 and those with chronic health problems. Other adults need the vaccines as well, even though some official recommendations have changed. They are also recommended for children. If you have symptoms, you can get tested. Stay home until you are fever free for one day. Then if symptoms are getting better you do not have to stay home, but wear a mask for five days.—Linda Garner
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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.
Men’s Book Club
Oct. 21 | 7 p.m. | Parlor | Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Contact: Mike Meripolski or Scott Spreier.
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 | Nov. 6 | Noon | 1205-L | The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margo by Marianne Cronin. Contact Carolyn Murray.
Elevator update
The replacement of the north elevator is now projected to take place in early 2026. Needed parts will not arrive until late this fall. Once the project begins, it should take four to five weeks to complete. Thanks for your continued patience as the elevator remains out of service.
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.