Back to School Supply Drive Ends Sunday
Wilshire’s Missions Committee is hosting a supply drive benefiting Richardson ISD’s Spring Valley Elementary School. Spring Valley is a Title 1 school with about 420 students, 82% of whom are economically disadvantaged. The school’s newest assistant principal is Wilshire’s own Shana Gaines. In addition to supplies, we are hoping to collect at least 72 handwritten notes of gratitude for the school’s staff. Notes may be dropped off in the collection bin outside the church office. There are two ways to donate supplies: Shop from the school’s Amazon wishlist; all items will be shipped to Wilshire. Or shop on your own from the following list and drop your items off outside the main office during regular building hours:
■ Apple iPad chargers: Lightning to USB cable and charging block (only Apple products, please)
■ Adjustable headphones (headphones only, please, not earbuds)
■ Baby wipes
■ Black dry-erase markers
■ Cleaning wipes
■ Crayola products (crayons, colored pencils, fat markers, thin markers)
■ Kleenex
■ Hand sanitizer
■ Ticonderoga brand pencils, beginner size and #2
■ Wide-rule spiral notebooks
■ Ziploc bags: gallon and sandwich size
Blessing of the Backpacks: Sunday, Aug. 14 during worship
The annual Blessing of the Backpacks will be held during worship on Sunday, Aug. 14. Children are encouraged to bring their backpacks or school bags to church, and during the service they will be invited to the front of the Sanctuary to receive a blessing for themselves, their teachers and parents as the new school year beginss
Luke Powery of Duke Divinity preaches Aug. 14
The Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery, our guest preacher on Aug. 14, is the dean of Duke University Chapel and associate professor of homiletics at Duke Divinity School. A leader in the theological study of the art of preaching, he regularly delivers sermons at Duke Chapel and at churches throughout the U.S. and abroad. His teaching and research interests are located at the intersection of preaching, worship, pneumatology and culture, particularly expressions of the African diaspora. His most recent book is “Were You There? Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals.” Powery was ordained by the Progressive National Baptist Convention and has served in an ecumenical capacity in churches throughout Switzerland, Canada and the U.S. In 2008, the African-American Pulpit named him one of 20 outstanding Black ministers under 40 helping shape the future of the church. Before coming to Duke, Powery taught homiletics at Princeton Theological Seminary. He received a bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance from Stanford University, a master of divinity from Princeton, and a PhD in theology from Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto. He and his wife, Gail, have two children.
The Wilshire Pulpit
A diverse lineup of guests will preach at Wilshire during our pastoral transition. Our pastoral residents will also preach about once a month. Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule:
Aug. 21: Hymn Sing. There will be no sermon in this music-focused service.
Aug. 28: Celebrating George Mason. In lieu of a sermon, our three associate pastors will each offer a brief reflection.
Sept. 4: Rabbi Nancy Kasten is a community educator, volunteer and activist who serves as chief relationship officer for Faith Commons, the interfaith nonprofit founded by George Mason. Ordained by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, she served as Hillel director, associate chaplain, and adjunct professor of Biblical Hebrew at SMU.
Sept. 11: Pastoral Resident Brianna Childs
Sept. 18: Jerusha Matsen Neal is assistant professor of homiletics at Duke Divinity School. A writer, former Methodist missionary and an ordained Baptist minister, she has spent her ministry preaching in cross-cultural spaces and bridging denominational communities. Neal holds an MDiv and PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary.
■ See the full schedule at wilshirebc.org/guest-preachers
Final summer Fellowship Lunch Aug. 14
All are invited to Community Hall after worship for a buffet-style lunch prepared by Wilshire’s kitchen staff. Toward the end of the lunch, Associate Pastor Heather Mustain will lead a brief Q&A with guest preacher Luke Powery. Thanks for coming together to make these summer lunches such a success. We will offer Sunday Fellowship Lunches on Oct. 16 and Dec. 18, and we hope to see you around the Community Hall tables on Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m.
■ $10 for ages 10 and up; $5 for ages 4–9 ; Free for 3 and under. $35 household max.
■ Cash, check and credit cards are accepted at the door.
Aug. 21: Promotion Sunday
Hymn Sing in worship
Worship on Promotion Sunday, Aug. 21, will take the form of a Hymn Sing. The service will include congregational singing of 10 hymns chosen by the music staff after tabulating your votes in the recent hymn survey. A variety of instrumental accompaniments will be utilized, including organ, piano, guitar, mandolin and flute. There will be no guest preacher on Aug. 21. Wilshire member R.G. Huff — hymn writer and retired music minister — will offer three hymn reflections.
Sunday School moves to 9:45
All preschoolers, children and youth will pro-mote to new Sunday school classes Aug. 21 at the new start time of 9:45 a.m. For adults, Promotion Sunday is a good day to try a new class or start attending Sunday School for the first time — or the first time in a while. For help connecting with a class, contact Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org.
Music groups for children, youth resume
Children’s Choir: new day
Kindergartners through sixth graders will now meet for choir on Sundays after worship. The kids will enjoy a free snack lunch in Community Hall before choirs meet from 12:15 to 1 p.m. (Preschool Music, Missions and More remains on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.)
Children’s Handbells
Right after choir, third through sixth graders are invited to stay for Children’s Handbells. Kelly Akins will direct the group, which will meet from 1 to 1:30 p.m. in the Handbell Room. No experience necessary.
Youth Choir
Wilshire’s Youth Choir, for all students in grades 7–12, also resumes Aug. 21. Students will eat a free snack lunch in Community Hall before heading to Choral Hall. Youth Choir rehearsal starts at 12:20 p.m. and ends at 1:20.
Wednesday Night Live
Midweek fellowship and faith formation for all ages. Starts Aug. 24.
Kickoff Event: Aug. 24, 6 p.m.
All are invited to James Gallery after dinner on Aug. 24 for shaved ice, games, live music and a preview of our Wednesday offerings for children and preschool. Also at 6, our pastoral residents will give a Pathways to Ministry update in McIver Chapel.
Koinonia Café
5 – 6 p.m. | Community Hall | Buffet-style Wednesday meals return! No registration necessary. Cash/check/credit card accepted at the door. Kid-friendly options available. 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.
Music, Missions & More
6 – 7 p.m. | Age 3 – Pre-K | Fun activities and lessons focused on God’s love and caring for others.
New: KidConnect
6 – 7 p.m. | K – Grade 6 | This all-new children’s experience features a rotation of activities to help kids learn how to love God and others with every part of themselves. Each week will be different, with activities including art, music, recreation, science, puppets and cooking.
Adult Study or Vespers
6 – 7 p.m. | Join our pastoral residents this fall for Toward Wholeness: Seeking an Integrated Faith. This 10-week series starting Sept. 7 will help us chart a path away from disillusionment toward authentic, embodied spiritual formation through practices of the mind, body and soul.
■ Aug. 24: Residents John and Brianna will give a Pathways update in McIver Chapel as part of the WNL kickoff event.
■ Aug. 31, Nov. 16: Vespers, McIver Chapel.
WSM Watershed
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Grades 7 – 12 | Wilshire Student Ministry’s time of weekly Bible study in the Youth Center.
Called to Care
On months with a fifth Wednesday (not including August), all ages will join together for an easy, hands-on service project. Called to Care will be held this fall on Nov. 30.
Wilshire staying with one service
As announced last week, Wilshire will continue to offer a single Sunday worship service, at 11 a.m., for the foreseeable future. The decision was made based on positive feedback from our one-service schedule this summer.
■ Starting Promotion Sunday, Aug. 21, Sunday School will start at 9:45 a.m. instead of 10.
■ Sunday Fellowship Lunches will end on Aug. 14 as planned, but will be held on Oct. 16 and Dec. 18 this fall.
New around here?
■ Coffee and Conversation will be hosted by Associate Pastor Heather Mustain on Sunday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m. in the senior pastor’s study. This informal event gives guests and new members a chance to ask questions about Wilshire.
■ The monthly Wilshire Welcome Class, which helps guests and new members learn what Wilshire is all about, will meet Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. in the Prayer Room near McIver Chapel.
■ Questions about these events? Contact Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org.
Celebrating George Mason: August 28
Mark your calendars for Sunday, Aug. 28, when Wilshire will recognize and celebrate George Mason as his retirement from the senior pastor role becomes official. Aug. 27 will mark George’s 33rd anniversary as senior pastor, and his last day will be Aug. 31. The worship service on Aug. 28 will include a time of recognition for George, and in lieu of a sermon, each of our three associate pastors will offer a reflection. A come-and-go reception for George, Kim and family will be held in James Gallery at two times: during Sunday School (starting at 9:45) and after worship.
Preschool teachers needed for Sundays and Wednesdays
The preschool ministry needs a few more volunteers to teach Sunday School and Wednesday night missions, and is also in the process of hiring more paid workers. If you’re interested in serving in preschool, contact Joan Hammons at 214-452-3141 or jhammons@wilshirebc.org. If you know of someone who might want to become a paid worker in our preschool area, please share this information with them.
Next blood drive is Aug. 24
The Carter BloodCare bus will be at Wilshire for a blood drive on Wednesday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Carter is still feeling the effects of a decrease in blood donations during the pandemic; they have a less-than-one-day supply of many blood types. Donations also slow down in the summer months. Walk-ups are welcome, but you can sign up for an appointment here. Contact Parish Nurse Linda Garner with questions at lgarner@wilshirebc.org or 214-452-3151.
Chronic and undiagnosed illness support community
Do you have a chronic or undiagnosed illness? Are you interested in joining a new community for spiritual and emotional support? Wilshire is considering creating a new support community under our Care Ministries. The group may be led by a trained Stephen Minister, and could include a private Facebook group and twice-monthly Zoom calls. If you’re interested, contact Parish Nurse Linda Garner (lgarner@wilshirebc.org) or Annette Miller(annette.a.miller@gmail.com) by Friday, Aug. 26.
Women of Wilshire book clubs
■ The WOW! Brown Bag Book Club meets one Thursday a month at noon in Room 1205-L. On Sept. 1, the group will discuss Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. Contact: Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org).
■ The WOW! Tuesday Evening Book Club meets in the Parlor monthly at 6:30 p.m. On Sept. 13, the group will discuss Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Zoom option available by request. Contact: Debby Burton (dburton@wilshirebc.org).
Lunch & Learn resumes Sept. 7
All are invited to Community Hall for lunch, fellowship and an inspiring program the first Wednesday of each month starting Sept. 7. Lunch and Learn begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends around 12:45 p.m. Lunch is buffet-style and costs $10 per person. No reservation required. Other fall dates are Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7.
Wilshire returning to the Stewpot
After a pandemic pause, the Stewpot is once again welcoming volunteer groups to help serve meals, and Wilshire is committed to serving lunch the second Thursday each month starting Sept. 7. The Stewpot serves three meals a day, 365 days a year, at Second Chance Café at the Bridge Homeless Recovery Center downtown. Wilshire member David Cossum will coordinate our efforts. Six people are needed each month, but you don’t need to serve every month. Meal service begins at noon and ends at 1 p.m. If you’re interested or have questions, contact David at dc@cossum.com.
Faith Commons presents Valarie Kaur Sept. 8 & 9
Activist and writer Valarie Kaur will be in Dallas Sept. 8 and 9 for two events presented by Faith Commons and co-sponsored by Wilshire. Kaur, the best-selling author of See No Stranger and leader of the Revolutionary Love Project, will give a public lecture at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum on the night of Thursday, Sept. 8. The event will include a book signing. On Friday, Sept. 9, Kaur will lead an intensive workshop at Paul Quinn College. The workshop includes a box lunch. Learn more and buy tickets at faithcommons.org.
Adventurers Trivia Night, Aug. 23
Wilshire member Tyler Wade will serve as emcee for the Adventurers Trivia Night on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 6:30 p.m. in Community Hall. Fruit cobbler and ice cream will be served. Cost for the event is $5 per person. Registration is required but payment will be accepted only at the event. Visit wilshirebc.org/registration or contact Barbara Clayton at 214-452-3125 or bclayton@wilshirebc.org. Adventurers events are open to those 60 and up.
“We Are Wilshire” Ministry Expo
The Belong Team is hosting a Ministry Expo after worship on Sunday, Sept. 11., to showcase all the amazing opportunities we have to serve and engage at Wilshire. Tables will be set up in the James Gallery, plus there will be food trucks and new Wilshire T-shirts.
Faith in Democracy event, Sept. 11
Wilshire is one of several churches to sponsor Faith in Democracy, Texas Impact’s annual civic engagement training event and celebration. The event, which will be held Sunday, Sept. 11, from 2 to 5 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church downtown, will provide an opportunity to hear from Dallas faith leaders, connect with like-minded folks and learn about Texas Impact’s plans for the 2023 legislative session. To learn more, see the events section of Texas Impact’s Facebook page or contact Abbey Adcox at aadcox@wilshirebc.org.
MOPS starts new year Sept. 16
Wilshire’s MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group will start a new year on Friday, Sept. 16. This ministry offers encouragement and spiritual nourishment to mothers of children from birth to kindergarten. MOPS International has been equipping moms since 1973, and Wilshire has offered MOPS for over 25 years. The group, made up of Wilshire members and non-members alike, meets select Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon in James Gallery for brunch, fellowship, crafting and to hear from a speaker. Childcare is provided. MOPS also has monthly playdates and adult socials. To learn more, email wilshiremops@gmail.com or Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org. Other MOPS dates this fall: Sept. 30, Oct. 21, Nov. 11 and Dec. 2.
Voter Registration Drive, Sept. 4
Wilshire will host a voter registration drive Sunday, Sept. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteer Deputy Registrars will be on hand in James Gallery and the South Atrium to provide assistance and information regarding voting and redistricting. Watch the Tapestry for more information in the coming weeks.