We Are Wilshire Ministry Expo is Sunday, Sept. 11
Everyone’s invited to stick around after church today. Three food trucks will be on hand near the Prayer Garden, and tables will be set up outside, in Community Hall and the preschool multipurpose room. We’ll be selling brand new Wilshire T-shirts. Most important, visit James Gallery to learn about 26 of the great ministries Wilshire has to offer.
Brianna Childs preaches Sept. 11
Pastoral Resident Brianna Childs will preach Sunday, Sept. 11. Residents are preaching about once a month during our pastoral transition. Guest preachers will preach most weeks.
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 denominations. Neal holds an MDiv and PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Sept. 25: Charles Foster Johnson is the founder and executive director of Pastors for Texas Children, a statewide ecumenical organization mobilizing the faith community for public education support and advocacy. He is also founder and co-pastor of Bread, a faith community in Fort Worth, and has served churches in several states during 40 years of ministry.
Oct. 2: Pastoral Resident John Kelly
Oct. 9: Jon Singletary has served as dean of the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University since 2016. He has been a professor in the Garland School since 2010 and first joined the faculty in 2003. His research interests include community development, advocacy and social justice. Singletary holds a PhD in social work from Virginia Commonwealth and an MDiv from the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond.
Full schedule at wilshirebc.org/guest-preachers
Wednesday Night Live for Sept. 14
Koinonia Café
5 – 6 p.m. | Community Hall | Buffet-style Wednesday meals are back! 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.
WSM Watershed
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Grades 7 – 12 | Wilshire Student Ministry’s time of weekly Bible study in the Youth Center.
Resident-led study
6 – 7 p.m. | Through Nov. 9 | 1205-L
Join the pastoral residents this fall for Toward Wholeness: Seeking an Integrated Faith, a series to help us chart a path away from disillusionment toward authentic, embodied spiritual formation through practices of the mind, body and soul.
Sanctuary Choir
7 – 8:30 p.m. | Choral Hall | Wilshire’s
primary adult choir is open to all. No audition necessary.
Childcare for infants to 2-year-olds whose parents are involved in church activities is offered 6 – 7:15 p.m.
New around here?
The monthly Wilshire Welcome Class, which helps guests and new members learn about the church, meets Sunday, Sept. 18, at 9:45 a.m. in the Prayer Room near McIver Chapel. To learn more, contact Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org.
Faith in 3D auditions
After two years of video productions, Faith in 3D will be presented live again in 2023, and you can visit the Faith in 3D table at today’s Ministry Expo to find out what the show will be. Auditions will be held Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 3 and 4, at 7 p.m., and the show will be performed March 24 and 25. Contact Nancy Poynter at njpoynter@aol.com to learn more.
Faith in Democracy event Sunday
Faith in Democracy, Texas Impact’s annual civic engagement training event, will be held Sept. 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Attendees will hear from Dallas faith leaders and learn about Texas Impact’s plans for the 2023 legislative session. To learn more, visit texasimpact.org/events.
Wilshire Winds resumes Sept. 12
Wilshire Winds resumes weekly rehearsals Monday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. in Choral Hall. This group of woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists plays in worship once a month during the school year and will offer a joint Holiday concert with Carillon Ringers this December. Wilshire Winds is open to new members. No audition is required. For more information, contact director Shana Gaines at sgaines@wilshirebc.org.
Adopt-a-Book for Wilshire Library
Help the Wilshire Library purchase new books and say thank you to a teacher, minister or staff member by adopting a book in their honor or memory. Stop by the South Atrium between 4:30 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Simply select a book, fill out a form with the name you wish to have placed on a plaque inside the cover and pay the indicated donation. Adopt-a-Book is a great way to honor someone special and give the gift of reading to countless others.
Computer classes start soon
Wilshire’s free Computer Education Program will begin its fall term with registration events on Tuesday, Sept. 13, in Room 3103. Choose 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 6 to 8 p.m., whichever is more convenient for you. Classes begin the following Tuesday and will run for six weeks. Topics include Windows, iPad, iPhone, Android devices and how to avoid scams and viruses. To learn more, contact Max Post at mpost7@tx.rr.com.
New Song choir resumes Sept. 14
“We are never too old to make a new friend or learn a new song,” is a favorite motto of New Song Community Choir, which resumes weekly rehearsals on Wednesday, Sept. 14. The choir rehearses in Choral Hall from 9:30 to 11 a.m. but on the 14th will begin with a brunch in the Parlor at 9. Directed by Sarah Stafford, New Song is a nurturing, supportive group of senior adults who love singing together for fellowship and outreach. Church membership is not required, musical selections are sacred and secular and the group sings about once a month in the community. New members are welcome. No audition necessary. More at newsongchoir.org.
MOPS starts new year Sept. 16
Wilshire MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) will start a new year on Friday, Sept. 16. MOPS offers encouragement and spiritual nourishment to mothers of children from birth to kindergarten. The group is made up of Wilshire members and non-members alike, MOPS meets select Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon in James Gallery for brunch, fellowship, crafting and a presentation from a speaker. Childcare is provided. MOPS also has playdates and adult socials. To learn more, email wilshiremops@gmail.com.
Flu, COVID vaccine event Sept. 17
Wilshire will offer flu shots and COVID-19 boosters in a drive-thru event in the north parking lot on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. Parish Nurse Linda Garner says “it is crucial to get flu shots during the pandemic since both the flu and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses,” and that it’s OK to get both immunizations at the same time. Flu shots are free for those with Medicare or most Medicare Advantage replacement insurance. Registration is required and is available, along with full instructions and consent forms, at wilshirebc.org/registration. Contact Linda at lgarner@wilshirebc.org or 214-926-1125 with questions.
John Kelly ordination Sept. 18
Second-year Pastoral Resident John Kelly will be ordained to the ministry on Sunday, Sept. 18, at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Wilshire pastoral residency alum John Jay Alvaro, a mentor to John, will preach the homily. John Kelly earned an Master of Divinity degree from California’s Fuller Theological Seminary in 2021.
Puerto Rico trip planned
Join Associate Pastor Heather Mustain and Pastoral Resident John Kelly for a disaster relief trip to Puerto Rico February 11-18, 2023. In partnership with First Baptist of Rio Piedras, the team will work to restore roofs left damaged from Hurricane Maria in 2017. No experience necessary. The cost for the trip is $350 for the week plus airfare. If you’re interested or have questions, contact Abbey Adcox at aadcox@wilshirebc.org.
Women of Wilshire book clubs
■ The WOW! Brown Bag Book Club meets one Thursday a month at noon in Room 1205-L. On Oct. 6, the group will discuss Kristin Hannah’s Night Road. 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).
■ WOW! Fall Book Study. Women of Wilshire will study Amy-Jill Levine’s The Difficult Words of Jesus this fall. Meetings will take place at 7:30 p.m. on six Mondays: Sept. 12, Sept. 26, Oct. 10, Oct. 24, Nov. 7 and Nov. 28. Joannah DeMent will host at her home in Lake Highlands. Register at wilshirebc.org/registration.
Dementia care expert to speak in Compass Class Sept. 25
Compass Class will host Pam Johnson, author of Did I Remember to Tell You?: A Real-Life Guidebook for Dementia Family Caregivers, on Sept. 25 at 9:45 a.m. in Room 3103. The book is based on Johnson’s 40-year career working with older adults and her personal experience caring for her father. Anyone interested in understanding more about the topic is welcome.
Chronic illness support group
Wilshire is considering creating a support community for those experiencing a chronic or undiagnosed illness. The group, led by a Stephen Minister, 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).
Wilshire returning to the Stewpot
A group from Wilshire serves lunch at the Stewpot the second Thursday each month. The Stewpot is a nonprofit ministry that serves three meals a day, 365 days a year, at Second Chance Café at the Bridge Homeless Recovery Center downtown. For more information about serving, contact Wilshire member David Cossum at dc@cossum.com.
Wilshire hosting CenterPeace conference in November
Wilshire will host the 2022 CenterPeace Conference, a biennial gathering of LGBTQ+ Christians, their churches and their families, on Thursday, Nov. 3 – Saturday, Nov. 5. Exploring topics related to faith and sexuality, the conference features a range of speakers, from academic scholars of biblical texts who have devoted their lives to studying Scripture and its application in the 21st century, to parents who just want to love their LGBTQ+ children well. At every session, speakers will emphasize the need to approach this topic with grace and compassion, living out our call to love as Christ loves. The goal of CenterPeace is to create a place to belong for all people in the family of God. Learn more at centerpeace.net/conference.
■ Volunteers are needed to serve as a hospitality team for the conference. Contact Abbey Adcox at aadcox@wilshirebc.org to learn more about attending or volunteering.
Art exhibit in South Lobby
“Fill the Earth With Music,” Wilshire’s first art show since before the pandemic, celebrates music’s role in the life of faith and features 25 works from six centuries, including pieces by Marc Chagall, Romeyn de Hooghe, Barbara Zuber, Sandra Bowden, Edward Knippers and others.
Adventurers Trip wraps up
A group of 46 Wilshire Adventurers returned Thursday after a week of fellowship and sightseeing in Chicago and Michigan. The group of senior adults was led by Rob Banta and Jeff Brummel with help from Pastoral Residents Brianna Childs and John Kelly. Chicago activities included a sail boat excursion on Lake Michigan, a boat tour of Chicago architecture and visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium. The group then traveled by bus to the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area for visits to the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum and Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The trip concluded with a few days at historic Mackinac Island.
New choral scholars start
Wilshire’s 2022–2023 cohort of choral scholars includes two new additions and two returnees, all from Southern Methodist University. New choral scholars are Wayne Mkhize, a graduate student from Durban, South Africa, and Sarah Navy, a graduate student from Houston. Returning for another year are Bella Zambrano, a senior from Houston, and Matthew Merritt, a senior from Duncanville.
Deacon Nominations sought
The Deacon Nominating Committee respectfully asks Wilshire members to submit names of persons to be considered for new deacon service, to be ordained in January. Nominees should be individuals who have been church members for at least one year and who have modeled consistent, faithful service and leadership in the life of Wilshire Baptist Church. You may nominate as many individuals as you wish. Those chosen will begin three-year terms of service in February 2023. You also may nominate a deacon in reserve to rotate into active service. View list of active, reserve and emeritus deacons. Submissions are due by Oct. 31. Questions? Contact Debby Burton.
Committee Nominations sought
Wilshire’s Committee on Committees is beginning its work to nominate members for 2023 committees. If you are not currently on a committee and are interested in volunteering yourself or suggesting someone for consideration, please complete the nomination form. All names received will be considered and evaluated against current committee openings and needs. The Committee on Committees’ final report will be presented to the church in conference in January for approval. Ministry Teams are available for any interested person to join at any time. View a description of each committee and ministry team. Questions? Contact Carolyn Murray.