Grandparents Day lunch: Sept. 10 after worship in Community Hall
Our Grandparents Day luncheon is designed for: Wilshire families with older preschoolers through elementary-aged children (ages 3 to 12) and their grandparents, Wilshire members or not; Wilshire grandparents and their children and grandchildren, Wilshire members or not; families who need a local “grandfriend” and older adults wishing to connect with a young family. The event will include a presentation, music, a craft activity, resource table and more. Meal cost: $10, adult; $5, ages 4 to 9; free for 3 and under.
Katie Murray begins as senior adult minister
Katie Murray, a Wilshire member and former staffer, started work this week as Wilshire’s minister to senior adults. “After this first week,” Katie said, “I am more aware than ever that starting a new job in a place where you already feel known is an immense blessing. I am looking forward to all the future holds for Wilshire and our vibrant senior adult ministry.” Katie’s start marks the end of Larry Link’s almost year-long tenure as interim minister to senior adults. Associate Pastor Darren DeMent said, “We were so fortunate to have someone with Larry’s experience and expertise be able to step in during this interim time. We suspected that because of Larry’s love and passion for ministry he would not be content to just bide his time, and we were right. He has brought energy and excitement to the senior adult ministry that will allow Katie to hit the ground running.”
Parents invited to family ministry dreaming sessions
Parents of preschoolers, children and youth are invited to join Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples for a “Dreaming Together” session on family ministries at Wilshire. The session will be divided into two distinct parts, and each part will be offered at two times.
• In Part 1, Timothy will listen as parents express their thoughts and desires. Parents can attend Part 1 either on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m. in the Parlor or Sunday, Sept. 24, at 9:45 a.m. in McIver Chapel.
• In Part 2, Timothy will report on what he heard, offer his reflections and lead a discussion on moving forward. Parents can attend Part 2 either on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 9:45 a.m. in McIver Chapel or Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m. in the Parlor.
If you are not able to attend, feel free to share your thoughts directly with Timothy.
Unified Budget Update
YTD income: $2,143,674
YTD expenses: $2,458,324
YTD budget: $2,596,798
Income vs Expenses Deficit: $314,650
Pathways Endowment YTD gifts: $50,843
Pathways Endowment Aug. balance: $9,230,222
No Children’s Choir Sept. 10
Children’s Choirs will not meet today due to the Grandparents Day lunch. Rehearsals resume Sept. 17. Youth Choir will meet as usual.
New to Wilshire?
Time with Tim, an informal chance for guests and new members to meet and visit with Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples, will be held Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9:45 a.m. in Timothy’s office (Room 2203). Contact: Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org).
Wilshire Winds resumes
Wilshire’s all-volunteer ensemble of brass, woodwind and percussion players resumes rehearsals Monday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. in Choral Hall. No audition. Contact: Director Shana Gaines (sgaines@wilshirebc.org).
Wilshire hosting AWAB event
Wilshire will host the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists’ Annual Lectureship on Monday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 p.m. A dessert reception will follow. The event’s speaker will be Rev. Dr. Susan Shaw, a professor of women, gender and sexuality at Oregon State University. An ordained Baptist minister who now makes her home in the United Church of Christ, Shaw’s most recent book is Reflective Faith: A Theological Toolbox for Women. She is a contributor to Baptist News Global, HuffPost and other publications. Wilshire members receive a discount on the registration fee. To learn more and register, visit awab.org/lectureship.
Tuesday Adventurers lunch features singer Doc Gibbs
The Wilshire Adventurers will enjoy lunch and a performance from musician Doc Gibbs on Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Community Hall. Lunch costs $10 per person; no reservation required. Adventurers is a fellowship group for anyone 60 or above. Contact: Barbara Clayton (bclayton@wilshirebc.org).
WOW Fall Study begins Sept. 11
Women of Wilshire are invited to study Sandra McCracken’s Exploring the Psalms on six Monday evenings this fall. The video series provides a fresh take on the Psalms via reflections and music from McCracken, a prolific songwriter and author. Study materials will be provided. Sessions will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Joannah DeMent. Dates are Sept. 11 and 25; Oct. 9 and 23; and Nov. 6 and 27. Please register at wilshirebc.org/events/wow-psalms.
Let’s play mahjong!
Join other Women of Wilshire for mahjong on the first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. or the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. Please sign up so we’ll know how many to prepare for. Visit wilshirebc.org/events/mahjong for a SignUpGenius link.
Women of Wilshire book clubs
• The WOW Tuesday Evening Book Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. in the Parlor. On Sept. 12, the group will discuss The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Contact: Debby Burton (dburton@wilshirebc.org).
• The WOW Brown Bag Book Club meets one Thursday a month at noon in Room 1205-L. On Oct. 5, the group will discuss Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. Contact: Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org).
New art exhibit starts Sept. 17
Come! The Table is Ready is the theme of an art exhibit that will be on display from Sept. 17 through Nov. 12 in the South Lobby. The show includes 27 pieces in a variety of media from historic and contemporary artists including Rembrandt, Jasper Johns, Sadao Watanabe, Tanja Butler and Nicora Gangi. The works celebrate the table as one of the foremost places of human connection and a rich biblical metaphor — a place of gathering and blessing, a place where we share and serve. Visitors can view the show whenever the building is open.
New adult handbell group forming
Wilshire is starting a new handbell group for adults with limited or no handbell experience. The group, Wilshire Bells, will be directed by Kelly Akins. Rehearsals will be held Sundays from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. starting Sept. 17. A snack lunch will be available. For more information, contact Kelly at kakins@wilshirebc.org or 214-452-3139.
New Song choir resumes Sept. 13
“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. 13. The choir rehearses in Choral Hall from 9:30 to 11 a.m. but on the 13th will begin with treats 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. New members are welcome. No audition necessary. More at newsongchoir.org.
Sept. 20 Lunch & Learn
Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples will lead Bible study at the next Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Lunch & Learn is held the first and third Wednesdays each month at 11:30 a.m. in Community Hall. Open to everyone. Lunch costs $10 per person. No reservation needed. Contact: Barbara Clayton (bclayton@wilshirebc.org).
Wednesday Night Live: Sept. 13
Koinonia Café | 5 – 6 p.m. | Community Hall | Buffet-style dinner for the whole family. Cash/check/credit card accepted. 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. To-go meals available.
• Sept. 13: Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce, Corn Casserole, Charro Beans, Black Bean Soup, Salad, Sopapillas, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Jello. Kids: Corn Dogs, Fries.
Music, Missions & More | 6 – 7 p.m. | Age 3 – Pre-K | Preschool choir, plus fun activities and lessons focused on God’s love and caring for others.
KidConnect | 6 – 7 p.m. | K – Grade 6 | KidConnect features a rotation of activities to help kids learn how to love God and others with every part of themselves. Each week is different, with art, music, recreation, science, puppets, cooking and more.
Bible Study: Love in the Hebrew Bible | 6 – 7 p.m. | Community Hall | Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples and other ministers will lead Bible study at 6 p.m. this fall. Current series: Christians insist that love stands at the heart of who God is. Yet, when we talk about love in the Hebrew Bible, how much do we really know? Timothy will explore these ideas Sept. 13 and 27, and John Kelly will lead on Sept. 20.
Watershed | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Grades 7–12 | Bible study and music in the Youth Center.
Sanctuary Choir | 7 p.m. | Choral Hall | New singers are always welcome. No audition.
Audition for Faith in 3D’s 10th anniversary production
Wilshire’s Faith in 3D initiative will celebrate its 10th anniversary in February 2024 with a production of The Christians, a dramatic play by Lucas Hnath. Director Nancy Poynter will hold auditions in late September. To learn more and register your interest in auditioning, visit wilshirebc.org/faith-in-3d-auditions by Sept. 18. The Christians, which explores the aftermath of a controversial sermon delivered by a megachurch pastor, has been described as “a gripping and introspective examination of faith, belief and the consequences of theological shifts within a congregation” (Oklahoma Gazette). A New York Times reviewer called playwright Hnath “one of the brightest voices of his generation.”
Deacon Nominations Sought
The Deacon Nominating Committee respectfully asks Wilshire members to submit names of persons to be considered for deacon service. Nominees should be individuals who have been Wilshire members for at least one year and who have modeled consistent, faithful service and leadership. Nominate as many individuals as you wish. Those chosen will be ordained in January 2024 and will begin a three-year term of service in February. You may also nominate a deacon in reserve to rotate into active service. Deadline: Sept. 29. Visit wilshirebc.org/deacon-nominations.
Committee Interest Form
Wilshire’s Committee on Committees is beginning its work to nominate members for 2024 committees. If you are not currently on a committee and are interested in volunteering yourself or suggesting someone for consideration, please complete our online 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 for approval. Ministry Teams are available for any interested person to join at any time. Questions? Contact Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org. To submit your preferences electronically, visit wilshirebc.org/committee-interest-form.
Faith & Firearms discussion, Oct. 1
Following worship on Sunday, Oct. 1, the Christian Advocacy Committee will host a panel discussion in Community Hall on the growing gun violence crisis in our state and nation. Panelists will discuss its causes, effects and how we as a faith community can best advocate for gun safety. Speakers will include a healthcare expert, a survivor of the Allen mall shootings, and advocates, including gun owners, who favor stronger legislation. Registration is requested, but not required. Lunch may be ordered for $10 with your registration. Register at wilshirebc.org/events/faith-and-firearms.