Family ministry dreaming sessions start Wednesday, Sept. 20
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.
Art exhibit celebrates the table
“Come! The Table is Ready” is the theme of an art exhibit that will be on display 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 handbell group meets Sept. 17
Wilshire Bells, a new handbell group for adults with limited or no experience, will meet for the first time on Sunday, Sept. 17, from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. in the Handbell Room. A snack lunch will be available. Director Kelly Akins can be reached at kakins@wilshirebc.org or 214-452-3139.
Sept. 18 is deadline to apply for Faith in 3D audition
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.”
Sept. 20 is next 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).
WOW Fall Brunch is Sept. 30
Join other Women of Wilshire and bring a friend to the WOW Fall Brunch on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. in Community Hall. Wilshire member Jane Ballard will present on the topic, “Cultivating Meaningful Connection.” Register at wilshirebc.org/events/wow-fall-brunch.
Women of Wilshire book clubs
■ The WOW Tuesday Evening Book Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. in the Parlor. On Oct. 10, the group will discuss Michelle Obama’s Becoming. 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).
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.
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 faith communities can 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.
New around here?
■ 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 Welcome, which helps guests and new members learn what the church is all about, will meet Oct. 15 and Nov. 12 at 9:45 a.m. in the Prayer Room near McIver Chapel.
Computer class registration
Wilshire’s free Computer Education Program will begin its fall term with registration events on Tuesday, Sept. 26, in Room 3103. Please attend at either 10 a.m. to noon or 6 to 8 p.m., whichever is more convenient. Classes are planned to begin the following week and will run for six weeks. Content will be tailored to the interest of the class, but topics will include Windows, iPad, iPhone, Android devices, cloud computing and how to avoid scams and viruses. To learn more, contact Max Post at mpost77@tx.rr.com or 214-649-6447.
Wednesday Night Live: Sept. 20
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. 20: Orange Chicken, Lo Mein Noodles, Stir-Fry Vegetables, Miso Soup, Asian Wonton Salad, Egg Rolls, Matcha Cheesecake, Strawberry Cookies, Fruit Cups. Kids menu: Orange Chicken, Rice
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? McIver Fellow John Kelly will lead on Sept. 20, and Timothy will conclude the series on Sept. 27.
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.
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.
Breakfast Tacos and Thank Yous for Adult Sunday School leaders
Sunday, Sept. 24 | 9 – 9:45 a.m. | James Gallery