Updates to family ministry sessions:
Lunch for teachers, volunteers added Oct. 15
■ On Sunday, Sept. 24, parents of preschoolers, children and youth are invited to join Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples at 9:45 a.m. in McIver Chapel for a “Dreaming Together” session on family ministries at Wilshire. This will be identical to the session held Wednesday, Sept. 20 — primarily a time for Timothy to listen as parents express their thoughts.
■ Based on feedback received, we have added a session for Timothy to hear from leaders, teachers and volunteers in preschool, children’s and youth ministries. This session will be held Sunday, Oct. 15, at noon in James Gallery. Lunch will be provided; no reservation necessary.
■ The “Part 2” sessions previously announced for Oct. 1 and 4 will not be held. Instead, a follow-up meeting will be set for sometime after Oct. 15. Parents, leaders, teachers and volunteers will be invited.
Faith & Firearms panel discussion
Sunday, Oct. 1 • Noon • Community Hall
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 include Miriam Sharma, an RN and the Dallas co-lead for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America; Shari Elliott, a counselor specializing in trauma therapy; and Rev. Deanna Hollas of Presbyterian Peace Fellowship. Registration is requested, but not required. Lunch may be ordered for $10 with your registration. Register at wilshirebc.org/events/faith-and-firearms.
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
New members
Laura, Phil and Sam Gentile
Martha Newfield
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.
Still room for new ringers
There’s still room in Wilshire Bells, our new handbell group for adults with limited or no experience. The group rehearses Sundays from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. in the Handbell Room. A snack lunch will be available. Reach out to director Kelly Akins (kakins@wilshirebc.org) or attend rehearsal to learn more.
Save the date, folks
Join us for a church-wide outing to the State Fair of Texas on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Admission ticket and transportation provided for $30. Register at wilshirebc.org/events/state-fair.
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 from 10 a.m. to noon or 6 to 8 p.m., whichever is more convenient. Classes will begin the following week and 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.
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 welcome. Please sign up; SignUpGenius link at wilshirebc.org/events/mahjong.
Next Lunch & Learn is Oct. 4
“Writing Your Own Life Story” is the theme for Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Wilshire member and retired English professor Mike Moorhead will speak about memoir writing and lead the group in pre-writing exercises. Lunch & Learn is held the first and third Wednesdays each month at 11:30 a.m. in Community Hall. Open to all. Lunch costs $10 per person. No reservation needed. Contact: Barbara Clayton (bclayton@wilshirebc.org).
New around here?
Wilshire Welcome, which helps guests and new members learn what the church is all about, will meet Oct. 15 at 9:45 a.m. in the Prayer Room near McIver Chapel. Contact: Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org).
Marriage Connections, Oct. 6
“Married (Happily)” is the theme for the next Marriage Connections on Friday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. In this event, held on select Friday nights, free childcare (infant – grade 6) is provided while parents enjoy a short program at the church and then have the rest of the night, until 9:30, to themselves. Registration is required for childcare and closes Sunday, Oct. 1; visit wilshirebc.org/events/marriage-connections. Contact: Abbey Adcox (aadcox@wilshirebc.org)
Single, Adoptive and Foster Care Parents Night Out, Oct. 6
Wilshire will offer free childcare (infant – grade 6) for single, adoptive and foster parents on Friday, Oct. 6, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Registration is required and closes Sunday, Sept. 3; visit wilshirebc.org/events/pno.
Wednesday Night Live: Sept. 27
Koinonia Café
5 – 6 p.m. | Community Hall | Buffet-style dinner for the whole family. Cash/check/credit accepted. Pricing at wilshirebc.org/events/koinonia-cafe. Kid-friendly and to-go meals available. Sept. 27: Blackened chicken, blackened shrimp, red beans and rice, smothered green beans, gumbo, cornbread, salad, beignets, pecan pralines, jello. Kids: Chicken tenders, mac and cheese.
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 | A rotation of activities — art, music, science and more — to help kids learn how to love God and others with every part of themselves.
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. On Sept. 27, Timothy will conclude the series, Love in the Hebrew Bible. Coming in October: Associate Pastor Darren DeMent will lead adult Bible study while Timothy leads the youth group in Watershed. Darren’s study will explore the intersection of faith, theology and music.
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.
Childcare for infants to 2-year-olds whose parents are involved in church activities is offered 6 – 7:15 p.m.