Fireside Chats: Churchwide social, Sunday evening, Nov. 12
Wilshire will host Fireside Chats at members’ homes on Sunday evening, Nov. 12. This social event with fellowship and light refreshments will deepen connections and provide an intimate setting for us to express our collective gratitude. Sign up to attend at any of the host homes throughout the area. Some sites will start at 6:30 and end at 8, while others will run from 5 to 6:30. Sign up via the QR code or visit wilshirebc.org/events/fireside-chats.
Adopt-a-Grandfriend applications due Oct. 31
If you are a family without grandparents in town, you can request to be paired with a local Wilshire grandfriend. Conversely, if you are an older adult or couple without grandchildren nearby and would like to serve as a grandfriend, please let us know. You’ll have the convenience of setting a schedule that works for both parties, so don’t miss out on this opportunity for intergenerational relationship building. Fill out our online forms at wilshirebc.org/grandfriend. If you prefer a paper application or have questions, contact Minister to Children Julie Girards at jgirards@wilshirebc.org. Applications are due Oct. 31, and pairings will be announced by mid-November.
New member: Claire Flores
Wednesday Night Live: Nov. 1
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. Nov. 1: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, smothered green beans, broccoli cheddar soup, house salad, assorted pies, oatmeal cookies, jello. Kids: Spaghetti with meat sauce.
Music, Missions & More | 6 – 7 p.m. | Age 3 – Pre-K | Preschool choir, plus fun activities focused on God’s love.
KidConnect | 6 – 7 p.m. | K – Grade 6 | This rotation of art, music and more will help kids learn how to love God and others with every part of themselves.
New adult study begins: The Gift of Being Yourself | Nov. 1, 8 & 15 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Community Hall | There exists a sacredness of knowing oneself deeply. Some have even said that it’s impossible to deeply know God without deeply knowing oneself. Join Associate Pastor Heather Mustain during November for an authentic discussion around what it means to discover oneself throughout life’s seasons.
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 | No audition.
Schedule note: There will be no Wednesday night activities at Wilshire on Nov. 22, the day before Thanksgiving.
Columbarium service Nov. 5
Wilshire will conduct a service of remembrance in the Columbarium on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 9:30 a.m. The brief service will be led by Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples and Minister to Senior Adults Katie Murray. The Columbarium service — held twice each year, on All Saints Sunday and Easter — is geared toward the families and friends of loved ones who are inurned or have been memorialized in the Columbarium. The Columbarium will be open for visits Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oxford professor preaches Nov. 12
On Sunday, Nov. 12, Wilshire will welcome Anthony Reddie to the pulpit. Reddie is a professor of Black theology at Regent’s Park College at the University of Oxford in England. He also serves as director of Oxford’s Centre for Religion and Culture and is a professor of theological ethics at the University of South Africa. The author of 17 books, numerous journal articles and editor of Black Theology: An International Journal, Reddie is renowned for his innovative and engaging teaching style. After worship, join us in Community Hall for a free lunch and a time of Q&A with Professor Reddie. No reservation needed.
John Kelly to lead November Sunday School series
Loved by a Still-Faced God is the topic of a Sunday School series to be led by McIver Fellow John Kelly on the four Sundays of November. John writes, “All of us want to know and be known; see and be seen. It’s our desire for relationship — with others, creation and God — that helps make us human, after all! At the same time, though, how we each embody and practice that desire depends on a variety of personal factors. While some of the ways we seek connection work well, others seem to leave us feeling alone, unworthy and even rejected. Join us as we unpack the relationship between our stories, our attachment styles, and, ultimately, our feelings of (dis)connection with God.” The class will meet in Community Hall at 9:45 a.m.
New around here?
Wilshire Welcome, a one-hour session to help guests and new members learn what the church is all about, will meet Nov. 12 at 9:45 a.m. in the Prayer Room near McIver Chapel.
Time with Tim, an informal chance for guests and new members to meet and visit with Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples, will be held Dec. 10 at 9:45 a.m. in Timothy’s office.
Questions about these events? Contact Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org).
Next Lunch & Learn is Nov. 1
Leisha Phipps, executive director of Dallas Area Parkinson Society, will speak on “The Common and Not-So Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease” at the Nov. 1 Lunch & Learn. 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).
Free concert on Nov. 4
Dallas-based Fine Arts Chamber Players will present a free concert in Wilshire’s Sanctuary on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m. The program will include works for violin and cello performed by longtime friends and duo partners Maria Schleuning and Jolyon Pegis. The event is part of FACP’s Hallam Family Concerts, a series of seven free chamber music concerts presented at various venues. Learn more about the organization at fineartschamberplayers.org.
Tanzania mission dinner Nov. 6
Did you know Wilshire supports two primary schools in Tanzania? The Missions Committee invites you to join us for dinner and conversation with our mission partners on Monday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. in Community Hall. Registration is requested; there is no cost for the event. Register at wilshirebc.org/events/tanzania-dinner.
Adventurers welcome Buchanan Nov. 8
The Wilshire Adventurers will enjoy lunch and a presentation from author and speaker Missy Buchanan on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 11:30 a.m. in Community Hall. Buchanan writes and speaks on the subject of aging faithfully, and her books include Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body and Dry Bones to Living Hope. Lunch costs $10 per person. No reservation necessary. Adventurers is a fellowship group for anyone 60 or older. Contact: Barbara Clayton (bclayton@wilshirebc.org).
Marriage Connections Nov. 10
Wilshire members Elizabeth and Doug Skemp will share “50 Years of Golden Memories” at Marriage Connections on Friday, Nov. 10, 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, Nov. 5; visit wilshirebc.org/events/marriage-connections. Contact: Abbey Adcox (aadcox@wilshirebc.org)
Single, Adoptive and Foster Care Parents Night Out, Nov. 10
Wilshire will offer free childcare (infant – grade 6) for single, adoptive and foster parents on Friday, Nov. 10, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Registration is required and closes Sunday, Nov. 5; visit wilshirebc.org/events/pno.
Free exercise classes continue
Physical therapy students from Texas Woman’s University are leading a free group exercise class at Wilshire designed to prevent falls by addressing strength and balance. The class meets each Monday through Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. in Rooms 3101 and 3103. Anyone can participate, and you need not attend every week to benefit.
Ever thought about becoming a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a life difficulty such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness or relocation. Stephen Minister training is a Christ-centered experience that equips participants with essential caring and relating skills. Trainees learn how to listen to, care for and walk with those going through difficult times. Stephen Ministers meet with care receivers weekly to listen, encourage and provide emotional and spiritual support. Training for new Stephen Ministers will take place starting in January 2024. Interested? Talk with one of Wilshire’s Stephen Leaders: Gail Brookshire, Linda Garner, Micki Lacker, Debbie Meripolski and Tim Morgan.
Save these Advent dates
Sunday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. Celebration of the Green
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m. Preschool Choirs Program
Sunday, Dec. 17. Morning worship includes special music by Sanctuary Choir and orchestra
Sunday, Dec. 17, 4 p.m. Blue Christmas service for those carrying loss or pain
Sunday, Dec. 24. No morning worship or Sunday School. Christmas Eve services at 4 and 11 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 31. Worship at 11 a.m. No Sunday School.
Thanksgiving Food Drives
Boxes for Wilkinson Center. Wilshire has committed to provide 100 boxes for families in our community through the Wilkinson Center. A box costs $50 to $75 to assemble and is a great service opportunity for Sunday School classes, other groups or individuals. Boxes are due by Nov. 20. Scan QR code or visit wilshirebc.org/events/food-drives to sign up and see full instructions.
Food bags for White Rock Center of Hope. Wilshire continues a long tradition of providing canned goods for families served by White Rock Center of Hope in East Dallas. Pick up the designated brown paper bags and attached shopping list, then fill the bags and return them. If you bring donations before Nov. 12, deliver them to the church office. Bags brought on Nov. 12 should be placed on the Sanctuary chancel steps. Amazon wishlist: you can also shop online and have items sent directly to WRCOH; scan QR code or find the link at wilshirebc.org/events/food-drives.
Contact: Abbey Adcox at aadcox@wilshirebc.org
Women of Wilshire events
Favorite Things Party, Nov. 11. Carolyn Murray is hosting a WOW “Favorite Things Party” and brunch at her home on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 10:30 a.m. Instructions: 1. Choose a favorite thing ($25-30). 2. Purchase, wrap and bring to party. 3. Leave with a new favorite thing! RSVP at wilshirebc.org/events/wow-favorite-things.
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.
Register for WOW retreat. Registration is open for the Women of Wilshire 2024 retreat, to be held Feb. 9 – 11 at the Prothro Retreat Center on Lake Texoma. Jillian Mason Shannon will serve as retreat pastor. See full details and register at wilshirebc.org/events/wow-retreat-2024.
Women of Wilshire book clubs
Tuesday Evening Book Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. in the Parlor. On Nov. 14, the group will discuss Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth. Contact: Debby Burton (dburton@wilshirebc.org).
Brown Bag Book Club meets one Thursday a month at noon in Room 1205-L. On Nov. 2, the group will discuss The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel. Contact: Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org).