Wednesday Night Live, Nov. 3
“First Wednesday” means adults and kids are together for dinner and a Called to Care service project.
Family Dinner
5 – 6 p.m. • Weekly • Community Hall
Family Dinner on the Grounds has moved inside to Community Hall but otherwise will stay the same. Bring your own food or pick up Koinonia Café To Go. Drinks and dessert are provided by the church.
First Wednesday: Called to Care
6 – 6:45 p.m. • Nov. 3 • Community Hall
On the first Wednesday of each month, all ages work together on a mission or service project. Join us Nov. 3 as we prepare festive cutlery packs for Cornerstone Baptist Church and the clients they will serve for their Thanksgiving Meal. We’ll also write (or draw) notes to be added to our White Rock Center of Hope food bags and Wilkinson Center baskets. All ages are welcome, and we’ll have stickers and crayons for the children.
■ There will be no Music, Missions and More for preschoolers and children on Nov. 3 so that families can participate together in the Called to Care project.
■ Music, Missions and More resumes Nov. 10 along with a new resident-led study.
COVID-19 TASK FORCE UPDATE: Wednesday meal moves indoors
As it seems many around us have returned to a more “normal” pre-pandemic life, it’s natural to begin to wonder why Wilshire seems to maintain a more conservative approach in dealing with COVID-19.
From the very beginning we have strived to do our very best in being mindful of EVERY BODY, and while we celebrate the fact that numbers and metrics are trending in the right direction (with the good news that many are receiving boosters and that a vaccine for our children is on the horizon), we continue to remember the most vulnerable among us in our decision making processes. This includes those who, while vaccinated, may be at a higher risk of severe illness, and of course those who are not yet eligible for vaccination.
As things continue to improve, we hope to lessen restrictions currently in place. For example, we will keep our Wednesday night formatting as is, but will move the option of eating Koinonia Café To Go pre-packaged meals from the back lawn to James Gallery or Community Hall. We are glad to resume wonderful times of fellowship in safe capacities. This past Wednesday we enjoyed having our beloved pianist George Gagliardi back at the helm. And we are pleased to note that other groups who meet at Wilshire during the week will also have the opportunity to move their food service indoors. As you make plans for meetings or gatherings, please know the staff is prepared to assist in the use of space in regards to other COVID-19 protocols like room capacities and set-ups, along with other meeting requirements.
For now, we ask that you still refrain from bringing outside food to Sunday School classes.
We once again thank you again for your continued patience and cooperation.
Fireside Chats
Churchwide social, Sunday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Wilshire will host Fireside Chats at members’ homes on Sunday evening, Nov. 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The purpose of this churchwide social event is to deepen relationships and connections among us while providing an intimate setting for us to express our collective gratitude. Enjoy an evening of fellowship and light refreshments with other Wilshire members by signing up to attend at any of the homes located throughout the Dallas area. Stay close to home or venture to a different part of town. Too late for the kiddos? We have one home hosting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with the young kids in mind. SignUpGenius link at wilshirebc.org/registration.
Families & Politics
Monday, Nov. 8, 6 p.m. in Community Hall
Family relationships are becoming casualties of our toxic political environment. Relatives are having nasty political arguments, even cutting off lifetime relationships. If you want to preserve important family bonds while still being true to your values and political beliefs, this event will offer:
■ Insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging.
■ Recognition of common roles that family members play in political conversations (for example, the Gladiator, the Defender, and the Sniper).
■ Strategies and skills for handling family political differences constructively.
The focus is on family relationships, but you can use learnings from this workshop with any loved one. You’ll laugh and have fun at this event — it won’t be all serious. After all, we all come from quirky families.
This free workshop is presented by Braver Angels. When you register, you will be asked if you can complete an online pre-event training. While beneficial, this is not required.
Register for the workshop at wilshirebc.org/registration. Guests are welcome.
Thanksgiving Food Drives
Food bags for White Rock Center of Hope
Wilshire will continue its longstanding Thanksgiving tradition of providing canned goods for families in need. Donations will benefit families served by White Rock Center of Hope in East Dallas. Beginning this Sunday, Oct. 24, pick up the designated brown paper bags and accompanying shopping list, then fill the bags with canned goods and return them. If you bring donations prior to Nov. 14, deliver them to the church office. Donations brought on Sunday, Nov. 14, should be brought to the Sanctuary and placed on the chancel steps. You may also purchase canned goods through an Amazon wish list and have them delivered directly to WRCOH; find the link at wilshirebc.org/registration.
■ About White Rock Center of Hope: White Rock Center of Hope is a nonprofit, ecumenical organization that makes a difference in peoples’ lives by providing a place where the community can share God’s blessings by satisfying basic human needs.
Baskets for the Wilkinson Center
Are you, your Sunday School class, or another group you’re part of interested in providing Thanksgiving baskets to families in our community? Wilshire has committed to providing 75 baskets to the Wilkinson Center. The baskets will go to families with someone enrolled in one of the center’s adult education classes. Each basket costs $50 to $75 to put together. To participate, sign up at wilshirebc.org/registration. Full instructions and a list of recommended items can be found at the registration link. Baskets should be delivered to Wilshire on Thursday, Nov. 18, between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. in the south parking lot. Contact Abbey Adcox for more info at aadcox@wilshirebc.org.
■ About the Wilkinson Center: Breaking the poverty cycle requires more than meeting basic needs. As one of the largest poverty prevention agencies in Dallas, the Wilkinson Center utilizes a holistic approach designed to empower individuals and families.
Is God calling you to be a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministers provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to congregants and community members experiencing life difficulties. Caring for one another is a hallmark of the Christian faith. As a Stephen Minister, you will play a crucial role in helping our congregation carry out that mission so that even if we can’t take away their pain, those who are suffering know our church truly cares.
Serving as a Stephen Minister gives people an opportunity to put their spiritual gifts into action — gifts such as faith, mercy, compassion and encouragement. Ministry that draws on your gifts is personally fulfilling and touches people’s lives in powerful ways.
Providing care while trusting in God is at the core of Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministers regularly say how their faith deepens as they experience training, learn to use distinctively Christian caring tools and witness God at work in the lives of their care receivers.
Training for Stephen Ministry involves 50 hours of discussion on topics such as distinctively Christian caring, boundaries, listening, confidentiality and crisis management. Training is held Tuesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. from the first Tuesday in January through the first Tuesday in May. Sessions will be held in person or via Zoom, depending on the needs of the group. After training, you will be commissioned as a Stephen Minister. Supervision groups are peer supervised and meet on the first and third Tuesdays each month to support Stephen Ministers in their work.
If you are interested, contact Parish Nurse Linda Garner at lgarner@wilshirebc.org for more information. An application can be found at wilshirebc.org/care/stephen-ministry.
Condolences to:
■ Ron Mershawn on the death of his brother, Garvin Mershawn, Oct. 20.
■ Elaine Bounds on the death of her husband, John Bounds, Oct. 25.
Coffee and Conversation today
■ Coffee and Conversation with Senior
Pastor George Mason will be held Sunday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m. This informal time in George’s study is an opportunity for guests and new members to ask questions about Wilshire. This event will be held again on Dec. 5.
■ The monthly Wilshire Welcome Class helps guests and new members learn what Wilshire is all about. Topics include worship philosophy, Bible study options, mission and advocacy partners and ways Wilshire serves in the community and beyond. The class meets at 10 a.m. in the Prayer Room near McIver Chapel. Remaining 2021 dates are Nov. 14 and Dec. 12.
■ Questions? Contact Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org.
Worship together on Zoom
Those unable to attend worship in person are invited to view the 11 a.m. livestream with others on Zoom. The session will begin each Sunday at 10:45 so participants can chat before the service. Email Ashley Robinson at arobinson@wilshirebc.org for the Zoom link.
Preschool Park Playdates
The Preschool Ministry has scheduled two playdates in local parks. Sign-up is encouraged but not required. Find the SignUpGenius link at wilshirebc.org/registration.
■ Saturday, Nov. 6, 10 – 11 a.m., Flag Pole Hill (8015 Doran Cir., Dallas)
■ Saturday, Nov. 20, 10 – 11 a.m., Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground (1301 W. Belt Line Rd., Richardson)
Special event for PEP dads & kids
Wilshire will host an event with Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon in Community Hall. Called Broken Crayons, the event will invite graduates of the PEP program who are fathers to join with their children in using art to explore the idea that “broken crayons still color.” We are looking for volunteers, particularly men (and their kids, if applicable), to participate alongside our guests. Contact Abbey Adcox at aadcox@wilshirebc.org if you’re interested.
Eviction clinic volunteers needed
Dallas has seen a drastic increase in eviction filings since the federal moratorium ended, making many in our community susceptible to housing instability. Dallas Rental Assistance Collaborative is hosting pop-up eviction clinics in areas of high eviction filings in order to get resources to the most vulnerable. We have the opportunity to volunteer at the clinics, helping neighbors apply for assistance and entering data into a system to fast-track applications. There are a variety of ways to serve, and 30-minute training sessions are available. If you are interested, please contact Abbey Adcox at aadcox@wilshirebc.org.
Piano Affinity Group meeting
Wilshire’s Piano Affinity Group will meet Sunday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Pianists are encouraged to perform a classical piece or hymn arrangement. For more information, contact Max Tucker at 214-215-3766.
Health screenings, Nov. 10
On Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 9 to 5 p.m., LifeLine Screening will be at Wilshire to offer screenings for blockage of the carotid arteries (a warning sign for strokes), poor circulation in the lower body, abdominal aortic aneurysm (weakness in the main artery to the lower body) and osteoporosis. You must pre-register by calling 1-800-690-0298. Contact Linda Garner, parish nurse, at lgarner@wilshirebc.org with questions.
Fall prevention class for seniors
Physical therapy students from Texas Woman’s University invite you to join their exercise and wellness education program for older adults. Sessions are held at Wilshire (Room 3301) from 10:30 a.m. to noon Mondays through Nov. 29. To learn more, contact Linda Garner, parish nurse, at lgarner@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 Nov. 4 the group will discuss The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult. Contact: Abbey Adcox (aadcox@wilshirebc.org).
■ The WOW! Tuesday Evening Book Club meets in the Parlor monthly at 6 p.m. On Nov. 9 the group will discuss Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting by Lisa Genova. Contact: Debby Burton (dburton@wilshirebc.org).
WOW! Fall Socials
The Women of Wilshire ministry is offering some small, outdoor gatherings this fall. Space is limited, so please sign up for only one event. Sign-ups will be monitored and spots added if needed. Sign up at wilshirebc.org/registration.
■ Brunch at Dream Cafe, Saturday, Nov. 6, 10:30 a.m. Mockingbird & Abrams
■ Dinner at Manny’s Tex-Mex, Thursday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. Mockingbird & Abrams
Women’s Retreat: Feb. 11–13, 2022
Get away with us and find community, encouragement and time with God at the 2022 Women’s Retreat, themed “While I Breathe.” We will worship, create art, learn, relax, laugh and have fun in nature. Pastoral Residents Ashley Robinson and Jenna Sullivan will serve as camp pastors. Cost is $225 per person, with a $100 deposit due by Nov. 15. Full payment is due by Jan. 23. Learn more and register at wilshirebc.org/registration.
Marriage Connections, Nov. 12
Sunday, Nov. 7, is the deadline to register for Marriage Connections, which will be held Friday, Nov. 12. In this monthly event, free childcare (infants – grade 6) is provided at the church while couples attend a presentation before heading out to dinner on their own. On Nov. 12, Wilshire member and early childhood educator Dawn Hallman will speak on the connection between brain development and behavior. Childcare is only for couples participating in the programming. Register at wilshirebc.org/registration.
■ Drop off kids in preschool area, 6:30 p.m.
■ Program in James Gallery, 6:45 – 7:15 p.m.
■ Dinner on your own, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
■ Pick up children by 9:30 p.m.
Single Parents’ Night Out, Adoption/Foster Care Ministry Night Out
Childcare is available for single parents and those involved with the Adoption/Foster Care Ministry on Friday, Nov. 12, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Register by Sunday, Nov. 7, at wilshirebc.org/registration.