November 21, 2021Christ the King Sunday

A small group of Wilshire staff recently read Brene Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection. We call ourselves WOWS (Women of Wilshire Staff) in a nod to our WOW! Women’s Ministry. We are all in “midlife,” and each of us came into the group eager to live more wholeheartedly.

Gifts is organized into ten guideposts that shape and develop the daily practices that lead us into greater wholeheartedness. Guidepost 4 spe-cifically helps one move from fear into gratitude and joy.

It’s easy to reduce gratitude to an attitude, an obvious overflow of the presence of joy, security and favorable circumstances. Brown’s research, however, shows just the opposite. Happiness is the human emotion tied to circumstance, and joy is a spiritual discipline connected to the consis-tent observable practice of gratitude. We assume that gratitude is focused on the past — what we already celebrate and are thankful for — when it is in truth focused on the future. Gratitude improves what comes next.

As I strive to create observable gratitude prac-tices, I notice that I’m relying on external devices. We can’t gimmick our way into gratitude. It’s a mindset, not a pretty notebook with the perfect pen. True gratitude is internal work, which is the harder work.

I’ve learned that it’s in the moments of fear, in-security and frustration that it’s most important to focus and move into gratitude. I’m learning to be still, acknowledge my uncomfortable feelings, accept them non-judgmentally and then honestly express my gratitude. Earlier this week I found myself frustrated that I couldn’t fully help with a project because of physical limitations. I felt myself internally tensing and tightening, even while surrounded by friends energetically and happily doing what I could not. My shift from frustration to gratitude wasn’t immediate, but it did happen. I honored my disappointment and then expressed my gratitude for how my body did allow me to work and serve, and celebrated those who worked alongside me. This practice truly transformed my feelings around the project. The frustration dissipated, and all that remains is the joy of serving with others.

As we enter Thanksgiving week, how can we each practice gratitude more mindfully? May we notice the simple extraordinary things and be grateful for the joy they bring. May we give our-selves grace and be grateful for our growth. May we extend hospitality to family and friends and be grateful for their presence in our lives.

— Abbey Adcox

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Preparing for worship

4316 Abrams Road ■ Dallas, Texas 75214 ■ 214-452-3100 ■ wilshirebc.org

Partnered with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

Building a Community of Faith Shaped by the Spirit of Jesus Christ

On the cover: Glory Window, Gabriel Loire, stained glass at Thanks-Giving Square, Dallas, installed 1976. Photo: Carol M. Highsmith. The Lyda Hill Texas Collection of Photographs in Carol M. Highsmith’s America Project, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

November 21, 20219:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Christ the King Sunday

Chiming of the Hour

The people of Wilshire gather this morning to worship God. In order for this service to be focused upon that purpose, please silence all electronic devices.

Prelude Prelude and Fugue in D George F. Handel

Opening Sentences Jeremy Pendery / Barbara Gass

We gather today to worship the risen Christ — the faithful witness, firstborn of the resurrection, and ruler above all earthly authorities. He who was and will be is in our midst today. For this we are grateful. We join together and we praise you, O God, our redeemer.

*Call to Worship Zion’s Walls Aaron CoplandDoug Haney

Ralph Manuel, piano

Come fathers and mothers, come sisters and brothers,Come join us in singing the praises of Zion.

O fathers, don’t you feel determined to meet within the walls of Zion?We’ll shout and go round, we’ll shout and go round the walls of Zion.

**Call to Worship Marching to Zion arr. John FergusonSanctuary Choir

Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known;Join in a song with sweet accord, and thus surround the throne.

Alleluia.

We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion; We’re marching onward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.

Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God;But children of the heav’nly King, may sing their joys abroad.

Alleluia.

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*9:00 service / **11:00 service +All congregants who are able are invited to stand.Hearing devices are available in the Narthex and South Atrium.

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Then let our songs abound, and ev’ry tear be dry; We’re marching through Emmanuel’s ground to fairer worlds on high.

Alleluia! Zion!

Greeting to Worshipers Heather Mustain

+Hymn 356 We Praise You, O God, Our Redeemer kremser

Prayers of the People Brianna Childs / John Kelly

Introduction to Scripture Lillian Daniel

Epistle Reading — 1 Thessalonians 3:6–13 Henry Roden / Carol Cabaniss

But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us — just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

This is the word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Ahora Timoteo acaba de volver de Tesalónica con buenas noticias de la fe y del amor de ustedes. Nos dice que conservan gratos recuerdos de nosotros y que tienen muchas ganas de vernos, tanto como nosotros a ustedes. Por eso, hermanos, en medio de todas nuestras angustias y sufrimientos ustedes nos han dado ánimo por su fe. ¡Ahora sí que vivimos al saber que están firmes en el Señor! ¿Cómo podemos agradecer bastante a nuestro Dios por ustedes y por toda la alegría que nos han proporcionado delante de él? Día y noche le suplicamos que nos permita verlos de nuevo para suplir lo que le falta a su fe. Que el Dios y Padre nuestro, y nuestro Señor Jesús, nos preparen el camino para ir a verlos. Que el Señor los haga crecer para que se amen más y más unos a otros, y a todos, tal como nosotros los amamos a ustedes. Que los fortalezca interiormente para que, cuando nuestro Señor Jesús venga con todos sus santos, la santidad de ustedes sea intachable delante de nuestro Dios y Padre.

Esta es la palabra del Señor.Gracias a Dios.

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Message Why Gratitude? Lillian Daniel

Time of Commitment George Mason

Meditation Take My Life and Let It Be arr. Kurt KaiserRalph Manuel, piano

+Hymn 376 For the Fruit of All Creation ar hyd y nos

Sharing of Decisions George Mason

Benediction George Mason

Postlude Voluntary on “Kremser” Gordon Young

Bill Jernberg, guest organist

The floral arrangement is given today by John and Mig Coates in honor of the Lord’s Supper Ministry Team.

Connect with Wilshire. Scan this code using your smartphone camera to make a financial contribution, fill out our online guest card or submit a

prayer request. You may also use the printed materials in the pew rack.

Secure offering boxes are located near the front Sanctuary doors and in the Narthex.

Music reprinted/podcast/streamed with permission under One License #A-739361. All rights reserved.

Meet today’s worship leaders

George A. MasonSenior Pastor214-452-3132

Heather MustainAssociate Pastor214-452-3110

Darren DeMentAssociate Pastor214-452-3102

Doug HaneyAssociate Pastor214-452-3123

Jeff BrummelAssociate Minister of Music/Organist214-452-3122

Jessica CappsMinister to Senior Adults214-452-3129

Julie GirardsMinister to Children214-452-3104

Joan HammonsMinister to Preschoolers214-452-3141

Brianna ChildsPastoral Resident214-452-3154

John KellyPastoral Resident214-452-3156

Ashley RobinsonPastoral Resident214-452-3153

Jenna SullivanPastoral Resident214-452-3155

Preston BrightAssociate Pastor Emeritus

Randy CroslandDirector of Operations214-452-3146

Linda GarnerParish Nurse214-452-3151

Lori GoodenDirector of Finance214-452-3131

Geri McKenzieAssociate Director forPathways to Ministry214-452-3159

Carolyn MurrayCoordinator of Congregational Life214-452-3170

Dale PrideFacilities Manager214-452-3101

Staff contacts

Carol Cabaniss joined Wilshire in 1992. She is married to Kevin, and they are the parents of Peyton, a graduate student at Yale; Tanner, a ju-nior at the University of Oklahoma; and Trace, a senior at Lake Highlands High School. Carol is a deacon, attends Epiphany Class, serves on the Hospitality Team and works at Wilshire as ministry assistant for spiritual formation and education.

Barbara Gass grew up at Wilshire and returned after college. She is a member of Ithaka Class and serves on the Finance Committee. Barba-ra works as a lending specialist at JP Morgan Private Bank.

Ralph Manuel and his wife, Donna, joined Wilshire in 2018. They are members of Cord of Three Class and sing in Sanctuary Choir. A com-poser and former minister of music and mission-ary, Ralph serves as the handbell coordinator at Wilshire, directing the Carillon Ringers.

Jeremy Pendery attended Wilshire growing up and returned in 2007 with his wife, Paige. They are the parents of Luke, a third grader, and Lucy, who is in kindergarten. Jeremy and Paige are members of Genesis Class and also teach in First Grade Sunday School. He works as a mechanical engineer at Purdy-McGuire, Inc.

Henry Roden grew up at Wilshire and recently returned after graduating from Auburn Univer-sity. He is the son of Rob and Michelle Roden. Henry attends Intersection Class. He works as a cyber security and privacy associate at PwC.

Email addresses consist of first letter of first name and full last name followed by @wilshirebc.org (example: gmason@wilshirebc.org)

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News & AnnouncementsNovember 21, 2021

Sundays: Worship at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday School for all ages at 10 a.m. The 11 a.m. service livestreams at youtube.com/wilshirebaptist. An edited version of the previous week’s service airs on WRR-FM 101.1 Sundays at 8:30 a.m.

The Rev. Lillian Daniel will be our guest preacher on Sunday, Nov. 21. Daniel has

been senior pastor at First Congregational Church in Dubuque, Iowa, since 2016, and previously served churches in Connecticut and Illinois.

A preacher, teacher and writer, Daniel is the author of four books. Her latest, Tired of Apolo-gizing for a Church I Don't Belong To, is generating international conversation about the changing religious landscape. Daniel’s 2013 book, When

‘Spiritual But Not Religious’ Is Not Enough, exam-ined the growing number of people who claim

“none” as their religious preference. A reviewer for the Christian Science Monitor called it “a feast of words — funny, ribald, tiptoeing to the edge of sarcasm, yet full of love and unflinching hope.”

A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, Yale Divinity School and Hartford Seminary, Lillian has taught preaching to aspiring clergy from Saint John’s Theological College in New Zealand, to Chicago Theological Seminary and the Danish Festival of Homiletics. She has spoken at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., Duke Chapel, King’s College, London and Queen’s College, Ontario.

Lillian Daniel preaches today

New memberDaniel McAnallen

Reserve a spot soon for Dallas Symphony Christmas Pops

Join your Wilshire friends for an outing to the Dallas Symphony Christmas Pops concert on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. The show features the DSO with vocalists Ava Pine and Reginald Smith, Jr., organist Bradley Welch and the Dallas Sym-phony Chorus. Tickets are $40 each and include bus transportation to the Meyerson Symphony Center and back. This is a popular event and of-ten sells out, so act now to guarantee your spot. Reserve a ticket at wilshirebc.org/registration. Contact Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org with questions.

Order poinsettias by Dec. 1Help decorate the Sanctuary with poinset-tias for the upcoming Advent season. Each year, the festive flow-ers are provided by congregants in honor or in memory of loved

ones, friends, family members and teachers. Dedications will be listed in the worship folder on the second Sunday of Advent, Dec. 5. Each plant costs $12, and donors may take the plants home after Christmas Eve services. Place your order using forms available in the church office or online at wilshirebc.org/registration. The deadline for ordering is Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Wednesday Night Live and Koinonia Café To Go will take a break the day before Thanksgiving. Here’s a look at what to ex-pect on Wednesdays for the rest of 2021.

Wednesday Night Live ■ Nov. 24: No activities.■ Dec. 1: Wednesday Night Live returns with Family Dinner at 5 p.m. and a First Wednesday: Called to Care project for all ages at 6 p.m.■ Dec. 8: The final Wednesday Night Live of the year will feature Family Dinner at 5 p.m. and the Preschool and Children’s Choirs Mini-Concert at 6 p.m.■ Dec. 15: No Wednesday Night Live. Final youth Watershed and Sanctuary Choir rehearsal of the year.■ Dec. 22 & 29: No activities.

Koinonia Café To Go ■ Nov. 24: No service.■ Dec. 1 & 8: Service as usual.■ Dec. 15: Service as usual, but takeout only; no on-site Family Dinner.■ Dec. 22 & 29: No service.

No Wednesday activities Nov. 24

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Adventurers Christmas LuncheonThe Wilshire Adventurers will hold a Christ-mas luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Community Hall. Lunch will be followed by a program called Melodic Memories by Texas Winds Musical Outreach. Cost is $20. RSVP by contacting Barbara Clay-ton at 214-452-3125 or bclayton@wilshirebc.org. Or sign up at wilshirebc.org/registration.

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Hospitality Ministry Team brunchIn appreciation of the Hospitality Team, Wilshire will hold a come-and-go brunch for team members on Sunday, Dec. 5, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in James Gallery. If you are interest-ed in joining the Hospitality Ministry, contact Barbara Clayton at 214-452-3125 or bclayton@wilshirebc.org.

New here?■ The monthly Wilshire Welcome Class helps guests and new members learn what Wilshire is about, from worship philosophy and Bible study options to mission and advocacy partners. The class will meet Sunday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. in the Prayer Room near McIver Chapel.■ Coffee and Conversation with Senior Pastor George Mason will be held Sunday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. This informal time in George’s study gives guests and new members a chance to ask questions about Wilshire. ■ Questions? Contact Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org.

Worship together on ZoomThose unable to attend worship in person are invited to view the 11 a.m. livestream with others on Zoom. The session begins each Sunday at 10:45 so participants can chat before the service. Email Ashley Robinson at arobinson@wilshirebc.org for the Zoom link.

Women of Wilshire book clubs ■ The WOW! Brown Bag Book Club meets one Thursday a month at noon in Room 1205-L. On Dec. 2 the group discuss Fredrik Backman’s Anxious People and enjoy a sweet treat and cider from Wilshire’s kitchen. Contact: Abbey Adcox (aadcox@wilshirebc.org).■ The WOW! Tuesday Evening Book Club meets in the Parlor monthly at 6 p.m. On Dec. 14 the group will discuss Jenny Colgan’s The Christmas Bookshop and enjoy a sweet treat and cider from Wilshire’s kitchen. Contact: Debby Burton (dburton@wilshirebc.org).

Women’s Retreat: Feb. 11–13, 2022Get away and find community, encouragement and time with God at the 2022 Women’s Re-treat, themed “While I Breathe.” Pastoral Resi-dents Ashley Robinson and Jenna Sullivan will serve as camp pastors. The cost is $225, with full payment due by Jan. 23. Learn more and register at wilshirebc.org/registration.

New Stephen Ministers soughtTraining for new Stephen Ministers begins in January. Stephen Ministers provide high-quali-ty, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to congre-gants and community members experiencing life difficulties. Training involves 50 hours of discussion on distinctively Christian caring, boundaries, listening, confidentiality and crisis management. Training will be held Tuesday evenings from Jan. 4 through May 3. If you are interested, contact Parish Nurse Linda Garner at lgarner@wilshirebc.org for more information.

Wilshire members donated about 100 Thanksgiving food bags (not counting Amazon wishlist orders) on or before Nov. 14. The food will be delivered to local families through White Rock Center of Hope.

Woven into the tapestryBY ROB BANTA

Pam and I have been at Wilshire for more than 35 years. Nineteen years ago we

moved to Frisco from Lake Highlands. We drive 50 miles round trip to come to church on Sun-day. We’re here, and have stayed here, because we want to be in this church, not just a church. This is our home.

Now, why is that so? Thanksgiving seems an appropriate time to reflect on all the wonderful things about Wilshire that we are so grateful for

— a traditional style of worship, thought-pro-voking, challenging and inspirational preaching, a pastoral residency program that enriches our congregational life and impacts the future of the Church nationwide, missions and advocacy emphases, teaching, music, pastoral care, an intergenerational congregation, beautiful fa-cilities — the list goes on and on. As important as those things are, I think the real reason that Wilshire is so important to us is that we have woven ourselves into the fabric of the place; we are part of the tapestry that is Wilshire.

That’s the kind of place Wilshire is. Wilshire is a vibrant community of people who live their faith by doing God’s work and by sacrificially giving of their resources, time and talent. There are a lot more givers than takers at Wilshire. The typical Wilshire member is not just a casual attender but an active participant in the ministry and mission of the church. There are people who depend on both Pam and me being here every Sunday and at other times. We have responsibilities to fulfill that make a difference to other people. And, we, in turn, count on oth-ers to do what they do to enhance our Wilshire experience. That’s something to be grateful for.

Over the past 15 months, our family has had a

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What’s yourwhy?At a time when more and more

people don’t go to church, you

do. Why? Something drew you

to Wilshire, and you give your

time and resources to support

this faith community. What does

it mean to you? To the world?

We’re considering these

questions as we prayerfully

consider our generosity during

this season. So think about it.

Look around. Look within. If

we get the why right, the what

and how will follow — and

we’ll be the church we want

to be for generations to come.

No question.

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Nov. 21: Gratitude SundayToday is Gratitude Sunday at Wilshire, marking the culmination of our steward-ship emphasis and giving us all a chance to respond. Simply bring the commitment card you received in the mail, fill it out and drop it in one of the offering boxes when leaving the worship service. Commitment cards will also be available in the pews.

Realm makes it easyWilshire’s new database and connection platform makes giving easier than ever. Learn more at wilshirebc.org/realm. For help setting up your profile, contact Susan Kimball at skimball@wilshirebc.org. For help with online giving, contact Lori Gooden at lgooden@wilshirebc.org.

Last call for whysWhy church? Why Wilshire? Why give? There are as many reasons as there are Wilshire members. And we want to hear yours. Large boards have been set up on easels in two locations in the building — one near the church office and the other in James Gallery. On a table you’ll find sticky notes and pens. We invite you to write your why and add it to the board by this Sunday, Nov. 21.

special need related to the health of a newborn grandson. Wilshire’s ministerial staff and mem-bers have been there for us through countless prayers and expressions of concern. We had a need, and we are so thankful that Wilshire cared. Have you had a similar experience?

This is a critical time in the life of our church. As we begin to emerge from the dark days of a global pandemic of historic proportion, and this coming on the heels of our courageous decision to embrace diversity and inclusion, all within the span of just five years, there is

a strong need to re-engage our community and to restore and renew our commitment to attendance, active participation and, of course, financial support.

We will have only the church that we decide to have. Others who have come before us have answered the call in their time, and now we, as beneficiaries of their faithfulness, have the opportunity to be good stewards of our inheri-tance and do the same for those who will follow us. We have much to be grateful for; let us respond accordingly.

Please carefully consider your commitment to Wilshire as you deliver a statement of your intended giving for the coming year at the end of today’s service.

  ■ Rob Banta and his wife, Pam, raised three children at Wilshire. Rob, an attorney, attends Epiphany Class and is chair of deacons this year.

We have much to be grateful for;

let us respond accordingly.

Hanging of the GreenSunday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m., SanctuaryKick off the season with Wilshire’s beloved tradition. The Sanctuary will be decorated to the sounds of Wilshire’s music groups, and Tim Krause will present a dramatic reading of Henry Van Dyke’s “The Story of the Other Wise Man.” The program will be followed by a reception in Community Hall.

Preschool & Children’s Choirs Mini-ConcertWednesday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m., SanctuaryPreschool Choirs, Children’s Choirs and Children’s Handbells performing.

Choir in worship, Dec. 19On Sunday, Dec. 19, both morning wor-ship services will feature Christmas choral music from Sanctuary Choir accompanied by an instrumental ensemble. Selections include excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, favorites from John Rutter and more.

Christmas Eve■ Family service at 5 p.m. ■ Liturgical service at 11 p.m.

After Christmas■ Sunday, Dec. 26: One worship service at 11 a.m., no Sunday School. Join us at 10:15 in James Gallery for coffee and pastries.■ Sunday, Jan. 2: One worship service at 11 a.m., Sunday School at 10 a.m.

WILSHIRE ADVENT 2021

In the moments just before dawn, there is a pull toward wonder as we imagine what’s next. For those who have

been swallowed by grief, there is joy. For all who are tired of being tired, there is life. For all who wonder if there is a way out, there is hope. Join us this Advent season as we prayerfully consider what the breaking dawn might reveal.

“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” —Luke 1:76-79

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Giving Trees Wilshire will again have our traditional Giving Tree as well as a Virtual Giving Tree. Each tag represents the Christmas wishes of a child or adult served by one of these local mission partners: Citysquare’s TRAC program, Cornerstone’s Viola’s House, Communi-ty Partners of Dallas, Gateway of Grace, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Interfaith Family Services, Pershing Elementary and Wilkinson Center. The traditional Giving Tree will be in James Gallery starting Sunday, Nov. 28, with gifts due back Wednesday, Dec. 8. The SignUpGenius link for the Virtual Giving Tree is active and can be found at wilshirebc.org/registration. Gifts are due back Wednesday, Dec. 1. Take note of the due date for the tags you select, and wheth-er the agency wants the gifts wrapped or not. Contact Abbey Adcox at aadcox@wilshirebc.org with questions.

Sign up kids to build nativity setEach Sunday of Advent (start-ing Nov. 28) and Christmas Eve, children in third through sixth grade are

invited to participate in the 9 or 11 a.m. worship service and the 5 p.m. Christmas Eve service to build the Nativity scene by carrying an element to the chancel steps. We will build it each week until it is complete on Christmas Eve. If your child is interested in participating, you can find the sign-up link at wilshirebc.org/registration. Spots will go quickly! Contact Julie Girards at jgirards@wilshirebc.org with questions.

Advent Dawnings: Weekly Zoom DevotionalsJoin Wilshire’s pastoral residents for a morn-ing gathering each Wednesday at 8 a.m. during Advent. This brief time of study and prayer will be a great way to ponder the Advent story as we wait and watch for hope to dawn. This midweek gathering starts Dec. 1 and will happen over Zoom so that whether you’re on your way to work or beginning a day at home, you can be part of the community gathering. The Zoom information will be sent in the Tapestry email each Friday, or email Brianna Childs at bchilds@wilshirebc.org.

Advent Reflection VideosEach Tuesday and Thursday during Advent we will publish a brief video with Scripture, prayer and music. The videos, five to seven minutes in length, will be available on our YouTube chan-nel and will be shared on social media and in the weekly Monday Recap email.

Advent Devotional Book Looking for a daily de-votional for the Advent season? Join with fellow Wilshire members as we read and reflect using the new book, A Surprising God: Advent Devotions for an Uncertain Time. A limited number of copies are avail-able in the church office for $10, but we encourage you to buy your own; the book can be found at major online retail sites. About the book: Mindful of the stresses of life today in a world torn apart by conflict, marked by political division, and in the midst of a global health crisis, these devotions for Advent and Christmas invite readers to honest reflection on the challenges of being people of faith in this moment.

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Kathryn KellerHometown: Atlanta, GeorgiaEducation: Baylor University (B.B.A.), University of Virginia (M.Ed.), Texas Woman’s University (Ph.D.)Profession: PsychologistPresent city: Dallas

Tell us about your family.I’m married to Merik Gillett, and we have Henri (3) and Hayz (almost 1). Merik and I have been together since 2016. We are a mixed-faith family. Both our families live in Dallas, so our kiddos have frequent adventures with their cousins. My parents, Kenton and Mary Keller, attend Wilshire.

How about your work?I co-own a group psychotherapy practice, where I work individually with adults. I specialize in religious trauma and faith deconstruction in addition to working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions and other forms of trauma. I feel very fortunate and honored to work in a field I enjoy and find so meaningful.

Any favorite pastimes or hobbies?My current hobby is negotiating for alone time on weekends to exercise and listen to podcasts. I hope to have more hobbies when I’m out of the baby and toddler stages of parenting.

Where is your favorite place to travel?Ask my parents about how the three of us hiked

the entire Inca Trail in 2017 — it was the trip of a lifetime!

What brought you to Wilshire and when? I’ve been a Christmas and Easter “guest” for many years; the shutters opening on

Easter gets me every time. I spent a year “visit-ing” Labyrinth in 2019, then joined in early 2020. The vote [on inclusion] in 2016 contributed greatly toward my comfort in finding Wilshire to be an affirming faith community.

Where are you engaged in Wilshire?I attend Labyrinth Class and am the liaison for our much-loved resident, Jenna Sullivan. I’m at-tending a women’s book study this fall and hope to start attending Wednesday evening activities when my kids are a little older.

Tell us about your faith journey.I grew up on Baptist Sunday School classes and Wednesday night potlucks. I was a part of more charismatic faith communities in early adult-hood and then took a several-year hiatus from church to connect spiritually in other ways. I felt called back to church when I was more set-tled in my life and career (post grad school) and felt pulled to raise my kids in church. I’m still exploring what faith means to me and appreci-ate doing so within a supportive community.

Sunday, Nov. 21■ WSM Fall Retreat■ Morning Worship, Sanctuary, 9 & 11 a.m.■ Sunday School, 10 a.m.■ Deacon Nominating Committee, 1205-G, noon■ Carillon Ringers, Handbell Room, 2:15 p.m.■ Finance Committee, Zoom, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 25 & Friday, Nov. 26■ Church building closed in observance of Thanksgiving

Sunday, Nov. 28■ Morning Worship, Sanctuary, 9 & 11 a.m.■ Sunday School, 10 a.m.■ Youth Choir Lunch, Community Hall, 11:45 a.m.■ Youth Choir, Choral Hall, 12:15 p.m.■ Shekinah, Choral Hall, 12:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29■ Fall Prevention Class, 3301, 10:30 a.m.■ Wilshire Winds, Choral Hall, 7 p.m.■ WOW! Bible Study, DeMents,’ 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1■ New Song, Community Hall, 9:30 a.m.■ Koinonia Café To Go order pickups, south parking lot, 11 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.■ Ukulele Group, Community Hall, 11:15 a.m.■ Children’s Handbells, Handbell Room, 5 p.m.■ Family Dinner, James Gallery, 5 p.m.■ First Wednesday: Called to Care, Community Hall, 6 p.m.■ MOPS Steering, 3303, 6 p.m.■ WSM Watershed, Youth Center, 6:30 p.m.■ Sanctuary Choir, Choral Hall, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2■ Brown Bag Book Club, Parlor, noon Friday, Dec. 3■ MOPS, James Gallery, 9 a.m.

This Week+How to give■ ONLINE. Schedule a recurring or one-time gift charged to your debit or credit card or as an ACH from your checking account. Get started by visiting wilshirebc.org/give.

■ REALM CONNECT APP. Download the Realm Connect app from the App Store or Google Play to easily make gifts and see past giving on your mobile device. More at wilshirebc.org/realm.

■ AUTOMATIC BANK PAY. Log in at your bank’s website and follow instruc-tions to set up Wilshire as a new payee. The bank will send the church a check.

■ MAIL. Send to Lori Gooden’s attention at Wilshire. Write on your check if it is intended for the Unified Budget or another purpose.

■ TEXT. Text WILSHIRE and a dollar amount (example: WILSHIRE 50) to 73256 and follow the link that pops up. When you first do this, you’ll need to enter credit card and contact informa-tion. All text gifts are applied to the Unified Budget.

■ DONATE STOCKS. Contact Lori Gooden to learn how to donate appreci-ated stocks.

■ FROM YOUR IRA. For those over 70.5 years old, tax-free IRA gifts offer a huge financial benefit. They reduce your future tax burden and can fulfill your Required Minimum Distribution for 2021.

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Why give to Wilshire? There are as many answers as

there are Wilshire members. What’s your why?

Because we serve.