The Visitor
Wilshire United Methodist Church, English Ministry
Volume 11 Issue 11
October/November 2011
Spiritual Journeys
Rev. Dr. Gordon Marchant
As an inclusive and welcoming
congregation nurtured by love,
we seek to: Celebrate diversity,
nurture spirituality and reach out
with compassion.
Inside this issue:
Spiritual Journeys
1
The Cathedral Choir
2
Faith Story
3
Faith Story
4
A Fish Fry!
4
Worshipping the Almighty
5
Youth Ministry News
6
Portrait of Pastor John
7
Political Activity
8
Aids Walk
9
Flu Season
10
Creative Arts Ministry (CAM)
11
WUMC Graduates
12
WUMC Graduates
13
UMW
14
Lay Leadership
15
Laugh with Celeste
15
Present with the Lord
16
Milestones
17
Madison T. Shockley Sr.
18
New Member /UMCOR
19
The term: ‘journey’ has been described as “travelling from one
place to another.” A journey can be “a long, difficult, and
adventurous trip.” It is a “passage or progress from one stage
to another.”
As followers of Christ, our life journeys are not identical. We
react differently when confronted with challenges and
opportunities. At various stages, we can lose our footing and
stumble. For some of us, it takes longer for us to humble
ourselves and seek God’s helping hand.
Nevertheless, in my spiritual journey there is one truth that has
sustained me. This trust has given me strength when I was
weak. It helped me get through dark periods of my life, when I
could have easily become lost. The assurance of this truth
has provided me confidence, even when opposed.
What is this truth? The truth is, “God cares for me!”
Know that the Lord’s love for you is a constant that never
diminishes. As you look forward to the celebration of
Thanksgiving, be filled with praise that God adores you! Even
though you may be going through a difficult stage in your
journey, be revived in the knowledge that your Savior knows
what you are going through. There is not a word that you have
whispered in prayer that He has not heard. Give thanks that
you are never alone.
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T HE V I S I T O R
THE CATHEDRAL
CHOIR
By: Dr. Gwendolyn Wyatt
Music Administrator
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
Ramos.We appreciate them, also.
Mr. Ruben Dugay, the Director of the
Filipino Ministry, and I are making plans
for a joint Worship Service on
Christmas Day. It will include music,
According to the Book of Discipline,
narration around the Christmas story,
sharing of talents creates a
the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
deepening commitment to personal and
Join the choir to begin your personal
corporate Christian stewardship. If you
stewardship. Commitment.
have a music talent, join the choir. Using
your talent will help you meet your
stewardship Commitment. You will
also enjoy Christian fellowship.
The newly revitalized Wilshire Male
Chorus, presented an awesome
performance a few Sundays ago for our
Worship Service. Repeat participation
coming , soon
The men: Daniel Ayiribi, Christian
Bouldin, Dennis Du Bon, JoramDugay,
Ruben Dugay, Elon Gunning, Don
Harris, Brian Kim, Sherrill Luke, and
Ted Slaughter were the singers. (see
accompanying photo). Other dedicated
men, who attended rehearsals but had
to bow out on that Sunday are: Wallen
Davis, Walter Floyd, and Rene
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T HE V I S I T O R
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
FAITH STORY: by Estralla Meruvia (Hispanic Ministry)
excerpts from her book “When Death Arrived, God was
There”
I was born in the beautiful Central American country of Guatemala. I was the
second of eight children. We were not rich nor poor; my parents worked hard to
provide us with average subsistence. I came to the U.S. in October, 1968. God's
goodness allowed me to obtain an education and to become a Paralegal/Legal
Assistant. I married Rolando Meruvia and had two children. My daughter Bianca is
31 yrs, a USC graduate and is now married. However, without Jesus in my heart
and life, I would not have been able to withstand the trials and tribulations that I
have experienced in my life.
My Christian walk began in August 1986. Since then I have grown spiritually
through many trials. The Apostle Paul enunciated it this way in 1 Peter, 1: 6-7: “In
this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be , you have been
grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more
precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, might be found to
praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ”
On December 3, 1995, my son, Victor Steven was killed instantly in an automobile
accident. This was the most devastating experience of my Christian journey. It was
only through my faith, prayer, bible reading almost 24/7 that God sustained me and
gave me back my sanity. I grew closer to God and became more involved with
women, children and youth in his Ministry.
In June 1996, my husband Rolando was assaulted at knife point and brutally
beaten in our own home. The two men left him believing they had killed him. During
the assault Rolando had spoken to them about God and had prayed for them. Can
you imagine doing that when you are being beaten to death?
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T HE V I S I T O R
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
MY FAITH STORY: by Estella Meruvia (Hispanic Ministry) excerpts from her book “When Death Arrived, God was
There” (Continued from Page 3)
In response to his prayers, one of the assailants said “let's see if that God of whom
you are speaking saves you because today you are going to die.” While Rolando
was being assaulted, I was at a prayer meeting. When it came time for me to pray,
I saw a vision of a man being beaten,. Not knowing who the person. was, I began
to pray for him. After the prayer meeting, I had the urge to call my husband. He
then told me what had happened. Well, that God-the God of the Bible, that God in
whom we believe and whom we proclaim-spared Rolando's life. It is only God who
gives life and only God can take it away! On that occasion, my family was there for
me.
In May 2000, my dad died unexpectedly. Once again more pain was endured. This
time, however, having already “walked through the valley of the shadow of death”
the pain was somewhat easier to bear. Again my family was there for me. Before
my youngest brother, Hugo, died at the age of 41, I had the great pleasure of
leading him in prayer as he reconciled with Christ and accepted the gift of salvation
and eternal life.
I have stated that during our Christian walk, we do have trials and tribulations. Oh
yes! We do. But we also enjoy blessing upon blessing from God. The greatest
experience in my life has been to lead many men, women, boys and girls to the
Lord Jesus. Being a member of Wilshire United Methodist Church for the last five
years has allowed me to be active in the Hispanic ministry as a teacher in the youth
group. And now I work with Lynnye’ and others in the English Ministry Youth group
(meets each Sunday) and with the UMW. I am so grateful to God. I have learned to
pray “without ceasing”. I stay very close to God and continue to sing that beautiful
hymn “Draw me nearer, nearer Precious Lord, to the cross where thou has died,
draw me nearer, nearer Blessed Lord to thy precious bleeding side”.
Let us keep praying for each other, as God commands it.
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T HE V I S I T O R
Worshipping the Almighty
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
Come from your Mouth in Failure or
By: Rev. Dr. Gordon Marchant Success.”
As one of the members on our Wilshire
As you continue to make Wilshire UMC
worship committee, I can assure you
your spiritual home here in L.A., please
that we greatly value the diversity
share with our church family your
represented within our English
worship traditions. We are so thankful
congregation. God has brought us
that God has brought you here!
together from every corner of the earth,
bringing to Los Angeles traditions of
Christian worship that enrich us all and
glorifying our Creator.
For example, even as I write this article I
am listening to a CD of Christian praise
music from Ghana presented to me by
one of our Wilshire congregants. The
rhythms are bright and uplifting as our
African brothers and sisters unite their
voices to adore the Lord. One song has
been translated, “God is the King of
Everything. He Will Never Forget You.
My Crying and Sadness will End.”
Another chorus goes like this, “My
Success is Due to God’s Mercy Upon
Me. It is Not my Own Strength. I am
Grateful.” One more song describes,
“Have Faith in God and be Optimistic.
Don’t Despair and Let only Good Words
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
T HE V I S I T O R
Youth Ministry News
Lynnye’ Smith
Youth Ministry Coordinator
PAGE 6
Room. Information for our group can be
obtained via email at
y4jministry@yahoo.com or
Lynne’ Smith at 213-361-9555.
Thank you for your continued support of
It is simply wonderful to see what a
our youth group. May God’s blessings
great thing the Lord is doing with
Wilshire’s youth group Youths for Jesus. see you through life’s journey.
We had the pleasure of hearing the
testimony of one of our Spanish
Congregation member's brother at our
9/18 meeting. It is amazing to learn how
God Works when all hope seems to be
lost if you just trust in Him. I can still
hear his words, “You are either in a
relationship with God or not. Don’t play
around with His mercy.” This is so
simple, but key to our walk with the
Lord. I am glad to see that our young
people are taking this relationship
serious. It is never to early to start your
walk with Jesus. It is awesome that the
members of Youth for Jesus are heeding
the call.
As we forge ahead, we have some
exciting things planed such as a movie
night and basketball games at Wilshire’s
gym. Please feel free to invite any
youth you think would benefit from
taking part in a supportive group that
loves the Lord and each other. We
meet directly after the English Ministry
service on Sundays in the Jr. High
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T HE V I S I T O R
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
PORTRAIT OF PASTOR JOHN
AS AN ARTIST
By Lina Ramos
Contributing/Literary Editor
Rev. Dr. John Guillen holds an M.S. in Sociology
and a Doctoral degree of Philosophy in Psychology
from the University of Southern California; also from
USC-Medical Center a post-doctoral Diploma in Neuropsychology, and Diploma in
Pastoral Studies from Claremont School of Theology. Among other notable
services: 25 years in the Department of Neurosurgery, Bioethics, and organ
transplant and procurement at L.A. C-USC Medical Center. He has a lengthy
service as liaison in social work, mental health and the Red Cross both in
Guatemala and in the United States. Pastor Guillen was a columnist for a local
Spanish newspaper, “La Calle”, and at present, works as volunteer, visiting and
serving communion in nursing homes; never missing any scheduled appointment.
In 1999, he was appointed as Pastor of the Hispanic Ministry at WUMC.
Behind this academia, Pastor John has an alter ego: he is an artist. This artistic and
intellectual awakening dates back from his native Guatemala where he started to
dabble with his brush with a range of rich colors on his artist palette. His passion
took him further to attend art classes.
Rev. Guillen’s office doubles as his artist studio. After hours-on-end with his
pastoral duties, he would change his persona and paint to his heart’s desire. He
does not specialize in any special type – he paints landscapes, seascapes, still lifes,
portraits, biblical events in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ; portraits of his beloved
Guatemala, its land and its indigenous people. This kind man reveals, that being
able to illustrate, has done tremendous healing and relieving fear and anxiety to
transplant patients in the hospital and in the Red Cross where he served for
decades.
I asked Pastor: if he was a right brainer and is the “right brain concept” relevant to
an artist? His answer was that he was both; a right and a left brainer. He can be
both creative and analytical taking into example Leonardo Da Vinci who was an
inventor-scientist as well as a renowned artist. According to the Pastor, he has to
be exact in his depiction of portraits as is taught in art school – that is, knowledge of
human anatomy and physiology.
Pastor Guillen invites you to his office/studio to get a glimpse of the artist at
work. He signs his paintings under “J. J. Guillen”. As the saying goes, his
artistic portfolio are like pictures that tell a thousand words!
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
T HE V I S I T O R
PAGE 8
Church Political Activity and Fund-Raising
By: Daniel Ayirebi
We undoubtedly face a challenge: the challenge of adhering to our discipline while
maintaining our status as a tax-exempt organization. The Social Principles of the
Book of Discipline, 2008 (¶162 (D)(H), ¶164 (B)(E)) reminds us of our political
responsibility and the rights of young people, immigrants and of education. It
encourages our involvement in social justice and calls us to stand against all
injustices. We must give voice to the voiceless in our society, particularly those who
have been marginalized, and stand in solidarity with the oppressed. We do so not
in spite of love and care for others, but because of it. I agree.
So, what is the concern? The concern isn’t a disciplinary one. Rather, it stems
from the church having been recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization. While the
church cannot completely divorce itself from socio-political issues of today and
those of tomorrow, and must operate efficiently in this environment, it must learn to
tread cautiously. It is a duty that’s often forgotten, but forgetting it can be very
precarious and costly for the church.
The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3) describes charitable
organizations, including churches and religious organizations, which qualify for
exemption from federal income tax and generally are eligible to receive
tax-deductible contributions. This section provides that all IRC Section 501(c)(3)
organizations, including churches must adhere to certain rules: 1) the organization
must be organized and operated exclusively for religious or other charitable
purposes, 2) the organization’s net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any
private individual or shareholder, 3) no substantial part of the organization’s activity
may be attempting to influence legislation, 4) the organization may not participate
in, or intervene in, any political campaigns on behalf of, or (in opposition to) any
candidate, and 5) the organization’s purposes and activities may not be illegal or
violate fundamental public policy.
(Continued Pg. 9)
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T HE V I S I T O R
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
(Continued from Page 8)
Fund-raising. There is often a need to raise funds to support a specific project of
the church. However, one of the problems associated with fund-raising is quid pro
quo contribution, where a donor receives something of value in exchange for his or
her contribution. The IRS rules states that if a donor receives something of value
in return for contribution, part or all of the contribution may not be deductible.
However, if deduction is allowed, donor can only deduct portion of contribution that
exceeds fair market value of goods or services received. For example, an
individual makes $100.00 contribution and receives three baseball tickets valued at
$20.00 each. The donor can only deduct $40.00. This is intended to eliminate a
quid pro quo situation.
I, therefore, write to raise awareness of the issue not as an expert, but as a
concerned trustee of the church. Yes, it is the responsibility of the trustees to
ensure that the church’s tax-exempt status is not jeopardized, but it is also
everyone’s responsibility to guide his or her behavior to make it a reality. While
some lobbying may be appropriate, too much lobbying activity risks the loss of the
church’s tax-exempt status. It should be carefully noted that a violation of any of
the prohibited activities may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status as
well as imposition of certain excise tax. –D.K. Ayirebi
IRS Publication 557 (Tax Exempt Status of your Organization) and Tax Guide
for Churches and Religious Organizations (IRS Publication 1828)
AIDS WALK
By: Nancy Brashears
Ernie Stroman and Nancy Brashears will be participating in the 27th annual Aids
Walk on October 16. Please support them in this worthy cause which benefits
AIDS Project Los Angeles and 20 other L.A. County AIDS service organizations.
If you would like to make a donation, please make your check payable to AIDS
Walk Los Angeles and give it to Nancy or Ernie.
Cash and credit cards are also accepted.
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
T HE V I S I T O R
PAGE 10
FLU SEASON
By Eleanor Minter
Don’t forget this is flu season. Flu shots are available though many agencies,
clinics and retail pharmacies for example, see the list below:
Walgreens
CVS Pharmacy
County Health Centers
241 N. Figueroa St, LA 213 240-8204
123 W. Manchester, Inglewood, 310 419-5325
501 N. Glendale Ave., Glendale, 818 500-5750
5205 Melrose Ave, 323 769-7800
330 W. Maple Ave., Monrovia, 626 256-1600
13300 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, 818 896-1903
750 Park Ave., Pomona, CA, 909 868-0235
1522 E. 102nd St., 323 573-4053
711 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, 310 354-2300
7643 S. Painter Ave, Whittier, 562 464-5350
You can use the below online sites to find out where flu clinics are located in each
part of Los Angeles County:
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov
www.findaflushot.com
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T HE V I S I T O R
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
Creative Arts Ministry (CAM) of the
Wilshire United Methodist Church
English Congregation Presents
Howlett Smith’s
LOS ANGELES, MY HOME
Noted musician/composer Howlett Smith has once again demonstrated his wide-ranging musical talents with
a new musical, "Los Angeles, My Home," a personal tribute to his very favorite city.
This production musically portrays a growing city on the move --- vibrant, exciting, and forward-looking, but
not without its problems. "Los Angeles, My Home" comes to life with a cast of musicians, singers, and
dancers that will long be remembered by all who see it.
You are invited to join "Smitty" for this nostalgic tour of "The City of the Angels". Whether you are a
long-time L. A. resident or a newcomer, you will be thrilled and entertained royally by this enchanting
production.
WHEN: Sunday, October 16 at 7:00 PM
WHERE: Wilshire United Methodist Church
ADDRESS: 4350 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010
SUGGESTED Donation: $15
For more information, phone Dr. Gwendolyn Wyatt at:
(213) 369-6401 or (323) 292-9227
Howlett “Smitty” Smith http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/howlett4
Co-Producer / Artistic Director: Lani Ridley Pedrini (Theaters of Vision Productions)
PH: (626) 831-0520
Email: ltlridl@aol.com
Technical Director: Charles Offenhauser (Theaters of Vision Productions)
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
T HE V I S I T O R
PAGE 12
WUMC HONORS THE GRADUATES – THE CLASS OF 2011
Compiled by Lina Ramos
Contributing Editor
The WUMC family applauds and congratulates the graduates for the hard work
they had earned for themselves and the honor they had brought to their families.
May God continue to bless them and guide them as they journey through life!
HIGH SCHOOL
Christian Bouldin
Christian Bouldin, son of Kimberly Dyer and
grandson of Doris and the late Joseph Dyer,
graduated from Sunland Valley Christian
School on June 19, 2011. Sunland Valley is an
independent study school, which Christian
attended his senior year. Christian enjoyed
independent study because of its autonomy; he
also appreciated being able to work at his own
pace.
At the principal’s request, Christian spoke on behalf of his senior class during the
graduation ceremony. In addition to thanking his mother for her love and support
throughout the years, he also encouraged the class of 2011 to pursue their dreams
and to never give up.
Christian recently completed nearly a year-long Kappa League mentoring program,
sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. At the closing ceremony, Christian was
awarded a $1,000 college scholarship. He also participated in a weeklong arts
camp, sponsored by the Arts Institute. As part of his final project, he produced and
narrated an environmental public service announcement.
COLLEGE
Monique Bassey
Graduated from the University of Arizona
(College of Architecture and Landscape
Architecture) with a Bachelor of Architecture.
She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson
Bassey.
(Continued on Page 13)
PAGE 13
T HE V I S I T O R
(Continued from page 12)
Vanessa Munoz
Vanessa B. Munoz Wilshire UMC –Hispanic Ministry.
Graduated from CSU Northrigde: B.A. in Sociology, majoring
in Criminology. Class of 2011. She is one of the first
pre-schoolers of our own Pre-school. Her mother, Rosalia
Munoz and the Hispanic congregation of Wilshire are proud of
Vanessa’s achievements and wish her success in her
professional career.
Sean Collins
Sean Collins, grandson of Juel Collins, has graduated
from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in
Prescott, Arizona this past May. Son of Erle and
Vanessa Collins, big brother to Nicole. Sean
graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Aeronautical Science. He also earned his
Multi-Commercial Instrument flight rating while in
school. Sean is currently working on his Flight
Instructor certificate and is planning on working for
his school as a flight instructor. Sean continues his
journey of becoming an airline pilot for a major airline.
Kevin Harbour, Jr.
Graduated from UCLA, May 2011
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History. He is the son of Donna
and Kevin Harbour and grandson of Ted and Celeste Slaughter.
Kevin continues working – managing sports programs.
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
T HE V I S I T O R
PAGE 14
UMW (United Methodist Women)
By Eleanor Minter
The Wilshire United Methodist Women are always actively expanding concepts of
mission. Saturday, September 24, at 7:00 A.M., you would find them, along with
Westwood UMC cooking and serving breakfast to PATH clients. PATH (People
Assisting the Homeless) has a regional center that provides housing for 100
residents, men, women and children. We all felt blessed for being able to give and
to visit with the clients. We also honored Joseph Dyer whose birthday was on this
day and he was in our hearts. Below are some pictures we would like to share
with our church family. Women, come and join our monthly meetings on the
second Saturday of each month from10:30 A.M -1:00 P.M.
PAGE 15
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
T HE V I S I T O R
Committee on
Lay Leadership
Laugh With Celeste
By: Celeste Slaughter
By: Rev. Dr. Gordon Marchant
Tuesday, December 13th. This is the
evening scheduled by District
Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Cedrick
A preacher was winding up his
temperance sermon with great fervor,
"If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take
it and throw it into the river."
Bridgeforth for our annual Wilshire UMC
church conference. Everyone is invited
to attend and participate as we share as
one church what God has done in our
midst and what we intend to accomplish
in the future.
And the congregation cried, "Amen!"
"And if I had all the wine in the world,
I'd take it and throw it in the river."
And the congregation cried, "Amen!"
The reason I highlight this date is
because our English committee on Lay
Leadership must complete our list of
leadership nominations BEFORE this
date. What this means in practical terms
"And if I had all the whiskey and demon
rum in the world, I'd take it all and throw it
in the river."
And the congregation cried, "Hallelujah!"
is that if you have been thinking about
getting involved – now’s the time to
let us know!
“
For we are God’s handiwork, created in
Christ Jesus to do good works, which
God prepared in advance for
us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
The preacher sat down.
The song leader stood up very tentatively
and announced, "For our closing song,
let us sing hymn #365, 'Shall we gather at
the river."
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
T HE V I S I T O R
VISITOR SURVEY
By Connee Freeman
The Visitor staff appreciates your
responses to the Visitor Survey. Our
purpose is to serve as an effective
communication vehicle for the members
of our Wilshire Family, and your
feedback is important.
Everyone who responded found the
Visitor informative and two wrote:
“Keep up the good work.” and “You are
doing a wonderful job; keep on doing
what you are doing”. However, some
felt the Visitor could be improved, and
here are their suggestions:
“Some birthdays and
anniversaries”
“Visitors could participate
especially for coffee time after
service.”
“Maybe a section for the children”
“Words from new members.”
“Shorter articles, bigger print for
easy readability”
“Have some informative, factual
articles on the health and working
of Wilshire.”
“Youth news and youth sections.”
The Visitor staff is committed to doing
what we can to implement these
wonderful ideas!
PAGE 16
PRESENT WITH
THE LORD
By Connee Freeman
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Believe in God, believe also in me. In
my Father’s house there are many
dwelling places. If it were not so, would
I have told you that I go to prepare a
place for you? And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again and will
take you to myself, so that where I am,
there you may be also.” John 14:1-3
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T HE V I S I T O R
MILESTONES
By Connee Freeman
The Wilshire Ministry is blessed to have
witnessed the following baptisms in
September. We are grateful that God has
given the Wilshire Family an opportunity to
be a part of this life-long process to help
each of them grow in grace.
MIKA GRACE OLUWATONI GRIFFIN
Mika is the daughter of Tom and Itunu
Griffin. She was born on November 18,
2010.
J’ADORE JADA COX
Jada is the daughter of Tiffany Cabral and
Henry Cox III. She was born on July 11,
2011.
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
Congratulations to our former Pastor, KEN
WALDEN, who recently was promoted
from Captain to Major in the Air Force
Reserve Chaplain Corps! And, speaking
of the Waldens, we also want to
congratulate MICHELLE WALDEN, our
former First Lady, who was selected to
head the Forensics Audit Division of the
Federal Bureau of Investigation in
Washington D.C.! Michelle has already
moved and Ken will join her in D.C. no
later than July 1st.
What a blessing to have ELSPETH HALL as
a beloved member of our Wilshire Family.
She will be 96 years young on October
31st! Happy Birthday, Elspeth!
TED and NINA SMITH are celebrating the
birth of their new grandchild, Kayden
It is always a pleasure to share wonderful
Lawson, born on July 31, 2011.
news with our Wilshire Family. In this issue
Congratulations!
we celebrate the following achievements:
Congratulations to Rene Ramos who
successfully passed the Certified
We are proud of NICHOLAS ROWE,
Financial Planner (CFP) Board
grandson of Doris Dyer and son of
Certification examination in July. The
Monica Dyer, who was recently hired by
CFP is recognized as a standard of
the Disney Cruise Line as a “cast
excellence for personal financial
member” on the Mexican Riviera starting
planning. Rene joined the financial
this fall. Among the shows “Nic” will be
advisory firm of American Express
performing in are Toy Story and as the
Financial Advisors, now known as
Lion King vocalist. He will sail aboard the
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.,
Disney Wonder, which will have stops in
immediately following his graduation
the Mexican ports of Cabo San Lucas,
from college. He remains there as one
Ensenada, Manzanillo, Mazatlan and
of their outstanding employees.
Perto Vallarta. Ship ahoy, “Nic”!
Welcome to Wilshire Mika and J’Adore!
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
T HE V I S I T O R
PAGE 18
Madison lived for 50 years as a resident
of Midtown Los Angeles with his wife of
Sunrise: February 4, 1923 – Sunset: July 31, 2011
57 years, Audrey C. Shockley. They
Madison was born on Hayes’ Plantation both were long-time and committed
members of Wilshire United Methodist
in Arlington, TN. He was a devout
Christian and based on his faith served Church. Survivors include his wife, their
four children: Brenda, Hillary, Madison II
a three year “sentence” as a
conscientious objector during World War (Gayle) and Anedra Shockley Elsesser,
fourteen grandchildren and his sister
II. After graduation from Earlham
and brother.
College in Indiana, in 1949 he enrolled
in the USC School of Social Work. A
Madison attended worship service two
victim of the McCarthy era, his
weeks before his death.
employment and education was
He will be missed!
interrupted for two decades when he
MADISON T. SHOCKLEY SR.
refused to sign the loyalty oath. He
worked as an insurance agent until he
was able to return to school and earn
his Masters in Social Work in 1971. He
then worked for the Los Angeles County
Department of Social Services as a
Supervisor in the Child Protective
Services Division until his retirement in
1986.
During retirement Madison was cast as
an African village chief in the acclaimed
movie, “The Color Purple”, launching a
new career as an actor which continued
for 25 years and included numerous
television commercials. He recently
completed a self-published
autobiography, “Through the Eyes of
Madison T. Shockley: An African
American Family History”.
PAGE 19
UMCOR
By Eleanor Minter
Horn of Africa Crisis
UMCOR is working in Somalia, Kenya
and Ethiopia to provide food, clean water
and shelter for those who have been
displaced and are living in refugee
camps because of the drought and
hunger in the Horn of Africa. This
drought is affecting approximately 11 to
12 million people.
The Wilshire United Methodist Women
requested the English Administration
Council to allocate $1,000 from the
Mission Account to accompany their
$500 for a donation to the UMCOR
Advance, #982450 – Horn of Africa. A
total of $1,500 was sent to UMCOR to
assist in this human crisis.
WELCOME NEW
MEMBERS
By: Eleanor Minter
We would like to welcome the following
people to our Wilshire Family:
Felicia Ammons
Gordon & Gaunnie Dixon
Tiffany Rollins
V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1
T HE V I S I T O R
CAM EVENT
By Dr. Gwendolyn Wyatt
CAM presents “Los Angeles, My
Home” Musical
Los Angeles area music lovers who are
fans of noted composer/musician Howlett
“Smitty” Smith will soon have the
opportunity to enjoy his new musical “Los
Angeles, My Home” being presented by
the Creative Arts Ministry (CAM) of the
Wilshire United Methodist Church on
Sunday, October 16, at 7:00 PM.
Smith’s latest productions, which reflects
his personal affection for the city he has
called home most of his life, received an
enthusiastic response at its premier
showing at the Los Angeles Baha’i
Center last year.
The show portrays in words, music and
dance, a growing city on the
move-vibrant, exciting, and forward
looking, but not without its problems.
“Los Angeles, My Home” comes to life
with a cast of singers, musicians and
dancers that will long be remembered by
all who see it.
Admission is free – suggestion $15
donation. For more details,
call Dr. Gwen Wyatt, (323) 292-9227.
WILSHIRE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
711 South Plymouth Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Office: (323) 931-1085
Fax: (323) 931-0203
E-Mail: admin@ewilshireumc.org
Website: www.ewilshireumc.org
WILSHIRE MINISTRY
CLERGY and PROGRAM STAFF
Rev. Dr. Gordon Marchant, Pastor
Rev. Dr. John Guillen, Pastor, Hispanic Ministry
Weekly Church Events
Sunday: Worship Service 10:00 a.m.
(Sanctuary)
Prayer & Fellowship, every Friday
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (Reception Room)
Music
Dr. Gwendolyn Wyatt, Director of Music
Hsiao-Ching Chao, Organist, English Ministry
Alex Reichert, Organist, Hispanic Ministry
Office Assistant
Ron Strickland
Office Volunteers
Eleanor Minter, Mondays
Dulce Gunning, Mondays and Tuesdays
Lina Ramos, Wednesday
Wedding/Special Events
Lori S. Jones, Director
Colin McCaffery, Assistant
Wilshire Preschool
Ernest Stroman, Executive Director
Wilshire English Creative Arts Ministry
Dr. Gwendolyn Wyatt, Chair
Maintenance
Carlos Hernendez
PRAYING FOR YOU
The Wilshire Family surrounds with love and prayers, the following family members who are experiencing health challenges, some of whom cannot join us on Sunday, as well as
those who are serving in the military. We also pray for the victims of tragedies throughout our country and the world.
Thelma Pittman
Norman & Edna Francis
Edward Jivanni Lorrente+
Mary Randall
Doris Howard
Rosalie Turner
Margaret Trindade
Aaron Edwards
Lila Boskett
Tyronne Perriott+
Mary Ann Johnson
Moses Rancharan
Audrey Shockley
Charles Jacques
Seth Shockley
Joe Leverette
Lennox Pillett
+ Tyronne Perriott and Edward Jivanni Lorrente are serving in
the armed forces. Please keep them in your prayers.
A Wilshire Ministry E-Mail Prayer Group has been organized
in response to numerous personal prayer requests.
If you wish to join or have a prayer request send an e-mail to:
cphilcon@aol.com.
Visit Our Worship Services
Every Sunday at 10a.m.
THE VISITOR
Editorial Staff
Ron Strickland
Layout Editor
Nancy Brashears
Staff Coordination Editor
Marlene McRae
Contributing Editor
Connee Freeman
Contributing Editor
Eleanor Minter
Contributing Editor
Mary Bukhari
Contributing Editor
Lina Ramos
Contributing/Literary Editor
A Word from the Word
His Lord said unto him, “ Well done thou good and
faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few
things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter
thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Matthew 25:21 (KJV)