This page is usually updated Fridays.
Candy McComb to retire from music staff | Read more >
Summer 2026 camps for children and preschoolers | Read more >
Next class of pastoral residents named | Read more >
Speaker named for 75th anniversary service | Read more >
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Gun violence awareness: wear orange on July 7
All are encouraged to wear orange to church on Sunday, June 7, in observance of National Gun Violence Awareness Day (the first Friday in June) and the accompanying Wear Orange Weekend. Orange ribbons will be available outside the office and in the North Atrium.
Youth Choir in Kansas City
Wilshire’s Youth Choir traveled by bus Saturday, June 6, to Kansas City, Missouri, for its annual weeklong choir tour. The choir is singing for worship on June 7 at Second Baptist Church in Liberty, where pastoral residency alum Jason Edwards is pastor. During the week, they will serve or sing at nonprofits including Hope Faith, Knabe’s Markets, Giving the Basics and Avenue of Life, where they will serve and sing for unhoused youth. The group of 33 singers and 10 adults will also enjoy Kansas City BBQ, a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers and attractions including the National WWI Museum and Memorial and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The group will return Saturday and will sing several selections in worship on June 14.
Elevator and building updates
• We are happy to report that all needed work on the south elevator has been completed. To those who have avoided using this elevator, we thank you for your patience.
• Adjustments have been made to the north elevator that allow the door to remain open longer for entering and exiting. We encourage riders to not stop the door from closing, as this may trigger the elevator to shut down for safety reasons.
• Our water intrusion project is near completion, with only a few items remaining before turning our attention to interior damage.
• Our property insurance required us to replace several electrical panels. That work is done and passed inspection by the city.
• Taken together, these projects amount to about a half million dollars of work. Thank you for your continued generosity.
College class this summer
A summer Sunday School class for college students will meet through Aug. 9 in Room 2202. Trey Wilson is teaching. All college students are welcome, whether they’re around all summer or can only pop in a few times.
Vacation Bible School: Monday–Thursday, June 15–18, 9 a.m.–noon
As kids learn and create at VBS, they’ll connect with Jesus, build meaningful relationships and follow his example of welcoming all. For older preschoolers (age 3 by Sept. 1, 2025) through completed fifth graders. Free. Advance registration ends June 7. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. No Friday VBS due to the Juneteenth holiday. Register at wilshirebc.org/events/vbs.
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Wilshire’s 75th anniversary
Wilshire will mark its 75th anniversary this year, culminating in a festive June weekend.
75th anniversary weekend
• Saturday, June 13 — Homecoming Celebration
4:45–7:30 p.m. | Catch up with friends, explore the building and browse history displays at featured stops, with reflections and remembrances in the Sanctuary at 6.
7–10 p.m. | Extended fellowship at Times Ten Cellars. 6324 Prospect Ave.
• Sunday, June 14 — Worship Celebration
11 a.m. | Our 75-minute service in the Sanctuary will include a message by Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas.
See more details at wilshirebc.org/75 >
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Wednesday nights on break
Wednesday Night Live dinner and faith formation programs are on summer hiatus. Sanctuary Choir rehearsals continue with some summer breaks planned. Twice-monthly Lunch & Learn is also on break for the summer.
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Save the date for Winds concert
Wilshire Winds will present a concert on Sunday, June 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. American Voices is the theme for the program, which will explore the foundational promise of America through music reflecting the diverse journeys and struggles of its people. Shana Gaines directs the volunteer group of woodwind, brass and percussion players.
Special guest for parents and teachers Aug. 8 and 9
Wired for Wonder: Helping Children Grow in Faith, Connection and Wholeness will be the theme when Wilshire welcomes Harrison Litzell on Aug. 8 and 9. A children’s ministry expert, Litzell helps churches engage with issues of inclusion, childhood spirituality and neurodiversity through his work at Mercer University’s Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership. On Saturday, Aug. 8, Litzell will meet with parents from 6 to 9 p.m. at the home of Gail and Steve Brookshire. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and dessert will be served. On Sunday, Aug. 9, Litzell will offer a teacher training from noon to 2:30 p.m. with lunch provided. Childcare will be available for both events. Register at wilshirebc.org/events/litzell.
Monthly service opportunities
• A Wilshire group serves the fourth Friday morning each month at the Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation’s Mobile Food Pantry. If you can help, contact Charlie Estee at cesteedallas@gmail.com.
• Cindy Estee coordinates volunteers to serve as food pantry assistants at the Wilkinson Center the third Tuesday each month from noon to 3:45 p.m. Contact Cindy at
cesteedallas@aol.com.
• A team of Wilshire volunteers serves lunch at The Stewpot on the second Thursday every month. Contact David Cossum at dc@cossum.com to join the team or learn more.
Women of Wilshire Book Clubs
• Tuesday Evening Book Club | June 9 | 6:30 p.m. | Parlor | Nothing Daunted by Dorothy Wickenden. Contact Debby Burton.
• Brown Bag Book Club | Thursday, July 2 | Noon | 1205-L | Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Contact Carolyn Murray.
Men’s Book Club
Tuesday, June 16 | 7 p.m. | Parlor | Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather. Contact: Scott Spreier (swspreier@gmail.com) or Mike Meripolski (meripolski@att.net)
Baptism Team seeks larger pool of volunteers
Looking for an easy way to serve? The Baptism Ministry Team is seeking volunteers. Team members are contacted as baptisms are scheduled and may serve as a baptism host — meeting with the individual being baptized, showing them to the baptistry and lighting the candle — or by helping with robe and towel laundry afterward. These roles require minimal time but offer meaningful support to those being baptized. For more information or to sign up, contact Chelsea Hopkins.
Adam’s Baskets
Wilshire’s Adam’s Baskets ministry, created in memory of Adam Malcik upon his passing in 1987 by his parents Vy and Michael Malcik, provides members the opportunity to keep our food pantry stocked. Our small pantry meets immediate needs when a neighbor stops by for assistance. Wicker baskets are located around the church, and you can place nonperishable items into a basket at any time. Proteins, peanut butter and pop-top canned goods are most needed. Items are collected from the baskets on the second Sunday each month.