This page is usually updated Fridays.
Darren’s 30th anniversary
Associate Pastor Darren DeMent will be honored on Sunday, Aug. 2, for his 30th anniversary of ministry at Wilshire. Worship that day will include a time of recognition for Darren, and everyone is invited back at 5 p.m. for a musical celebration in the Sanctuary. Darren started as a student ministry intern in 1996, was named minister to students in 1999 and became associate pastor in 2020.
Fall Kickoff: Sunday, Aug. 16 and Wednesday, Aug. 18 | Learn more >
Sanctuary Choir is open to all
Did you know Sanctuary Choir is open to anyone who would like to sing? There’s no audition, and we’d love to have you join. The choir will start a new year with a retreat on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon, and its first regular rehearsal this fall will take place Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. in Choral Hall. If you’re interested, email Ariel Merivil or Carol Cabaniss to get started.
Music educator sought for children’s choir coordinator role
Wilshire is looking for a children’s choir coordinator to help shape the next generation of musicians and worshipers in our community. This part-time position is an ideal fit for a current or former music educator who is looking for a church home that welcomes all people and takes both music and formation seriously. Find the full job description at wilshirebc.org/employment and help us spread the word.
Unified Budget Update as of June 30
YTD Budget: $1,957,863
YTD Income: $1,334,571 — $475,271 short of expenses
YTD Expenses: $1,809,842
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Pathways Endowment YTD Gifts: $8,872
Pathways Endowment June Balance: $11,611,463
Connect across generations
Being an intergenerational church is one of Wilshire’s greatest strengths. One of the best ways to live that out is by serving in Sunday School with our children or preschoolers. You’ll build relationships with kids, get to know their families and play an important role in nurturing the faith of the next generation. Help us continue building the kind of intergenerational community that makes Wilshire so special. Contact Minister to Children Julie Girards or Minister to Preschoolers Kelly Akins to learn more.
Adventurers museum outing
The Wilshire Adventurers will visit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 10:15 a.m. The group will see the museum’s special exhibit, “The Walt Disney Studios and World War II.” Admission is $12 per person, and registration is required. Visit wilshirebc.org/events/disney to sign up.
Midday on Abrams is coming
Starting Sept. 2, Wilshire will offer Midday on Abrams, a new monthly event with lunch, fellowship and informative guest speakers on a variety of topics. Midday on Abrams will be offered the first Wednesday every month. Lunch ($10 ea.) will start at 11:30 a.m., and the program will run from noon to about 12:45 p.m.
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.
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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.
Men’s Book Club
Tuesday, Aug. 18 (No July meeting) | 7 p.m. | Parlor | Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart by Nicholas Carr. Contact: Scott Spreier (swspreier@gmail.com) or Mike Meripolski (meripolski@att.net)
Women of Wilshire Book Clubs
• Tuesday Evening Book Club | Aug. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | 1205-G | My Friends by Fredrik Backman. Contact Debby Burton.
• Brown Bag Book Club | Thursday, Aug. 6 | Noon | 1205-L | The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. Contact Carolyn Murray.
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.