This page is usually updated Fridays.
Arts camp performance
Our Listen to Your Art! creative arts camp for children will culminate Friday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m. with a performance of The Rock Slinger and His Greatest Hit, a musical about David and Goliath. The show isn’t just for parents. All are invited.
McComb recognition
Friday night’s Listen to Your Art! performance will be the final Wilshire production for Children’s Choir Coordinator Candy McComb, who announced in May that she will retire from the role this summer. Candy, who has held the part-time position since 2018, will be recognized during worship on Sunday, July 12, and will wrap up her time on staff in the next few weeks.
Wilshire Welcome meets July 19
Wilshire Welcome, a one-hour session to help guests and new members learn about the church, will meet Sunday, July 19, in the Prayer Room (Room 1100B) near McIver Chapel. No RSVP needed. Contact Carolyn Murray for more information at cmurray@wilshirebc.org.
Drop-In Choir on July 19 and 26
Ever wanted to sing with Sanctuary Choir? Here’s your chance. Join us for Summer Drop-In Choir on July 19 or July 26. Arrive at Choral Hall by 9 a.m. for a 45-minute rehearsal, then sing in worship that same morning. No robes, no sign-up, no experience needed. Just show up and sing. Bring a friend! Our anthems will be: July 19: “Grace” by Mark Hayes; July 26: “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name” by Tom Fettke
Next Blood Drive is July 26
Carter Blood Care will hold a blood drive at Wilshire on Sunday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Their bus will be located on Ravendale Lane. Parish Nurse Linda Garner said, “Since the pandemic, our blood drives have been on Wednesdays. I hope having it on Sunday allows for greater participation, as blood supplies are quite low.” Walk-ins welcome; appointments recommended. Visit wilshirebc.org/events/blood-drive.
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.
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.
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.
Serve at White Rock Center of Hope
Wilshire is assembling a team of volunteers for White Rock Center of Hope’s Saturday morning drive-through food distribution on July 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. Sign up to serve at bit.ly/3Tni8rS.
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.
Save the dates for fall starts
Aug. 16 will be Promotion Sunday, when preschoolers, children and youth move to a new class. That same day, worship will include Blessing of the Backpacks. Aug. 16 is also the day the 9 a.m. service in McIver Chapel will resume. Wednesday evening activities will resume on Aug. 19. More details to come.
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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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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 | July 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Parlor | Street Lawyer by John Grisham. Contact Debby Burton.
• Brown Bag Book Club | Thursday, Aug. 6 | Noon | 1205-L | The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. Contact Carolyn Murray.
WOW does dinner … or lunch
All Women of Wilshire are invited to meet up for a meal on one or both of these dates: Tuesday, July 21, 6:30 p.m., Olivella’s Pizza, Hillside Village (6465 E. Mockingbird Ln.); Thursday, July 23, 11:45 a.m., Taco Joint (6434 E. Mockingbird Ln.)
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.