This page is usually updated Fridays.
Candy McComb to retire from music staff | Read more >
Summer 2026 camps for children and preschoolers | Read more >
Pathways Director Charlie Fuller to retire | Read more >
Next class of pastoral residents named | Read more >
Speaker named for 75th anniversary service | Read more >
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Charlie Fuller recognition
Pathways to Ministry director Charlie Fuller will be recognized during worship on May 31 as he retires from his role as director of Wilshire’s Pathways to Ministry program. After worship there will be a reception for Charlie and his wife, Cindy, in James Gallery. Charlie first came to Wilshire as interim minister to music in 2023 and assumed the Pathways director role in 2024. The Fullers will remain at Wilshire, and Charlie will continue offering free coaching services to Wilshire members.
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.
Blood Drive makes Sunday return on May 31
Carter Blood Care will hold a blood drive at Wilshire on Sunday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 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.
WSM summer preview for parents
On Sunday, May 31, youth parents are invited to join Darren DeMent in the Youth Center for lunch and a walkthrough of the Wilshire Student Ministry summer calendar. This will be particularly helpful for families entering their first summer with WSM. Summer is the busiest and best time of year for WSM, with Youth Camp plus weekly opportunities for fellowship, service and spiritual formation. It’s a great time to strengthen established relationships and create new ones, and we want as many youth as possible to be plugged in. Darren will explain why summer is so important and discuss events like Study-n-Swim, Tuesday Missions and the Wheel of Lunch. No RSVP needed.
May 31 is final 9 a.m. service before summer break
Wilshire’s 9 a.m. contemplative service in McIver Chapel will meet May 24 and 31 before taking a summer hiatus. The weekly service will resume Aug. 16.
Welcome, summer interns
Four college students are serving internships at Wilshire this summer. Left to right, above: Haidynn Cordell is a rising senior at Stockton University in New Jersey, where she studies political science with a pre-law concentration. Haidynn, who is a niece to Wilshire member Laura Cordell, will work in preschool ministry. Felix Guthrie is a rising sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is studying education. He will work this summer in children’s ministry. Audrey Pottkotter returns for her third summer as music intern. She is a rising senior at Oklahoma City University, where she is pursuing a bachelor of music in musical theater. Evelyn Wilson is a rising junior at the University of Texas at Austin, where she is a social work major. Evelyn will work with Darren DeMent and Katie Murray in the area of spiritual formation.
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.
VBS volunteer meeting May 31
A training session for VBS volunteers will be held Sunday, May 31, over lunch in rooms 1205-G and 1205-L. Feel free to come even if you haven’t yet signed up to volunteer; more help is always welcome.
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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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New Song concert is June 3
New Song Community Choir will present a concert at Wilshire on Wednesday, June 3, at 1 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Then Sings My Soul is the theme for the program, which will include sacred and secular favorites. The Wilshire Adventurers will host a reception following the program in James Gallery.
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, June 4 | Noon | 1205-L | Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. 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.