Note: This page is generally updated on Fridays.
Faith in 3D March 26 and 29
Wilshire’s 2025 Faith in 3D production is an original vignette-styled musical, In Songs and Stories. The show will feature a compilation of songs, predominantly from Broadway musicals, that will not only entertain but also stimulate discussion with the potential to change individuals — and maybe the world. Director Nancy Poynter returns for her 11th Faith in 3D production, and Ralph Manuel will serve as musical director. The free show will be performed at Wilshire on Wednesday, March 26, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 29, at 2:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Wednesday performance will take the place of Wilshire’s usual Wednesday 6 p.m. offerings (childcare will be offered for preschoolers). The three Ds in Faith in 3D stand for drama, dialogue and dessert. Each performance will be followed by a moderated discussion, and dessert will be available in the Narthex.
Auction events still have spots
There are still openings for you to attend one of the “Sign & Go” events from last Sunday’s silent auction supporting the Youth Choir’s summer trip. There’s no bidding; simply sign up.
■ You can also support the Youth Choir by bidding on pieces in the David Clanton art exhibit, which is on display in the South Lobby through Easter, April 20. Each piece has a bid sheet posted next to it, and winners will be announced after the exhibit ends.
Children’s Choirs start March 23
Kindergartners through fifth graders are invited to “Sing This Spring” by participating in the spring session of Children’s Choirs, which includes four Sunday rehearsals, two times singing in Sunday worship plus a year-end program. Rehearsals will run from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. after a snack lunch.
■ March 23: rehearsal
■ March 30: rehearsal
■ April 6: rehearsal
■ April 13: sing in worship on Palm Sunday; no rehearsal April 13 or 20.
■ April 27: rehearsal (Pizza Day!)
■ May 4: sing in worship
■ May 7: year-end program and party
Free yoga classes start March 15
Wilshire member Mary Lu Hare will lead free yoga class in the Youth Center on three Saturdays: March 15, April 19 and May 17. The one-hour sessions will start at 10 a.m. and are suitable for all experience levels. Bring a yoga mat, water and a friend.
Unified Budget Update — as of Feb. 28
YTD Budget: $629,458
YTD Income: $408,696 ($152,816 short of expenses)
YTD Expenses: $561,512
Pathways Endowment YTD gifts: $8,286
Pathways Endowment Feb. balance: $10,206,430
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Prepare the Way: Lent 2025
Join us this Lent as we Prepare the Way for Christ’s resurrection. Together, we’ll journey through the wilderness of these 40 days, embracing spiritual practices that open our hearts to the sacred and prepare us for the mystery of what’s to come.
Lenten Book Focus
All are invited to read along as we study N.T. Wright’s From Wilderness to Glory: Lent and Easter For Everyone. Many Sunday School classes will be using the book during Lent, but it is also appropriate for individual study. To connect with a class, contact Associate Pastor Darren DeMent or Minister to Senior Adults Katie Murray.
Resources at wilshirebc.org/lent
■ Playlist on Spotify
■ Resource Guide on Spiritual Practices
■ Family Lenten Guide
Sacred Space each Sunday
Sundays, March 9–April 13 | 9–9:30 a.m. | McIver Chapel | Join us each Lenten Sunday for a time of quiet contemplation and spiritual practice. Each gathering will begin with a brief prompt, but the focus will be on creating space to quiet your mind and engage in the spiritual practices we’re exploring this season. All are welcome. Led by Associate Pastor Darren DeMent, Minister to Senior Adults Katie Murray and Pastoral Resident Georgia McKee.
Songwriter Vespers: John Prine
Sunday, March 23 | 4:30 p.m. | Choral Hall | This unique worship opportunity will be a fusion of a coffeehouse-style concert and a vespers service. Join Associate Pastor Darren DeMent and other musicians as they explore themes of home, connection, loss and redemption found in the music of John Prine. Coffee and light snacks will be provided.
Holy Week: Stations of the Cross
Visit McIver Chapel during Holy Week for a Stations of the Cross exhibit featuring the work of artist Scott Erickson. The exhibit, which invites us to reflect as we walk with Jesus on his journey to the cross, will be introduced on Palm Sunday, April 13, at the 9 a.m. Sacred Space gathering and will be available whenever the church is open through Good Friday, April 18, at 3 p.m.
Maundy Thursday — April 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Sanctuary
Easter Sunday — April 20
■ Sunrise Service, T. & P. Hill at White Rock Lake, 6:30 a.m.
■ Columbarium Service, 9:30 a.m.
■ Worship in the Sanctuary, 8:30 and 11 a.m.
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Summer 2025 — Children and Preschool
Save the dates for these Children’s and Preschool summer events. Registration is open>
• Vacation Bible School | June 9–13 | 9 a.m.–noon. | Older preschool–grade 5
• Cooking Camp | July 7–11 | 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Grades 1–5
• Listen to Your Art! | July 7–11 | 12:30–5 p.m. | Grades 1–5
• Full-day Cooking and Art available for grades 2–5
• Kindergarten & Preschool Camp | July 7–11 | 9 a.m.–noon | Older preschool–Kindergarten
• Passport Kids! Preteen Camp | July 20–23 | Overnight camp in Glen Rose, Texas for grades 3–5
No Wednesday Night Live on March 12
There will be no dinner or faith formation offerings at Wilshire on Wednesday evening, March 12, due to Spring Break. Sanctuary Choir will meet at 7 p.m. as usual.
Next Lunch & Learn is March 19
All are invited to Community Hall the first and third Wednesdays every month at 11:30 a.m. for lunch ($10 ea.) and Bible study. Pastoral Resident Georgia McKee will teach on March 19. See the spring schedule at wilshirebc.org/events/lunch-learn.
Sign up for March 12 Blood Drive
Carter BloodCare will be at Wilshire for a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12. There is a critical need for several blood types, including A+, A-, O+, O- and B-. Walk-ins are welcome; appointments are recommended. Visit wilshirebc.org/events/blood-drive.
David Clanton art exhibit
The digital photography of Wilshire member David Clanton will be featured in “A Celebration of God’s Gift of Seeing” in the South Lobby through Easter. David says the exhibit “seeks to deepen our understanding of how we see, how we perceive and how our vision of the world is shaped by our faith in God.” The 33 images in the show combine representational and abstract elements, which David likens to “the dual nature of our sight — the physical, which connects us to the world around us, and the spiritual, which connects us to the eternal.”
Adventurers to Titanic exhibit
The Wilshire Adventurers, a fellowship group for those 60 and above, will visit Titanic: The Exhibition on Thursday, March 20, at 10 a.m. at Pepper Square (14902 Preston Road #386). The immersive, interactive tour includes vast recreations of the ship’s interior and exterior along with artifacts from the Titanic and props and costumes from the 1997 film. Space is limited; please register at wilshirebc.org/events/titanic.
Easter lily ordering is open
It’s time to order lilies to beautify the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 20. Congregants are invited to provide the flowers in honor or memory of family members or friends, and dedications will be listed in the worship folder. Each plant costs $20; orders can be made at wilshirebc.org/easter-lilies or in the church office. The deadline for ordering is Palm Sunday, April 13.
Men’s Book Club
The Men’s Book Club will discuss Erik Larson’s The Demon of Unrest (originally scheduled for February) on Tuesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. in the Parlor. Frank Bruni’s The Age of Grievance will be discussed on April 15. Contact: Mike Meripolski or Scott Spreier.
Women of Wilshire
■ Tuesday Evening Book Club | March 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Parlor | Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie. Contact Debby Burton.
■ The Brown Bag Book Club has canceled its April 3 meeting and will next meet on May 1 for a discussion of Leila Meacham’s Dragonfly. Contact Carolyn Murray.
■ A WOW Mini-Retreat will be held Saturday, April 12, at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register>
■ Evening knitting group. Anyone who enjoys knitting is invited to Peggy Tinsley’s Garland home one evening each month, usually the third Thursday, to work on their projects in fellowship with others. The group is open to knitters of all skill levels. Contact Sara Tinsley for more details.
North elevator update
Wilshire is soliciting bids to replace the elevator on the north end of the building. The current elevator, which is decades old, has proven increasingly unreliable despite repeated repair attempts, and for safety reasons it will remain out of service until the new one can be installed. The process could take several weeks. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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.