As you prepare for worship today, take a moment to reflect on what brings you here. Why do we gather for worship? What are our hopes as we open our hearts and minds for this sacred time together? Let’s explore the essence of worship. Corporate worship is a dedicated...
Greg Garrett’s sermon has lingered in my mind and soul all week. As a parent, I’m never really certain what, if anything, my child sitting next to me is absorbing. In Greg’s closing, he reminded us that we don’t have to be so afraid. Without missing a beat, my Jimmie...
By Scott Spreier. Breathe in ... breathe out .... If you’ve come to worship this morning under a dark cloud, you’re not alone. ’Tis the season of scapegoating; a season in which we twist Christ’s assertion that it’s “more blessed to give ...” and anoint evil and blame...
As we come together on this Easter Day, many of us are filled with joy, hope and expectation. Some of us are here because it’s part of our tradition and culture, while a deeper understanding of the significance of this day in the Christian faith draws others. Easter...
This morning in worship we will sing the familiar hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. This hymn was written by the father of English hymnody, Isaac Watts, and is considered by many to be his crowning achievement. While originally intended as a communion hymn, it...
Back in August my daughter started kindergarten, which means she also started joining us in the Sanctuary for worship. She had spent the previous year watching her brother go to “big church” and was so excited when it was finally her turn. She was wide-eyed and a bit...
This week the ministers of Wilshire were on retreat in Beech Grove, Indiana, spending time deepening our relationships with each other, with God and with ourselves. It seems the overwhelming message of our time together challenged us to seek the uncovered places in...
I remember the first time I heard a pipe organ in person. I was 13 and attended an organ concert at the First Christian Church in downtown Eugene, Oregon. I remember walking into the impressive Corinthian-style building with enormous Tiffany stained-glass windows...
Today, 11 Wilshire members are worshiping alongside Primera Iglesia Bautista de Río Piedras in San Juan, Puerto Rico. First Baptist Church Río Piedras is a historic congregation. Established in 1899, it was the island’s first Baptist church and at one time its...
By LeAnn Hampton. Today is the first Sunday in the season of Lent and coincides with a new season in the life of our church as we welcome Ariel Merivil as our new minister of music. In the search committee’s conversations with Ariel, we heard his desire to build on...