Special Programs Through the Year for Children and Families

Over the course of a year, the Children's Christian Education program at Williamsville United Methodist Church offers many opportunities for children and families to deepen their faith and express their commitment to Christian principles. Join us as we review some of the events and activities available for children, youth, and adults throughout the program year.

Events and Activities

The Children's Christian Education Team offers numerous special events for children and their families throughout the year. For example, the Sunday school program year begins in mid-September with a presentation of Bibles to third graders. Following this presentation, third graders are invited to attend a special class called "Learning to Use Your Bible" that is held each Sunday for four weeks.

As leaves change to fall colors and Halloween is around the corner, we hold our annual Trunk or Treat celebration to distribute UNICEF boxes for youth to fill.

When the church is alive with the spirit of the Advent and Christmas season, numerous special projects are created by children and families at our annual Advent Fair.

During our Reaching Out in Love event in February, children make Valentines that are distributed to residents of the Blocher Home and also to some in our congregation who are house-bound.

At the popular Lenten Fair, children move from station to station making Lenten related items such as Resurrection Eggs, palm crosses, crowned thorned wreaths, and tombs made from snowball cookies. The children have also learned the Jellybean prayer and traced a finger Labyrinth. It's a wonderful way to celebrate our faith together!

Our Children's Christian Education program year is completed at the end of May with a Moving-Up Celebration that is followed by the ever-popular Sundae Sunday.

Every summer WUMC collaborates with St. Paul’s Lutheran and Faith UCC to provide an exciting week long Vacation Bible School. Each church takes turns hosting the location. As summer rolls around, watch for information about our exciting VBS plans!

Camp Asbury and Camp Findley

Did you know we have two beautiful United Methodist summer camps right in our own backyard? These camps are filled with opportunities and a new adventure each day including fishing, horseback riding, and tent camping. They even provide a camp experience for children ages 5-years-old through 2^nd grade. These children go to camp for a few days with their parent or grandparent to find out what it is all about. The added bonus of attending United Methodist camps is that campers are also learning to live their faith each day!

If you are interested in learning more about Camp Asbury and Camp Findley, ask Judy Toone for brochures and registration forms. Scholarships are available if needed. So please do not let cost stop you from this wonderful summertime experience for your children!

Mission Opportunities for Children

Return "One Great Hour of Sharing" Boxes

Each year, “One Great Hour of Sharing” boxes are distributed to your children at the Lenten Fair, along with a devotional activity to help them fill their boxes. The children are encouraged to follow the directions each day until Easter. The money they raise is used to purchase blankets that provide comfort and hope when United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is called to a disaster. It is our hope that this activity will help the children understand the needs of our brothers and sisters around the world.

Heifer International

Each year the WUMC congregation joins with our Sunday school programs to participate in the Heifer International project to raise money that is used to purchase animals for those in need around the world. In 2006, WUMC joined in the Buying the Llama campaign with the goal of raising enough money to purchase one llama to help one family. With the help of Dr. Roger Ellis from Heifer International, gifts and talents from the confirmation class, and generous hearts, we were actually able to purchase four llamas, and then some!

In March 2010, WUMC reached its goal of gifting an Animal Ark to the world through Heifer International. This generous $5,000 gift represents 15 pair of oxen, donkeys, water buffalo, cows, sheep, goats, and a variety of other animals that will change lives of families for years to come. A gift of a pair of animals not only provides families with a way to secure food, but also a source of dependable income.