Outreach and Missions

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Williamsville United Methodist is deeply committed to providing opportunities for involvement in and support of outreach and missions within the congregation, our local community, and beyond. Our church is firmly committed to the United Methodist connectional system that ensures humanitarian efforts are ready and in place when crises arise anywhere in the world.

On the Outreach and Missions pages, you will find information about the local and global service and ministry opportunities at Williamsville United Methodist Church. For example, on the Local Outreach page, you will learn about our involvement in projects such as:      

On the Global Missions page, you will learn about how Williamsville United Methodist Church helps support mission and outreach projects around the world. Our church is committed to the United Methodist Shared Ministries and connectional giving programs that make a difference in people's lives throughout the world.

The Support Groups page and Other Local Groups page includes information about outside groups that meet at WUMC on a regular basis. For example, our church has sponsored Scout Troop 85 for 64 years and we provide a space for a free senior excercise class twice a week.

 

It Was a Great Christmas, Thanks for Your Support – You Were Great!
Kevin Lyttle

As a result of the generosity and caring of many in our congregation, we were able to provide significant support to our partners at Seneca Street Church in Buffalo. Their early December “Christmas Shoppe” provided over a hundred neighborhood children the opportunity to  “buy” gifts for family members and learn a little more about what “giving” can mean. The gifts we contributed, and the additional financial support we provided, made it possible for these kids to have some of the same experiences and feelings we have when finding “just the right” gift for a loved one.

We also participated in Seneca Street’s Christmas celebration by providing gift cards and McDonald’s food cards for the participants of a very-well-attended Annual Christmas Party. This year we also operated a craft table, where a Christmas bracelet was assembled from kits provided by our Sunday School kids as their way of helping share Christmas with others. The joy this event brought to over 140 children (and parents) in the area.

Just prior to Christmas, WUMC donated 30 overflowing food bags (“lovingly” assembled by a group of elves on the Sunday before Christmas), plus $25 Tops cards, to provide families at Seneca Street Church with the basics for a Christmas dinner. Without these gifts, there would be little food to provide a Christmas meal for many families in this community; these gifts may literally have been “life-saving” for some of them. 

Adopt-An-Angel

During this holiday season, we also continued our long tradition of participation in Gateway-Longview’s “Angel Tree” program by fulfilling the gift requests of 50 of their children and young adult participants. With over 900 children and youth in their various service programs, the success of Angel Tree depends on many in the community, and we can be proud of our contribution to another successful year.

What’s Next?

The Outreach and Missions Team will continue to make WUMC aware of outreach opportunities within the community and beyond. In the meantime, be on the look-out for a “Sharing Our Love” program in February!

Thanks again for your continued generosity!

 

 

What's Happening at Habitat?
Ed Howard

For the next few months, WUMC’s Habitat for Humanity team will continue to work at 46 East Oakwood, which is off Main Street just a little north of Sisters Hospital.

In recent months, we have been doing structural work, repairing holes in floors, strengthening ceilings, installing new outside doors, and more. In the next few months, we will turn to finishing interior walls, installing plumbing fixtures, molding around doors and baseboards, and, eventually, painting and other finishing work.

This would be a great time for you to join our group and see what Habitat for Humanity is all about! Every third Saturday of the month, 6 to 8 WUMC members spend the day at our Habitat House and work on whatever stage of construction the house is at. It is a great opportunity to learn because someone is always ready to show you what to do if you aren’t sure. You’ll meet people with all levels of skill, from “none” to master craftsmen. Don't worry about bringing tools because everything is provided. However, if you prefer your own tools, then bring them!

Habitat For Humanity would be a great way to spend a few Saturdays over these winter months. For more information, please contact Ed Howard.

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Emergency Food and Personal Care Cupboard

Every month our Emergency Food Cupboard provides food to those trying to stretch disability or unemployment checks to the end of the month. In addition, the shelves of WUMC's food pantry need to be replished each fall since our church is responsible to provide extra assistance to families and individuals who are experiencing hard times in the Williamsville community during August and September every year.

We also provide personal care products that are not covered by food stamps. To meet these needs, we are always in need of items such as toothpaste, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, shampoo and conditioner, toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels.

The food portion of the Emergency Cupboard can always use donations of canned and microwavable soups, canned tuna and chicken, peanut butter, rice and pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables and fruit, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, and canned entrees such as stew, chili and canned ravioli. Please remember to pick up a few of these items when you are shopping, then place them in the wicker basket labeled "Food Collection" that is located in the narthex.