WHLC hosts a ton of cherished events each year; they are a great way for the congregation & community to come together for fun, service & faith!
Annual Meeting: The congregation gathers every January for the annual meeting of the church. Reports are given from the various committees, and various motions are put up for vote. A large potluck is always served with each meeting!
Clean Up Days: Part of our bi-annual beautification of the church building, where we come together to spruce up the place ahead of big worship seasons. We also one in the Spring, and the other in the Fall.
Easter Community Breakfast: A meal for all to enjoy, while also serving as a Fundraiser for the youth group. Students prepare a special breakfast to serve between the Easter services. A unique aspect is our take and fill casserole pans, where folks take a pan at the church, fill it with ingredients, and return it to the church for the students to cook at the breakfast!
VBS Daycamp: Our biggest event of the year is a wonderful weeklong daycamp for students in pre-k through 6th grade, with plenty of opportunities for volunteers to assist. Running from 9am till 3:30pm (not for the pre-k kiddos) students engage in a great theme, explore their faith, make new friends and engage with community orgs in exciting projects. VBS is free to attend, every student gets their own t-shirt, and lunch is provided each day. In years past we’ve collaborated with groups such as the Windsor Heights Fire Department, Blank Park Zoo, EasterSeals Iowa & DMARC.
Blessing of the Animals: As part of our celebration of the Season of Creation, and St. Francis of Assisi, we welcome everyone to bring their furry, scaly or feathery friends (or whatever pet you have) for a special blessing of our animal friends at the church. Human and pet treats are always served, and donations are collected. This is a fun event that’ll really be a treat for the entire family, and we love hosting it each year!
Boo Bash: Our annual Halloween event is our fun spin on Trunk or Treat. Held indoors on our first floor, kids and their families can partake in a host of fun activities and get tons of candy along the way. Activities include things like a blacklight lab, a yarn maze, a long jump, a halloween Photo Booth & more. Dinner is provided, and costumes (while not required) are certainly encouraged!
WELCA Advent Program: This special program has been a tradition at WHLC for many years now. The event is open to anyone, and features a special worship service, a wonderful showcasing of holiday and advent decor in parish hall, and a time of treats and fellowship for everyone!
Children’s Advent Program: Each year, our students work on a special Advent program to share with the congregation, combining music, instruments, video recordings and. host of other wonderful techniques! The program takes the place of one of our 9:30am services.
Winter Wonderland: Our annual Christmas event that is similar to Boo Bash, though a little bit smaller in scope. We deck Crabtree Parish Hall with wonderful holiday decor, and students & families can partake in fun activities like a hot cocoa bar, penguin bowling, indoor snowball fights, ornament making and more!