By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock’s First United Methodist Church is hosting special activities throughout the summer months. Community members are welcome at all of the events. Summer Sun Fest began in 2025 and took place this year on July 3. The 2026 theme was “Amazing World.” Activities for old and young alike included a planting […]
By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock’s First United Methodist Church celebrates its 175th anniversary with several events this coming weekend. Local residents can share in tours, food, celebrations, and a special service. “This September is very special for our congregation as we celebrate 175 years of God’s faithfulness through our church,” the Rev. Young Sun Lee […]
The life-sized nativity scene that once graced the Park in the Square and later nestled in front of the Old Courthouse did not make an appearance in 2020 or 2021. When the restoration of the Old Courthouse ramped up in 2020, the scene lost its home. In addition, the set – stored at First United […]
First United Methodist Church in Woodstock will host its annual Vacation Bible School in both South Korea and Woodstock this year. The church has many ties to Korea. Its pastor, the Rev. Hyujae Lee, who is from Korea, has led many overseas and domestic mission trips. The Woodstock VBS takes place June 26 to 30, […]
Members of a local Girl Scout troop, all seniors in high school, are in their final year together as Girl Scouts. Girl Scout Troop 510 is an Ambassador Troop, the sixth and highest level in Girl Scouts open to girls in grades 11 and 12. Members at this level experience many leadership activities, explore careers […]
In October, local preschool children learned about “Down on the Farm.” November brings the theme of “Giving Thanks.” The 2-to 5-year-old children at First United Methodist preschool enjoyed activities and projects about those topics under the direction of supervisor and teacher Bonnie Becker. The preschool opened 27 years ago. ”This is my 23rd year at […]
news@thewoodstockindepent.com Cub Scout Pack 350, which is chartered by First United Methodist Church in Woodstock, has enjoyed a busy year with service projects, overnight camping experiences, and science activities. “It has been nice to come back to normal after COVID,” said Josh Brown, leader of the kindergarten den (Lions) and fifth-grade den (Arrow of Light). […]
When City Councilman Gordie Tebo suggested a new wooden train decoration for the holidays could be placed in front of the Woodstock Public House, it brought up the question of whether the nativity scene that occupied that spot from 1990 through 2019 might ever reappear. “We don’t know if the nativity scene will be out […]
Swim party, backpack blessings, and Rib Fest are among the many events celebrated by the First United Methodist Church congregation during August and September. The busy calendar began with a Youth Group Kickoff on Aug. 21. Youth group coordinator Julie Heelein, a member of First UMC for 18 years and youth coordinator for five years, […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
