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Woodland UMC celebrates centennial

Woodland UMC in Wichita hosted a car show Aug. 29 in conjunction with its centennial celebration. (photo by Dave Dinell)

Written: 9/24/2009

By Laurie Mitchell
Special contributor
WICHITA—Woodland United Meth-odist Church in Wichita’s Riverside neighborhood celebrated its centennial Aug. 30. The sanctuary was overflowing with 225 people, a great accomplishment for a church that’s future was in doubt just a few years ago. For several months in 2006, regular attendance had dropped to less than 100 after the pastor fell gravely ill.

The church has renewed itself through a variety of outreach and membership activ

Eleanor Carter, left, and Rev. Amy Lippoldt ring the church bell during the Woodland UMC centennial celebration Aug. 30. (photo by Dave Dinell)

On Wednesday before the centennial celebration, the cornerstone of the sanctuary was opened, and the 1943 time capsule removed. Newspaper articles about World War II spilled out, along with coins, a hymnal, photos, a 1940 Book of Discipline and a Bible.

Several items were added to the time capsule, including a copy of “The Message” Bible complete with signatures of the current congregation on the flyleaf pages.

Special guests included former pastors Revs. Jim Iwig and Charles Claycomb, Lyn Reynolds, wife of the late Rev. Gary Reynolds, former choir director Don Gray and family, and Wichita West District Superintendent Rev. Janet Hernandez.

While people lined up for lunch, the tower bell was rung 100 times. Booklets of 100 memories, a compilation of the congregation’s funniest, most surprising and most meaningful recollections, were placed on each table, prompting people to share their favorite memories with others.

Laurie Mitchell is a member of Woodland UMC.

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