Western Area Youth (WAY)
WAY (Western Area Youth) is a gathering of youth from the United Church of Christ (UCC) and Christian Church/Disciples of Christ (DOC) churches across Western New York. WAY encompasses youth in grades 7-12.
Junior WAY includes children grades K through 6.
Although the UCC and the DOC are the organizing denominations for these gatherings, all youth are welcome to attend our events. WAY offers opportunities for youth to gather in safe, accepting and affirming ways to explore their faith.
Hive Group is a group of 18 thru 35-year-olds in the Western Area who meet bi-monthly. Many of them began as youth in WAY and expressed a desire to continue gathering. The 'Hive' is a result of that idea!
WAY Summer Mission Trip 2021
WAY retreats each year!
Winter Retreat in February.
In addition to amazing fellowship, we spend time in the city of Buffalo engaging in community service and offer compelling learning events in the evenings during the retreat.
Fall Retreat in October.
At this day-long retreat, we volunteer to coordinate the Halloween Happening at the Dunkirk Camp & Conference Center. Open to the public at no cost.
See flyers for upcoming events on the WNY Events Page
or go their FaceBook page
WAY Summer Mission Trip!
In the summer months, we set out on a week-long mission trip. Each summer, we alternate urban and rural settings.
We have been to Boston, Malone, Philadelphia, and Massena. We arrive on a Monday, spend four days involved in service in the community we are staying in, we have one day of fellowship and fun and then worship with our host church before returning home.
Hive
Gathering
June 2026
If you would like more information about WAY activities or our mission, you may speak with Rev. Krista by calling/texting 716-572-5642.
