Gary Youth

You have heard it said, “youth are the future.” At Gary Church in Wheaton, Illinois, we say, “youth are the now!" We believe our youth are called and empowered by God to make a difference in the world. We strive to support our youth, so that they are free to become disciples who share the love of Christ with their neighbors. 

At Gary Youth, you will:

  1. Have fun
  2. Be valued
  3. Explore the Christian faith
  4. Experience family
  5. Act through hands on compassion
  6. Keep growing
  7. Reach out

 

Sunday School

Middle School
10–11 a.m., Middle School Youth Room
Our youth will grow in their understanding about the Bible and explore it through storytelling, creative reflection and dialogue.


High School
10–11 a.m., High School Youth Room
Our high school youth will discuss how the Sunday scripture passages connect to current world events, faith and everyday life. Come and grow with us!


Weekly Night Gathering (September through May)  

We play fun games, learn, have small group and pray together. Each month, we follow a connected theme. More details can be found in our church magazine, emails, Facebook or Instagram.

Middle School

Wednesday nights, 7–8:30 p.m.

High School

Sunday nights, 6–7:30 p.m.


Gary Youth Middle School Calendar


Gary Youth High School Calendar


Be part of the musical

Take part in our March musical, Fired Up, a lighthearted re-telling of the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. 


Rehearsals: Sundays, 4-6 p.m.

Not all cast members will be called each week or for the duration of the time. A detailed schedule will come from the directors closer to the rehearsal dates. 


Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. 

Musical & Chili Cookoff: Sunday, March 15, 4 p.m. show, 5 p.m. dinner

Interested but have limited availability or want more details? Contact Carey Williams Bebar.


Musical & Chili Cookoff: Sunday, March 15 with the show at 4 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.


More events

Word & Table

Sunday, Feb. 22, 6-7:30 p.m.

Once a month, high schoolers meet at someone’s home for dinner, games and discussion. An RSVP link and addresses will be sent out closer to the date.


Mindfulness with Mary Megan Bagnall
Middle School: Wednesday, April 22, 7-8:30 p.m.
High School: Sunday, April 19, 6-7:30 p.m.
Our youth are often bombarded by the stress of constant activity, expectations and achievements. Mindfulness can help students connect with themselves, with others, with this moment and with God. When we tune into God’s presence, God is always available to us. Mary Megan Bagnall will lead our youth in embracing a practice of mindfulness that will help them find stillness and peace in body, mind and spirit.


Mother’s Day Gift Making
Middle School: Wednesday, April 29, 7-8:30 p.m.
High School: Sunday, April 26, 6-7:30 p.m.
Lisa Grigsby will lead our youth in a special craft that our youth can give for Mother’s Day. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare something meaningful for all the mother figures in your life!


Enchanted Castle

Wednesday, May 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Middle schoolers will celebrate the end of the school year with some laser tag, arcade, and pizza! We will meet at Enchanted Castle at 1103 S. Main St. Lombard. Cost is $12.50 (Each youth will be given $10 credit to the arcades but feel free to bring extra money.) Check Gary Youth’s weekly emails for sign-up information.

 

Korean BBQ

Sunday, May 3, 6-7:30 p.m.

Dan, Stacey and Mina Lee invite all high schoolers to their house for a Korean BBQ dinner. If you need a ride, let us know when you sign up. Check Gary Youth’s weekly emails for sign-up and location information.

 

Celebrating Our 2026 Graduates

Gary Church wants to recognize 2026 graduates from high school, college or vocational school. The names of graduates will be printed in an upcoming edition of the Chimes newsletter. Please let us know if you know anyone we can celebrate by Sunday, May 17.


Oh! The Places You’ll Go!

On Sunday, May 31, at 9 a.m., we will celebrate our high school graduates as they embark on the next season of their life. We will pray for our graduates as they receive an afgahn made by our Gary Church knitters and the book, Oh! The Places You’ll Go! containing encouraging messages written by the entire church. Come to the Commons in May and write notes for our 2026 graduates!

Service opportunities


Acolytes wanted

If you’re a fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh grader, we’d love to have you serve as an acolyte in worship. To learn more about this meaningful position, contact Pastor Daniel Cochran or sign up here.


Gary Youth Band

Do you play an instrument? Want to learn an instrument? Love to sing? Come and join 4:12 Youth Band as we play worship music together. All skill levels welcome. Let Dan Lee know if you want to join and register here

Let Us Know

We want to celebrate your gifts! If you have a concert, game, exhibit, ceremony, party, etc. you would like to tell us about, fill out a form here. We will do our best to attend to cheer you on!

Find us on Social Media


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Each year, parents and guardians are required to complete a form for their child/ren to participate in Gary Kids and Gary Youth activities. This includes Sunday School, mid-week gathering, and other events. Please click here to register your youth.