Welcome! Children are a vital part of our faith community. Our goal is to partner with families to share the love of God with children and nourish life-long relationships with Christ Jesus. Or, as we put it, to help kids grow in faith.


For more information about our Children's Ministries at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL, please contact Carey Williams Bebar, Director of Christian Education, at 630-668-3100 x105 or cbebar@garychurch.org.


Another way to stay connected to Gary Kids is by joining the Gary Kids Facebook page. Check out activities, videos and devotions that help faith grow at home.


Gary Kids Registration Form



Sundays


Kids' Church
All preschool 3s through third graders are invited to the Lower Level after the children's time during 9 a.m. worship and after the Scripture reading at 11:11 a.m. worship. Please sign in at our Gary Kids Check-in Station located just outside the Sanctuary.


Helping Hands 

Fourth Sunday during 9 a.m. Kids’ Church
All children ages preschool 3s through grade 5 are invited to the Lower Level to use their “helping hands” to help our local, national and global neighbors.


Sunday School, 10 a.m.
Preschool through grade 3: Lower Level
Grades 4–5: Anderson Room, Main Level




Wednesdays


Wednesday night children’s music

All Gary Kids are invited to grow in faith and serve in love through the music ministry! Cherub Choir, Friendship Choir and Good News Ringers all meet on Wednesdays. See music page for details and register here.

 

Wednesday night child care

Wednesdays, 6:15–8 p.m.

Wednesday night child care is offered for children preschool 3s through fifth grade. This supervised playtime is available for families with children in multiple choirs and/or parents seeking childcare during class meetings or small group studies. Contact Pastor Carey for more information.



Gary Kids Calendar 









Vacation Bible School

True North VBS registration

Monday, June 16–Thursday, June 19

Join us this summer on an amazing Alaskan adventure where we'll marvel at northern lights glowing over majestic mountains, racing rivers and glistening glaciers. As our students and crew members trek the tundra, they’ll learn what they can always look to as a guide when they feel lost in a wild world: Jesus' love! True North VBS shows us that Jesus is a faithful friend we can always trust. He's our True North! Register incoming preschool 4s through fourth grade (and volunteers!). Register here.


True North VBS Volunteers Needed

Join the VBS team and help learn that Jesus is our true north! Leaders and assistants are needed to shepherd crews, encourage learning and enjoy the fun! Register here.

 

VBS Volunteer Meeting

Sunday, June 8, 10:30 a.m.

All True North VBS Volunteers are urged to join this 90-minute meeting, during which they will meet station leaders, learn about this year's curriculum, find out who will be on their crew and discover all of the great things we have in store at this Alaskan adventure! 

 

VBS Decorating Night

Wednesday, June 11, 6 p.m. 

Help make bring the North Woods to life! Adults and kids alike are welcome at this favorite annual event; pizza and snacks will be provided. 


Friday, July 18– Sunday, July 20

Families are invited to Pine Lake Camp in Westfield, Wisconsin to spend a weekend growing closer to God and each other through nature, worship and play.


Accommodations

Retreat Center Room: Hotel style with private bath including 1 queen bed and 1 twin bed with twin trundle. Cost: $180 per room + $40 per person after 2 (family of 3...$220, family of 4...$260, etc.).

Meals

Cost: $75 per person 13+ and $45 per child ages 3-12

 

Activity Fee

$40 per family covers the cost of weekend crafts and activities


Register here.


More events

Parent’s Night Out

Friday, May 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Drop off your kiddos at Gary Church and enjoy some well-deserved time away. Each month features a movie, craft, and free-play for kids ages preschool threes through fifth grade. Suggested cash donation of $5 per child. Register here.

 

4th & 5th Grade Fellowship | End-of-the-Year Party

Friday, May 16, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Third, fourth and fifth graders are invited to our annual end-of-the-year party. We will welcome third graders and send off fifth graders to Gary Youth.


Step Up Sunday

June 1, 9 a.m.

Students will “step up” to the next grade. We will also celebrate high school graduates with afghans handmade by Gary Church knitters.


Summer worship schedule begins

Sunday, May 18 is the last day of 10 a.m. Sunday School until Sept. 7. From Sunday, June 1 through Aug. 31, we will worship together at 9 a.m. Kids’ Church will continue at 9 a.m. followed by Special Blend fellowship at 10 a.m. Our second worship service and Sunday School for all ages will resume Sept. 7. 

 

Park Babies

Sundays, June 1, July 13 and Aug. 3, 12 p.m., Kelly Park

Families with babies and toddlers are invited to a monthly playgroup at the park. Pack a picnic or just come for the fun!

 

Sharing A Story

Tuesdays, June 10, July 8 and Aug. 12, 10-11 a.m., Courtyard

Families with 3 to 5-year-olds (accompanied by an adult) please join us this summer for a sharing of stories, activities and treats. We will meet the second Tuesdays of June, July and August for an hour of summertime morning fun. Register here.


Service opportunity


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.