We are committed to providing a variety of ways we can connect, grow and renew energy at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL. Get connected through a variety of volunteer opportunities. Come find your place in the following study and fellowship opportunities as we walk together in our faith journeys.


An Unlikely Advent

Wednesdays, Nov. 29–Dec. 20, 7 p.m. led by Carey Williams Bebar

This Advent study focuses on the experiences of four sets of often-overlooked characters in the Nativity story. During this Advent season, Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.

 

Purchase the book on your own or through the Church Office for $15.

Soup Suppers

Wednesdays, Nov. 29–Dec. 20, 5–6:45 p.m., Commons

 

Join us for fellowship and food as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ — together! Leading into Advent and through part of the Advent season, we will gather for Soup Suppers in the Commons on Wednesday nights.

 

Soup makers willing to share their culinary talents are wanted. If you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share — or a new one you would like to test out ­— please make plans to do so.

 

Sign up to participate and/or to provide soup.

Friday Dec. 1, 5:30–8:30 p.m. (gather at 5:30 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m.), Commons

Join us for a women’s gathering of food, fellowship and learning as we explore “Light” in creation, incarnation and invitation. Register here.


Mary's Voice in Advent

Sundays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 10 a.m., Chapel, led by Dr. Michael Graves and Dr. Amy Peeler

During the season of Advent, we joyfully anticipate and celebrate the coming of Christ. In this Adult Christian Education series, we will celebrate together by reflecting on the role of Mary's words in welcoming and proclaiming Christ!  

Dec. 3: Old Testament women who set the stage for Mary, led by Dr. Michael Graves, Professor of the Old Testament and author of How Scripture Interprets Scripture.

Dec. 10: Mary and Elizabeth in the New Testament and Early Christian tradition, led by Dr. Amy Peeler, Professor of New Testament and author of Women and the Gender of God.

Dec. 17: Reading early Christian poems that dramatize Mary's words, led by Dr. Michael Graves.

Creative Arts Ministry

Holiday decorations and gifts

Saturday, Dec. 2, 12:30 p.m., Commons

 

The Creative Arts Ministry will host three stations: sublimation art, snowflake decorations and Christmas ornaments. If you’d like to participate in the cookie exchange, please bring two dozen cookies and the recipe. For more details and to register, click

here.



Anti-Racist Book Club | The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m., led by Kim Austin

For the young Henry Louis Gates, Jr., growing up in a small, segregated West Virginia town, the church was his family’s and his community's true center of gravity. Within those walls, voices were lifted in song to call forth the best in each other and to comfort each other when times were at their worst. In his book, Gates takes us from his own experience onto a journey across more than 400 years and spanning the entire country. You’ll emerge with a new understanding of the centrality of the Black church to the American story — as a cultural and political force, as the center of resistance to slavery and white supremacy, as an unparalleled incubator of talent and as a crucible for working through the community's most important issues. Purchase the book on your own and register


Faith Club: A Women’s Interfaith Discussion Group
The Faith Club brings women of Gary Church together with other women of Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths to develop community and learn from and about one another. They typically meet the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., with topics including book and movie discussions, a speaker on the role of music in worship, and a craft and fellowship night. Contact Cathy Mousseau or Kim Austin through the Church Office for more information and to be added to the group's email list.


Men’s Bible Study 
Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., Anderson Room (note time change)
Looking for a way to learn about the Bible and connect with other men? Join the Men's Bible Study. We will begin this fall with a 13-week study by Matt Chandler on the Book of James. The Book of James is filled with practical wisdom for Christians, calling us to live out genuine faith through good works. 


Men's Bible Study looking ahead:
Starting Dec. 19, 202312-week study: Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby

Starting March 132024: 8-week study: The Book of Daniel: Shining in Babylon by J.D. Greear

Please contact Marion Rybarczyk through the Church Office for more information about the Men's Bible Study, and if you plan to attend.


Women's Bible Study
Wednesdays,  2 p.m., Anderson Room  

The Women's Bible Study is open to all women seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible and Christian faith. Their next study will begin on Nov. 1 : The Lord and His Prayer by N.T. Wright. Contact Holly Trueblood through the Church Office for more information.


Grief Matters Support Group

Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Commons, a new session will begin in Spring 2024

We welcome anyone grieving the death or loss of someone to be a part of this group. It is a place where you can be with people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. You’ll gain valuable tools to help you as you continue on the journey of grief.




Young Adult Christmas Party

Party 1: Sunday, Dec. 10, 12:15-1:45 p.m.

Party 2: Wednesday, Dec. 27, 6-7:30 p.m.

 

In December, instead of our normal fourth Sunday lunch, “post-High School/college/early on in adulthood/probably in your 20s or 30s” adults are invited for a Christmas party with food and games! Bring a wrapped used or new item for our white elephant gift exchange! We will celebrate in the senior high youth room.

Young Adult Pastor's Lunch

Sunday, Jan. 28, 12 p.m.

Let’s be honest, no one likes the term "young adult." But “Post-High School/ College/ Early on in Adulthood/ Probably in Your 20s or 30s Pastor’s Lunch” seemed like too long of a title. (Even if it’s what we really mean by “Young Adult Pastor’s Lunch.”) If you fit into any of those categories, this group is for you! Join Pastor Dan Lee and a mix of other pastors for lunch in downtown Wheaton on the fourth Sunday of the month. Our treat! We will meet at Door 5 and head to downtown Wheaton for food, fellowship and a discussion on faith in this special season of life. RSVP to Pastor Dan at dlee@garychurch.org or just come!

Special Blend Fellowship

Enjoy coffee, tea, treats and fellowship every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in the Commons. If you'd like to help with set up, clean up or providing goodies, sign up here.

Fellowship

United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women)
United Women in Faith Circles are small groups that develop supportive fellowship and expand concepts of mission. All women are invited to participate. Contact the Church Office and we’ll put you in touch with the circle leader for more information on meeting dates and times.
Craft Circle 
Joy Circle 
Knitting/Stitching Circle 
Mary Martha 
Susanna Wesley


Walkers & Talkers Fellowship
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Commons
Stop in and chat with this welcoming fellowship group. 

Game night

Fourth Friday of the month, 6:30–9 p.m., Commons
Join your Gary Church friends for games of bridge, dominoes or anything you like. Must be vaccinated to join in on the fun. Contact Fern Evelhoch through the Church Office for more information and to let us know you're coming.

Create cards
Thursdays, 1 p.m., Heritage Room
Anyone is welcome to drop in whenever you can to create cards. The cards go to people celebrating milestone birthdays and anniversaries. They go to people grieving or sick. And, the cards go to people to simply let them know their friends at Gary Church are thinking about them.

Help make Gary gardens gorgeous
Anyone can join the Gary Gardeners team, and in the spring, summer and fall, there’s always something to do. If you can help with weeding, watering, maintaining/updating planters, general landscaping or various short-term projects, please let Barbara Wernicke know through the Church Office.


Monday morning golfers
These golfers love to play together so much, they even meet in Florida in March! Here in Illinois, they try to play most Monday mornings in the spring, summer and fall at a different golf course each week. If you’d like to be a regular golfer or a substitute, contact the Church Office to get on the email list.


Class Meeting
each group decides best day/time
Looking for friendship? Belonging? A closer relationship with Jesus? You could find all that and more at the Class Meeting. Class Meeting is a small group that laughs, prays and encourages each other in Christ. We began our first Class Meeting the year before the pandemic, helping people grow in faith and develop deep friendships with others. For more information, contact Carey Williams Bebar. 

LOADING PLAYER…

Save the date

Saturday, Jan. 27, Barrington UMC

Prairie Central Leadership Training, including a talk with the bishop about the latest happenings with The United Methodist Church.