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.
Seeing and Celebrating
Throughout October, Gary Church members will learn about Indigenous Peoples’ history and culture through several opportunities for all ages. The programs are a collaboration of Gary’s Christian Education and the church’s Educate A Girl / Change the World mission.
- Creator Sang a Welcoming Song Kids’ Church Mission Study, Oct. 6-27.
- Seeing & Celebrating Adult Christian Education Series, Oct. 13 and 20.
- Midwest SOARRING Foundation’s Harvest Pow Wow, Oct.13, 12:30 p.m., DuPage County Fairgrounds, discounted tickets available before Oct. 5 here
- Indigenous People We Need to Know Middle School and High School Youth Study
- Moment in Mission: Welcome Dr. Dorene Wiese, A Leader for a New Chicago, Oct. 27 during 9 a.m. worship.
- All-Church Special Event featuring the Black Hawk Performance Company, Oct. 27,
10 a.m.
For more details, go to the Seeing and Celebrating page.
Young Adult Pastor's Lunch
Sunday, Oct. 27, noon
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 or just come!
The Problem of 'Fake News'
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Commons, led by Joe Goldberg
“Labeling sources ‘fake news’ has become a way to delegitimize any source one disagrees with. Legitimate news sources are being accused as ‘fake news’ as misinformation is being created. How do we deal with that? How can you tell you are being misinformed? Do you check your emotions, check the source, or evaluate the information? Let’s discuss this!”
—Joe Goldberg
Joe Goldberg is an adjunct professor of mass communication at the College of DuPage. He’s also a best-selling spy novel author, has been a CIA covert action officer, corporate intelligence director and international political consultant.
Gary's Church & Society Committee is sponsoring this discussion.
Belong: An Exploration of the Sacraments and Membership Vows
Sundays, Nov. 3, 10 and 17, 10:10 a.m., Commons A/B, led by Pastor Steve Conger
Enrich your understanding and practice of the sacraments and membership vows with the Belong series, designed by Discipleship Ministry Resources.
- Nov. 3: The Meaning of Holy Communion in the United Methodist Church: Discover the tradition of Communion and understand it as a vital means of grace for individual and corporate discipleship growth.
- Nov. 10: The Meaning of Baptism in the United Methodist Church: Explore baptism as an act of incorporation into God’s family and the connection to discipleship.
- Nov. 17: Our Membership Vows: Reflect on the promises made when joining The United Methodist Church and the importance of living out these commitments in the church community.
Intercessory Prayer Group
Sunday, Nov. 10, 10:15 a.m., Chapel, (second Sunday of the month)
You are invited to join a new ministry focused on offering intercessory prayers for the most pressing issues in the world today. If you are interested in learning more about intercessory prayer (what it is, how it works), join Peggy Goulet-Isaac in the Chapel. We will plan to meet for 45 minutes, the second Sunday of the month.
Participants will create a pottery piece, guided by instructor Lisa Grigsby. This is a two-part series. Create pottery:
Saturday, Nov. 16, 10-11:30 a.m.
Two optional drop-in studio times will be available to allow participants to paint bisqueware:
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sign up here.
Remembering
Our Mothers: The Women of the Infancy Narratives and Liberation Theology
Sundays, Dec. 1–22, 10:10 a.m. led by Rev. Dr. Dong Hyeon Jeong
This Advent Bible study invites participants to collectively remember and approach the presence of the women in the infancy narratives (Matthew and Luke) and in our lives as an expression of liberation theology. Such an approach liberates because to remember is to undo the oppressive machinations that trivialize and even erase the memories and presence of the marginalized. We will remember and reflect together by listening once again to the song of Mary with Indian surrogate mothers (Sharon Jacob), to the cries of Rachel with mothers who lost their children (Mitzi Smith), and to the joys of Elizabeth (and other women in the infancy narratives) with our own mothers and the women in our lives to whom we owe our lives and our well-being.
The Rev. Dr. Dong Hyeon Jeong is the Assistant Professor of New Testament Interpretation and the Director of the Center for Asian/ Asian American Ministry at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He is an ordained elder/pastor of the United Methodist Church (Philippines Conference). His research highlights the importance of reading/interpreting the New Testament with social justice perspectives.
Picturing Mary: Midweek Advent Study
Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 6:30 p.m., led by Pastor Daniel Cochran
Come and explore the pivotal role of Mary in the Christmas Story as it is expressed through the rich artistic tradition of the church. We will consider ancient and modern images of Mary receiving the Angel Gabriel, visiting her cousin Elizabeth, and comforting the infant Jesus. Together, we'll explore how these images convey the radical nature of God's good news in Jesus Christ, made known to us in ways that are at once surprising, challenging and comforting. There is no book for this study. Please contact Pastor Daniel Cochran with any questions.
Image: The Annunciation, James B. Janknegt (2007)
Friday, Jan. 24, 5 p.m.–Saturday, Jan. 25, 4 p.m.
La Salle Manor Retreat Center | Plano, IL
Gather for connection,
reflection and conversation in a cozy lodge that is perfect for winter. Cost is
$150 per person. Register here.
Ongoing studies during the week
Disciplines Devotional Study
Tuesdays,
10 a.m.
Read and discuss The
Upper Room Disciplines 2024: A Book
of Daily Devotions with faithful Gary Church members. Based on the Revised
Common Lectionary, a 3-year cycle of Sunday Scripture readings, Disciplines features a Scripture passage
for each day, short daily meditations from thought leaders from diverse
Christian traditions, a reflection or prayer to carry with you each day and a
guide to daily prayer. Contact the Church Office for more information.
Men’s Bible Study
Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., Anderson Room
This
fall, both the Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies will focus on Sandra Richter’s
new resource, Deborah: Unlikely Heroes
and the Book of Judges. The Book of Judges narrates one of the most chaotic
and morally dark eras of Israel’s story. Many speak of it as Israel’s “Wild
West,” where the heroes and the villains stand only inches apart. Illuminating
the era of the Judges by means of the archaeological record, historical
geography, and the hard facts of warfare in the ancient world, this study draws
students immediately into the grand tale of Deborah and Barak, Jabin and
Sisera, and othe most unlikely of leaders, Jael. Please contact Steve Novy the Church Office for more information.
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. This fall, both the Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies will focus on Sandra Richter’s new resource, Deborah: Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges. The Book of Judges narrates one of the most chaotic and morally dark eras of Israel’s story. Many speak of it as Israel’s “Wild West,” where the heroes and the villains stand only inches apart. Illuminating the era of the Judges by means of the archaeological record, historical geography, and the hard facts of warfare in the ancient world, this study draws students immediately into the grand tale of Deborah and Barak, Jabin and Sisera, and othe most unlikely of leaders, Jael. Contact Holly Trueblood through the Church Office for more information.
Fridays, 10 a.m., Commons (has moved from Wednesdays to Fridays for this fall session.)
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. Register here.
Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm
Wednesdays, Sept. 25, Oct. 9, and 23, 7 p.m.
This fall, the Anti-Racist Book Club will kick off with a 3-session study produced by The United Methodist Church’s General Board of Race and Religion. Based on the book, Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm: The American Methodist Church and The Struggle with White Supremacy by the Rev. Dr. John Elford, this study offers a no-holds-barred look at the denomination’s checkered history of systemic and institutional racism targeting African American people. Read the book on your own and register here.
Special Blend Fellowship
Enjoy coffee, tea, treats and fellowship every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in Commons E and near the Sanctuary. 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. 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.
