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.
New start time for Sunday Adult Christian Education
Starting this fall, adult Christian education classes on Sundays will begin at 10:10 a.m. and go until 11 a.m. This change allows participants to grab a cup of coffee and say hello to a friend before heading to class, while also granting teachers the full 50 minutes to cover their material. With this adjustment, we ask that attendees arrive on time so as to limit distractions and honor presenters.
Becoming an Interfaith Friend
Sundays, Sept. 8–Oct. 6, 10:10 a.m., led by Dr. Michael Graves
For the whole history of the Church, Christians have shared space with people who follow other religious paths and have their own beliefs and experiences of the sacred. This is very much true for us today. The goal of this class will be to orient our hearts and heads so that we are better equipped to be good interfaith friends. Over a period of five weeks, we will reflect together on what it means to be “religious,” and we will learn a bit about Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists for the purpose of understanding our neighbors as they understand themselves and preparing ourselves to be loving neighbors and friends.
Sept 8: What does it mean to be ‘religious’?
Sept. 15: Judaism and our Jewish Friends
Sept. 22: Islam and our Muslim Friends
Sept. 29: ‘Hinduism’ and our Hindu Friends
Oct. 6: Buddhism and our Buddhist Friends
Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-11:45 a.m., Gary Youth Rooms
Inspired by Monet's "water lilies" series, instructor Karina Ruiz
will teach a step-by-step painting class. We will use acrylic paints on canvas
to explore color, texture and light. All participants will create a final
painting to take home.
Register here. Suggested donation of $8 for materials. If needed, additional studio time during the week may be offered.
What Went Wrong? Russia’s Lost Opportunity and the Path to Ukraine
Friday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.
Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has caused humanitarian and religious crises. Religion plays a decisive role, both in motivating Russia’s aggression and in fueling the hopeful and courageous responses of Ukrainian believers. Celebrated author Philip Yancey has spent years observing the dynamics in the region, and we invite you to connect with him as he shares from his new book What Went Wrong? Russia’s Lost Opportunity and the Path to Ukraine. (Philip will be joined by Christopher Hays, former Gary UMC missionary and current president of Scholar Leaders.) Hear Philip share insight from our Ukrainian siblings in faith and find out how you can respond to their witness to Christ. Register here.
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. Doreen 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.
Intercessory Prayer Group
Sunday, Oct. 6, 10:15 a.m., Chapel, (meeting every other Sunday)
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 on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 10:15 a.m. We will plan to meet for 45 minutes, every other Sunday.
Studies during the week
Disciplines Devotional Study
Tuesdays, 10 a.m., starting Sept. 10
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, starting Sept. 10
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, starting Sept. 11
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.
Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Commons, starting Sept. 18
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.
Young Adult Pastor's Lunch
Sundays, Sept. 22, 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!
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.
