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.

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, 2023: 12-week study: Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby

Starting March 13, 2024: 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.

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.