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.
The Message of Jesus: Words that Changed the World
Sundays through April 13, 10:10 a.m., Commons A/B
Pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores six of the most important
themes in Jesus's teachings, why they matter and how they speak to us today. This
series will explore Jesus’s preaching on the Kingdom of God, the Sermon on the
Mount, the parables, the “I am” sayings in John and more.
You’re welcome to drop in this class any Sunday with no preparation as we will start with a video. If you like, you can also read Hamilton’s The Message of Jesus: Words that Changed the World. Books are available for $15 in the Church Office.
The Story of Mary Magdalene:
A Performance by Megan Wells
Wednesday, April 9, 6:30 p.m.
Professional Storyteller Megan Wells is known for creating an intimate storytelling atmosphere, infusing her characters with living souls, and delivering the experience with delicious theatrical timing. Hear her share the story of Mary Magdalene, witness to the cross and empty tomb.
Art Gallery at Gary Church:
Submit art by Monday, April 21
Friday, June 6-Saturday, June 7, submissions by Monday, April 21
Calling
all artists! The Creative Arts Team invites artists ages 14 and up to submit
their artwork for inclusion in the Gary Church Art Gallery. The Gary Commons will
transform into a public art gallery with the goal of deepening relationships
with our local community through the connective power of art. The theme for
this year's art gallery is "The Symbolic Dimensions of Shared
Spaces." In a world increasingly fragmented by digital distractions,
personal isolation, and partisan politics, the secular and sacred spaces we
share with others carry deep significance. We encourage submissions that
explore how shared spaces hold meaning and how they shape our interactions,
personal growth, and collective identity. We welcome a variety of artistic
forms including visual, literary and performance art as well as digital media.
Please complete and submit the form below to CreativeArts@garychurch.org.
Living Fully, Dying Well
Thursdays, 2–3:30 p.m., March 6–April 10, led by Rev. Dr. Fred Kelsey
In Living Fully, Dying Well, Bishop Ruben Job shares the experiences of his own heart attack as well as helping his brother struggling with cancer before his brother’s death. This video study will help us prepare for life’s most important moments. The Rev. Dr. Fred Kelsey, a retired United Methodist pastor, will lead the discussion. To join the study, email Pastor Carey Williams Bebar. Participant guides will be provided.
Hesed: God's Communal Love
Sundays, May 4 and 11, 10:10 a.m., Commons A/B, led by Dr. Daniel Somboonsiri
Did you know that at the center of God's character (Exodus 34:6-7) is an untranslatable Hebrew word? Did you know that the same word appears at the center of God's call for humanity (Micah 6:8)? On May 4, we will explore the meaning of hesed, a concept that reveals God's communal love. On May 11, we will look at John 17 to understand the church as a trinitarian community centered on God's love. This class will deepen your understanding of God and what it means to live in God's community.
Celebrating a History of Music at Gary Church
Sunday, May 18, 10:10 a.m., Commons A/B, led by Kevin Lange
Learn about the development of the music program at Gary Church: from the early class meetings of the 1800s, to the bell ministry and praise bands founded in the 1900s, to the music groups we enjoy today. Join organist Kevin Lange for an exploration of Gary Church’s rich history of music and worship.
Young Adult Pastor's Lunch
Sundays, April 27 and May 25, noon
Our “post-High School/ college/ early on in adulthood/ probably in your 20s or 30s” adults are invited to join Pastor Dan Lee and a mix of other pastors for lunch in downtown Wheaton on the last Sunday of the month. Our treat! We will meet at Door 5 and go out for lunch and fellowship. RSVP to Pastor Dan Lee, or just come!
Summer Book Read
Sundays, June 15, June 29, July 13 and July 27, 10 a.m., Chapel
All are welcome to join Pastor Daniel Cochran in reading and discussing Marilynne Robinson's Pulitzer-Prize winning novel, Gilead (2004). Robinson’s writing explores topics from faith and theology to politics and economics. In Gilead, we meet the aging Rev. John Ames of Iowa as he writes a heartfelt letter to his young son. Gilead is an unforgettable journey into a simple faith with profound implications. Read the book on your own and join the discussion this summer.
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
The Men's Bible Study is open to all men seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible and Christian Faith. Please contact Steve Novy through the Church Office for more information.
Lenten study:
In The Grace of Les Misérables, author and pastor Matt Rawle dives into
six ideals found in the story – grace, justice, poverty, revolution, love and
hope. Each ideal is represented by a character in Hugo’s story. As these imperfect and
relatable characters interact, we can see how these ideals work together
(perhaps even in spite of each other) out in the world.
Men's Bible Study begins new session
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Anderson Room, starting April 29
Pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores six of the most important themes in Jesus's teachings in The Message of Jesus: Words that Changed the World. Contact Steve Novy through 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. Contact Holly Trueblood through the Church Office for more
information.
Lenten study:
In Luke:
Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws, pastor and bestselling
author Adam Hamilton explores the life, teachings, death and resurrection of
Jesus. As we study Luke and see Jesus’ concern for those who were considered
unimportant, we hear a hopeful and inspiring word for our lives today.
Women's Bible Study begins new session
Wednesdays, 2 p.m., Anderson Room, starting April 23
Discover how the ancient Nicene Creed can transform your spiritual journey in We Believe: How the Nicene Creed Can Deepen Your Faith. Contact Holly Trueblood through the Church Office for more information.
Fridays, 10 a.m., Commons (may return to Wednesdays for the fall 2025 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.
Anti-Racist Book Club | Everything Sad is Untrue
Wednesday, April
23, 7 p.m., discussion
led by Carla Lovett
In Everything Sad is
Untrue, Daniel Nayeri writes this autobiographical novel told in the voice
of a young Iranian refugee. It poses the questions: Who owns the truth? Who speaks
it? Who believes it? Read the
book on your own and join the conversation. Register here.
Anti-Racist Book Club | Beyond Hashtag Activism: Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age by Mae Elise Cannon
Wednesday, May 28, 7 p.m., discussion led by Judy Selby
Activist Mae Elise Cannon takes us beyond the hashtags to serious engagement with real issues. God calls the church to respond substantively to the needs of the poor, the realities of racial inequity and the mistreatment of women and the marginalized. We can accomplish change through a range of strategic avenues — spiritual, social, legal, political and economic. Addressing the domestic and international injustices of our day takes us on a journey of spiritual transformation that brings us closer to God and those around us. Read the book on your own and join the conversation. Register here.
Intercessory Prayer Group
Second Sunday of the month, 10:15 a.m., Chapel (will resume in the fall 2025)
You are invited to join this ministry focused on offering intercessory prayers for the most pressing issues in the world today. We'll pray for global, national and personal needs. We will plan to meet for 45 minutes, the second Sunday of the month.
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.
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.
New dates: Game Night
Saturday, April 26, 6:30-9 p.m., Commons
Game Night will move away from its regular fourth
Friday timeslot to the dates above on Saturdays. 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.
Game night (May and beyond)
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.
