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.
Science and Faith: Friends or Foes?
Sundays, April 7–28, 10 a.m., Commons, led by Dr. Stephen Lovett
God’s creation is multifaceted. To grasp a full picture of his work requires many different fields of knowledge. There exist areas where science and scripture appear to make conflicting claims about how the cosmos, the Earth, all living things and all humanity came into existence and why? Whether believers or atheists, public scholars or next-door neighbors, many people hold or push positions that drive a wedge between the claims of faith and honest science. This provokes friction in families, causes confusion at school and raises obstacles to gospel-centered conversations. In this discussion-driven series, we hope to address and perhaps offer ideas for resolution to some of these challenging issues.
Sunday, April 7: How Do We Know What We Know? (the scientific method, principles of biblical interpretation)
Sunday, April 14: How Old is the World? (cosmology, geology, isotopes and narratives)
Sunday, April 21: How and Why Were We Created? (all life, the diversity of life, human life)
Sunday, April 28: Can We Resolve the Debates? (know the issues, identify the stakes, speak with humility)
Pilgrimage to Peace Tour
Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m., Commons
Gary’s Church and Society Committee is hosting the Churches
for Middle East Peace Pilgrimage to Peace tour. This nationwide tour facilitates conversation about
peacebuilding and advocacy related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Understanding General Conference
Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m., Chapel, led by Pastor Chris Pierson
General Conference, the highest legislative body in The United Methodist Church, meets April 23–May 3. Pastor Chris Pierson will share details about approved legislation aimed at shaping the future of The United Methodist Church.
Pop Culture and Theology
Theology of Memes
Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m., Chapel
What is a meme? Why do we love them so much? What does our love for memes say about us as a society? Join Dr. Daniel Somboonsiri as he takes us through a brief, meme-filled tour of the history of art and theology to examine what memes say about postmodern life with its myriad and seemingly meaningless barrage of meaning. Is life, like our memes, increasingly absurd, or can a theology of memes help us navigate the absurdity around us?
Theology of Culture
Sunday, May 19, 10 a.m., Chapel
We
want to bring our understanding of God into our culture, but to do so
we need to consider what culture even is from a biblical and theological
perspective. Dr. Daniel Somboonsiri will present a biblical theology of
culture and then provide a theological framework for engaging
contemporary culture.
2025 Journey to Rome:
A Pilgrimage Through Christian History
Saturday, May 3–Sunday, May 11, 2025, led by Pastor Daniel Cochran
Informational Sessions: Sunday, May 26, 2024, 10 a.m. or Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 7 p.m.
Join Pastor Daniel Cochran in Italy for a pilgrimage through Christian history as we explore the art and architecture of Rome. We will journey deep into the Christian catacombs beneath the streets and stare in awe at the soaring ceilings of St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. These humble beginnings and magnificent achievements will help us better understand the social and theological history of our tradition so that we might more clearly discern where God is calling us today. Pastor Daniel has lived and trained in Italy, offering tours for students and congregations since 2012. This trip will take place in May 2025, but spots are limited and registration is required by July 1, 2024. Attend one of the informational sessions or contact Pastor Daniel to learn more, dcochran@garychurch.org.
Young Adult Pastor's Lunch
Sundays, April 28 and May 26, 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!
Wed., April 24, 7 p.m. | Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty
How do the living come back to life? Set in a Native
community in Maine, Night of the Living Rez is a riveting debut
collection about what it means to be Penobscot in the 21st century and what it
means to live, to survive and to persevere after tragedy. Discussion led by Carla
Lovett. Read the book on your own and register here.
Wednesday, May 22, 7 p.m., discussion led by Judy Selby
The New Republic Loaded: A Disarming History of the Second Amendment, looks at the history of guns and gun laws in the United States, from the original colonization of the country to the present. As historian and educator Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz explains, in order to understand the current obstacles to gun control, we must understand the history of U.S. guns, from their role in the “settling of America” and the early formation of the new nation continuing to the present. Read the book on your own and register here.
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.
Tuesday, April 16, 7 p.m., Commons E
We will be discussing The Book of Joy,
which focuses on the interfaith relationship of Archbishop Desmond Tutu
of South Africa and exiled Buddhist Tibetan leader, the Dali Lama. A
companion documentary called Mission: Joy is streaming on Netflix.
Tuesday, May 14, 7 p.m., Gary Church
We will discuss Eye of the Heart: Journey to My Soul by Sommieh
Stephanie Flower. This memoir follows the author’s journey to Islam. All women
are invited to attend. We will not meet in June.
Men’s Bible Study
Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., Anderson Room
Looking
for a way to learn about the Bible and connect with other men? Join the
Men's Bible Study. Beginning Tuesday, April 18, the Men’s Bible Study will start Half Truths by Adam Hamilton. This will be our last study until our adult education begins again in September. Please contact 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 current study is The Third Day by Tom Berlin. Contact Holly Trueblood through the Church Office for more information.
Grief Matters Support Group
Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Commons, will resume again in the fall of 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.
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.
Creative Arts Ministry
Each month throughout the ministry year, the Creative Arts uses a hands-on approach to growing in joyful faith and serving all in love through art creation. Check back soon for more information about the September 2024 project.
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.
