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.


Spiritual Practices

Sundays through March 24, 10 a.m., Chapel

This Lent, Gary’s Adult Christian Education committee is excited to offer a series on the spiritual practices of Jesus in which members of the congregation will share their own experience with disciplines like prayer, fasting, reading scripture, service, humility and Sabbath rest. Panelists will discuss how these spiritual practices have shaped their faith and drawn them nearer to God.

Midweek Lenten Study

Wednesdays through March 20, 7 p.m., Commons E

Join Pastor Daniel Cochran on Wednesday evenings during Lent to explore the meaning and significance of the last words of Jesus from the cross. Using Susan Robb’s insightful book Seven Words: Listening to Christ From The Cross, we will discover together “what Jesus most wants us to hear” as we prepare our hearts and minds for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Books will be available for $15 in the Church Office. 

Young Adult Pastor's Lunch

Sundays, March 24 and April 28, 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!

Creative Arts Ministry

Floral Design Project
Saturday, April 6, 9:30 a.m., Commons
During this class, our instructor will provide a professional floral design lesson with opportunities to create your own arrangements. Cost: $55 to create and take home a floral arrangement (limited to 15 participants); or for no fee you can view the demonstration. All participants will be entered into a raffle to win a floral arrangement. Refreshments will be served. Register here.

 




Science and Faith: Friends or Foes?

Sundays, April 7–28, 10 a.m., Chapel, 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)

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.


Anti-Racist Book Club  | Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to Do Is Ask: Anishinaabe Botanical Teachings by Mary Siisip Geniusz (Author), Wendy Makoons Geniusz (Editor), Annmarie Geniusz (Illustrator)

Wed., March 20, 7 p.m. 

Geniusz makes Anishinaabe botanical information available to native and nonnative healers and educators and emphasizes the Anishinaabe culture that developed the knowledge and practice. Teaching the way she was taught, through stories, Geniusz brings the plants to life with narratives that explain their uses, meaning, and history. Discussion led by Stephanie Dalton

 

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.


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.


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.  Their current study is 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 current study is Max Lucado's Romans: In the Grip of Grace. In mid-April, the group plans to study The Third Day by Tom Berlin. Contact Holly Trueblood through the Church Office for more information.


Grief Matters Support Group

Wednesdays, April 3–May 22, 10 a.m., Commons

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.




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.

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. 

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