Welcome! Children are a vital part of our faith community. Our goal is to partner with families to share the love of God with children and nourish life-long relationships with Christ Jesus. Or, as we put it, to help kids grow in faith.


For more information about our Children's Ministries at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL, please contact Carey Williams Bebar, Director of Christian Education, at 630-668-3100 x105 or cbebar@garychurch.org.


Another way to stay connected to Gary Kids is by joining the Gary Kids Facebook page. Check out activities, videos and devotions that help faith grow at home.


Gary Kids Registration Form



Sundays


Kids' Church
All preschool 3s through third graders are invited to the Lower Level after the children's time during 9 a.m. worship and after the Scripture reading at 11:11 a.m. worship. Please sign in at our Gary Kids Check-in Station located just outside the Sanctuary.


Helping Hands 

Fourth Sunday during 9 a.m. Kids’ Church
All children ages preschool 3s through grade 5 are invited to the Lower Level to use their “helping hands” to help our local, national and global neighbors.


Sunday School, 10 a.m.
Preschool through grade 3: Lower Level
Grades 4–5: Anderson Room, Main Level




Wednesdays


Wednesday night children’s music

All Gary Kids are invited to grow in faith and serve in love through the music ministry! Cherub Choir, Friendship Choir and Good News Ringers all meet on Wednesdays. See music page for details and register here.

 

Wednesday night child care

Wednesdays, 6:15–8 p.m.

Wednesday night child care is offered for children preschool 3s through fifth grade. This supervised playtime is available for families with children in multiple choirs and/or parents seeking childcare during class meetings or small group studies. Contact Pastor Carey for more information.



Gary Kids Calendar 











Special events

Third Grade Bible

Sundays through Nov. 17, 10 a.m. during Sunday School

Gary Church gives every third grader a Bible. This is an important event in a child’s Christian education journey, as well as the life of our church. With the presentation of these Bibles, we pray children come to realize more fully the importance of the Bible as an integral part of their life. To help students become more familiar with their new Bible, a Third Grade Bible Class will be taught during the 10 a.m. Sunday school hour with a special group presentation at 9 a.m. worship on Nov. 17.

 

Parent’s Night Out

Friday, Nov. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Drop off your kiddos at Gary Church and enjoy some well-deserved time away. Each month features a movie, craft and free-play for kids ages preschool 3s through fifth grade. Limit 20. Suggested cash donation of $5 per child. Register here.


Trunk or Treat

Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Trunk or Treat offers radical hospitality to our community neighbors and creates lasting memories for all involved. Last year we saw over 1,000 people, which means we need many hands to make this event spook-tacular. Join in the fun by decorating a trunk, being a general volunteer or donating candy. And be sure to invite your kids, grandkids, and neighbors to this fun community outreach event! Sign up to decorate a trunk or volunteer 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. Dorene 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.

For more details, go to the Seeing and Celebrating page.

Save the dates

Gary Kids and Gary Youth November mash ups!

You know how everyone loves mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving? Well, we thought what better way to celebrate the bounty of the season than with a Gary Kids and Gary Youth mash up! Check out these special events below that are sure to be fun for the whole family.


  • Family Bowl, Sunday, Nov. 10, 4-6 p.m., Fox Bowl, register here
  • Feed My Starving Children, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7:15–8:45 p.m., register at fmsc.org with the join code ZWX675 or search “Gary UMC.”


Third Grade Bible Presentation

Sunday, Nov. 17, during 9 a.m. worship

For the past two months, third graders have been learning about our most sacred text. They will share some of their knowledge with the congregation during a special Children’s Time. Come show your support for these amazing students!

 

Helping Hands | PJs & Pancakes

Sunday, Dec. 1 at 9 a.m. & 11:11 a.m. Kids’ Church

All children ages preschool 3s through grade 5 are invited to wear their pajamas to church and enjoy a pancake breakfast. Plus, kids will get to use their “helping hands” for a special Christmas Sharing mission project.

 

Heaven and Nature Sings

Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.

When the God of the universe comes to Earth, all creation rejoices! Children ages preschool 3s through fifth grade are invited to learn the story of Christ's birth with out-of-this-world activities centered on Scripture. No registration required. All are welcome to attend this Sunday School special event designed to help "every heart prepare him room."

 

“Lilacia Park Lights” Family Event

Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m.

Gary Kids families are invited to gather for a festive night out where they’ll enjoy Lombard Park District’s Lilacia Park Lights. Charming holiday displays illuminate the park with magical light shows, tree decorations, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and favorite holiday characters. Register here.

 

4th & 5th Grade Fellowship | Christmas Party

Friday, Dec. 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Fourth and fifth grade students are invited to Gary Church for a festive (and meaningful) Christmas party!


Service opportunity


Acolytes wanted

If you’re a fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh grader, we’d love to have you serve as an acolyte in worship. To learn more about this meaningful position, contact Pastor Daniel Cochran or sign up here.