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 Children's Ministries, at 630-668-3100 x105 or cbebar@garychurch.org.
Kids' Church
All preschool 3s through third graders are invited to the Lower Level after the children's sermon during 9 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
Events
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,
6:15–7:45 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.
Third Grade Bible
Sundays through Nov. 12, 10 a.m. during Sunday School
We pray children come to realize more fully
the importance of the Bible as an integral part of their life. A Third Grade Bible Class will be
taught during the 10 a.m. Sunday school hour. Third graders will share what they've learned during 9 a.m. worship on Sunday, Nov. 12. Contact Pastor Carey for
more information.
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. A fun training session will be on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
Helping Hands | Red Bird Mission School Supplies Drive
Donations accepted throughout September
Helping Hands Lesson: Sunday, Sept. 24, during 9 a.m. Worship
Gary Kids are collecting school supplies for Red Bird Mission. Founded in 1921 in the southeastern corner of Kentucky, Red Bird provides quality education to children in one of the most economically-challenged places in the nation. Donations of Clorox wipes, mechanical pencils, backpacks, two-pocket folders, 2" 3-ring notebooks, Scotch tape, composition books, pencil bags and pencil sharpeners will be accepted in a bin in the Commons throughout September. On Sept. 24, Gary Kids will sort and box donated items, as well as learn about Red Bird Mission with a hands-on lesson and craft.
Spiritual Habits Tracker App Parent’s Meeting
Sunday, Oct. 1, 10:15 a.m., Lower Level
Have you ever used an app to help stay on track of healthy habits? Learn about a new tool from Grow Curriculum that you and your kids can use to track spiritual habits like spending time with God, spending time with others, sharing your story and using your gifts.
Friday, Oct. 6, 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
Little Playgroup
Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m., Cosley Zoo
Do you have an infant or toddler and are looking to connect with other faith families in the same stage of life? Join Pastor Carey at Cosley Zoo for a morning playgroup where kids will play, parents will chat, and everyone will get to know each other a little bit better. Wheaton residents, kids and Cosley Zoo members are free. Non-resident adults cost $10 per person.
4th & 5th Grade Fellowship Nature Day
Saturday, Oct. 21, time TBD
Fourth and fifth graders will connect with nature and serve their community by volunteering for the DuPage Forest Preserve. Event details are in the works! Check the Gary Kids email for more information.
Helping Hands | Trunk or Treat Outreach Cards
Sunday, Oct. 22, during 9 a.m. Worship
We are excited to welcome hundreds of children to Gary Church’s Parking Lot for Trunk or Treat! Gary Kids will use their Helping Hands to make outreach cards for Trunk or Treat, one of our most spook-tacular outreach events!
Saturday, Oct. 28, 10–12 p.m.
Trunk or Treat offers radical hospitality to our community neighbors and creates lasting memories for all involved. Last year we saw close to 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 host a trunk or be a general volunteer here.
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.