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

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!


Parent’s Night Out

Friday, Jan. 10, 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.


Parent’s Night Out

Friday, Feb. 14, 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 play for kids ages preschool 3s through fifth grade. Limit 20. Suggested cash donation of $5 per child. Registration coming soon.

 

Helping Hands | Educate a Girl / Change the World

Sunday, Jan. 26, during 9 a.m. worship

All Gary Kids are invited to the Lower Level after Children’s Time to learn about the Educate a Girl / Change the World mission and make a gift for scholarship recipients.

 

4th & 5th Grade Fellowship

Roller Skating Party at Funway

Friday, Jan. 17, 6:30–8:30 p.m.,

Fourth and fifth grade students are invited to a fun night of skating with friends. Admission costs $7, with an additional $3 for skate rentals. Carpooling is encouraged. RSVP to Pastor Carey Williams Bebar.

 

4th & 5th Grade Fellowship

Game Night

Friday, Feb. 21, 6:30–8:30 p.m.,

Come to the church and play games with your Fellowship friends!


Gary’s Got Talent!

Sunday, March 2, 4 p.m.

Do you sing, dance, juggle, tell jokes, do magic or have some secret talent you’re longing to showcase? Get your acts ready for Gary’s Got Talent, a fun night featuring Gary’s talented kids, youth and adults!

No-cut auditions: Sunday, Feb. 9, 3–4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 12, 4:30–6 p.m.

Sign up for a 10-minute audition spot. Acts should be no more than three minutes.

Rehearsals: Sunday, Feb. 23, 3 p.m. & Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m.


SuperStart! Shaped Lock-in

Friday, March 14–Saturday, March 15

SuperStart is the nation’s largest pre-teen Christian event. Fourth and fifth graders won’t want to miss this year’s tour where they’ll be “shaped” for kin-dom work! Plus, they’ll get to get experience Gary Church in a new way when they’re locked in for the night! Cost: $100 (Includes the SuperStart event, meals, extra activities, and a T-shirt.) Scholarships available. Registration coming soon.

 




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.