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.


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. 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, 6:15–7:45 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.




Gary Kids Calendar 








Events

4th & 5th Grade Fellowship

Friday, Dec. 15, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

December will feature our classic Christmas Party! RSVP to Pastor Carey to join the fun!


"God and Family" Ministry for Scouts

Tuesdays, Nov. 28; Dec. 5, 12, 19; Jan. 9, 16, 5:30 p.m.

Scouts in grades 4 through 6 are invited to earn the God and Family award. In this 6-session series led by the Rev. Dr. Daniel Cochran (Gary UMC pastor and Eagle Scout), participants will discover how building and strengthening families can be compared to making pizza. They'll study the Bible to learn about God’s recipe for living together as children of God. God and Family certificates and medallions will be awarded during the Scout Sunday service on Jan. 28. Register here. Suggested donation: $20.

 

“Lilacia Park Lights” Family Event

Saturday, Dec. 9, 6 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.


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.


Christmas Campout

Sunday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.

On this special Sunday, Gary Kids will gather around the campfire for a starlit story full of wonder! They’ll enjoy twinkling lights, pop-up tents, camp-themed snacks, fun crafts and exciting activities all while hearing about the starry night of our savior’s birth.

Actors, singers, stagehands and more needed

It’s baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!!!!! 

Melinda Keske and Ellie Pentland with the magical mind of Carey Williams Bebar are resurrecting the Gary Youth musical! The spring musical, “Rescue in the Night”, the Story of Daniel in the Lions' Den will roar into the Activity Center on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

We would like to invite children from first through 12th grade to join us on Sunday, Jan. 7 to do some singing, some role playing, have a ton of fun and eat pizza. We will be looking for actors, singers, set builders, make-up artists, stagehands and more. All kids are encouraged to participate and have a blast!

 

Schedule for Sunday Jan. 7:

3 p.m. – 6th–12th grade role playing and audition opportunities.

4 p.m. – 1st–5th grade will join the group.

5 p.m. – Pizza for all who can stay.

6 p.m. – Dismissal.

 

Important things to know:

*Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons, Jan. 14–Feb. 25. Times to be determined.

*There will be two Saturday rehearsals: Feb. 24, with a dress rehearsal on March 2. Times to be determined.

*Parents are needed for set building and costume making. 

*More information and a detailed schedule will be sent at a later date.

 

Any questions, contact Melinda Keske or Ellie Pentland through the Church Office. (And, yes, we will have a chili cookoff after the musical to benefit Gary Youth.) Can’t wait to see you all there!

January/February events

Parent’s Night Out

Friday, Jan. 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Lower Level

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 threes through fifth grade. Limit 20. Suggested cash donation of $5 per child. Registration coming soon.

 

Little Playgroup

Saturday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m., Lower Level

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 for a morning playgroup where kids will play, parents will chat, and everyone will get to know each other a little bit better.

 

4th & 5th Grade Fellowship | Roller Skating Party

Friday, Jan. 19, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Funway

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

 

“God and Family” Scouting Recognition

Sunday, Jan. 28, during 9 a.m. worship

Beginning in November, Scouts in fourth through sixth grade were invited to learn about God’s recipe for living and earn their “God and Family” certificate. Participants will be awarded the “God and Family” medallion during a special time of recognition in the Jan. 28 Scout Sunday service.

 

Helping Hands | Educate a Girl/Change the World

Sunday, Jan. 28, during 9 a.m. worship

All Gary Kids are invited to the Lower Level after Children’s Time to learn about Educate a Girl/Change the World and write notes or draw pictures for scholarship recipients.

 

Family Bowling

Saturday, Feb. 3, 3:30–5:30 p.m., Fox Bowl

Strike up some fun at this family fellowship event! $15 per person covers unlimited games, shoes and pizza. Registration coming soon.

Employment opportunity: Child care coordinator

We’re looking for someone to provide a loving, nurturing and safe environment for infants and toddlers. Responsibilities include recruiting, scheduling and training volunteers for Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, as well as coordinating a monthly toddler playgroup.  Contact Carey Williams Bebar for details. Average hours: 7-10 per week.