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



Gary Kids Calendar



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.  

 

Parent’s Night Out

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!

 

Trunk or Treat

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.


Gary Kids Registration Form

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.