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
This summer, all preschool 3s through third graders are invited to the Lower Level after the Scripture reading at 9 a.m. worship. (Kickoff Sunday is Sept. 13, and we will invite all preschool 3s through fifth graders 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 (will resume after Kickoff Sunday, Sept. 13)

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. (will resume Sept. 13)
Preschool through grade 3: Lower Level
Grades 4–5: Anderson Room, Main Level




Wednesdays

(will resume after Kickoff Sunday, Sept. 13)


Wednesday night children’s music

All Gary Kids are invited to grow in faith and serve in love through the music ministry! The Children's Choir and Good News Ringers meet on Wednesdays. See music page for details and register here.

 

Wednesday night child care

Wednesdays, 5:30-7 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 child care during class meetings or small group studies. Contact Carey Williams Bebar for more information.



Gary Kids Calendar 






Park Babies

Saturday, Aug. 22, 12 p.m., Northside Park

Parents and caregivers of children ages 3 and under are invited to connect with other Gary Church families, build friendships and enjoy a relaxed time outdoors. Bring your little ones for playtime while parents share conversation, encouragement and community. Whether you're new to Gary Church or have been attending for years, we'd love to see you there. RSVP here.


Kickoff Sunday

Sept. 13

New this year: Kids’ Church at 9 a.m. and 11:11 a.m. worship will welcome preschool 3s through third grade, plus fourth and fifth graders every Sunday. We look forward to Sunday School for all ages at 10 a.m. Be sure to complete a Gary Kids registration form at garychurch.org and join us each week to grow in faith.

 

Third Grade Bible

Sundays, Sept. 13–Nov. 8, 10 a.m. during Sunday School

On Sunday, Sept. 13, Gary Church will give every third grader a Bible. Our Third Grade Bible class will help students become more familiar with their new Bible. We pray children come to realize more fully the importance of the Bible as an integral part of their life.


Connect

Wednesdays, Sept. 30, Oct. 21 and Nov. 18, 5:30–7 p.m.

Looking for a night where your kids will be cared for — and, honestly, you too? Connect is a new ministry creating space for families to come together, share a meal and build meaningful relationships. After dinner together, kids will enjoy Bible-based crafts, games, music and more, while parents gather for guided conversation about the joys and challenges of raising a family. Come for dinner. Stay for connection. Registration coming soon.


Camp Gary will be back this fall with expanded hours! The days offered will be Fridays, Sept. 25 and Oct. 9 and Monday, Nov. 2. The new time will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The campers will bring their own lunch for a noon time lunch break. (It will be optional for children to leave at lunchtime if a half day is preferable.)


Activities will include games, stories, songs, crafts, snacks and fun time hanging out with friends. Registration will be open to preschool through fifth grade. And, if you need it, you’ll have access to a quiet workspace stocked with coffee and donuts. 


Register today!


Family (Day) Camp

Saturday, Oct. 17, 3–7 p.m., Herrick Lake Forest Preserve

Love Family Camp — or want to see what all the fun is about? Family (Day) Camp brings an afternoon of outdoor fun, faith and connection right here at home! Families can fish, hike, play games, or simply hang out before coming together for a potluck cookout and “Family Camp” worship. Bring your lawn chairs, a side dish to share, and s’more sticks for a fall afternoon of nature, nurture and play. Registration coming soon.



Ice Cream Social

Friday, Sept. 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Fourth and fifth graders are invited to an ice cream social featuring games, fun and friends! RSVP to Carey Williams Bebar.

 

Get Air Trampoline Park

Friday, Oct. 2, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

To quote a ‘90s classic, “Jump up, jump up and get down!” Kids can meet at, and get picked up from, Get Air (2010 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove). Parents will need to complete the waiver (coming soon). Suggested donation of $10 per person.

Service opportunity


Acolytes wanted


If you’re an elementary student or middle schooler, we’d love to have you serve as an acolyte in worship. To learn more about this meaningful position, contact Pastor Daniel Cochran.