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 













Tuesday, Aug. 12, 10-11 a.m., Courtyard

Families with 3 to 5-year-olds (accompanied by an adult) please join us this summer for a sharing of stories, activities and treats. We will meet for an hour of summertime morning fun. Register here.


More events

Summer worship schedule

From now through Aug. 31, we will worship together at 9 a.m. Kids’ Church will continue at 9 a.m. followed by Special Blend fellowship at 10 a.m. Our second worship service and Sunday School for all ages will resume Sept. 7. 


Kickoff Sunday

Sunday, Sept. 7

Calling all Gary Kids, preschool 3s through fifth grade: We are opening classes and returning to 10 a.m. Sunday School! 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. 7–Nov. 16, 10 a.m. during Sunday School, Gamon Hall

On Sunday, Sept. 7, Gary Church will give every third grader a Bible. This is an important event in a child’s Christian education journey, as well as the life of our church. With the presentation of these Bibles, we pray children come to realize more fully the importance of the Bible as an integral part of their life. To help students become more familiar with their new Bible, a third grade Bible class will be taught during the 10 a.m. Sunday school hour with a special group presentation at 9 a.m. worship on Nov. 16.


Family Music Adventure Night

Wednesday, Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m., meet in Upper Level Lobby

Kids will explore different music stations — bells, instruments, singing and more — while parents learn about the theological and developmental importance of music for young people. All children ages 3 through sixth grade and their families are welcome, and please bring your friends! Regular children's music programming begins Wednesday, Sept. 17.  Contact Joshua Velez with any questions.


Parent’s Night Out

Fridays, Sept. 12 & Oct. 10, 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 3s through fifth grade.

 

In September, we’ll watch Big Hero 6, a not-so-subtle story about a sacrificial love that saves, and in October we’ll enjoy Wreck It Ralph which focuses on self-worth, acceptance and the importance of friendship.

 

Suggested cash donation of $5 per child. Register for September here. October registration coming soon.

 

 

Helping Hands | Red Bird Mission

Sunday, Sept. 28, during 9 a.m. worship, Lower Level

Founded in 1921 in the southeastern corner of Kentucky, Red Bird School provides education to children in one of the most economically-challenged places in the nation. Kids will learn about this important mission, supported by the Northern Illinois Conference, and make crafts that will be sold for a fundraiser.



4th & 5th Grade Fellowship

Kickoff Party

Friday, Sept. 19, 6:30–8:30 p.m., meet at Door 5

Fourth and fifth graders are invited to kick-off a new year with a scavenger hunt through downtown Wheaton and ice cream at Kimmer’s!

 

Abbey Farms Pumpkin Daze

Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., meet at Abbey Farms

Let’s step away from modern life and make new memories with church friends! Packed with activities on a 40-acre farm, Pumpkin Daze has everything needed for a day of adventure.

 

RSVP to Pastor Carey Williams Bebar.


“Gather at the Table" 
A Messy Church Special Event on Holy Communion

Sunday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. Sunday School, Lower Level

Messy Church is a new ministry for Gary Kids families! Enjoyed quarterly, Messy Church Special Events invites kids and parents alike to join in experiencing fun and faith-formative activities. Founded by a United Methodist pastor and used throughout the globe, this engaging curriculum is based on the values of all-ages together, celebration, creativity, hospitality and centering ourselves in Christ Jesus.  


Offered on World Communion Sunday, “Gather at the Table” will help participants learn about Holy Communion with activities that explore the mystery of Christ’s might works of salvation and celebrate the love of Jesus poured out for us all.


Trunk or Treat

Saturday, Oct. 25, 10–12 p.m., Parking Lot

Trunk or Treat offers radical hospitality to our community neighbors and creates lasting memories for all involved. Last year we saw over 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! Register to volunteer (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.