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. 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

Bible Buddy Reading Plan

Throughout Lent, Gary Kids will focus on the spiritual habit of spending time with God by encouraging kids and families to spend some extra time reading the Bible on their own. Well, not entirely on their own … with a Bible buddy! With the Bible Buddy Reading Plan, kids will adopt a stuffed animal buddy for the week. Their buddy will tag along as they read, learn, journal and grow by spending time in the Bible together. This reading plan comes with weekly reading suggestions and a journal with prompts to help kids hear and remember what God is saying to them through Scripture. Then, the next Sunday, kids can return their buddy and adopt a new one! Stop by the Lower Level throughout Lent to adopt your stuffed animal and start the Bible Buddy Reading Plan.


Parent’s Night Out

Friday, April 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 3s through fifth grade. Limit 20. Suggested cash donation of $5 per child. April registration coming soon.


NEW: Maundy Thursday Meal and Worship
March 28, 5:30 p.m. meal, Commons, 6 p.m. worship

We begin with a simple meal in the Commons and then continue with an interactive worship service. Gary Kids families will enjoy a special reflection time with Pastor Carey before joining the congregation for handwashing and Holy Communion. If you can help with the meal, contact Pastor Daniel Cochran.

 

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, March 31, 10:15 a.m., Memorial Park

Grab your baskets and head to Memorial Park for a traditional Easter Egg Hunt.

 

Easter Egg donations needed

Please donate candy-filled Easter eggs by Friday, March 29. Donations can be dropped off in the bin in the Commons.


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.