You have heard it said, “youth are the future.” At Gary Church in Wheaton, Illinois, we say, “youth are the now!" We believe our youth are called and empowered by God to make a difference in the world. We strive to support our youth, so that they are free to become disciples who share the love of Christ with their neighbors.
At Gary Youth, you will:
- Have fun
- Be valued
- Explore the Christian faith
- Experience family
- Act through hands on compassion
- Keep growing
- Reach out
Sunday School
Middle School
10–11 a.m., Commons E
Our middle school youth will be welcomed by Pastor Dan Lee on Sunday
mornings. Our curriculum will be Echo the Story. Our youth will grow in
their understanding about the Bible and explore it through storytelling,
creative reflection and dialogue.
High School
10–11 a.m., High School Youth Room
Our high school youth are invited to join John-Marc and Jane Bilezikian
to discuss how the Sunday scripture passages connect to current world events,
faith and everyday life. Come and grow with us!
Weekly Night Gathering
We play fun games, learn, have small group and pray together. Each month, we follow a connected theme. More details can be found in our church magazine, emails, Facebook or Instagram.
Middle School
Wednesday nights, 7–8:30 p.m.
(No meeting Sept. 27 as we prepare for the fall retreat)
High School
Sunday nights, 6–7:30 p.m.
Gary Youth Middle School Calendar
Gary Youth High School Calendar
Fall Retreat 2023: Behold
Friday,
Sept. 29–Sunday, Oct. 1, We will leave at 4 p.m. on Friday and return by 1 p.m.
on Sunday.
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.
Sign up for High School Summer Mission Trip Informational Meeting
Sunday, Sept. 17, 6–7:30 p.m., Middle School Youth Room, dinner provided
(Must have completed 8th grade before the summer of 2024)
Sunday, Oct. 15, 6–7:30 p.m., Commons
Applying to college has become far more complex as so much has changed since many of us went to school. Come learn from Heidi King who speaks nationwide on the college process, and how to better position your student for success. Learn about trends in college tuition, ACT/SAT test-optional landscape, the upcoming revamped FAFSA, the shift in admissions for how you apply, and other helpful tips. Join us to learn how these changes may impact your family and new strategies to consider for this exciting, but sometimes stressful process. Dinner will be provided. Sign up by Monday, Oct. 9.
Heidi King is a member of the education and partnerships team at College Inside Track and speaks nationally about the college search, educating families and training financial advisors and other professionals on the topic. Heidi works closely with our community members to provide education and help with this exciting but stressful milestone family event. Heidi is no stranger to the college process, as she recently went through it herself with her two sons.
Save the dates
Confirmation Sunday: Sept. 17
Turkey Bowl: Sunday, Nov. 19, 6–7:30 p.m. (6th grade – 12th grade)
Mini Golf Mayhem: Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, 1–6 p.m. (6th grade – 12th grade)
Winter Chill: Friday, Feb. 9-Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024 (6th grade – 12th grade)
Summer Mission Trip: Saturday, June 22 – Saturday, June 29, 2024 (9th grade – 12th grade)
Each year, parents and guardians are required to complete a form for their child/ren to participate in Gary Kids and Gary Youth activities. This includes Sunday School, mid-week gathering, and other events. Please click here to register your youth.
