Gary Youth

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:

  1. Have fun
  2. Be valued
  3. Explore the Christian faith
  4. Experience family
  5. Act through hands on compassion
  6. Keep growing
  7. Reach out

 

Sunday School

Middle School
10–11 a.m., Middle School Youth Room
Our middle school youth will be welcomed by John-Marc and Jane Bilezikian on Sunday mornings. 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 Pastor Dan Lee to discuss how the Sunday scripture passages connect to current world events, faith and everyday life. Come and grow with us!


Weekly Night Gathering (September through May)  

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.

High School

Sunday nights, 6–7:30 p.m.


Gary Youth Middle School Calendar


Gary Youth High School Calendar


Special events

Halloween Party

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 7-8:30 p.m.

Middle School Gary Youth are invited to a whimsical Halloween-themed pizza party! Come wearing your costumes and bring your favorite bag of candy to add to our candy salad. Let us know you are coming her


Christmas Party
Gary Youth are invited to our annual Gary Youth Christmas party as we celebrate Jesus with food, games and prizes. Bring a wrapped gift worth at least $15 for our gift exchange.

Middle School: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 7-8:30 p.m., Youth Rooms
High School: Sunday, Dec. 7, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Bagnall’s


Mission Trip 2026 Informational Meeting
Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m., Youth Rooms (note change in date)
Learn all about next summer’s mission trip. Youth and adults are invited to attend the 2026 mission trip presentation. Youth must have completed 8th grade before the summer of the mission trip.


Gary Kids and Gary Youth November Mash Up!

You know how everyone loves mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving? Well, we thought what better way to celebrate the bounty of the season than with a Gary Kids and Gary Youth mash up! Check out these special events below that are sure to be fun for the whole family.

 

Family Bowling Night

Sunday, Nov. 9, 4 p.m., Fox Bowl

Strike up the fun at Family Bowling Night! Cost: $15 per person. Register here.

 

Feed My Starving Children

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7:15–8:45 p.m., 555 Exchange Court, Aurora

Turn hunger into hope by making meal packs for children around the world. Volunteer as a family online at fmsc.org with the join code B68YX3 or search “Gary UMC.”


Musical info session

Wednesday, Dec. 17, grades 1-6:  5-5:30 p.m., grades 7-12: 5:30-6:15 p.m., Lower Level

Learn about our March musical, Fired Up, a lighthearted re-telling of the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons, starting Jan. 4 (more details to come), dress rehearsal on Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m. and the musical & chili cookoff on Sunday, March 15 with the show at 4 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.


Save the dates

Trunk or Treat (Gary Church)

Saturday, Oct. 25, 10-12 p.m.


Lunar New Year Party

MS: Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7-8:30 p.m.

HS: Sunday, Feb. 8, 6-7:30 p.m.

 

Winter Chill Retreat (MS & HS)

Friday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 15

 

Musical, Chili Cook-off & Auction Fundraiser (MS & HS)

Sunday, March 1, 4-7:30 p.m.

 

Korean BBQ at Pastor Dan’s House (HS)

Sunday, May 3, 6-7:30 p.m.

 

Enchanted Castle Arcade (MS)

Wednesday, May 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.  


Service opportunities


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.


Gary Youth Band

Do you play an instrument? Want to learn an instrument? Love to sing? Come and join 4:12 Youth Band as we play worship music together. All skill levels welcome. Let Pastor Dan Lee know if you want to join and register here.


4:12 Youth Band: (6th-12th grade): Rehearsals Tuesdays, 6-6:45 p.m.


Let Us Know

We want to celebrate your gifts! If you have a concert, game, exhibit, ceremony, party, etc. you would like to tell us about, fill out a form here. We will do our best to attend to cheer you on!

Find us on Social Media


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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.