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


Word & Table

Sunday, Feb. 9, 6-7:30 p.m.

High schoolers meet for dinner, games and discussion, often at someone’s home. If you’d like to host, contact Pastor Dan Lee.

Gary Youth Lunar New Year Party

Middle School: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 7-8:30 p.m.

High School: Sunday, Jan. 26, 6-7:30 p.m.


Many cultures celebrate Lunar New Year. This year, the Somboomsiri family will share with us how their family celebrates this holiday. 

Mini Golf Mayhem

Saturday, Feb. 1, 2-6 p.m., First tee time: 2 p.m., Last tee time: 4:30p.m.

 

Gary Church families and friends are invited to come and enjoy 18 holes of mini golf spread out all over Gary Church. The price of entry will be a suggested $10 person donation (max. $30 per family). All donations will support the ministries of Gary Youth.

 

There will also be a bake sale to support Gary Church’s Educate a Girl / Change the World (EAG) mission throughout the event. EAG seeks to raise money to fund scholarships for females around the world.

 

Want to design a hole, donate or register for a tee time?

Registration is now open!

Sunday, March 2, 4-5 p.m.

Do you sing, dance, juggle, tell jokes, do magic or have some secret talent you’re longing to showcase? Get your acts ready for Gary’s Got Talent!, a fun night featuring Gary Church’s talented kids, youth and adults.

No-cut auditions: Sunday, Feb. 9, 3–4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 12, 4:30–6 p.m.

Sign up for a 10-minute audition spot. Acts should be no more than three minutes.

Rehearsals: Sunday, Feb. 23, 3 p.m. & Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m.

Questions about the talent show? Contact Carey Williams Bebar.

Winter Chill

Saturday, Feb. 15–Monday, Feb. 17

Every year, during the winter season, middle and high schoolers enjoy time away for a weekend of worship and fellowship, connecting with nature, God and each other. This year, our theme is Open Wide Our Hearts, Gary Church’s 2024-2025 theme.


Register here!


Scholarships are available.

Chili Cookoff and Auction


Sunday, March 2, 5-6:30 p.m.

You are invited to a night of fun, fellowship and good-natured competition. Enjoy the Gary’s Got Talent! variety show, eat dinner and make bids at the auction. The menu will include a variety of chili, and we will provide small bowls so you can try as many as you would like. As you eat, vote for your favorite chili, and bid on all sorts of services and items.

 

The chili that wins the most votes takes home the Golden Ladle Trophy! If you would like to enter the competition and/or if you have an item or service to donate to the auction, register by Wednesday, Feb. 19. All donations will be used to help fund our high school mission trip to Appalachia, Saturday, June 21-Saturday, June 28.

Registration is now open!

 

Questions about the chili cookoff and auction? Contact Pastor Dan Lee.

More events and 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

Gary Youth love music and we have a band called 4:12! You are invited if you sing, play an instrument, or you want to learn a new instrument.  Let Pastor Dan Lee know if you want to join.

4:12 Youth Band: (7th-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.