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


More events and service opportunities

Register for BLAST Camp
Monday, June 16-Thursday, June 19, Registration closes June 1
Incoming fifth through eighth graders are invited to see how walking with God helps us grow, how everyone benefits when we use our gifts, how spending time with others helps us love like Jesus, and how we can jump at a chance to share our story. Register here.

 

Write notes to high school graduates
On Sunday, June 1, we will celebrate our high school graduates as they embark on the next season of their life. We will pray for our graduates as they receive an afghan made by our Gary Church knitters and the book, Oh! The Places You’ll Go! containing encouraging messages written by the entire church. Come to the Commons in May and write notes for our 2025 graduates!


Celebrate our graduates
Gary Church wants to recognize 2025 graduates from high school, college or vocational school. The names of graduates will be printed in an upcoming edition of the Chimes newsletter. Please let us know if you know anyone we can celebrate by Friday, May 23.


Last gathering before summer

Middle School

Enchanted Castle, 1103 S. Main Street, Lombard

Wednesday, May 7, 6-8:30 p.m.

Let’s have fun with some laser tag, arcade and pizza! We will meet at Enchanted Castle. Cost is $12.50 (Each youth will be given $10 credit to the arcade but feel free to bring extra money.) Check Gary Youth’s weekly emails for sign-up information.

 

High School
Korean BBQ

Sunday, May 4, 6-7:30 p.m.

Pastor Dan Lee, Stacey and Mina invite all high schoolers to their house for a Korean BBQ dinner. If you need a ride, let us know when you sign up. Check Gary Youth’s weekly emails for sign-up and location information.


2025 Summer Launch Party: Clocktower Mini Golf

Wednesday, June 4, 5:45-7:30 p.m., meet at Clocktower Mini Golf & Skate Park (Naperville Rd & E. Liberty Dr.)

All Gary Youth, middle school and high school, including our new sixth graders, are invited to play 18 holes, get ice cream and hear what fun we will have this summer! RSVP and pay a $6 fee by Sunday, June 1. (Registration coming soon.) Parents are welcome to join us but not required to stay.


Save the date: Winter Chill 2026
Saturday, Feb. 14-Monday, Feb. 16, 2026
Enjoy worship, fellowship and fun at our annual winter retreat.


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.