“Plants with a Purpose” raises funds to support the ministries and missions of Gary Church. We offer a wide variety of beautiful items, from pre-potted hanging baskets and patio pots to ready-to-plant flowers, accents and veggies. 

Order your plants online by Sunday, March 16. You can also print this paper form and turn it in to the Church Office.

Delivery day is Saturday, May 3. The plants will arrive at the Gary Church Parking Lot that morning, and orders will be ready to pick up around midday. Adults and youth are welcome to help with the delivery and pickup process on Saturday, May 3, between approximately 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. This involves unloading the plants and sorting them into individual orders. 

If you can help, or if you have questions, contact Linda Tresner through the Church Office.

Wednesdays, March 12-March 26 and April 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Commons

Thursday, April 17, 5:30 p.m. (before 6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday worship), Commons

Soup Supper provides a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, food and faith during Lent. We need help with set up, clean up and providing soup and other treats. Sign up to volunteer and to eat at garychurch.org. (There is no Soup Supper on Wednesday, April 2.)

Friday, June 6-Saturday, June 7, submissions by Monday, April 21

Calling all artists—ages 14 and up—to explore the symbolic dimensions of shared spaces. Physical spaces have the power to shape our relationships, preserve memory, and evoke emotional responses. They exist not only as places we inhabit but often as sites of our deepest connections, conflicts, and transformations. 

In a world increasingly fragmented by digital distractions and personal isolation, the spaces we share with others carry deep significance. These shared environments can serve as symbols of belonging, exchange, and the continual negotiation between the personal and the collective. We seek to understand how shared spaces hold meaning and how they shape our interactions, personal growth, and collective identity. Please complete and submit the form below to CreativeArts@garychurch.org.

Submission Form

Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m. (1 p.m. check in)

First United Methodist Church of Glen Ellyn, 424 Forest Ave., Glen Ellyn

CROP Walk raises funds for and awareness of the ever-present food security issues in DuPage County and around the world. A portion of CROP funds supports DuPage Seniors, the People’s Resource Center in Wheaton and Glen House Food Pantry.

The 3-mile walk will start and end at First United Methodist Church of Glen Ellyn where we will join other Wheaton and Glen Ellyn faith communities.

Join the Gary UMC CROP Team!  Register to walk and/or donate to a specific walker:

https://events.crophungerwalk.org/crophungerwalks/team/gary-church-2025

You can also donate through the Church Office (remember to write “CROP” in the memo area of the check.) Donations are welcome through the end of May. Contact Judy Selby through the Church Office with questions.

Wednesday, May 7, 2-6 p.m., Activity Center or Commons
Each pint donated can save up to three lives. The need is constant, and every pint is precious. Register here. Walk-ins also welcome. Upcoming dates: Aug. 20 and Nov. 19.

Monday, June 16–Thursday, June 19

Register incoming preschool 4s through fourth grade (and volunteers!). Register here.

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.

Scripture reminds us again and again to give thanks to God, from whom all blessings flow. Here at Gary Church we continue to fill our gratitude jar! Share what you are thankful for by filling out a card at the Welcome Desk or by using the form here.

Stewardship is using the gifts and resources God has entrusted to us. At Gary Church, this takes many forms: tithing regularly, teaching a class, serving on a committee, making care cards, singing in choir, baking cookies, supporting missions, etc.

We invite you to open wide your heart and prayerfully consider how sharing your spiritual gifts and financial resources can help you to continue to grow in joyful faith and serve all in love.

• “Get Connected” will show you the many ways you can share your spiritual gifts.

• “Stewardship Campaign: Open Wide Our Hearts” will show how you can pledge your resources.

Order T-shirts and/or sweatshirts with our 2024-2025 theme, "Open wide our hearts," based on 2 Corinthians 6:13. Order here.