Gary United Methodist Church

Register for classes, events and more

Worship

Sign up to provide flowers for the altar during worship.

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.

Safe sanctuaries covenant

Serve others

Get connected

There are many ways to get connected to God and others at Gary Church. Click the link to see where you would like to serve.

Special Blend fellowship

Sign up to set up, host, clean up or provide food for Special Blend on Sunday.

Sign up for November Blood Drive

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2-6 p.m., Activity Center
Each pint donated can save up to three lives. The need is constant, and every pint is precious. Mark your calendar for 2024 Blood Drives: Wednesdays, Feb. 7, May 8, Aug. 21, Nov. 20.

Volunteer for Christmas Sharing

Tuesday, Dec. 5, Friday, Dec. 8, Saturday, Dec. 9, various times

Christmas Sharing started at Gary Church 54 years ago to provide joy for District 200 families in need. This year, it’ll be a drive-thru at St. John Lutheran Church for gift cards, food and sundry items, plus in-person guest shopping at Gary Church for children’s coats and toys. Volunteer for sorting, set up, driving, loading cars, directing cars, clean up and more here.

Buy gift cards to benefit Gary Preschool

Purchase gift cards at face value and the preschool receives a percentage of each sale for preschool improvements and scholarships. You can purchase gift cards for holiday gift giving, grocery stores, gas stations and more. Orders are due Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. and will be available for pick up by Dec. 15. Find order forms outside the preschool room, the Church Office and here. Or, shop online at raiseright.com (Enter code: E278BD5913386 for Gary Preschool). Questions? Contact Kirsten McCluskey.

Creative Arts Ministry

Holiday decorations and gifts
Saturday, Dec. 2, 1–2:30 p.m., Commons
The Creative Arts Ministry will host three stations: sublimation art, snowflake decorations and Christmas ornaments. If you’d like to participate in the cookie exchange, please bring two dozen cookies and the recipe. For more details and to register, click here.

November Blood Drive

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2-6 p.m., Activity Center
Each pint donated can save up to three lives. The need is constant, and every pint is precious. Sign up here. Walk-ins also welcome. Mark your calendar for 2024 Blood Drives: Wednesdays, Feb. 7, May 8, Aug. 21, Nov. 20.

Soup Suppers

Wednesdays, Nov. 29–Dec. 20, 5–6:45 p.m., Commons

Join us for fellowship and food as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ — together! Leading into Advent and through part of the Advent season, we will gather for Soup Suppers in the Commons on Wednesday nights.

Soup makers willing to share their culinary talents are wanted. If you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share — or a new one you would like to test out — please make plans to do so.

Sign up to participate and/or to provide soup.

Light for All: a women's gathering

Friday Dec. 1, 5:30–8:30 p.m. (gather at 5:30 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m.), Commons

Join us for a women’s gathering of food, fellowship and learning as we explore “Light” in creation, incarnation and invitation. Register here.

Participate in events and groups

"God and Family" Ministry for Scouts

Tuesdays, Nov. 28; Dec. 5, 12, 19; Jan. 9, 16, 5:30 p.m.

Scouts in grades 4 through 6 are invited to earn the God and Family award. In this 6-session series led by the Rev. Dr. Daniel Cochran (Gary UMC pastor and Eagle Scout), participants will discover how building and strengthening families can be compared to making pizza. They'll study the Bible to learn about God’s recipe for living together as children of God. God and Family certificates and medallions will be awarded during the Scout Sunday service on Jan. 28. Register here. Suggested donation: $20.

“Lilacia Park Lights” Family Event

Saturday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.

Gary Kids families are invited to gather for a festive night out where they’ll enjoy Lombard Park District’s Lilacia Park Lights! Charming holiday displays illuminate the park with magical light shows, tree decorations, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies and favorite holiday characters! Register here.

Pose/volunteer for photo directory

Thursday, Jan. 4–Saturday, Jan. 6, Gary Church

It’s so nice to put a name to a face, isn’t it? To receive a free directory (and free 8x10), sign up for a photo shoot time slot at ucdir.com. (Church code: il353 Password: photos) You can also sign up to volunteer here. More dates coming in February.

Order Grow in Faith | Serve in Love shirts

You too can wear a Gary Church hoodie or T-shirt. Each symbol on the shirt stands for a word in our theme for the year. The plant is “grow.” The fish is “faith.” The hands are “serve.” And the heart is “love.” Our theme reflects our new mission statement, “At Gary Church, our mission through Christ is to grow in joyful faith and serve all in love.” Order here.

Participate in additional events and groups

Share scripture

When you think about our theme for the year, “Grow in Faith | Serve in Love,” what Bible verse comes to mind? Please let us know here. We will share them in publications and in worship throughout the year.

Lenten devotions

We invite all children, youth and adults to share reflections, personal stories and glimpses of God at work in our lives. If you know you’d like to share something, please register here. You’re welcome to email your devotion any time before Friday, Jan. 26 to Janet Mathis.

Anti-Racist Book Club
Join our monthly discussion. Register above and read the book(s) on your own.
Usually the fourth Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m.

Cherub Choir, Friendship Singers, Good News Ringers
Register for the various Wednesday night Gary Kids' singing and ringing groups.

Gary Kids & Gary Youth Participation Form 2023-2024

Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL, offers a variety of opportunities to help you grow in your faith. When you click on the links below, you will see a description of each event and a registration form.