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Worship

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Prayer requests


Altar flowers

Sign up to provide flowers for the altar during worship.


New member information


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.


Safe sanctuaries covenant


Serve in love

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.


Maintenance need
If you find something on Gary Church property that needs attention, please let us know.


2025 Stewardship Campaign

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.

 

Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Trunk or Treat offers radical hospitality to our community neighbors and creates lasting memories for all involved. Last year we saw over 1,000 people, which means we need many hands to make this event spook-tacular. Join in the fun by decorating a trunk, being a general volunteer or donating candy. And be sure to invite your kids, grandkids, and neighbors to this fun community outreach event! Sign up to decorate a trunk or volunteer here.


Participants will create a pottery piece, guided by instructor Lisa Grigsby. This is a two-part series. Create pottery:

 

Saturday, Nov. 16, 10-11:30 a.m. 

 

Two optional drop-in studio times will be available to allow participants to paint bisqueware:

 

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-7 p.m. 

Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

 

Sign up here.

Sunday, Nov. 17, noon, Commons

 

Let’s gather together for a Gary Church family Thanksgiving potluck. Main dish, coffee and lemonade will be provided. Please bring your favorite Thanksgiving side dish or dessert to share, plus place settings (plates, utensils) for your party.  

 

Want to swap recipes? Please bring your recipe on an index card the day of the potluck. 

 

Help prepare for our Thanksgiving feast. Volunteers are needed to set up and clean up.

 

Click here to let us know you’re coming, share a recipe and volunteer. Suggested donation of $5.00 with a maximum of $20/family. Questions? Please contact the Bountiful Love Committee through the Church Office. 

Gary Kids and Gary Youth November mash ups!

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 Bowl, Sunday, Nov. 10, 4-6 p.m., Fox Bowl, register here
  • Feed My Starving Children, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7:15–8:45 p.m., register at fmsc.org with the join code ZWX675 or search “Gary UMC.”


Wednesday, Nov. 20, 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. 2025 dates: Feb. 5, May 7, Aug. 20 and Nov. 19.

Order gift cards to support Gary Preschool

Gary Preschool buys gift cards at a discount; you buy them at full face value and redeem them for full face value, and the preschool keeps the difference. Shop online at raiseright.com and use the code: E278BD5913386. Orders are due Sunday, Dec. 8. You should receive your gift cards by Sunday, Dec. 15.

This ministry provides free one-on-one help with homework and basic English and math to low income elementary students in the area. This year we are partnering with World Relief to help students in need. Consider offering an hour from your week to tutor children from our community. Although we try to keep tutors and students paired, we understand that you cannot be there every week. The children are a joy and glad to get your attention. There is some preparatory training required, and we have some experienced educators to provide support as needed.

 

The timing is Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. If you have questions, contact Jeff Bray through the Church Office. Register here.


Wednesdays, Dec. 4–Dec. 18, 5:15–6:30 p.m., Commons

 

Join us for fellowship and food as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ — together! Soup makers willing to share their culinary talents are wanted. Sign up to participate and/or to provide soup.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:30 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.


Friday, Jan. 24, 5 p.m.–Saturday, Jan. 25, 4 p.m.

La Salle Manor Retreat Center | Plano, IL

Gather for connection, reflection and conversation in a cozy lodge that is perfect for winter. Cost is $150 per person. Register here. 

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

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 mission statement. The plant is “grow.” The fish is “faith.” The hands are “serve.” And the heart is “love.” Our 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

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.


Parent’s Night Out

Friday, Nov. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Drop off your kiddos at Gary Church and enjoy some well-deserved time away. Each month features a movie, craft and free-play for kids ages preschool 3s through fifth grade. Limit 20. Suggested cash donation of $5 per child. Register here.


Gary Kids and Gary Youth music groups
Register for the various singing and ringing groups.


Gary Kids & Gary Youth Participation Form 2024-2025

Each ministry year, we ask all Gary Kids and Gary Youth to fill out this form.