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

La Salle Manor Retreat Center | Plano, IL

“Darkness” is often used as a metaphor for something bad, something to be avoided. But what if “seasons of darkness” aren’t to be avoided but embraced? What if seasons of darkness allow us to experience God in new ways that help us grow? Gary Church women are invited to gather for connection, reflection, and conversation at a weekend retreat inspired by Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, Learning to Walk in the Dark.

Cost is $150 per person. Register here. 

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!

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 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.

We’re looking for contributors for our annual Lenten Devotional. It’s a beautiful compilation of personal stories of God at work, sent to your email throughout Lent. Take a photo. Write a poem. Draw a picture. Maybe a recent reflection or Scripture passage has touched you. Or maybe our theme for the year, “Open Wide Our Hearts” has moved you.

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. You’re welcome to email your devotion any time before Friday, Feb. 7 to Janet Mathis.  Here's an example of a devotion:

Be still, and know that I am God.  

Psalm 46:10

Reminders

This past Christmas, Anna gave me this mug with Psalm 46:10 written on it, and Jack gave me this lumbar pillow that says, “naps fix everything.” The running joke in our family is sleep is my answer to just about everything. When the kids were little, if they were even just the slightest bit cranky, I put them down for a nap. Even now as teenagers and adults, sleep is pretty much my go-to remedy for anything that ails us.

Problem is… sometimes the mind races and sleep is elusive. Sometimes activities keep us from going to bed at the same time. Most times we wake up to an alarm. Oftentimes we don’t get all the sleep we should.

And, even in our waking hours, we’re racing from one thing to another. We’re worrying about this or that. I think my kids were trying to tell me something this Christmas. The pillow and the mug are gentle reminders that God is in charge. It’s okay to be still—in fact, it might even be preferred to the hustle and bustle.  

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for taking the heavy load. Help us to see that there’s comfort in knowing we’re not in charge. Amen.

Action: Stop and be still. Find a “reminder” of God’s power.

Contributor: Janet Mathis  

Sunday, March 2, 4 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’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.

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.