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.
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.
If you’ve lost a loved one in the last year, please let us know. Please share their name, relationship to you and date of death by Sunday, Oct. 22. We will honor them on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 5.
Serve others
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.
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., Commons
Each
pint donated can save up to three lives. The need is constant, and
every pint is precious.
Participate in events and groups
Creating a Life With God Workshop
Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst
The Prairie Central District of the Northern Illinois
Conference of The United Methodist Church is sponsoring this workshop. For more
information, and to register by Sept. 24, click here.
Sign up for Safe Sanctuaries Training
Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m., First UMC, Downers Grove
The Northern Illinois Conference is offering a free in-person training option to help meet the goal of ensuring safe spaces in our churches. Register at umcnic.org.
Order Grow in Faith | Serve in Love shirts
Our 2023-2024 theme follows our new mission statement, "At Gary Church, our mission through Christ is to grow in joyful faith and serve all in love." Order T-shirts/hoodies by Sunday, Sept. 24 and receive them at your home by mid-October.
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.
Fall Bible Study on the Book of Ruth
Wednesdays, Sept. 13–Oct. 18, 7–8:30 p.m.
Join the Rev. Dr. Jamie Hanna Williams for a
six-week exploration of the book of Ruth. Set during one of the most
corrupt eras of Israelite history, Ruth is a story about three
compelling characters faced with difficult challenges and choices. Using
The Epic of Eden: Ruth, by Dr. Sandra Richter, participants in
this study will be encouraged to see how the struggles of Ruth, Naomi
and Boaz can help us navigate the turbulent waters of our contemporary
world. The class will begin with a video and include a study guide for
each participant. Reading during the week is helpful but not required.
Join the class to learn more about real people with real fears,
struggles, hope, and faith. Cost of the book: $15. Register here.
Creative Arts Ministry: Plein Air Watercolor Painting
Saturday, Sept. 30, 9:30–11:30 a.m., near gazebo in Adams Park
You
are invited to participate in Gary Church’s new Creative Arts Ministry,
a monthly opportunity to grow in faith and fellowship through the
creative arts. Continuing the tradition of Gary’s Burning Bush Art Gallery, this ministry celebrates the role of the arts in shaping disciples and communities of faith. All are welcome for a session of Plein Air (“Open Air”) Watercolor Painting.
Watercolor paints, paper, brushes and containers will be provided.
Suggested donation: $10. Please bring a camping chair or blanket to sit on. In inclement weather,
please bring an image of a favorite landscape to paint inside.
Register here by Sunday, Sept. 24.
Creative Arts Ministry: Repujado
Saturday, Oct. 14, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Gary Youth Room
We will learn the Spanish art of repujado – embossing aluminum or tin to create stunning three-dimensional works of art. Repujado is often used to frame pictures or mirrors, so if you have a small mirror or frame you would like to use for this project, feel free to bring them in! Register by Sunday, Oct. 8.
Donate/sign up for college care gifts
If you know of a college student who would love a pick-me-up from Gary Church this semester, please share their name and address by Friday, Oct. 6. And, if you’d like to donate money toward this project, please go to garychurch.org/give or contact the Church Office.
Friday, Oct. 6, 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.
Need-to-Know Changes in College Search Process
Sunday, Oct. 15, 6–7:30 p.m., Commons
Applying to college has become far more complex as so much has changed since many of us went to school. Come learn from Heidi King who speaks nationwide on the college process, and how to better position your student for success. Learn about trends in college tuition, ACT/SAT test-optional landscape, the upcoming revamped FAFSA, the shift in admissions for how you apply, and other helpful tips. Join us to learn how these changes may impact your family and new strategies to consider for this exciting, but sometimes stressful process. Dinner will be provided. Sign up by Monday, Oct. 9.
Trunk or Treat
Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.–noon, Parking Lot
Sign up to host and decorate a trunk or help as a general volunteer.
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.
Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Sept. 6–Nov. 1, Commons
We
welcome anyone grieving the death or loss of someone to be a part of this group. It is a place where you can be with
people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. You’ll
gain valuable tools to help you as you continue on the journey of grief.
Cherub Choir, Friendship Singers, Good News Ringers
Register for the various Wednesday night Gary Kids' singing and ringing groups.
