We are committed to providing a variety of ways we can connect, grow and renew energy at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL. Get connected through a variety of volunteer opportunities. Come find your place in the following study and fellowship opportunities as we walk together in our faith journeys.
Plein Air watercolor painting
Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Adams Park
Join Pam Keller for our annual session of plein air (outdoor) watercolor painting in Adams Park. No painting experience expected. Registration Coming Soon.
Mark your calendars for these other fun art and fellowship opportunities:
- Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Gamon Hall: ceramics (with additional sessions on Nov. 12 and Nov. 21)
- Saturday, Jan. 9, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: assemblage and collage
- Thursday, Feb. 4 (on zoom): Lenten art and faith with Pastor Daniel Cochran
- March TBD: open art studio
- Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: framed live botanicals
- Friday, June 4-Saturday, June 5: Gary Church Art Gallery
How to Read the Bible
Sundays, Sept. 13-Oct. 4, led by Dr. Michael Graves and Dr. Daniel Somboonsiri
How do we read the Bible faithfully? This series will explore practical approaches to reading Scripture, considering its historical context, literary genres and theological themes while equipping participants with tools to engage the Bible with greater confidence and curiosity. Join Bible scholars Dr. Michael Graves and Dr. Daniel Somboonsiri for this study, open to people new to the Bible through lifelong learners of Scripture.
New Young Adult Fellowship at Gary Church
Sundays, Sept. 13 and Oct. 4 after 11:11 a.m. worship, at Gary Church
All young adults are invited to a time of food and fellowship following our 11:11 worship experience. Meet and chat with the pastors and members of Gary Church while enjoying a free homemade meal. Come for the food, stay for the fellowship! Feel free to contact the Church Office or the pastors with any questions, but no RSVP is required.
Epic of Eden Bible Study
Mondays, 7 p.m., led by Dr. Daniel Somboonsiri, beginning Sept. 21 , Heritage Room
Does the Old Testament sometimes feel like a collection of disconnected stories and events? In this 12-week video study, Old Testament scholar Dr. Sandra Richter brings the biblical narrative together into one sweeping story of God's redeeming grace, while Dr. Daniel Somboonsiri leads our Monday evening discussions. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the Old Testament's history, culture and how it continues to shape our faith today.
Medicare 101
Monday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. or 7 p.m., Anderson Room
Have you ever felt confused about Medicare? Do you find yourself asking questions like: “How does it work?” “How is it organized?” “Am I eligible?” “When can I enroll?” “What are my options?” “Where can I find reliable resources?” Join Brian Felker Jones, president of Anchor Insurance Advisory, for an educational class on the basics of Medicare. Enjoy light refreshments and plenty of time for questions.
Tuesday, Sept. 29, doors open at 5:30 p.m., livestream starts at 6 p.m., Anderson Room
You're invited to a watch party! Gary Church is livestreaming Bill McKibben's keynote talk from Faith in Place's 2026 Environment & Spirituality Summit.
The Summit's theme, Grounded Resistance, explores how we engage the world from a place of deep grounding, collective support and sustained resistance. McKibben is an author, educator and environmentalist who helped found 350.org, the first global grassroots climate campaign, and recently founded Third Act, an organizing movement for people over 60. Drawing on decades of organizing, writing and movement-building, he'll ground the Summit in the moral and spiritual stakes of the climate crisis and invite communities of faith to harness their collective power to confront fossil fuel reliance and advance climate justice.
The watch party is free, and all are welcome—invite friends! Learn more about the Summit and register to join at aes-summit.org.
Canopy of Creation
Sundays, Oct. 11-25, 10:10 a.m., Anderson Room
Trees are essential to community health and climate resilience to heat and flooding. However, not all communities have equal access to the benefits trees provide. Planting trees in areas that have not historically had access to the benefits of trees is one element of creation justice. Learn from presentations and speakers about where tree inequity exists in the Chicago area, how programs such as the Chicago Region Tree Initiative are working to correct inequities, and how God might be calling us to participate in this aspect of caring for God’s creation.
April 17–24, 2027 with an optional Greek Isle Cruise Extension April 23–27
Join Educational Opportunities for the Journeys
of Paul Tour in Greece! Walk in the footsteps of the Apostle across
Thessaloniki, Philippi, Berea, Corinth and Athens. Stand on Mars Hill, visit
Philippi — home of Lydia, Paul’s first recorded convert in Europe —and explore
the ancient places where the Gospel first took root and spread throughout the
world.
More than a tour, this pilgrimage is an invitation to encounter Scripture with fresh eyes and an open heart. Through daily devotions, conversation, learning and fellowship, travelers will experience the biblical story in a living classroom full of sacred wonder. Plus, they can take in the majestic beauty of the Greek islands with an optional Greek Isle Cruise extension, with stops including Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Crete, Santorini and Athens.
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or considering your first pilgrimage abroad, you won’t want to miss this unforgettable journey of faith-filled discovery and holy adventure.
Register by 8/17 for a $75 discounted rate.
Learn more at the informational sessions:
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 7 p.m. on Zoom
Sunday, Aug. 9, 10:10 a.m. in the Anderson Room
For more details and to register, click here. Questions? Contact Carey Williams Bebar.
Ongoing studies
Tuesday Morning Study Group
Every Tuesday starting Sept. 13, 10 a.m., Commons A, led by Jeff Bray, September through May
This friendly group will journey through
the gospels, starting with Mark. We will spend 5-6 weeks on the key points in
Mark and then proceed to Matthew, finishing it before Advent. We will listen to
a 15-minute video and then discuss how the gospel can be applied to our daily
lives. Preparation for each week will include reading 4-5 chapters of the
gospel and considering what resonates with you. Please join us, even if you
cannot attend every week. Contact Jeff Bray through the Church Office for more information.
Men’s Bible Study
Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., Anderson Room, starting Sept. 8
The Men's Bible Study is open to all men seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible and Christian Faith. Referencing the Bible while studying Charles Bryant's best-selling book, Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts, we'll engage in a six-week challenge to identify and apply our unique gifts and talents in our life and how to build up the body of Christ, our church. Please contact Steve Novy through the Church Office for more information.
Women's Bible Study
Wednesdays, 3 p.m., Anderson Room, starting Sept. 9
The Women's Bible Study is open to all women seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible and Christian faith. Starting on Sept. 9, the group will study Adam Hamilton's The Holy Spirit. Starting Oct. 14, Women's Bible Study will begin an all-video program from the Great Courses, Jesus and His Jewish Influences with Professor Jodi Magness. Contact Holly Trueblood through the Church Office for more information.
Anti-Racist Book Club
fourth Wednesday of the month, September through May
Each month, we explore a book or film. Read the book on your own and join the conversation. Register here.
Grief Support Group
Check back in the fall of 2026 for dates/times
Grief is one of those hidden wounds that takes longer to heal than many people,
even our close friends, expect. Years after someone we love has died we may
find ourselves still wondering if we could have done things differently. We may
still shed tears or experience deep sadness. When grief is complicated by
tragic circumstances, or unresolved relationship issues, it can be especially
difficult to return to living joyfully, loving others deeply and trusting God
fully.
This small group is for people who have experienced grief recently or perhaps
years ago. It is a safe place where those who grieve can support each
other, share experiences and work through faith questions. We’ll be using
resources from Dr. Bill Webster, a well-known British grief counselor, as well
as other sources.
Please feel free to invite friends and neighbors who might find this group to be of value.
Special Blend Fellowship
Enjoy coffee, tea, treats and fellowship every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in Commons E and near the Sanctuary. If you'd like to help with set up, clean up or providing goodies, sign up here.
The Green Team invites you to bring your own reusable dishes and utensils for all your food and fellowship opportunities at church, including when you provide treats.
Fellowship
Fourth Friday of the month, 8:30 a.m., Seven Dwarfs Restaurant, 917 E Roosevelt Rd.
Join Dan and Sandy Fridley for food and fellowship. RSVP here to reserve your place at the table.
United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women)
United Women in Faith Circles are small groups that develop supportive fellowship and expand concepts of mission. All women are invited to participate. Contact the Church Office and we’ll put you in touch with the circle leader for more information on meeting dates and times.
Joy Circle
Knitting/Stitching Circle
Susanna Wesley
Men's pickleball
Mondays, 7 p.m., Activity Center
Let’s get together for some fellowship, laughs and a little bit of
exercise. We’ll set up courts in the gym and rotate through positions. No
experience necessary. Bring your own pickleball racquet and ball. Sign up here. Contact Mark Mathis through the Church Office for more
information.
Second and third Saturdays of the month (September through May), 7:30 a.m., Egg'lectic Cafe, 145 N. Hale Street, Wheaton
All Gary Church men are invited to join. RSVP here to reserve a place at the table.
Walkers & Talkers Fellowship
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Commons
Stop in and chat with this welcoming fellowship group.
Second Friday of the month, 7-9 p.m., Commons
This no-gambling, no-pressure, open-to-anyone version of Mahjong makes its debut at Gary Church. Register to get on the email list and let us know you're coming.
Game night
Fourth Friday of the month, 6:30–9 p.m., Commons
Join your Gary Church friends for games of bridge, dominoes or anything you like. Contact Fern Evelhoch through the Church Office for more information and to let us know you're coming.
Create cards
Thursdays, 1 p.m., Heritage Room
Anyone is welcome to drop in whenever you can to create cards. The cards go to people celebrating milestone birthdays and anniversaries. They go to people grieving or sick. And, the cards go to people to simply let them know their friends at Gary Church are thinking about them.
Help make Gary gardens gorgeous
Anyone can join the Gary Gardeners team, and in the spring, summer and fall, there’s always something to do. If you can help with weeding, watering, maintaining/updating planters, general landscaping or various short-term projects, please let Rick Vincent know through the Church Office.
Monday morning golfers
These golfers love to play together so much, they even meet in Florida in March! Here in Illinois, they try to play most Monday mornings in the spring, summer and fall at a different golf course each week. If you’d like to be a regular golfer or a substitute, contact the Church Office to get on the email list.
Class Meeting
each group decides best day/time
Looking for friendship? Belonging? A closer relationship with Jesus? You could find all that and more at the Class Meeting. Class Meeting is a small group that laughs, prays and encourages each other in Christ. We began our first Class Meeting the year before the pandemic, helping people grow in faith and develop deep friendships with others. For more information, contact Carey Williams Bebar.
