Welcome! Children are a vital part of our faith community. Our goal is to partner with families to share the love of God with children and nourish life-long relationships with Christ Jesus. Or, as we put it, to help kids grow in faith.


For more information about our Children's Ministries at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL, please contact Carey Williams Bebar, Director of Christian Education, at 630-668-3100 x105 or cbebar@garychurch.org.


Another way to stay connected to Gary Kids is by joining the Gary Kids Facebook page. Check out activities, videos and devotions that help faith grow at home.



Gary Kids Registration Form



Sundays


Kids' Church
All preschool 3s through fifth graders are invited to the Lower Level after the Scripture reading at 9 a.m. and 11:11 a.m. worship. 


Please sign in at our Gary Kids Check-in Station located just outside the Sanctuary.


Helping Hands 

Fourth Sunday during 9 a.m. Kids’ Church
All children ages preschool 3s through grade 5 are invited to the Lower Level to use their “helping hands” to help our local, national and global neighbors.


Sunday School, 10 a.m.
Preschool through grade 5: Lower Level


Gary Kids Calendar 






Second and Third Grade Bible

Sundays through Nov. 8, 10 a.m. during Sunday School

The class will help students become more familiar with their new Bible. We pray children come to realize more fully the importance of the Bible as an integral part of their life.



Monday, Nov. 2,  9 a.m.- 2 p.m. 

A day off school. A day full of fun! The campers will bring their own lunch for a noon time lunch break. (It will be optional for children to leave at lunchtime if a half day is preferable.)


Activities will include games, stories, songs, crafts, snacks and fun time hanging out with friends. Registration will be open to preschool through fifth grade. And, if you need it, you’ll have access to a quiet workspace stocked with coffee and donuts. 


Register today!


Connect

Wednesdays, Oct. 21 and Nov. 18, 5:30–7 p.m.

Looking for a night where your kids will be cared for — and, honestly, you too? Connect is a new ministry creating space for families to come together, share a meal and build meaningful relationships. After dinner together, kids will enjoy Bible-based crafts, games, music and more, while parents gather for guided conversation about the joys and challenges of raising a family. Come for dinner. Stay for connection. Contact Carey Williams Bebar for more information.


Family (Day) Camp

Saturday, Oct. 17, 3–7 p.m., Herrick Lake Forest Preserve

Love Family Camp — or want to see what all the fun is about? Family (Day) Camp brings an afternoon of outdoor fun, faith and connection right here at home! Families can fish, hike, play games, or simply hang out before coming together for a potluck cookout and “Family Camp” worship. Bring your lawn chairs, a side dish to share, and s’more sticks for a fall afternoon of nature, nurture and play. Registration coming soon.


More events

Healing & Helping: A Medieval Adventure

Sunday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. Sunday School

Did you know that some of the earliest hospitals grew out of Christian communities caring for people who were sick? While adults give blood upstairs, Gary Kids will travel back to the Middle Ages to discover how monks cared for their neighbors through hospitality, food, medicine and healing. Through hands-on activities and games, kids will explore what these medieval Christians can teach us today: we follow Jesus by caring for others!

 

Feed My Starving Children Family Night

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 7:15 p.m.–8:45 p.m., FMSC Aurora

Gary Church families of all ages are invited to “turn hunger into hope” by preparing meal packs together. Register online at fmsc.org and use the Join Code: K0LGWM.


Family Advent Wreath Making

Sunday, Nov. 29, during 10 a.m. Sunday School

Begin Advent by creating a little light together! Families are invited to make an Advent wreath to take home and enjoy throughout the season. We’ll discover how the Advent wreath helps us prepare for Christmas and reminds us of God’s love taking shape in the world through Jesus



 

4th & 5th Grade Fellowship Christmas Party

Friday, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m.

Fourth and fifth graders are invited to a fun night of games and activities! RSVP to Carey Williams Bebar.

Service opportunity


Acolytes wanted


If you’re an elementary student or middle schooler, we’d love to have you serve as an acolyte in worship. To learn more about this meaningful position, contact Pastor Daniel Cochran.