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 third graders are invited to the Lower Level after the children's time during 9 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 3: Lower Level
Grades 4–5: Anderson Room, Main Level


Sunday schedule update
The last day of 10 a.m. Sunday School for this ministry season is May 19. Kids’ Church at 9 a.m. will continue in the summer for children ages preschool 3s–grade 3. Step Up Sunday is June 2 at 9 a.m., where kids will “step up” to their next grade. Sunday School will begin again on Sept. 8.



Wednesdays


Wednesday night children’s music

All Gary Kids are invited to grow in faith and serve in love through the music ministry! Cherub Choir, Friendship Choir and Good News Ringers all meet on Wednesdays. See music page for details and register here.

 

Wednesday night child care

Wednesdays, 6:15–7:45 p.m.

Wednesday night child care is offered for children preschool 3s through fifth grade. This supervised playtime is available for families with children in multiple choirs and/or parents seeking childcare during class meetings or small group studies. Contact Pastor Carey for more information.




Gary Kids Calendar 




















Register for SCUBA Vacation Bible School

 

VBS Registration is now open!

Scuba VBS | Monday, June 17–Thursday, June 20

Register your preschool 4s through grade 4 and volunteer.


Scuba VBS volunteers needed

Join the Scuba VBS volunteer team and help kids dive deep into learning about and experiencing God’s love. Leaders and assistants are needed to shepherd crews, encourage learning and enjoy the fun!

 

VBS volunteer meeting

Sunday, June 9, 2 p.m. 

All Scuba VBS volunteers are urged to join this 90-minute meeting, during which they will meet station leaders, learn about this year's curriculum, find out who will be on their "crew" and discover all the great things we have in store at this amazing undersea adventure where they’ll dive into friendship with God. 

 

VBS decorating night

Wednesday, June 12, 6 p.m. 

Help make our underwater world come to life! Adults and kids alike are welcome at this favorite annual event; pizza and snacks will be provided. 


More events

Parent’s Night Out

Friday, May 10, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Lower Level

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.


4th & 5th Grade Fellowship | End-of-the-Year Party

Friday, May 17, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Third, fourth and fifth graders are invited to our annual end-of-the-year party. We will welcome third graders and send off fifth graders to Gary Youth!

 

Gary Kids Volunteer Appreciation Brunch

Sunday, May 19, 11 a.m.
Kids’ Church and Sunday School volunteers are invited to a special brunch where we’ll celebrate a year in ministry to Gary Kids! 


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.


Family Camp

Friday, July 19– Sunday, July 21
Families are invited to Pine Lake Camp in Westfield, Wisconsin to spend a weekend growing closer to God and each other through nature, worship and play.


Accommodations

Retreat Center Room: Hotel style with private bath including one queen bed and one twin bed with twin trundle. Cost: $180 per room + $40 per person after two (family of three: $220, family of four: $260, etc.).

Meals

Cost: $75 per person 13+ and $45 per child ages 3-12

 

Activity Fee

$40 per family covers the cost of weekend crafts and activities

 

Register here!