Upcoming Adult Discipleship Classes Parenting in Our Time: Sexual Boundaries and the #MeToo Movement Sunday, Jan. 6, 10 a.m. in the Chapel Talking about sexual boundaries and the #MeToo movement in age-appropriate ways with your children and youth can be daunting. Join Grace Spencer from Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center for practical tips on having these important conversations. New Reformation Sundays, Jan. 6–Feb. 3, 10 a.m. in the Anderson Room Justified by faith. We are accustomed to this theology today, but when Martin Luther shared his belief in this concept during the sixteenth century, it was anything but typical—it sparked the Reformation. Author of New Reformation: From Luther’s World to Ours, Rob Fuquay says that although “justified by faith” is not a new idea, the message is as revolutionary today as ever. Fuquay’s study series helps us take a close look into the life of Martin Luther and teaches how to embrace reformation in our church and in our life today. All of God's Creation as Family: Exploring the Relationships Among Indigenous People, "Newcomers," and Nature Sundays, Jan. 13–27, 10 a.m. in the Chapel In this study, we will explore Christian and Indigenous approaches to nature and ecology, as well as the historical treatment of Indigenous People by "newcomers" in America and rest of the world. Cathy Mousseau and Elaine McCluskey will lead the study, with support from Rev. Adrienne Sparrow Trevathan and Dr. Gene Green. We encourage participants to read Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, but it is not required for class attendance. Copies are available in the Commons for $13. Bible Essentials Tuesdays, Jan. 15 and 29, then first and third Tuesdays, Feb.–Apr. at 10 a.m. in the Anderson Room If you have ever felt a little inadequate when talking about the Bible or have always wanted to know more but aren’t sure where to start, this class is for you. Using L.J. Zimmerman’s Learning to Study the Bible, we’ll fill in the gaps and gain the basics we need to read and study the Bible. Led by Carey Bebar, the class will explore geography, archeology, biblical genre, context, and interpretation. We’ll learn how to use important biblical resources such as Bible dictionaries, commentaries, concordances, and more. Most importantly, we’ll be in a safe environment where we can ask questions and gain the essentials we feel we’ve been missing. Childcare is available by registering through the Church Office.
Gary Church in Mission
Upcoming Events at Gary Church
Heifer Project Alternative Gift Program: Donate an animal in honor of a friend or loved one and help families around the world become self-sufficient. Look for the table in the Commons today and Sun., Dec. 23 at 10 a.m.
The Lunch Group: Thurs., Dec. 20, 12 p.m. in the Commons. Bring an appetizer to share. Cost: $2.
Eagle Scout Project: Gary member Josh Keske is conducting a medical equipment drive. If you have canes, walker, crutches, etc. you no longer need, please contact him through the Church Office by Sun., Jan. 5, and indicate if you would like him to pick up the items at your house. In addition, if you are currently borrowing equipment from the church, kindly let him know so he can take a full inventory. Volunteers Needed at People’s Resource Center! Prepare the Wheaton Food Pantry for clients by sorting food donations and shelving items between Food Pantry sessions. Help needed Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays, 7–8:30 a.m. or 3–5 p.m. Visit www.peoplesrc.org/volunteer to apply and get started!
Children’s and Youth Ministries 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Worship Service Help Needed: Children will be delighted to join in a "readers-theater" experience as we celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus! Volunteers are needed to help make this service a blessed time for all. Contact Carey Bebar,
[email protected]. Nativity Prop Cutting Session: Today at 10 a.m. in the Anderson Room. You can also take some home and work at your leisure. Simply cut out the props and tape them to a wooden dowel, bundle, and return the completed craft to the Church Office by Sun., Dec. 23. 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Service Set-Up: Sun., Dec. 23, 2 p.m. Help decorate the Sanctuary and set out supplies for our Family Christmas Eve Service. Word & Table: today, 6:30–8 p.m. at the Gaul’s home. High schoolers will gather to share a meal and enjoy time together. Gary Youth Midweek: Wed., Dec. 19, 7–8:30 p.m. in the Activity Center for middle school students. Gary Youth Christmas Party: Sun., Dec. 23, 4–6 p.m. at the Jones’ home. Middle and high school students are invited to our annual party for an afternoon of Christmas cheer. Winter Musical Auditions: Sun., Jan. 6, 2 p.m. All youth and children are invited to participate in the 2019 musical, Life of the Party: The Story of Mary and Martha, to be performed on Sun., Mar. 17, 4 p.m. Rehearsals will be Sun. afternoons, Jan. 13–Mar. 10, 2–4 p.m.
Burning Bush—An Outreach of Gary Church Now Showing: Thin Places through Sun., Dec. 23, featuring the works of local artists.
The Lunchtime Literary Society will meet on Jan. 22 to discuss Prairie Fires by Caroline Fraser. Read the book, pack a lunch, and join us at noon in the Anderson Room 2019 Women’s Retreat: Fri.–Sat., Feb. 22–23 at La Salle Manor Retreat Center. Come gather with other women of Gary and Winfield Churches to draw near to God through creative prayer, holy listening, and interactive worship. The early registration cost is $130 (before Tues., Jan. 1). After Jan. 1, the cost is $145. See garychurch.org for more information and to register.
Please Note Next Week’s Lectionary Readings: We invite you to include the lectionary readings in your devotion times. Readings for next week are Zephaniah 3:14–20, Isaiah 12:2–6, Philippians 4:4–7, and Luke 3:7–18. 2019 Pledge Cards are still being accepted. Bring yours to the Church Office. The office has extra cards if you are in need of one. Stock Transfers: Contact Deb Evans in the Church Office for information. The process needs to be completed by Dec. 31 to count for this year’s tax credits. Share Your Time and Talents: We are in need of a bus driver for the third Sunday of the month to pick up those not able to drive to church. Contact the Church Office for more information. Styrofoam Recycling: Sun., Dec. 30, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. in the south driveway. Bring packing materials and rinsed food containers in separate bags. No peanuts. Christmas Sharing Follow-up: Our Christmas Sharing leaders are interested in your suggestions and observations that would help improve this mission. Please contact Shelley Kenyon through the Church Office with your thoughts and/or plan to attend a follow-up meeting on Sun., Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. in the Commons E. Join the Sound Team! We are in need of six or seven new members for this important Sunday morning ministry team. Each member will serve one Sunday a month, either at the 9 or 11 a.m. service. Training will be provided, enabling anyone to master the soundboard after a couple sessions! Contact the Church Office for additional information. For more information visit www.garychurch.org or the Chimes newsletter.
