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 perspectives on the necessity for humans to be rejoined with nature, and to understand the implications of the Earth's gifts and our responsibility to reciprocate them. Using the books Braiding Sweetgrass by Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer and Shalom and the Community of Creation by Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley as resources, we will discuss Christian and indigenous approaches to nature and ecology. 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, but it is not required. 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
Children’s and Youth Ministries
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.
Word & Table: Sun., Jan. 6, 6:30–8 p.m. at the Bilezikian’s home. High schoolers will gather to share a meal and enjoy time together.
Eagle Scout Project: Gary member Josh Keske is conducting a medical equipment drive. If you have canes, walkers, crutches, etc. you no longer need, please contact him through the Church Office by Sun., Jan. 6, 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.
Upcoming Events at Gary Church Christmas Eve Service Set-Up: today at 2 p.m. Help decorate the Sanctuary and set out supplies for our 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Service! 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 Commons E. Men’s Bible Study begins a new topic: Study of the Minor Prophets. All men are invited to participate beginning Tues., Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m. in the Commons. Praise Service: Sat., Jan. 12, 5 p.m. at Winfield UMC. This service features musicians from both the Gary and Winfield congregations. All are welcome to attend. Festival Choir rehearsals begin Thurs., Jan. 17, 7:30–9 p.m. in the Choir Room to prepare to sing Dan Forrest’s LUX: The Dawn from On High on Sun., Mar. 3. There will be seven Thurs. evening rehearsals and a required dress rehearsal (Sat., Mar. 2). High school and adult singers of all experience levels are invited to register for Festival Choir through the Church Office.
Gary Youth Midweek will resume Wed., Jan. 9, 7–8:30 p.m. in the Activity Center. All middle school students are invited to attend. 4th & 5th Grade Fellowship Roller Skating Party: Fri., Jan. 18, 7–9 p.m. Come celebrate the New Year at Lombard Roller Rink. We will meet at and return to Gary Church. Cost is $10. Parent’s Night Out: Fri., Jan. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Drop off your children at Gary for supervised play time while you enjoy a night out. Parent’s Night Out is open to children 6 months through grade 3. Reservations are required through the Church Office and a donation of $5 per child is suggested. 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.
Please Note Next Week’s Lectionary Readings: We invite you to include the lectionary readings in your devotion times. Readings for next week are 1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26, Psalm 148, Colossians 3:12–17, and Luke 2:41–52. 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! Contact the Church Office for additional information. 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.
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.
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.
2019 Women’s Retreat: Fri.–Sat., Feb. 22–23, at La Salle Manor Retreat Center, in Plano, IL. 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.
Gary United Methodist Preschool is accepting applications from Gary and Winfield members for the 2019-20 school year for the Three-year-old, Four-year-old, and Pre-K classes. There is also a Parent's Morning Out program for children 18 months– 3 years old. Contact Kirsten McCluskey at
[email protected] for more information or to schedule a tour.
Burning Bush—An Outreach of Gary Church Now Showing: Thin Places through today, featuring the works of local artists.
For more information visit www.garychurch.org or the Chimes newsletter
