Wheaton’s Gary UMC to offer Advent study on art and Mary

Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton is offering “Picturing Mary,” a Midweek Advent study, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 4-18.

Participants will explore the pivotal role of Mary in the Christmas Story as it is expressed through the rich artistic tradition of the church.

The class will consider ancient and modern images of Mary receiving the Angel Gabriel, visiting her cousin Elizabeth, and comforting the infant Jesus. Participants will explore how these images convey the radical nature of God’s good news in Jesus Christ, made known to us in ways that are at once surprising, challenging and comforting. There is no book for this study.

The Rev. Daniel Cochran, who has a doctorate in art history, will lead the study.

The church at 224 N. Main St. has celebrated deep roots in the community since 1853. The church has vibrant music, kids, youth and adult ministries, plus opportunities for local, national and global missions. It offers worship at 9 a.m. and 11:11 a.m. In-between services, there’s Sunday school for all ages, a coffee fellowship hour, plus the chapel is available for prayer and reflection. For information, go to garychurch.org or contact the church office at office@garychurch.org.