3 pastors returning for Aurora church's homecoming

Three former pastors who served Fourth Street United Methodist Church, 551 S. Fourth St. in Aurora, are coming home. They invite residents to attend the 125th anniversary homecoming service at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.

"We have been celebrating 125 years serving Aurora with special worship services and other community focused events since our May Jubilee," said Rev. Deborah Tinsley Taylor, church pastor. "It's not every day that we have the chance to celebrate 125 years of God's grace and goodness in our lives."

Returning for a second annual homecoming worship at 9:45 a.m. will be the Rev. Gary Hougen of Aurora, the Rev. David Eichelbeger of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Rev. Betty Jo "B.J." Birkhahn-Rommelfanger of Arlington Heights.

Aurora resident Rev. Hougen, retired, is coordinator of outreach at Wesley UMC in Aurora.

Rev. Eichelberger is also retired. Rev. Birkhahn-Rommelfanger is senior pastor at Church of the Incarnation, United Methodist in Arlington Heights. Additionally, she is chairwoman of the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, Northern Illinois Conference, United Methodist Church.

Rev. Eichelberger will lead the congregation in the opening prayer. A candle lighting ceremony honoring departed congregants will be led by Rev. Hougen, outreach coordinator at Wesley UMC in Aurora. He will invite worshippers to come forward and light a candle to honor a contributor to the church. Then the Rev. Birkhahn-Rommelfanger will give a prayer of Illumination.

Pastor Taylor will preach on "Let the Church Roll On."

A potluck fellowship luncheon in the church dining room will conclude the event. Call (630) 897-5257 for more information.