Aurora faiths host 10th annual Thanksgiving celebration of music and friendship

Posted November 21, 2017 12:00 am

Submitted by Al Benson

Vicki Shaw, advancement vice president for CASA-Kane County, expresses appreciation for a freewill offering taken during the 10th annual Thanksgiving celebration. Courtesy of Al Benson

The 10th annual Aurora interfaith community Thanksgiving celebration of music and friendship showcased 10 faiths on Sunday, Nov. 19.

Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Orchard and Baha'i faith communities from Aurora, North Aurora and Naperville participated in the service hosted by St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Aurora for a second straight year.

A freewill offering benefited Geneva-based CASA Kane County, a nonprofit that advocates for children in court systems. Vicki Shaw, advancement vice president for CASA Kane County, expressed appreciation for a freewill offering taken at the celebration.

St. John's Sign Singers and praise choir partnered to perform the closing music, "I Need You."

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin welcome worshippers.

InterFAITH Aurora, an ecumenical group, sponsored the celebration themed "No Walls."

InterFAITH Aurora spokesperson Karen Christensen said, "Based on our common belief that we are all children of God, we set for ourselves the mission of sharing and connecting.

"We believe that building understanding, acceptance and love within the community will help transform and heal the world in which we live."

Fellowship and refreshments concluded the celebration. Call (630) 421-2528 for more information.

The choir at St. John AME Church in Aurora is one of the groups performing Nov. 19 at the 10th annual community Thanksgiving celebration of music and friendship. Courtesy of Al Benson

Sikh community musicians perform a hymn Sunday at the 10th annual Aurora community Thanksgiving celebration of music and friendship at St. John AME Church in Aurora. Courtesy of Al Benson

St. John AME Church's Sign Singers perform "I Need You" with the church's praise choir to close the 10th annual Aurora community Thanksgiving celebration of music and friendship Sunday at St. John in Aurora. Courtesy of Al Benson

Aurora resident Veva Walton sings "Somewhere" during the 10th annual Aurora community Thanksgiving celebration of music and friendship Nov. 19 at St. John AME Church in Aurora. Courtesy of Al Benson

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