10 Aurora faith communities partner in Thanksgiving worship
Aurora's Wesley United Methodist Church hosted "Celebrating Neighbors," an 11th annual Thanksgiving service including 10 area faith communities, on Nov. 18.
Sponsored by InterFAITH Aurora, an ecumenical group, the celebration was themed "Celebrating Neighbors." Music, poems, remarks and readings were offered by Christians, Muslims and Jewish participants.
Faith communities represented were Aurora Jewish Renewal Congregation, Temple B'nai Israel, St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Wesley UMC, Orchard Community, Sikh Community, Baha'i Community, St. John United Church of Christ, Our Savior Lutheran Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church, all in Aurora; and Al Aqsa Mosque, Plainfield.
Music was performed by Wesley UMC handbell choir, St. John AME praise choir which used American Sign Language to accompany vocalists and Sikh instrumental and vocal musicians.
A freewill offering benefited Jesse Torres Boxing Club of Aurora, a nonprofit that teaches physical fitness and the sport of boxing to empower and improve the quality of life of youth and Parkinson patients.
A fellowship time with refreshments concluded the event.