Aurora Methodists to hold community writing workshops

Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May St. in Aurora, will offer two community writing workshops in January.

Adults and high school students are invited. Experience is not required. Admission, parking, materials and refreshments are free.

The schedule includes:

• Jan. 12: "Aha! Moments: Writing into the New Year" from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Gathering Space room

• Jan. 26: '"Mission Possible: Creating a Personal Mission Statement" from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Gathering Space room.

Lead facilitator Thew Elliott, music director for traditional worship, will be assisted by other writing instructors. "The goal is to help build community through the sharing of our stories," he said

In "Aha! Moments," aspiring writers will focus on a light-bulb moment when something made sense in a new way and inspired a new or renewed sense of purpose.

After group introductions and warmup writing exercises, students will dig into their own trunk of stories and choose a focus.

Sharing stories is optional. Students may supply a personal journal or electronic device.

In "Mission Possible," students will use creative exercises to craft personal mission statements based on reflection and writing.

Elliott said, "Having a strong mission statement for individuals as much as for organizations gives a piece to weigh and balance possibilities that show up. We must know what our mission is. We usually do, but we don't articulate it."

Call (630) 896-1033 for more information.