Flowing Forth continues birthday celebration July 14
"We are an unfinished church."
That's how Rev. Derek Rogers described Aurora's Flowing Forth United Methodist Church July 7 as the church opened a two-Sunday first-birthday celebration at Aurora Christian School.
Congregants celebrated with party hats, noisemakers, reflections and dreams for the future.
Flowing Forth UMC was born in April 2018 in a merger of Fourth Street UMC and Flowing Grace UMC, both in Aurora. Flowing Forth UMC held its first worship service July 1, 2018.
Pastor Rogers recalled how the "unfinished" term was first applied to a merger of Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist denominations in 1968 by Dr. Albert C. Outler, Perkins School of Theology theologian and church historian.
Building Flowing Forth UMC "hasn't been easy" pastor Rogers admitted during his sermon. In spite of stress and extended discussions, "the new church is a testament to God," he said.
He added, "Today we look back. But more importantly, we look forward to what's next. God has greater things in store for us in the next year, five years and 10 years."
During an "open mic-style" commentary session, Rev. Rogers invited congregants to share their celebrations from the church's first year. Responses included "new friends," "children in church" and "a dynamic young pastor."
Rev. Rogers invited congregants to write their dreams for the church during communion. As each worshipper came forward, they posted red, blue or yellow sticky notes bearing their dreams on a white board.
Among about 40 "dreams" posted were "Continue to have college-age mission opportunities," "have more fun gatherings," "Call people to serve" and "join a small-group discussion."
The birthday celebration continues Sunday, July 14, with a dessert potluck after a 10 a.m. service. The church meets at 10 a.m. Sundays at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Road in Aurora. The public is invited.
Fourth Street UMC, founded in 1891 on Aurora's Rosewood Avenue, held its final worship service on Sept. 30, 2018. Rev. Rogers preached the sermon, "At the Door," and led a Methodist order of leave taking of a church building. The historic near East Side structure and parsonage were sold last fall. A leadership team is seeking a new worship site.
Call (630) 239-2321 for more information.