Aurora Methodists explore 'love languages'
An Aurora Methodist minister focused on ways to express and experience love in a recent sermon.
In a July 28 sermon, "A Song for the One You Love: Psalm 46," Rev. Derek Rogers, pastor of Flowing Forth United Methodist Church in Aurora, shared "The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate," a 1992 book by author and marriage counselor Gary Chapman
Pastor Rogers gave examples from his own love languages, Psalm 46 and Chapman's book. His sermon was part three of "Playlist: The Psalms and the Songs of Life," an eight-sermon series on the book of Psalms.
Rev. Rogers said Chapman's love languages are receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service (devotion) and physical touch.
"Chapman suggests that to discover another person's love language, one must observe the way they express love to others, analyze what they complain about most often and what they request from their significant other most often," Rev. Rogers said.
"He theorizes that people tend to naturally give love in the way that they prefer to receive love, and better communication between couples can be accomplished when one can demonstrate caring to the other person in the love language the recipient understands."
The Rev. Rogers' sermon series continues with:
• Aug. 11: "A Song to Slow Down: Psalm 90."
• Aug. 18: "A Song About What's Important: Psalms 117-119."
• Aug. 25: "A Song for the Journey: Psalm 121."
• Sept. 1: "A Song Worth Repeating: Psalm 136."
Rev. Rogers said, "We all have our go-to playlists. The songs we love to sing along with. For the ancient Israelites, their go-to playlist was the book of Psalms.
"The longest book at the center of our Bibles was their songbook. Psalms was the tunes they knew by heart and sang from the depths of their soul. The Psalms are a collection of songs for every situation in life from the good to the bad.
"This summer, in addition to all the other playlists you might listen to, I want to encourage you to make the Psalms your playlist. Over the next two months we will read all 150 Psalms together.
"The Psalms have a way of speaking to and even for our hearts and souls. These ancient lyrics define the divine in us and all around us. I hope you'll join with me in this summer journey!"
Flowing Forth UMC holds a worship service at 10 a.m. Sundays at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Rd. in Aurora. The public is invited. Admission, parking and refreshments are free.
For information, call (630) 239-2321 or visit flowingforthumc.org.