Aurora Methodists showcase congregants' cultures on Heritage Sunday

Posted September 30, 2019 11:00 pm

Submitted by Al Benson

Oswego resident Wesley Akyea, 12, center, explains his Ghana exhibit during Heritage Sunday Sept. 22 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora. Courtesy of Al Benson

Showcasing ethnic food and cultural artifacts from 10 countries, congregants at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora celebrated Heritage Sunday Sept. 22.

Lekha Cristanujaya of Oswego coordinated the first heritage celebration in the church parlor during a social hour between worship services. The public was invited.

Cultural items exhibited in tabletop displays by church members represented Bolivia, Germany, India, South Korea, Philippines and Romania. Food samples, homemade and store bought, represented Mexico (pastries), Sweden (rice pudding with lingonberries), and the United States (sweet potato chips).

Exhibitors ranged from seniors to 13-year-old Wesley Akyea of Oswego, a student at Murphy Junior High School in Plainfield. He donned a Ghanaian style cloak to interpret his display that featured a poster with photos and text.

The Rev. John Bell, church pastor, said "Wesley is unique among area Protestant churches in our rich diversity. We invited congregants to help display our diversity on this special day."

DeKalb resident Kaci Nicholson-Rigaud, left, and Lekha Cristanujaya, Oswego, check out the Mexican style pastries during Heritage Sunday Sept. 22 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora. Courtesy of Al Benson

South Korean artifacts are displayed during Heritage Sunday Sept. 22 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora. Courtesy of Al Benson

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