Aurora Methodists open Lent with 'The Last Week' series

Flowing Forth United Methodist Church in Aurora opened a seven-week Lenten sermon series on Sunday, March 1, with a Palm Sunday worship.

The Rev. Derek Rogers, Flowing Forth pastor, said he moved his church's Palm Sunday observance from April 5 to kick off "The Last Week," his Lenten sermon series.

Rev. Rogers said, "One of the most influential and important weeks in history was the last week of Jesus' life and ministry. However, this last week often comes and goes so quickly in our fast-paced lives that we rarely have time to slow down and understand its importance. Often we skip straight from Palm Sunday to Easter without a second thought. With this year's sermons, we are going to embark on a deliberate journey with Jesus through the last week of his life."

Rev. Rogers' began his sermon series with "Into Jerusalem." The series will continue on March 8 with "In the Temple"; March 15 with "At the Table," by guest preacher Rev. Rich Havard, University of Illinois-Chicago; March 22 with "In the Garden"; March 29 with "On the Cross"; April 5 with "In the Tomb"; and April 12 with "On the Road."

Additionally, Rev. Rogers announced a Sunday morning Lenten study series to complement his sermons. The seven-part study series opened March 1 and runs through April 8 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Road in Aurora.

The public is invited. Admission and parking are free.

Rev. Rogers said, "During the study, we'll walk slowly and deliberately through the final week of Jesus' life. The series will focus on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, his Last Supper and his crucifixion."

Call (630) 239-232l or visit flowingforthumc.org for more information.