Aurora’s Wesley UMC starts new year with 'star' words

Stars were in abundance at an Aurora church Sunday, Jan. 7.

Congregants at Wesley United Methodist Church started the new year with "star" words. During Sunday worship, Rev. Tammy Scott, Wesley pastor, provided gold-colored paper stars with intention words as ways to speak to and listen for God in 2024.

Church youth invited congregants to choose random star words from offering plates. "Sharing" and "acceptance" were among words included.

Rev. Scott explained, "Star words are a lens that might provide us with a way to look for God in our midst, both actively and in hindsight. They provide us with a way to not only speak, but also to listen for God in the year ahead."

She urged, "Start to live with your star word for this new year. Keep your star word in a place where you can see it regularly -- tape it to a mirror or door, place it in your car, some place you will notice it every day!"

The pastor recalled that the Magi -- three kings -- followed a star from distant lands to see the Christ child and bring him gifts in a Bethlehem stable.

"The Magi," she said, "followed a star which led them to Jesus. We too should use all the resources we have available -- including creative prayer practices and intentional words for the new year -- to move us closer to Jesus."

Additional stars are available during January worship services and between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. weekdays in the church office at 14 N. May St. in Aurora.

Wesley holds Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. in person or online at 9:30 a.m. at wesleyumcaurora.online.church. Admission and parking are free. Call (630) 896-1033 or visit wesleyumcaurora.org for more information.