Celebrating the earth: Aurora church women focus on climate change
Focusing on climate change, Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora celebrated United Women in Faith Sunday on April 14.
Morning worship was conducted by members of Wesley’s unit of UWF, women’s organization of the United Methodist Church denomination. Emmy Lou John of Aurora, Wesley UWF president, coordinated the celebration.
In addition to John, readers were Kari Rigaud, Wesley UWF vice president; and Delia Akyea, UWF member.
Rigaud said, “We are gathered to put our hearts and minds on the earth and the climate crisis that we face today.
“As Earth Day approaches, we think not only of healing ourselves in body and soul, but also on healing our home, the earth and on the work we still need to think about and act upon.”
The service, Rigaud said, “was created out of the spiritual need to ask questions and reflect on how our faith supports us in our commitment to doing the hard and tiring work of seeking climate justice.”
The featured speaker was Sarah Swanson, Wesley UWF social action coordinator. She recalled launching a drive in 2022 to reduce vehicle idling emissions at four local schools. The effort resulted from a national just Energy for All grant in 2021, she said.
When her plans “went off course,” Swanson recalled, “it felt like lots of closed doors.”
A suggestion from WUMC congregant Mari Curless got Swanson excited. Curless suggested a bumper sticker to inspire others to turn off their vehicle engines while waiting in lines.
After congregant Phyllis Stark offered a sticker design idea, Delia Akyea combined elements for a “It’s Vital, Don’t Idle” sticker. Swanson said she distributes magnetic and stick-on versions to students at local schools. Stickers were offered to the congregation April 14.
Emmy Lou John concluded the service by awarding appreciation certificates to Curless, Starke, Akyea and students Isabella Ramirez, Camila Rodriguez and Jazmin Estrada. The trio provided the sticker slogan during a Wesley Art & Soul summer camp. Al Benson, volunteer church publicist, received an appreciation pin.
After the service, the congregation was invited to a potluck salad luncheon and discussion on how the church can become greener.