Aurora church celebrates Advent with hunger relief efforts
Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May St. in Aurora, is celebrating the Advent season by fighting hunger.
The third of four weekly sermons, food/toiletry collections and sandwich-making sessions will take place Sunday, Dec. 15, at the church, 14 N. May St. in Aurora. The public is welcome.
At 10:30 a.m., the Rev. Tammy Scott, lead pastor, will continue her Advent sermon series “From the Manger,” with “Joy Grows.” Following sermons are “Love Grows” on Dec. 22; and “Good News has Come” on Dec. 24.
Each Sunday, a church family or child assists the pastor in lighting an Advent wreath candle.
In a letter to congregants, Pastor Scott announced three opportunities to fight hunger. First, after 10:30 a.m. services, potluck luncheons will be held on Dec. 15 and 22. Attendees are invited to bring a dish to share, but it is not required.
Second, after each luncheon, sandwich- or simple meal making will take place to stock Aurora’s community fridge, a 24/7 free food source placed outdoors for persons in need.
Third is a new tradition — a reverse Advent calendar. During December, congregants are invited to place a food or toiletry item into a home box. Boxes are collected on Sundays at the church for distribution to a community fridge or a local food pantry.
Rev. Scott explained, “Hunger is a universal human experience. It draws attention to our basic needs for food and nourishment and our needs for peace, liberation and meaning in life.
“Beginning Advent with the birth of Jesus may feel unconventional, but we hope this change will invite reflection on the life-sustaining hope, peace, joy and love Jesus brings. The baby born in a bread town (Bethlehem was called House of Bread) continues to feed a hungry world today.”
Christmas Eve will be celebrated with carols, cookies and a pageant at 4 p.m. A candlelight service will follow at 5:30 p.m. There will be no worship on Christmas Day.
On Sunday, Dec. 29, Wesley congregants will worship with members of UMC of Geneva and Baker Memorial UMC of St. Charles at 9 a.m. at Batavia UMC, 8 N. Batavia Ave. Worship will not be held at the Aurora location. For information, call (630) 896-1033 or visit wesleyumcaurora.org.