Aurora-area Methodists to offer prayers at farmers market

Aurora-area Methodists will pray for people and pets at a prayer booth on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the downtown Aurora farmers market, 65 S. Water St.

The Rev. Derek Rogers, pastor at Flowing Forth United Methodist Church in Aurora, said volunteers will offer free prayers from 8 a.m. to noon. The public is invited. Parking and admission are free.

Depending on requests, one to three church volunteers - called pray-ers - will pray for visitors. Written prayer requests will also be accepted.

In addition to prayers, free bottled water, dog biscuits, homemade muffins, children's toys and church literature will be offered.

The Aug. 17 booth is the second of two summer prayer booths by area Methodists. The first booth was held July 20. In addition to Flowing Forth UMC, volunteers represented Wesley UMC in Aurora and Church of the Good Shepherd UMC in Oswego.

Tom Carter of Aurora, booth coordinator and Flowing Forth UMC congregant said, "Some visitors just want to talk, others jump right into prayer. Some don't want verbal prayer on-site but will write a prayer down to be placed in a prayer box."

The prayer booth is the Aurora market's first in its 100-year history, Illinois' oldest. The Methodist booth was initiated in 2013 by the former Fourth Street UMC in Aurora. Founded in 1891, the church merged with Aurora's Flowing Grace UMC last year to form Flowing Grace UMC. Flowing Grace worships at 10 a.m. Sundays at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Road in Aurora.

Rev. Rogers added, "Our goal is to spread God's love and peace to all those we encounter by offering up good words on their behalf. We are not there to convert or find new members for our church or denomination."

He concluded, "Prayer is the best wireless connection. God answers knee-mail. He is only a prayer away."

Call (630) 239-2321 or visit www.flowingforthumc.org for more information.