10 Aurora faith communities partner in Thanksgiving worship

Posted November 19, 2018 10:00 pm

Submitted by Aurora Wesley United Methodist Church

Aurora residents Collette Taylor, left, and Marian Cowan use their voices and American Sign Language to sing "I Love the Lord" at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora Sunday, Nov. 18. They are part of St. John African Methodist's praise choir which performed in "Celebrating Neighbors," an 11th annual Thanksgiving community service sponsored by InterFAITH Aurora, an ecumenical group. Courtesy of Al Benson

Aurora's Wesley United Methodist Church hosted "Celebrating Neighbors," an 11th annual Thanksgiving service including 10 area faith communities, on Nov. 18.

Sponsored by InterFAITH Aurora, an ecumenical group, the celebration was themed "Celebrating Neighbors." Music, poems, remarks and readings were offered by Christians, Muslims and Jewish participants.

Faith communities represented were Aurora Jewish Renewal Congregation, Temple B'nai Israel, St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Wesley UMC, Orchard Community, Sikh Community, Baha'i Community, St. John United Church of Christ, Our Savior Lutheran Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church, all in Aurora; and Al Aqsa Mosque, Plainfield.

Music was performed by Wesley UMC handbell choir, St. John AME praise choir which used American Sign Language to accompany vocalists and Sikh instrumental and vocal musicians.

A freewill offering benefited Jesse Torres Boxing Club of Aurora, a nonprofit that teaches physical fitness and the sport of boxing to empower and improve the quality of life of youth and Parkinson patients.

A fellowship time with refreshments concluded the event.

Local Sikhs perform vocal and instrumental music during "Celebrating Neighbors," an 11th annual Thanksgiving community service Sunday, Nov. 18, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora. Courtesy of Al Benson

The Rev. Jerry Leake, center, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Aurora, shares Halloween candy with Aurora residents Wally Loague and Meredith Lindgren during his reading at "Celebrating Neighbors," an 11th annual Thanksgiving community worship Nov. 18. Courtesy of Al Benson

Emmy Lou John of Aurora, right, offers brownies after "Celebrating Neighbors," an 11th annual pre-Thanksgiving community service Nov. 18. Courtesy of Al Benson

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