Aurora Methodists support LGBTQ movement with quilts, flag

An Aurora church has found multiple ways to spread its message of love and diversity.

Colorful fabric quilts have been installed on three oak trees on Wesley United Methodist Church's front lawn off Galena Boulevard. Additionally, a rainbow flag hangs on the church's lawn sign.

The Rev. John Bell, Wesley UMC pastor, said the church commissioned Teresa Millies, an Aurora fabric artist, to create pride quilts for a June 14 Aurora Pride drive-by parade and for Pride Month.

Wesley hosted an online conversation with Millies for a Virtual First Fridays event on June 5.

Rev. Bell said, "Wesley is committed to building an all-inclusive Christian community from the heart of Aurora."

Millies said, "I love a bold line and saturated color. I use the tradition of handwork to explore the effect of color and shape on the human energy field.

"The tactile nature of my work evokes a deep connection to our collective heritage. I create immersive shape and color experiences designed to affect change in our individual energy bodies. Each color in the spectrum has a frequency. Art is created through curation of color and shape. These frequencies subconsciously affect us.

"We experience changes in atmosphere and mood to unite us in a shared experience. The colors we are drawn to communicate information about how we see the world and ourselves," Millies explained.

Wesley congregants were invited to donate quilting fabric to the project when Millies had difficulty obtaining sufficient materials. Pink, purple, green, blue and white fabric was requested.

Wesley UMC, 14 N. May St. in Aurora, holds an online worship service Sundays at 10 a.m. Visit www.wesleyumcaurora.org.

The public is invited. Call (630) 896-1033 for more information.