Aurora Methodists drive-in worship to explore the book of Revelations
Flowing Forth United Methodist Church in Aurora is holding drive-in worship services on Sundays through Sept. 6. Flowing Forth UMC is the only Chicago-area Methodist church offering drive-in services.
Weather permitting, outdoor worship services will be held at 10 a.m. Sundays, Aug. 9-30 and Sept. 6, in the west parking lot at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Road in Aurora. Services are also held online at the church website, flowingforthUMC.org.
The Rev. Derek Rogers of North Aurora, Flowing Forth lead pastor, said his sermon series will explore "Kingdom Come: The Message of Revelations for Today." According to Rev. Rogers, "By far the most confusing and strange book in all of the Bible is Revelations. There are weird and enigmatic symbols - a multi-headed dragon; two other strange beasts; a variety of seals, bowls and trumpets; and four multicolored horses.
"There are images of God on the throne; a heavenly assembly of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation; and New Jerusalem with its streets paved with gold. Despite all of this alien imagery and unsettling language, we are still drawn to this final book of the Bible because it is said to be a vision of what will soon take place. This sermon series will seek to make sense of Revelations and what its message means for us today. "
The sermon schedule is: "The Message of Revelation Today," Aug. 9; "When the Kingdom Comes to You," Aug. 16; "When the Kingdom Comes to All," Aug. 23; "When the Kingdom Comes on Earth," Aug. 30; and "When the Kingdom Comes Eternally," Sept. 6.
Rev. Rogers explained drive-in worship. He said, "A drive-in worship service works like a drive-in movie theater, allowing us to hold an in-person worship service while still respecting social distancing.
"We'll gather in the parking lot and stay in or sit near our vehicles. A greeter will direct drivers where to park vehicles, at least six feet apart. Tune car radios to broadcast frequency 1660 AM to listen to the music, prayers, and sermon."
No bulletins or handouts will be provided. The building and restrooms will not be open.
Prayer requests can be submitted prior to the service through the church website or by texting Pastor Rogers during the service.
Communion will be celebrated. To participate, worshippers should bring bread and juice. The pastor will bless the elements from a distance during the service.
A freewill collection for church programs and food donations for Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry in Aurora will be accepted as motorists exit the parking lot.
Call (630) 239-2321 or visit flowingforthumc.org for more information.