Aurora Methodists to sponsor all-church read, discussions

Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora will sponsor an all-church read of "Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America" by Michael Eric Dyson.

The Rev. John Bell, pastor, said the book will be used for worship services and small-group discussions. The church outreach team is inviting the congregation to read the book.

"Starting Sept. 13, we will be using the book as part of a newm six-week worship series," Bell said. "This New York Times bestseller, structured as a worship service and sermon to white America, will be our focus.

"We will explore what it means to repent of whiteness, hear about being Black in America and finally commit ourselves to this effort by responding with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness."

Small groups will meet to discuss the book during the week of Oct. 18. Book copies were distributed free to congregants Sept. 5-6.

Wesley UMC holds an online worship watch party at 10 a.m. Sundays at wesleyumcaurora.org. In-person services have been suspended due to the pandemic.

Call (630) 896-1033 or visit wesleyumcaurora.org for more information.