Table talk: Aurora Methodists launch worship services at tables

Empty.

That was the sanctuary at Aurora's Wesley United Methodist Church on Sunday, Aug. 7.

Instead, surprised congregants were welcomed to the Gathering Place room by Rev. John Bell, Wesley UMC pastor.

He announced a month-long exploration of community building efforts in small-group discussions at round tables, instead of the sanctuary.

Rev. Bell wrote in a weekly email newsletter, "Our worship during the month of August will explore how communities care for others. We will learn how the biblical texts define a supportive community."

He continued, "We find support from the community when we gather at tables to share food and stories. We hope this series will help each of us explore what it means to be a part of a caring community and consider ways we can be in community with our neighbors through service and mutual aid."

For table centerpieces, Rev. Bell invited attendees to bring flowers to be collected to create bouquets at a shared community table.

He invited each table to send a person to the community table, create a bouquet and take it back to their table in a vase for worship.

During his sermon, Rev. Bell offered questions for small-group discussions at tables. They included, "How is it with your soul?" and "How do you define success?"

He concluded by asking, "What if we organized ourselves as a community intentionally working to care for others?"

Located at 14 N. May St. in Aurora, Wesley UMC holds an online worship service at 9:30 a.m. and in-person worship at 10:30 a.m.

After 10:30 a.m. worship, a "Generations Together" discussion is held in the church parlor.

Attendees are invited to share stories, ask questions and explore new ideas in conversations. For information, call (630) 896-1033 or visit wesleyumcaurora.org.