Marking twin milestones: Aurora's Wesley UMC celebrates Pastor Appreciation Day, congregant's 90th birthday

Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora marked twin milestones on Sunday, Oct. 16. The Rev. John Bell, pastor since 2012, was honored on his 10th anniversary of leadership.

Ruth Ann Little of Aurora, a lifelong Wesley congregant, was celebrated on her 90th birthday.

Both were honored at the west Aurora church's 10:30 a.m. worship.

Joining Methodists worldwide, the congregation held a Pastor Appreciation Day ceremony.

Methodists designate the second Sunday in October to say thank you to the people most visible as preachers and teachers.

In reality, they are on call 24/7 standing with congregants and others to offer spiritual and other support in times of confusion and transition, times of heart-wrenching sorrow and times of overwhelming joy.

They laugh, cry and pray with those whom they shepherd and serve.

After Pastor Bell's sermon on "Produce Good Fruit," Kathy Breazeale, church governing board chairwoman, called Little forward to celebrate her birthday.

Breazeale said, "She (Little) has been coming to this church since she was a baby.

"She is an integral part of Wesley's story - past, present and future."

Little received a wrist corsage from the congregation and family members sponsored altar flowers. After Little expressed thanks for the recognition, Breazeale led the congregation in a chorus of "Happy Birthday."

During Pastor Bell's recognition, Breazeale noted he is in his 10th year at Wesley's helm. Clergy in the United Methodist Church commit to serve where their bishop appoints them. Appointments are typically for one year at a time, though the bishop may move any pastor at any time. While bishops make appointments, they consult with district superintendents, clergy and pastor/staff parish relations committees.

Since 1951, Breazeale said, only one other pastor served a decade at Wesley. He was Rev. Lloyd Bower who led the church from 1966 to 1976.

According to Breazeale, "John has brought and given so much to Wesley.

"God has given him gifts, abilities, energy and passion to accomplish the work of ministry here at Wesley.

"His leadership has guided us to sustain a growing and healthy church."

After his citation, governing board members came forward to lay hands on and pray over Bell. He received a gift and flowers from the board.

Congregants were invited in advance to offer greeting cards and post messages of appreciation on the church's website.

The celebration concluded with a reception for Bell and Little after worship.