Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May Street in Aurora, is celebrating the Advent season by focusing on fighting local hunger.
Sunday, Dec. 1, Reverend Tammy Scott, lead pastor, opened her Advent-season sermon series “From the Manger,” with “Hope Grows.” The series continues with “Peace Grows,” Dec. 8; “Joy Grows,” Dec. 15; “Love Grows,” Dec. 22; and “Good News has Come,” Dec. 24.
An Advent wreath features a candle to be lit each Sunday by a church family or children assisting the pastor.
In a letter to congregants, Pastor Scott announced three opportunities to fight hunger. First, after 10:30 a.m. worship services, simple potluck luncheons will be held December 1, 8, 15, and 22. Attendees are invited to bring a simple dish to share, but it is not required.
Second, after each luncheon, sandwich- or simple meal making will take place to stock Aurora’s community fridges, 24/7/365 free food sources placed outdoors for persons in need.
Third is a new tradition, a reverse Advent calendar. Daily during December, congregants are invited to place a food or toiletry item into a home box. Boxes will be collected on Sundays at the church for distribution to the community fridge or a local food pantry.
Rev. Scott explained, “Hunger is a universal human experience. It draws attention to our basic needs for food and nourishment and our needs for peace, liberation and meaning in life.
“Beginning Advent with the birth of Jesus may feel unconventional, but we hope this change will invite reflection on the life-sustaining hope, peace, joy and love Jesus brings. The baby born in a bread town (Bethlehem was called House of Bread) continues to feed a hungry world today.”
Christmas eve will be celebrated with carols, cookies and a pageant at 4 p.m. A candlelight worship service will follow at 5:30 p.m. Worship on Christmas day will be canceled to allow congregants to enjoy loved ones and the spirit of the season.
Sunday, Dec. 29, Wesley congregants will worship with UMC of Geneva and Baker Memorial UMC of St Charles at 9 a.m. at Batavia UMC, 8 N. Batavia Ave. No worship will be held at the Aurora location.
For more information, call (630) 896-1033 or visit wesleyumcaurora.org.
—Al Benson