A pancake breakfast and interfaith worship service featuring clergy from eight suburban faith communities celebrated Aurora Pride Sunday, June 8.
The fourth annual Pride celebration service returned to New England Congregational Church in Aurora. More than 100 people attended. Clergy participating were: Rev. Tammy Scott, lead pastor, Wesley United Methodist, Aurora; Rabbi Edward Friedman, Temple B’Nai Israel, Aurora; Rev. Dr. Brandon Perrine, senior minister, New England Congregational; Jean Deptolla, First Congregational, Batavia; Rev Scott Hull, Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva; Congregation Beth Shalom, Naperville; Rev. Pat Fish, Becoming ELCA, Oswego; and Wellspring United Methodist, Oswego.
Rev. Scott said, “Today was a great day! The day started with serving a delicious breakfast. Then on to hundreds worshipping together and hearing the message “you were made as you are on purpose and you are loved.’
“Relationships were formed and joy was spread as we waited for the parade to start! There are no words to describe the experience of seeing thousands of people lining the streets of Aurora donning rainbows and shouting about how Love conquers all! I am honored to serve along side a congregation of people who value one another and ALL God’s children fully and completely! “
Thew Elliott, Wesley UMCmusic director, opened the service by leading attendees in singing “What We Need is Here.” After Rev. Perrine gave a welcome, Jean Deptolla of First Congregational, Batavia, gave a reading. Rabbi Edward Friedman, Temple B’Nai Israel, presented Psalm 150.
With one rehearsal shortly before the service, a 60-voice pop-up choir of volunteer choristers sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” under direction of NECC’s Paul Laprade.
Assisted by her twin daughters Hannah and Haylee, Rev. Tammy Scott, lead pastor at Wesley UMC in Aurora, presented a message for children. Exhortations were delivered by Rev. Pat Fish, Becoming ELCA, Oswego and Rev. Scott Hull, Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva. Leading a closing song was Elliott of Wesley UMC of Aurora.
After the service, church groups walked to the sixth annual downtown Aurora parade that stepped off at noon with 60 units.
—Al Benson