Congregants at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora were seeing stars Sunday, Jan.5.
In a second annual celebration of Epiphany, when three kings followed a star to bring gifts to the Christ child, Wesley members and friends were invited to select a star from 80 wooden stars in a collection plate, each bearing an inspirational word. The self-service distribution took place during communion.
Wesley lead pastor Rev. Tammy Scott handmade the stars, inscribing them with words she collected from other clergy over years. She said she selected words to help guide members and friends during the new year. Words included “Excitement,” “Selflessness,” “Perseverance,” “Zeal,” Empathy” and “Humor.”
According to the pastor, “Star words are one lens that might provide us with a way to look for God in our midst, both actively and in hindsight. Star words provide us with a way to not only speak, but also to listen for God in the year ahead. and to bring him gifts.”
“Keep your star word in a place where you can see it regularly––tape it to a mirror or door, place it in your car, someplace you will notice it everyday! “Hold space for new thoughts about it to pop up as you live your daily life.”
In addition to the wooden stars, paper stars decorated pew poles celebrating the holidays.
At 14 N. May St. in Aurora, Wesley holds worship services at 9:30 a.m. online and in person at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free.
For more information, call (630) 896-1033 or visit wesleyumcaurora.org.
—Al Benson