Aurora and Tri-Cities United Methodist churches celebrated the first Sunday after Christmas with a shared worship service Sunday, Dec. 29.
The event at Batavia UMC featured leaders from Aurora Wesley UMC, Batavia UMC, Geneva UMC and Baker Memorial UMC, St. Charles. Rev. Melissa Meyers, Batavia UMC pastor, opened the service with a welcome. Rev. David Aslesen, Baker Memorial UMC pastor, read “A Blessing for Christmas” by Kate Bowler.
After Rev. Meyers brought a children’s message, prayers, including the Lord’s prayer, were offered by Rev. Tammy Scott, lead pastor at Aurora Wesley UMC. Batavia UMC deacon Rev. Luke Pepper gave the scripture lesson from Luke 2:21-40. Guest preacher on “Jesus’ Early Years: Temple Dedication” was Pastor Rob Hamilton of Geneva UMC.
The Batavia UMC choir sang “The Gift of Love” accompanied by Eric D. Carlson who also performed a piano solo, “God with Us.” After announcements by Pastor Meyers, Rev. Hamilton gave the benediction to close the service.
A post-worship reception featured cake, coffee and hot chocolate.
—Al Benson