Category: Religion

Thanksgiving Celebration of Music and Friendship Nov. 24

InterFaith Aurora will present its 16th annual “Thanksgiving Celebration of Music and Friendship” at New England Congregational Church, 406 W. Galena Boulevard in Aurora Sunday, Nov. 24, at 3 p.m.. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free. Representatives of 17 congregations will present songs and reflections from diverse

Celebrating departed: Aurora church marks All Saints’ Day

Departed members and friends of Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora were remembered Sunday, Nov. 2. The church celebrated annual All Saints’ Day by lighting candles, sharing in communion and sharing photos or other memorabilia on a display board. A bell chimed as Reverend Tammy Scott, pastor, read the names

Aurora’s Interfaith Alliance, ‘What Inspired Me to Serve’

In a speech titled “What Inspired Me to Serve,” Aurora mayor Richard Irvin recently reflected on a shift from worldly priorities to a focus on his faith. The occasion was a quarterly breakfast meeting of Aurora’s Interfaith Alliance at Ballydoyle Irish Pub and Restaurant in Aurora on Oct. 21. The

Aurora Church celebrates fall with outdoor service, festival

New England Congregational Church in Aurora celebrated the fall season with an outdoor community fall festival after worship services Sunday, Sept. 8. In addition to a luncheon, live music and games for all ages, the event also featured a bounce house, face painting, glitter tattoos and balloon sculptures. From noon

United Methodist Church of Geneva celebrates 185

United Methodist Church of Geneva celebrated its 185th anniversary Sunday. Reverend Rob Hamilton, pastor, delivered “Where Two or Three are Gathered,” his first sermon in a four-installment “Happy Anniversary” series. The celebration culminates with a weekend of events Friday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Sept. 29. Included is an evening of homecoming and

Reverend Tammy Scott celebrates one year at Wesley

Rev. Tammy Scott marked her first anniversary as pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora July 7 and again Sunday, July 14. July 7, a congratulations graphic was projected on an overhead screen during announcements. Then she was honored by Michelle Curiel, children and family director, who thanked Pastor

Seven community churches celebrate Pride Day

By Al Benson With a pancake breakfast and interfaith service, seven Aurora, Oswego, Batavia, and Geneva clergy banded together to celebrate Aurora’s Pride Day Sunday, June 9. Participating clergy were Rev. Brandon Perrine, senior minister, New England Congregational; Rev. Tammy Scott, pastor, Wesley UMC; Rev. Scott Hodge, pastor, Orchard Community

New Hope Advent Christian Church first worship service at Temple B’nai Israel

With prayer, music and a dedication litany, New Hope Advent Christian Church held its first worship service at Temple B’nai Israel on Sunday morning. After dissolving in 2023 and regrouping in a residence, the newly formed congregation launched worship services into a larger facility. Rev. James Messick of Oswego, New

Sister Kathleen Ryan receives retirement salute

By Al Benson Sister Kathleen Ryan’s goal as founder and director of the Dominican Literacy Center (DLC) in Aurora is to provide opportunities for women to receive individual tutoring in reading, writing, and speaking English. After the Sunday, June 2 afternoon pre-retirement open house in the Center, she should have

Fifty faith leaders gather for the Aurora Interfaith Alliance leadership breakfast

Aurora held its second quarter update for faith leaders on Thursday morning at the Belle Salle Banquets in Aurora. Aurora Interfaith Alliance (AIA) comprises faith leaders across Aurora who meet quarterly to discuss interfaith initiatives to move Aurora forward, with a goal of cross-collaboration. The AIA comprises faith leaders across