By Al Benson
Candles, readings of names, and reflections on recently-passed persons highlighted a memorial service Wednesday, Dec. 21 in Aurora.
A third annual Light Up the Night: Candlelight and Community vigil was held outdoors on the Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora.
The Reverend John Bell, pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora, was the coordinator for and the emcee of the event.
Guests held candles during readings of a poem and names of persons who died in 2021.
Approximately 15 persons attended the event.
In addition to Wesley UMC, speakers represented World Relief Chicagoland’s Aurora office, Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora, and Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry and Association for Individual Development’s street outreach team.
The Reverend Bell explained, “Again we gathered as a community to light candles and to read the names of persons who died in 2021.
“We remembered people who have passed on and held their lives in the light of community.”
Offering reflections were the Rev. Bell and Thew Elliott, traditional worship director Wesley UMC; Susan Bachmeier, World Relief Aurora; Shannon Cameron, executive director, Aurora Food Pantry; and Joe Jackson, executive director, Hesed House.
A member of Association for Individual Development’s street outreach team read a poem.
Bachmeier said she spoke in memory of:
• People who died because of human trafficking;
• People who died because of violent crimes;
• People who died because of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a social group;
• People who died alone;
• People who died while living in the shadows;
• People who died neglected by their community, their society;
• For all the Jane Does in the world;
• For all the John Does in the world;
• For Juanita, for Lawrence, Lyubov, and Joseph;
The Rev. Bell concluded the service with an invitation to a free pizza dinner at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora..
The dinner was part of a Gathering Community series on first and third Wednesdays at the Church.
Included Wednesday, Dec. was carol-singing, cookie-decorating, crafting holiday ornaments, and showing of the film “Polar Express.”