Aurora area faith communities host prayers for peace

With a candlelight procession and mini sermons, a half-dozen Aurora-area faith communities gathered to pray for world peace on Dec. 3.

Titled "Prayers for Peace in a Time of Global Unrest," the afternoon service was hosted by St. David's Episcopal Church in Aurora.

Partnering with St. David's were Wesley United Methodist, New England Congregational and New Hope/Nueva Esperanza, all in Aurora, and Becoming Evangelical Lutheran, Oswego.

The Rev. Jo Ann Lagman, St. David's priest, opened the observance with a welcome. Then she invited attendees to an outdoor candlelight procession around the church's circle drive. During the procession, participants joined in reading a litany for peace in troubled times.

Returning to the sanctuary, Rev. Lagman read a prayer for times of conflict and delivered a sermon.

Following sermons were offered by Rev. Brandon Perrine, senior minister, New England Congregational; Rev. Patrick Fish, Becoming Evangelical Lutheran; and Rev. Tammy Scott, senior pastor, Wesley United Methodist.

Rev. Scott offered a children's sermon, "A Time for All God's Children," and gave the benediction.

The service included readings, group singing of two hymns and recitation of the Lord's Prayer. Music was provided by Thew Elliott of Wesley UMC.

A freewill collection was taken for Doctors Without Borders.

A reception concluded the event. At the reception, attendees were invited to sign four large statements expressing solidarity with neighbors affected by global unrest.