AURORA, Ill., Nov. 10, 2018—Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May St. in Aurora, will host “Celebrating Neighbors,” an interfaith pre-Thanksgiving celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18.

The public is invited. Parking is free. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit Jesse Torres Boxing Club of Aurora, a nonprofit that teaches physical fitness and the sport of boxing to empower and improve the quality of life of youth and Parkinson patients

Sponsored by InterFaith Aurora, a partnership of diverse faiths, the 11^th annual celebration will feature participants from 10 Aurora-area houses of worship presenting songs and religious praise.

“This celebration is the culmination of Interfaith Aurora’s year-long activities,” said Tammy Helfrich, the organization’s coordinator. “Different religious denominations work to bring understanding, inclusion, awareness and friendship of each other to work toward a more harmonious and just community.”

According to Helfirch, members of the Baha’i, Jewish and Sikh communities will provide readings. Music will be offered by the Praise Choir of the St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church and adult and handbell choirs of Wesley UMC.

Light refreshments will be served after the event. Peace-themed artwork will be displayed.

Faith communities expected to participate are Aurora Jewish Renewal Congregation, Temple B’nai Israel, St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Wesley UMC, Orchard Community, Sikh Community, Baha’i Community, St. John United Church of Christ, Our Savior Lutheran Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Call (630) 896-1033 for more information.

About InterFaith Aurora

InterFaith Aurora, a non-profit organization, has been in existence for approximately 10 years. The mission of the organization is based on the common belief that we are all children of God.

We set for ourselves the mission of sharing and connecting. We believe that building understanding, acceptance, and love within the community in which we make our homes will help transform and heal the world in which we live.

The group meets monthly. For more information, contact Tammy Helfrich, coordinator,  tammy@theorchardcommunity.com.

Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.