AURORA, Ill., Dec. 3, 2018—An Aurora Methodist pastor is getting creative with his December sermons.

“Christmas at the Movies,” a five-Sunday sermon series including clips from classic holiday films, was launched Sunday, Dec. 2, by Rev. Derek Rogers.

Rogers, of North Aurora, is pastor of Flowing Forth United Methodist Church which holds worship services at 10 a.m. on Sundays at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Rd. in Aurora.

He said, “During December, we will make connections between the movies we all love to watch and the familiar Christmas story found in scripture.

“The Christmas season always seems to be full of familiar stories—from the family anecdotes that get told any chance we get, to the classic movies we rewatch year after year, to the well-known stories of scripture repeated each Advent season.

“These well-rehearsed stories have a way of bringing us together as we wait in anticipation for Christmas.

“As diverse and varied as these stories may be, they all have themes that run through them, reminding us of what truly matters during this season.”

Rev. Rogers invites the public to attend. Parking and admission are free, although a freewill offering is asked. Worship services are at 10 a.m.; Sunday school classes are at 9 a.m.

The “Christmas at the Movies” schedule opened Sunday with the pastor preaching on ”Hope” with a clip from “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring Jimmy Stewart. The 1946 American Christmas fantasy comedy-drama film was produced and directed by Frank Capra.

Upcoming sermons and movie clips are:

Dec. 9: “Peace,” “A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 12: “Joy,” “The Grinch”
Dec. 23: “Love,” “Elf”
Dec. 24: “Belief,” “The Polar Express”

Call (630) 897-5257 for more information.

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.