Pastor Derek Rogers opened the ceremony by introducing confirmands to the congregation.

New Aurora church celebrates first youth members

AURORA, Ill., May 6, 2019–Flowing Forth United Methodist Church in Aurora, formed in October, confirmed its first youth members Sunday.
 
During worship services at Aurora Christian School, Pastor Derek Rogers opened the ceremony by introducing confirmands to the congregation. Welcomed were Jason Howard, brothers Ethan and Seth Tarver, Olivia Parmelee and Taylor Bode, all Batavia residents. 
 
The ceremony culminated two years of classes taught by Flowing Forth congregant Ron DeBaum of Batavia. In the Christian Church, confirmation is the rite at which a baptized person, especially one baptized as an infant, affirms Christian belief and is admitted as a full member of the church.

Jason Howard, one of the first youth members at Flowing Forth UMC
With laying on of hands by family members and mentors, Jason Howard of Batavia, foreground, is confirmed as a member of Flowing Forth United Methodist Church in Aurora Sunday. Five Batavia youth comprised the church’s first confirmation class since Flowing Forth was formed in October in a merger of historic Fourth Street UMC and Flowing Grace UMC, both formerly in Aurora. The new church meets at 10 a.m. Sundays at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Rd. in Aurora. (Al Benson photo)
After a baptismal remembrance and profession of faith by the candidates, parents and mentors of each confirmand came forward as each candidate received laying on of hands and confirmation.
 
During the ceremony, each confirmand received a stole and Wesley study bible.
 
In a statement to confirmands, Rev. Rogers said “Confirmation isn’t an arrival. It isn’t a destination. It’s a mile marker on the continuing road of faith and life.”
 
To parents he said, “The greatest influence on the faith of a child is their parents. This is not a graduation, it is the beginning of a lifelong journey.
 
“Remain active as a Christian family by praying, reading scripture, discussing faith issues, participating in church ministries and attending worship together.”
 
Flowing Forth UMC worships at 10 a.m. Sundays at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Rd. in Aurora. The public is invited. Parking and refreshments before worship are free.
 
Call (630) 239-2321 or visit flowingforthumc.org for more information.

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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.



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