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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Elizabeth Mullen |
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ARKANSAS CELEBRATED WASHINGTON – The people of Arkansas were elevated in prayer on March 18 during a special worship service at Washington National Cathedral that was highlighted by participants from the state. The event drew 780 worshipers to the cathedral’s 11 am service, including visitors from Arkansas and natives of the state who now live in the Washington area. People from the Natural State played major roles including reading Scripture and delivering gifts to the altar during the service offertory. The Cathedral, which has hosted state funerals and other events of national significance, focuses on an individual state one Sunday each month, inviting church and civic leaders and worshipers of all faiths to raise their communities in prayer. The Very Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III, dean of Washington National Cathedral, welcomed the Arkansas guests and delivered the sermon, which was based on the Gospel passage of St. Luke that recounted the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Dean Lloyd said the parable about the wayward young man who returns home to open arms despite his transgressions “is really about a father who cannot help but give to the sons he loves.” The parable also is about “grace,” an unceasing love and forgiveness that characterized the teachings of Jesus Christ, Lloyd said. “There is nothing we can do to make God love us more than we are already loved, and nothing we can do to make God love us less,” Lloyd said. “It is this love that will not quit on us until we all come home.” Arkansas visitors played key roles throughout the service. Betty Guhman of Little Rock, a former University of Arkansas professor of social work who served as a chief of staff on Capitol Hill and in the Department of Homeland Security, read Scripture. Fred and Debra Sexton, alumni of the University of Arkansas, delivered gifts to the altar during the Offertory, along with John Sherrill and Betsy Barrett, both from Jonesboro. The state flag was placed on the chancel steps, and was to remain there for a week in further recognition of Arkansas. The National Cathedral Association, the friends organization of the Cathedral coordinates Major State Days services. Afterwards guides led Cathedral tours highlighting references to Arkansas, including the Cathedral’s floor that is constructed of maroon marble from Ozark and the coat of arms of the Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock that is carved on one of the Cathedral’s half-bosses.
ATTN PRINT MEDIA: If you desire e-mail transmission of this account and/or photos sent as JPEG attachments please contact Elizabeth Mullen at the number above. Available on the web site are print-quality photos of Washington National Cathedral (’Photos for Print” under ’News” at www.cathedral.org/cathedral). | |