|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Elizabeth Mullen |
|
NEBRASKA TO BE HONORED WASHINGTON – Nebraska leaders and citizens will be celebrated at a special August 19 worship service at Washington National Cathedral. Pilgrims from the state and natives now living in the nation’s capital will gather at the majestic house of prayer for this event. Nebraskans will play key roles in the service including reading Scripture, bearing communion elements and offering up gifts to the poor. An estimated 150 visitors from the state are expected. As part of its national ministry, Washington National Cathedral offers prayers for the people and leaders of each state annually. The Cathedral, which hosts state funerals and other events of national significance, honors each state with a major observance once every four years. “The Cathedral invites all from Nebraska to participate in this special day,” said Ben Bradburn, program manager of the National Cathedral Association, which is organizing the event. “Since 1899, when the association was founded, we have recognized that the strength of the National Cathedral is the citizens from across our nation who helped build this place, and who enliven it daily by worshiping here.” The Presbyterian Church of the Cross Chamber Singers, from Omaha, will offer a 25-minute prelude to the 11 am Nebraska Day service, drawing on its repertoire of sacred hymns and other traditional and contemporary choral works. The Right Rev. Joe G. Burnett, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska will preside at the worship. The Very Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III, dean of Washington National Cathedral, will deliver the sermon. Following the service, the Cathedral will host a reception for all worshipers and visitors. Afterwards, docents will lead guests on a special tour of the cathedral, the sixth-largest in the world. The tour will highlight references to Nebraska, such as the coats of arms of the Episcopal cathedral in Omaha and Hastings that are carved on a half-boss in the cathedral ceiling, and the Nebraska state seal that is incorporated into a needlepoint wall hanging in the Memorial Chapel. “As a national house of prayer for all people, the Cathedral opens its doors to all. On August 19, we especially welcome Nebraska citizens as we honor their contributions to our nation,” Bradburn said. “Nebraska State Day will be an energetic celebration of the role the state plays in the life of the cathedral and our nation.” The National Cathedral Association, the organization of friends of Washington National Cathedral, has 14,000 members from many denominations in every state and around the world. Its regional volunteer leader in Nebraska is Linda Walker Gardels, of Omaha.
ATTN PRINT MEDIA: An account of the celebration and photos from the event will be available on August 20. 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 (you may also click “News” then “Photos for Print” at www.nationalcathedral.org.) | |